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HISTORY 



OF 



KOSSUTH, HANCOCK # WINNEBAGO 



COUNTIES, IOWA, 



TOGETHER WITH SKETCHES OF THEIR CITIES, VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS, EDUCATIONAL, 
CIVIL, MILITARY AND POLITICAL HISTORY; PORTRAITS OF PROM- 
INENT PERSONS, AND BIOGRAPHIES OF 
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. 




LIUHARJ . 

STORY OF IOWA, 



EMBRACING ACCODNTS OF THE PRE-HISTORIC RACES, AND A BRIEF REVIEW 
OF ITS CIVIL AND MILITARY HISTORY. 



ILLU STRATED. 



T" 



SPRINGFIELD, ILL. 
ONION PUBLISHING COMPANY. 

1884. 



r 



-V 



<< 






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U> 



k 



TO THE PIONEERS 



OF 



KOSSUTH, HANCOCK AND WINNEBAGO COUNTIES 



THIS VOLUME IS 

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 

WITH THE HOPE THAT TOUR VIRTUES MAY BE EMULATED 
AND YOUR TOILS AND SACRIFICES DULY APPRECIATED 
COMING GENERATIONS. 



IILS i 

f 






1396 n 

JUL 8 1953 



ip^ 



* 



PREF AC E. 

This work was commenced, and has been carried forward to completion, with a 
specific object in view, which was, to place upon record in a reliable manner and in 
permanent form, whatever incidents of importance have transpired within what are 
now the limits of Kossuth, Hancock and Winnebago counties, since their first settle- 
ment. As preliminary to the narrative proper, it was thought best to give a succinct 
history of the State at large. 

In the general history of the three counties, as well as in those of their cities, 
townships and villages, the reader will fi id that incidents, reminiscences and anec- 
dotes are recorded with a variety and completeness commensurate with their impor- 
tance. Herein is furnished (and this is said with confidence) to the present genera- 
tion and to those which follow it, a valuable reflex of the times and deeds of the 
pioneers. It has been truly said that "a people that takes no pride in the noble 
achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything to be remembered 
with pride by remote descendants." It is believed that, in the following pages, 
there is erected to the pioneer men and women of Kossuth, Hancock and Winneba- 
go counties a lasting monument. 

The resolutions passed by Congress in 1876 in reference to the preparation and 
preservation of local history, and the proclamation from the President recommend- 
ing that those resolutions be carefully observed, have met with the very general and 
hearty approval of the people. Indeed, so acceptable has seemed this advice from 
our law-makers, that steps have already been taken in almost every thoroughly organ- 
ized community throughout the land to chronicle and place in permanent form the 
annals of each neighborhood, thus rescuing from oblivion much interesting and valu- 



- T 

iv PREFACE. 

able information that is irretrievably lost each year through the death of old settlers, 
and the decay and ravages of time. It was thought there could be no good reason 
why the history of Kossuth, Hancock and Winnebago counties should not be placed 
upon as enduring a foundation as those of surrounding counties; and, to this end, no 
expense or pains has been spared to render it worthy the patronage of its citizens. 
A number of experienced writers upon local history have had the work in charge 
from its inception to its close; and, upon completion of their labor, before any portion 
of the manuscript was sent to the press, the whole was submitted to committees of 
citizens for revision, thus insuring correctness and adding materially to the value of 
the book. 

The labors of all engaged in this enterprise have been cheered by the cordial as- 
sistance and good-will of many friends; so many, indeed, that, to attempt to name 
them, wou-ld, in this connection, be impracticable; to all of whom, grateful acknowl- 
edgments are tendered. The press of each of the three counties is entitled to special 
mention for their help and encouragements so generously tendered. 

UNION PUBLISHING COMPANY. 

June, 1S84. 



-olv 



A. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

INTRODUCTORY 17 

Original Inhabitants 17 

Mound Builders 18 

The Red Men 18 

Discovery of the Mississippi 19 

Marquette 19 

LaSalle 20 

Purchase of Louisiana 20 

CHAPTER II. 

INDIANS AND INDIAN WARS 21 

The Illinois, Sacs and Foxes 21 

Thelowas 22 

War Between Sacs and Foxes and Iowas 22 

The Sioux 24 

Black Hawk War 31 

Battle of Bad Ax 33 

CHAPTER III. 

INDIAN TREATIES 36 

Black Hawk Treaty 36 

Sacs and Fox Treaty 38 

Treaty with the Sioux 39 

Treaty with the Sacs 39 

Treaty with the Foxes 39 

Treaty with thelowas 40 

Treaty with the Sacs of Roek River 40 

Treatvof 1834 40 

Treaty of 1830 - 40 

Treaty with Sacs, Foxes and other Tribes 4 1 

Treaty with the Winnebagoes 41 

Treaty of 1836, with Sacs and Foxes 42 

Treaty of 1837 42 

Treaty of Relinquishment 42 

Treaty of 1842 42 

CHAPTER IV. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS 43 

The Dubuque Settlement •• 43 

The Giard Settlement 43 

The Montrose Settlement 43 

The Burlington Settlement 43 

The Keokuk Settlement 43 

Rules for the Government of Dubuque 45 



PAGE. 

Military Interference with Settlements 45 

Extinguishment of Indian Titles 46 

The Fort Madison Settlement 47 

Flint Hills *1 

The Davenport Settlement 48 

Clayton County Settlement 48 

Council Bluffs 48 

Des Moines *9 

CHAPTER V. 

TERRITORIAL AND STATE ORGANIZATIONS 50 

Territory of Wisconsin 50 

Territorial Council 50 

Organization of Counties 51 

Territory of Iowa 51 

First Territorial Officers • 51 

First Iowa Territorial Legislature 52 

First Session of the Legislature 52 

A Stormy Session 52 

Selection of the Capital 52 

Iowa City • 53 

Loan for the Completion of the State House . 53 

Woman's Rights 54 

The Missouri War 55 

Attempt at State Organzation 56 

Constitutional Convention 56 

Second Constitutional Convention 57 

Election of State Officers 57 

Salaries of State Officers - 58 

CHAPTER VI. 

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE. 58 

State School Superintendent, 58 

Public Buildings 59 

Location of State University 59 

Appointment of Supreme Judges 60 

Railroad Buildings 62 

Organization of the Republican Party -. 63 

Constitutional Convention.. 64 

Des Moines Chosen the State Capital 64 

Census by Counties 67 

CHAPTER VII. 

GEOLOGY— TOPOGRAPHY— WATER COURSES. 69 

Azoic System .. 70 

Lower Silurian System 70 

Upper Silurian System •' 71 






:l£ 



VI 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Devonian System 71 

Carboniferous System 71 

Cretaeious System 75 

Peat 7B 

Gypsum 76 

Minor Deposits Sulphate of Lime 78 

Sulphateof Stronita 78 

Sulphate of Baryta "8 

Sulphate of Magnesia 78 

Climate 70 

Topography 79 

Lakes and Streams 80 

CHAPTER VIII. 

IOWA AND THE REBELLION 89 

Response to the Nation's Call 90 

First Infantry »° 

Second Infantry *J7 

Third Infantry 97 

Fourth Infantry "•> 

Fifth Infantry w 

Sixth Infantry "o 

Seventh Infantry 9S 

Eighth Infantry y 9 

Ninth Infantry 90 

Tenth Infantry au 

Eleventh Infantry lllu 

Twelfth Infantry 100 

Thirteenth Infantry iul 

Fourteenth Infantry lol 

Fifteenth Infantry lol 

Sixteenth Infantry 102 

Seventeenth Infantry 102 

Eighteenth Infantry J03 

Nineteenth Infantry - 103 

Twentieth Infantry lu;i 

Twenty-flrst Infantry 103 

Twenty-second Infantry lot 

Twenty-third Infantry 104 

Twenty-fourth Infantry 105 

Twenty-fifth Infantry 105 

Twenty-sixth Infantry 105 

Twenty-seventh Infantry 105 

Twenty-eighth Infantry 108 

Twenty-ninth Infantry 106 

Thirtieth Infantry 100 

Thirty-first Infantry 1U 1 

Thirty-second Infantry 107 

Thirty-third Infantry 107 

Thirty-fourth Infantry 107 

Thirty-fifth Infantry 108 

Thirty-sixth Infantry 108 

Thirty-seventh Infantry 108 

Thirty-eighth Infantry 100 

Thirty-ninth Infantry 109 

Fortieth Infantry HO 

Forty-first Infantry Ho 

Forty-fourth Infantry HO 

Forty-iif th I nfautry HI 

Forty-sixth Infantry HI 

Forty-seventh Infantry In 

Forty-eighth Infantry HI 

First Cavalry HI 

Second Cavalry H- 

Third Cavalry 112 

Fourth Cavalry 112 

Fifth Cavah'v . Ha 

Sixth Cavalry 113 

Seventh Cavalry 113 

Eighth Cavalry." HI 

Ninth Cavalry 11* 

First Battery 114 

Second Battery 11* 

Third Battery 115 

Fourth Battery 115 

Iowa Regiment of Colored Troops H5 

Northern Border Brigade 115 

Southern Border Brigade 115 

Promotions 115 



CHAPTER IX 

PAGE 

EDUCATIONAL— STATE INSTITUTIONS 117 

The First School House 117 

Act for the Establishment of Common Schools. 118 

The State University 121 

State Normal School 123 

State Agricultural College 12* 

Other Colleges and Universities 12* 

Deaf and Dumb Institute 126 

College for the Blind 120 

Iowa Hospital for the Insane 127 

Hospital tor the Insane at Independence 128 

Soldiers' Orphans' Home 128 

Asylum for Feeble Minded Children 120 

Penal Institutions 120 

Anamosa Penitentiary 130 

Boys' Reform School 13U 

State 11 istorical Society 131 

State Agricultural Society 131 

Fish-Hatching House 131 



CHAPTER X 

POLITICAL.. 132 

First Election la- 
Cam paign of 18*0 132 

Campaign of 18*1. 132 

Campaign of 18*2 132 

Campaign of 18*3. 134 

( umpaigu of 1844 134 

Constitutional Convention i<>6 

Campaign of 1846 136 

Cauipuigu or 1847 136 

Campaign of ls-ts 140 

Campaign of 1840 143 

Campaign of 1850 145 

Campaign of 1851 147 

Campaign of 185a 147 

Campaign of 1853 HO 

Campaign of 1854 150 

Campaign of 1855 152 

Campaign of 1S56 153 

Campaign of 1857 154 

Campaign of 1858 157 

Campaign of 1859 159 

Campaign of 1860 163 

Campaign of 1861 165 

. Campaign nf 1862 167 

Campaign of 1863 170 

Campaign of 1864 173 

Cam paign of 1865 173 

Campaign of 1866. 170 

Campaign of 1867 179 

Campaign of 1868 180 

Campaign of 1860 182 

Campaign of 1870 183 

Campaign of 1871 JS4 

Campaign of 1872. 186 

• am paign of 1873 ls'.i 

campaign fit 1ST* 191 

Campaign of 1875 194 

Campaign of 1876 pit: 

Campaign of i877 198 

Campaign of 1878 20] 

Campaign of 1879 „'06 

Campaign of 1880 210 

Campaign of 1881 212 

CHAPTER XI. 

TERRITORIAL AND STATE OFFICERS— 

Robert Lucas 215 

John Chambers 220 

JamesClarke 223 

Other Territorial Officers .. 227 

State Officers. 227 



it 



JjJ" — '- 



±=&* 



TABLE OF COFTENTS. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

INTRODUCTION 231 

CHAPTER II. 

EARLY HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT 234 

County's Name 242 

Historical Items 244 

CHAPTER III. 
COUNTY GOVERNMENT 246 

CHAPTER IV. 
OFFICIAL MATTERS 253 

CHAPTER V. 
POLITICAL 260 

CHAPTER VI. 
JUDICIAL 273 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE BAR OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 276 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 283 

CHAPTER IX. 

THEPRESS 290 

Algona Pioneer Press 291 

Upper Des Moines .... 293 

The Bee 296 

Algomi Times 297 

Algona Republican 299 

Kossuth County Review 300 

The Bancroft Register 301 

CHAPTER X. 

EDUCATIONAL 302 

School Commissioners 304 

County Superintendents 304 

Normal Institutes 308 

Teachers' Association 311 

CHAPTER XI. 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION 312 

Experience of Lieut. -Col. Spencer 319 

CHAPTER XII. 

REMINISCENCES AND EVENTS OF INTEREST 345 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PAGE 

TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND AGRICUL- 
TURE 352 

CHAPTER XIV. 

NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESEN- 
TATION 355 

CHAPTER XV. 

ALGONA TOWNSHIP 370 

City of Algona 372 

CHAPTER XVI. 
BURT TOWNSHIP 437 

CHAPTER XVII. 

CRESCO TOWNSHIP 446 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
FENTON TOWNSHIP 468 

CHAPTER XIX. 

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP 472 

Town of Bancroft 479 

CHAPTER XX. 

IRVINGTON TOWNSHIP 489 

Village of Irvington 493 

CHAPTER XXI. 

LOTT'S CREEK TOWNSHIP 498 

Village of Whittemore 501 

CHAPTER XXII. 
LU VERNE TOWNSHIP 507 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
PORTLAND TOWNSHIP 512 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP 531 

CHAPTER XXV. 

RAMSEY TOWNSHIP 533 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
SHERMAN TOWNSHIP 539 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
WESLEY TOWNSHIP 542 



1T^ 



MU- 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



PAGE 

Ackley, DeWittC 389 

Alcorn, W. W 476 

Allen, George C 520 

Altwegg, Jacob 5i4 

Amos, William M 456 

Andruss, Zebina C. .. 49 1 " 

Austin, George 473 

Austin, Oscar 473 



liaehman, E. W 

Bagley, Edward S 

Baker, George J 

Harslow, Peter M 

Barr, James 

liattersou, Abijali 

Bell, Henry 

Bell, Christian 

Benschoter, Oliver 

Benschoter, Grant 

Herringhauser, Rudolf. 

Birge, Charles 

Blauchard, M. D 

Blossom, C. H 

Blunt, James L 

B.ihn, Gotleb. : 

Bougey, Alfred 

Bonnstetter, Michael.. 
Bonnstetter, Martin... 

Brayton, Kobertl 

Btonson, A. A 

Bronson, Peter L. S — 

Brown, John 

Brown, Kobbins 

Brown, Jr., Alexander. 

Brunson, A. A 

Budach, Richard P 

Buell, Dumont A 

Burt, Thomas 

Burtis, G. C 

Bush, A.J .. 

Butler, Hyman B 

Butts, F. M 

By son, C 



Cain, Jesse W. 

Call, Ambrose A 

Call, AsaF 

Call, AsaC 

Call, George C 

Carlon, Kinsey 

Carter, William 

Caulkins, Elijah 

Chapin, Morris B — 

Chapin, John 

Cbipman, Willie A. 

Chubb, C.C 

Clarke, George E — 

Clarke, E. F 

Clark, ElhaneuW... 

Clark, Thomas M 

Colfen, Warren 

Coffin, C. S 

Cogley, R 

Collar, Norman 

Comstock, J. M 

Crandall, Levi P — 
Creed, Charles D. .. 
Crose, Philip 



28' 
455 
648 
444 
286 
478 
467 
467 
517 
526 
459 
3N ] 
363 
40U 
468 
529 
405 
451 

45: 

170 
306 
391 
437 
463 
447 
388 
51: 
390 
426 
509 
471 
46: 
549 
399 

503 

402 

278 

359 

399 

368 

492 

526 

425 

521 

530 

358 

282 

486 

458 

470 

488 

5! 

283 

534 

386 

511 

504 

490 



PAGE 

Cunningham, Joseph A. 554 
Curran, Henry 541 

Danson, Robert J... 280 

Dau, Christian 432 

Davis, JohnT 472 

Davison, Ras6elas 527 

Davison r Daniel 527 

Davison, Jesse D 525 

DeGraw, Jonas 503 

Devine, Barnet 448 



Dickman, George. 
Dinger, August — 
Dorland, Chester P. 

Dorweiler, Philip 450 

Dorweiler, Paul 45i 

Dorweiler, Henry 451 

Duitmau, David A 538 

Earley, Thomas 387 

Eddy, George W 551 

Edwards, John G 482 

Ellis, David A 301 

Ellis, Verne S 301 

Emmons, O.J 546 

Evans, Alfred 466 

Ferguson, P. T 528 

Ferris, Eli 430 

Fill, J. K 392 

Finuegan, Jerome 464 

Fish, Charles 476 

Fisher, Addison 448 

Forbush, B. G 289 

Fraser, Alexander 466 



PAGE 

Hoflus, H. F 424 

Honus, J. B 436 

Huhn, Leonard 523 

tlollenbeck, Henry C. 546 
Holloway, George F... 554 

rioluiau, Abbie A 523 

Holtz, Joachim 469 

Hopkins, J. W 553 

Hudson. A. L 2' 

Hudson, M. H 289 

__ Hudson, Matthew H... 496 
554iHulburt, Elijah 440 



549 Hume, Frank W 550 

380 Hunt, It. J 524 

Hutchius, D. H.t 403 

Hutchinson, John B 439 



Ingham, W . H 366 

Ingham, Harvey 295 



Frink, Albert B .... 428 

Gahr, Eberhard .... 532 

Gallagher, J. S 551 

Gallion, Thomas 520 

Gardner, Alexander S. 524 

Garfield, L. K 284 

Gilbert. Hollis J 529 

Gilbride, Thomas 518 

Gilbride, John 528 

Gilmore, David 466 

Gilmour, Arthur J 42." 

Goddard, U. W 481 

Godden, Moses L 518 

Graham. J. G 488 

Gray, James P 554 

Gray, Mark 4.T 

Green, Jesse W 496 

Grove, Isaac 394 

Grover, J. H 522 



Haggard, D. A. 
Hale, Oscar F. 



365 
367 



Harsh, William 444 



43: 

428 



389 



Jacobs, Henry H 456 

Jain, Rodolph 518 

Jensen, John W 399 

Johnson, A. M 393 

Johnson, William 460 

Jones, C. G 

Jones, John B 279 

Jones, William 457 

Jordau, W. E 483 

Jordan, J. F 485 

Joslyu.W. L 281 

Kain, Patrick 520 

Kargledcr, John . 435 

Keith, Edgar P 530 

Kennedy, Alexander K. 542 

King, D. W 42:' 

Knapp, E. F 485 

Kopke, Fred 432 



Kriethe, Peter. 
Krurger, Ernest . 

Kuhn, N. C 

Kyes, Calvin F... 



443 
435 
430 

28 



Luke, C.B 480 

Lane, Elijah 491 

Lange, Fred 461 

Lautry, Thomas H 429 

Lathrop, M. C 284 

Lawson, George J 549 

Leslie, James 444 

Litlletield, 477 

Lochtu, John 525 

Lund, Christian L 39t 

McA rthur, Thomas 426 

McCaffrey, Dennis F... 431 

Met Irian, Samuel B.... 461 

McCoy, Franklin 284 



Hartman, Rocuus. 
Hartwell, Norman .. 
Hawkins, Jasper H.. 

Heckart, J. C 

Heckart, John 

Henderson, Sr., James. 424 Mc\\ Sorter, Ellis... 
Henderson, Robert H.. 464 Maass, C.F.W. 
Henderson, J. B 467 Martin, Peter. 



McDonald, John. 
McDonald, Joseph D. 

McDonald, Hugh 

McFarland, R.M. J.... 



39i McKay, John. 



Herman, Conrad. 



435 

44:. 
52J 
451 
460 
530 
501 
42' 



435lMurble,Geoige E 442 



PAGE 

Mason, Amos S 283 

Matson, Hiram A 461 

Mayne, Samuel 281 

Mein/.er, GeoryeM .... 445 

Millen, Stephen W 447 

Millis, John A 518 

Minger, Frederick 45' 

Minkler, B. 495 

Minkler, Orange 422 

Munch, Henry 502 

Murray, John 440 

Nicoulin, J. F 394 

Norton, Hiram 439 

Oleson, CarlE 548 

Oliver, Charles N 506 

Olson, Ole 479 

Osterbauer, Joseph 432 

Owen, Martin A 529 

Palmer, O. E 429 

Patterson, D 382 

Patterson, Henry H.. . 458 

Pearce, Caleb 534 

I'earce, Willet F 534 

Peck, William 470 

Peterson, Swen P 436 

Phillips, Albert H .. .. 521 

Pine, N. A 496 

Pinkerton. John M 365 

Pompe, Frank 506 

Potter, Loron E 288 

Potter, Shermans . . . 464 
Pride, John M 287 

Hanney, Francis L 471 

Raney, Joseph 539 

Raney, Walter W 465 

Raymond, J C 281 

Read.S. G. A 285 

Heed, John 363 

Reed, Benjamin F 278 

Rice, Daniel 519 

Richmond, R. M 487 

Kiebhoff, Michael 371 

ttingstorf, William .... 526 

Hist. Luther 361 

Rist, S. s 363 

Robbins, Jr., Marcus.. 276 

Kobe. William 461 

Uobinson, J W 391 

Robinson, Obed 544 

Etobteon, Thomas 490 

Roth, David P 465 

Roth, Francis E 465 

Roth, Marshall L 465 

Rourke, Michael 457 

Sample, D. W 492 

Sands, Samuel — ..... 474 

Sawvel, Adam 505 

Sehenek, Horace 423 

Schmidt, Frederick.... 536 
Schneider, Peter G.. .. 537 

Schryver. Israel G 425 

Seely, Andrew L 513 

Sharp, Stephen 497 



s> \J- 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



IX 



PAGE 

Sheetz, L. A 285 

Siefert, Alonzo A 462 

Siefert, William E 462 

Sinipkins, George 430 

Slagle, P. L 392 

Smith, B. F 537 

Smith, Benjamin 522 

Smith, Charles C 429 

Smith, G. W 484 

Smith, Henry A 519 

Smith, J. A 394 

Smith, John G 38: 

Smith, J. G 38' 

Smith, Lewis H 360 

Solomon, George 388 

Spear, S. C 386 

Spencer, Robert H 414 

Stacy, J.B 361 



PAGE| PA(5E| 

Starr, Milton 2ft!l Tietz, Ferdinand 506 

Stewart, George 459 Tinker, Thomas W 538 

Stockwell, Lemuel 528 Try on, A. L 552 

Stow, C. A 428 Turner, Lafayette... . 460 

Stow, Comfort P 442 

Slough, M. W 362 

Strucker, Hermann 46:! Wadsworth, Joseph W. 401 

Sutton, G. T 281iWalker, HeterJ 505 

Swanson, John 435 Wallace, John 364 

Sweet, George W 443iWalston, Rufus 425 

I Walters, Milton R 392 

Tallman, Ellas 4&3'Ward, E. L 482 

Taylor, Marcellus 550 Warren, James H 427 

Taylor, F. M 382 Warren, R. B 295 

Taylor, Chauncey 304' Wartman, S. S 510 

Thompson, John 547 ' Weaver, John N 280 

Thompson, Joseph... 424 Weaver, E. N 382 

Thruceker, William... 462 ( Wilkinson, J. J.... 307 



PAGE 

Winkie, B. H 529 

Winter. William P 523 

Wiltse, Case 534 

Wilson, JohnJ 358 

Wilson, John 438 

Wood, Francis A 445 

Woodworth, G. R 385 

Wood worth, Charles... 482 

Wooster, Helen 306 

Wooster, Abel 459 

Younie, A 404 

Zahlten, August 423 

Zanke, Joseph 430 

Zigrang, J.B 454 

Zimmerman, David 465 

Zoelle, Valentine ... 507 



PORTRAITS 



page! 

Carlon, Kinsey 396| 

Carlon, Henrietta 307'Minkler, B. C 



page 
.. 376 



PAGE 

Minkler, Mrs. Katie.. 377 



Zahlten, A. 



PAGE 

. . 415 



-4r 



V 



J g — ^- 



k+ 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



PAGE 

. . 555 



CHAPTER II. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT 557 

Organization 56U 

Reminiscence by Hon. J . M . Elder 562 

CHAPTER III. 

COUNTY GOVERNMENT 5H5 

CHAPTER IV. 

OFFICIAL MATTERS 57a 

Population : 572 

Civil Townships 572 

Marriage Record 573 

Financial 574 

Registry of Deeds 575 

CHAPTER V. 

THE COURTS OF HANCOCK COUNTY 578 

District Court 576 

Circuit Court 578 

County Court 579 

CHAPTER VI. 

POLITICAL 579 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE BAH OF HANCOCK COUNTY 591 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 599 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION 602 



CHAPTER X. 

NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRE- 
SENTATION 

Congressional 

Members of the General Assembly 

Circuit Judge 

County Judge 

County Auditor 

Treasurer and Recorder, . . 

County Treasurer 

County Recorder 

Clerk of the Courts : 

Sheriff 

County Surveyor 

Coroner 

Drainage Commissioner 

CHAPTER XI. 



EDUCATIONAL 622 



CHAPTER XII. 

PAGE 

THE PRESS 627 

Hancock Sentine! 628 

The Independent 628 

Hancock County Autograph 628 

Hancock Signal 629 

The Independent 630 

Northwestern Advertiser 631 

Hancock County Tribune 631 

CHAPTER XIII. 

GEOGRAPHY, TOPOGRAPHY AND MISCEL- 
LANEOUS 632 

CHAPTER XIV. 

AMSTERDAM TOWNSHIP 639 

CHAPTER XV. 

AVERY TOWNSHIP 611 

CHAPTER XVI. 
BINGHAM TOWNSHIP 651 

CHAPTER XVII. 
BOONE TOWNSHIP 651 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

BRITT TOWNSHIP 656 

The Town of Britt 658 

CHAPTER XIX. 

CONCORD TOWNSHIP 673 

Town of Garner 675 

CHAPTER XX. 

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP 681 

CHAPTER XXI 

ELL TOWNSHIP 690 

CHAPTER XXII. 

ELLINGTON TOWNSHIP 691 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

ERIN TOWNSHIP 701 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

GARFIELD TOWNSHIP 707 

CHAPTER XXV. 

GERMAN TOWNSHIP 709 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

MADISON TOWNSHIP 710 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
MAGOR TOWNSHIP 715 

CORWITH 717 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
ORTHEL TOWNSHIP 721 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

TWIN LAKE TOWNSHIP 727 



r 



-d 23 



fe. 







TABLE 


OF CONTENTS. 






XI 


BIOGRAPHICAL. 




PAGE 




PAGE 


PAGE 




PAGE 


Abbey, M. J 


. 702 




... 693 


Hoyt, O. K 


. 598 


Pritchard, CD 


. 595 


Adams, Edwin ... 
Aldrieh, Isaac N 


. 631 
. . 700 




... 6^0 


Hunt. D. F 

Huntlv, Levi 


. 647 
668 


Rasmusson, Rasmus 


. 657 




... 596 


Allen, A. S 


.. 674 








. 662 


Reed, Edgar F 


. 649 




.. 643 


Daliman, Herman, 


. . li;).. 


Hymer, Thomas 


. 616 Ripley, A. C 


. 596 






Devenpeck, Garret 


... 704 




Roberts, E. A 


. 701 






Day, s. B 


. . . 691 


Jenson, Jorgen 


657 Bobbins, John B 


. 648 


Bailey, John A 


. . 728 


Day lor, Thomas. . . 


.. 664 Johnson, James ... 


, lis", Ifodman, William G. 


. 688 


Bailey, John D 


. . 728 








67ii Rogers, Frank B 


. 663 


Bailey, RollaE 


. 728 


Doolittle, C. c 


... 618 






. 669 


Bailey, L B 


61? 




... 651 




692 Kosecrans, M. P 


. 595 




. 624 






Kinsey, William 


. 596 Russell, Harrison P.. 


«50 


Bates, Henry A 


. . 714 


Elder, James J? 


... 646 


Koerner, William F... 


. 6S1 




Beadle, J. H 


. 619 


Elder, J. M 


... 620 




Schoonorer, Norman 


. 694 


Beadle, G. W 


.. 699 


Elder, Robert 


... 616 


Laokore, James 


711 Scott, Byron F 


. 596 


Beadle, J.Q.... : 


.. 699 








700 Shaw, Farner 


. 718 


Bennett, John E. 0. 


.. 669 


Ell. Sebastian 


.. 690 


Larsen, Lawrenteus.. 


. 689, Smith, Silas R 


713 


Bingham, John G. .. 


. 652 


Ennor, William F.. 


... 664 Larson, Marten 


. 687 Smith, H. W 


. 600 


Bollinger, Bernard.. 


692 
. 619 








. 721ISt. John, Benjamin.. 


671 
. 661 




Latham. F. H 


lioimr, James (J 


. . 696 


Fehly, Frederick... 


... 676 




. 665J Stanley, Dr 


. 600 


Borman, William 


. 677 


Fenninger, Fred... 


... 683 




Steiff, Frederick 


. 713 


Bowers, .Myron 


. 683 


Fiegenbaum, H. R 


. . 681 


MoGraw, Elbert I.... 


. 666 Stilson, O. H 


. 719 


Bradford, William E. 


. . 597 


Fish, Frank L .. .. 


... 671 


McNutt, K. A 


647'Stoddart, John 


. 660 






Find, Charles 


6112 


Maben, John .. 




. 693 


Brooks, D. E 


648 


Fort, Homer F 


... 600 


Maben, G. R 


696 Strong, Joseph G.. .. 


597 


Brown, Thomas M . . 


. 669 










. 625 


Brummuud, William 


. . 722 


Glidden, Fremont li 


... 706 




716 




Brnmmnnd, Ernest.. 


722 




600 


Melcher, Eben F 


708,Thiel, J. B 


. 693 


Button, Charles L 


.. 599 


Gries, Anton 


. .715 


Miller E. C 




. 703 


Bullis, Joseph F 


. . 667 




... 7U6 


Moak, W. C 


619 Treganza, Joseph A. 


. 671 


Burdick, John H. . . . 


. 658 






Morrison, H. B 




. 601 


Burdick, Frank T 


.. 706 


Hales, Edwin 


. .. 663 


Moseback, Frederick 


. 691 






Carlson, Godfrey 


.. 7111 


Hamilton, R. G 


6111 
... 714 


Nelson, Peter S 


703 




, 615 

. 695 




Carpenter, Harry A.. 


.. 649 




. . . 699 


Nisbet, William 


708 


Warner, D. T 


. 648 


Chase, Andrew J 


. 689 


Heal, Frank 


. . 726 


Norlhup, F. S 


701 


Way, Chandler C 


. 62i 1 


Chase. L. W. 


. 7112 




.. 659 






Wernet, Joseph 


. 714 


Cha-e, Daniel 


. 6o8 


Healy, Smith A 


667 


Osborne, Joseph 


598 


Westphall, Samuel A. 


. 683 


Christie, William 


. 646 


Hennenhofer, J. H 


712 






White, Albeit D.... 650-670 


( hristie, Sr., John.. . 


. 647 


Beskett, Hartley... 




703 Wiles, M. L 


647 


Christie, Jr., John... 


. . 614 


Heskett, Frank P... 


. 726 Paulson, John 


672 Wilson, James 


. 730 


Christie, George 


. 730 


Hill, Henry E. K.... 


... 667 Petersen, Otto C 


706 


Willsou, S. D 


. 7i m 


Clark, Charles A 


. 703 


Hoeslev, J. M 


... 70H Porter, William.! ... 


701 




. 619 


Clemens, John J... . 
Col burn, Francis N.. 


. . 670 
. 695 




. . 701 


Pritchard, William H.. 


725 

. 640 


Yoter, William 


677 


Howland, S. N.. 


702 



IV 



--©Iv* 



XII 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

THE CHANGE 731 

Organization of the County 732 

Location, Topography and Geology 732 

Railroads 734 



CHAPTER II. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

First Settlers 

First Things 



CHAPTER III. 



IN EARLY DATS 

Reminiscence by David Secor. 

Early Adventures 

Indians 



CHAPTER IV. 

COUNTY GOVERNMENT 

CHAPTER V. 

NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRE- 
SENTATION 

CHAPTER VI. 



THE PRESS 

Winnebago Press 

Northern Iowa Gazette 

Winnebago Summit 

The Winnebago Chief 

Winnebago Weekly Review. 

North Star 

Independent Herald 



CHAPTER VII. 



JUDICIAL 

District Court . 
Circuit Court. 
County Court.. 



743 
745 
7.50 
751 



753 



760 



775 
776 
778 
779 
7S1 
781 
783 
783 



CHAPTER VIII. 
FINANCIAL AND OTHER MATTERS. . 

CHAPTER IX. 

POLITICAL 

CHAPTER X. 
THE BAR OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



790 



CHAPTER XI. 

PAGE 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 807 

Reminiscence of Early Practice 809 

CHAPTER XII. 

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND DAI- 
RYING 817 

CHAPTER XIII 

EDUCATIONAL 822 

CHAPTER XIV. 

THE WAR— ITS CAUSES 830 

CHAPTER XV. 
WINNEBAGO COUNTY IN THE WAR 836 

CHAPTER XVI. 

MISCELLANEOUS 852 

CHAPTER XVII. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP 854 

Lake Mills 861 

CHAPTER XVIII. v 
FOREST CITY AND FOREST TOWNSHIP S71 

CHAPTER XIX. 
LINDEN TOWNSHIP 903 

CHAPTER XX. 

LOGAN TOWNSHIP 907 

CHAPTER XXI. 
MOUNT VALLEY TOWNSHIP 909 

CHAPTER XXII. 

NEWTON TOWNSHIP 923 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

XORWAY TOWNSHIP ... 928 



MU- 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



XIII 



BIOGRAPHICAL 






PAGE 

Aas, DavidC 816 

Alexander, Elwood 903 

Ambroson, Ole 903 

Ambrose, J. H. T 769 

Anderson, John A 868 

Anderson, A 867 

Anderson, J. E 804 

Aulman, John B 856' 

Banner, R H 89l| 

Bailey, John 935. 

Bakke, O. P 923; 

Blennerhassett, A 879| 

Blowers, George R 898 

Blowers, F. P 898 

Bovd, J. K 800 

Brackey, Mrs. T. ..868 

Brackey, T. A 868 

Braekey, Ole 868 

Brokke, Sigur C 920 

Brandstad, AndruE... 902 

Brones, A. N 773 

Burnap, W. A 801 

Burleson, John 867 

Butcher, Thomas J ... 891 

Chase, A. H 780 

Chapman, W. A 806 

( hristianson, John 926 

Clark, Robert 787 

Cole, A. T 738 

Conley, J . B 863 

Dabl, I. M 858 

David, J. W 814 

Day, Charles H 767 

Denzei, John 921 

Drogsvold, Ole J 901 

Falken, T. J 908 

Fisher, James W 893 

Fisher, William H 804 

Foss, John 930 

Franklin, W. R 815 



PAGE 

Franklin, George A... 806 

Gannett, Philip 926 

Gibson, D. T 803 

Grasley, Oley 913 

Gudmanson, Ole 918 

Gulliekson, Erick 908 

Halvorson, Erel 870 

Halvoreen, John 936 

Hanson, Peter 910 

Hanson, W. 770 

Harang, Aaron 870 

Haugland, R. 869 

Hayes, DeWitt C 801 

Hermonson, Bendick.. 931 
Higinbotham, William. 910 

Hill, Jonathan B 926 

Holstead, Michael J.... 931 

Holtan, Hans 914 

Honsey, S. G 933 

Honsey, T. G 932 

Howard, J. E 806 

Hull, Justin M 815 

Irish, Harry R 815 

Isaacs, Charles 767 

Isaacson, John 876 

JeukB, Charles F 897 

Jensen, R. p 881 

Johnson, Peter H 921 

Johnson, H. T 870 

Johnson, George 903 

Joice, E. J 883 

Jones, P. C 814 

Jones William H 813 

Keeler, C. E 816 

Kiland, K. K 871 

Landru, Hiram K 766 

Larson, William 861 

Lattimore, J. T 806 

Law, John 885 

Lepper, Frank 862 



PAGE 

Levoid. G. H 930 

Lunsett, Hans 881 

McGreevey, Edward... 927 

Mahoney, J. W 874 

Martinson, Christian... 904 

Mattocks, Eli 901 

Merrick, C.Eugene 893 

Mikkelson, Eli N 861 

Moe, H. P 90' 

Moen, Ole Knudson. . 919 

Munson, NelsM 818 

M urphy , Jerry ... . 800 

Nelson, S. T 

Nelson, Mikkel 

Nelson, C. L 803 

Nerby, L. B 

Nilson, Alf 

Odden, Andrew J 870 

Olson, HansP 92T 

Olson, Sandel 930 

Olson, Harres 9ir 

Olson, Peter 901 

Olson, John S 876 

Onstab, KnudE 918 

Otis, James J 

Paulson, Halvor 911 

Pederson, Bertus 91' 

Pederson, P. P 91' 

Person, Andrew 914 

Peterson, Harold 901 

Phelps, J. A 

Pinckney, James 879 

Plummer, J. A 891 

Poulson, Jens 88: 

Price, James 932 

Ragan, M. V 927 

Ransom, T. C " 

Rasmuson, Christian.. 900 
Revland, P. K 914 



PAGE 
Rowland, Horace J . . . 864 

Rusley, T. K 912 

Rygmyr, H. H 911 

Saiie, G. 917 

Secor, Eugene 766 

Secor, David 763 

Seibert, Peter 921 

Severs, O. T 768 

Sharp, J.J 927 

Simon, John A 931 

Simmons Solomon 898 

Skinner, E. D 908 

Smith, N. A 865 

Smith, C. D 855 

Sogard, T. A 919 

Sogard, Simon 919 

Sogard, Arne T 919 

Sornsen, Ole 869 

Strike, Thomas B 900 

Styve. N. 864 

Sunderland, Ole H 926 

Syverson, Syver 919 

Taylor, William 900 

Tennis, William 929 

Tennis, Samuel 788 

Thomas, George W 855 

Thomson, Thomas 856 

Thompson, J. F 804 

Thompson, Clement. . . 917 

Thompson, N. B 927 

Thompson, John 868 

Turveson, Martin 901 

Twito, Jacob H 771 

Ulve, 0. 928 

Van Duien, William... 814 

Wadsworth, S. D 866 

Wambheim, Peder H.. 922 

Welsh, Charles E 898 

Wilson, J. B 862 

Winslow, Henry W.... 863 



PORTRAITS 



PAGE 

Anderson, J. E 877 



Dahl, I. M. 



PAGE 

.. 859 



Hanson, W. O. 
Hull, J. M 



PAGE 

.. 915 
.. 811 



PAGE 
Mahoney, J. W 895 



I 



>F^ 



IS k_ 



-I 9 






Certificates of Committees. 



"We the undersigned, committee appointed for the purpose of examining and correcting the manuscript 
of the History of Kossuth County, written and compiled tiy the Union Publishing Company, of Springfield, 
Illinois, do hereby certify that the said manuscript was submitted to us, and thatwe madeall the changes and 
additions that we, in our judgment, deemed necessary, and as so corrected, we approve the same. 



W. H. Ingham, 
Ambrose A. Call, 
Mrs. C. A. Ingham, 
Mrs. H. E. Stacy, 
J. E. Stacy, 
Lewis H. Smith, 
B. F. Reed. 



y Committee. 



We the undersigned, a committee appointed by the old settlers and prominent men of the county, to over- 
sec anil revise the history of Hancock County, written and compiled by the Union Publishing Company, of 
Springfield. Illinois, do hereby certify that the said manuscript was submitted to us, and that we madeall 
the corrections and additions, thatwe, in our judgment, deemed necessary, and as so corrected, we approve 
the same. 

John Maben, 1 

J. M. Elder, | 

L. B. Bailey, (■ Committee. 

John Christie, Jr. I 

Anson Avery. J 



We the undersigned, members of the general committee, appointed to correct and revise the manuscript 
of the History of Winnebago County, written and compiled by the Union Publishing Company, of Spring- 
field, Illinois,' do hereby certify that said manuscript has been submitted to us, and that we have made all 
the additions and corrections, that we, in our judgment and to the best of our recollection, deem necessary, 
and as corrected, approve the same. 

David Secor, ~| 

J. S. Blowers, 

J. E. Anderson, 

A. T. Cole. y Committee. 

Solomon Simmons, I 

William Tennis, 

Peter Hanson. J 



M 1 - 






HISTORY OF IOWA. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE traveler, in wending his way 
across the fair State of Iowa, with 
its evidences of civilization upon every 
hand; its magnificent churches with spires 
pointing heavenward; its school-houses 
almost upon every hill; palatial residences 
evincing wealth and refinement, cannot 
realize-that, less than a half century ago, 
this "beautiful land" was the home only 
of the red man, who roamed at will over 
the fair and fertile prairies, hunting in the 
woods and fishing in its streams. The 
change would seem too great for him to 
realize. But it is indeed true. These 
churches, these school-houses, these pala- 
tial residences, tlv se railroads, these tele- 
graph and telephone wires, all have been 
erected or placed here within the space of 
a half century. 

Before the advent of the Ked Men, who 
were found in possession by the Europeans, 
who inhabited this country, is a subject 
yet unsolved, and is shrouded in mystery. 
That there were human beings of a distinct 
rate from the red men of later days, is gen- 



erally conceded, but scientists fail as yet 
to agree as to their nature and origin. 
That this continent is co-existent with the 
world of the ancients cannot be questioned. 
Every investigation instituted under the 
auspices of modern civilization confirms 
this fact. It is thought by many that the 
first inhabitants came from Asia, by way 
of Behring's Strait, and in large numbers. 
Magnificent cities and mouuments were 
raised at the biddiug of tribal leaders, and 
populous settlements centered with thriv- 
ing villages sprang up everywhere in man- 
ifestation of the progress of the people. 
For the last four hundred years the colo- 
nizing Caucasian has trodden on the ruins 
of a civilization whose greatness he could 
only surmise. Among these ruins are 
pyramids similar to those which have ren- 
dered Egypt famous. The pyramid of 
Chalula is square, each side of its base 
being 1,335 feet, and its height 172 feet. 
Another pyramid north of Vera Cruz is 
formed of large blocks of highly polished 
porphyry, and bears upon its front hiero- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



*\ 



glyphic inscriptions and curious sculpture. 
It is 82 feet square, and a flight of 57 steps 
conducts to its summit, which is 65 feet 
high. The ruins of Palenque are said to 
extend 20 miles along the ridge of a moun- 
tain, and the remains of an Aztec city, near 
the banks of the Gila, are spread over 
more than a square league. The principal 
feature of the Aztec civilization which has 
come down to us was its religion, which 
we are told was of a dark and gloomy 
character. Each new god created by their 
priesthood, instead of arousing new life in 
the people, brought death to thousands; 
and their grotesque idols exposed to drown 
the senses of the beholders in fear, wrought 
wretchedness rather than spiritual happi- 
ness. In fact, fear was the great animating 
principal, the motive power which sustained 
this terrible religion. Their altars were 
sprinkled with blood drawn from their own 
bodies in large quantities, and on them 
thousands of human victims were sacri- 
ficed in honor of the demons whom they 
worshipped. The head and heart of 
every captive taken in war were offered 
up as a sacrifice to the god of battles, 
while the victorious legions feasted on the 
remaining portions of the bodies. It is 
said that during the ceremonies attendant 
on the consecration of two of their tem- 
I les, the number of prisoners offered up 
in sacrifice was 12,210, while they them- 
selves contributed large numbers of volun- 
tary victims to the terrible belief. 

The race known as the Mound-Builders 
next attracts the attention of the ethnolo- 
gists. Throughout the Mississippi Valley, 
including many portions of Iowa, are found 
mounds and walls of earth or stone, which 



can only have a human origin. These 
mounds vary in size from a few feet to 
hundreds of feet in diameter. In them 
are often found stone axes, pestles, arrow- 
heads, spear-points, pieces of flint, and 
other articles. Pottery of various de- 
signs is very common in them, and from 
the material of which they are made geol- 
ogists have attempted to assign their age. 

Some have thought that the Mound- 
Builders were a rage quite distinct from 
the modern Indians, and that they were in 
an advanced state of civilization. The 
best authorities now agree that while the 
comparatively civilized people called the 
Aztecs built the cities whose ruins are 
occasionally found, the Mound-Builders 
were the immediate ancestors of the In- 
dians De Soto first saw, and little different 
from the Indians of to-day. 

The origin of the Red Men, or Ameri- 
can Indians, is a subject which interests 
as well as instructs. It is a favorite topic 
with the ethnologist, even as it is one of 
deep concern to the ordinary reader. A 
review of two works lately published on 
the origin of the Indians, treats the matter 
in a peculiarly reasonable light. It says : 

"Recently a German writer has put for- 
ward one theory on the subject, and an 
English writer has put forward another 
and directly opposite theory. The differ- 
ence in opinion concerning our aboriginals 
among authors who have made a profound 
study of races, is at once curious and in- 
teresting. Blumenbach treats them in his 
classifications as a distinct variety of the 
human family; but, in the three-fold divi- 
sion of Dr. Latham, they are ranked among 
the Monarolidae. Other writers on races 






teu 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



19 



regard them as a branch of the great Mon- 
golian family, which at a distant period 
found its way from Asia to this continent, 
and remained here for centuries separate 
from the rest of mankind, passing, mean- 
while, through divers phases of barbarism 
and civilization. Morton, our eminent 
ethnologist, and his followers, Nott and 
Gliddon, claim for our native Red Men an 
origin as distinct as the flora and fauna of 
this continent. Prichard, whose views are 
apt to differ from Morton's, finds reason to 
believe, on comparing the American tribes 
together, that they must have formed a 
separate department of nations from the 
earliest period of the world. The era of 
their existence as a distinct and isolated 
people must probably be dated back to the 
time which separated into nations the in- 
habitants of the Old World, and gave to 
each its individuality and primitive lan- 
guage. Dr. Robert Brown, the latest 
authority, attributes, in his 'Races of Man- 
kind,' an Asiatic origin to our aboriginals. 
He says that the Western Indians not only 
personally resemble their nearest neighbors 
— the Northeastern Asiatics — but they re- 
semble them in language and tradition. 
The Esquimaux on the American and the 
Tohuktcis on the Asiatic side understand 
one another perfectly. Modern anthro- 
pologists, indeed, are disposed to think 
that Japan, the Kuriles, and neighboring 
regions, may be regarded as the original 
home of the greater part of the native 
American race. It is also admitted by 
them that between the tribes scattered 
from the Arctic sea to Cape Horn theie 
is more uniformity of physical feature 
than is seen in any other quarter of the 
globe. The weight of evidence and au- 



thority is altogether in favor of the opin- 
ion that our so-called Indians are a branch 
of the Mongolian family, and all additional 
researches strengthen the opinion. The 
tribes of both North and South America 
are unquestionably homogeneous, and, in 
all likelihood, had their origin in Asia, 
though they have been altered and modi- 
fied by thousands of years of total separa- 
tion from the present stock." 

If the conclusions arrived at by the 
reviewer is correct, how can one account 
for the vast difference in manner and form 
between the Red Man as he is now known, 
or even as he appeared to Columbus and 
his successors in the field of discovery, and 
the comparatively civilized inhabitants of 
Mexico, as seen in 1521 by Cortez, and of 
Peru, as witnessed by Pizarro in 1532 ? 
The subject is worthy of investigation. 

In the year 1541, Ferdinand DeSoto, a 
Spaniarl, discovered the Mississippi river, 
at the mouth of the Washita. He, how- 
ever, penetrated no further north than 
the 35th parallel of latitude, his death ter- 
minating the expedition. It was thus left 
for a later discoverer to first view the 
"beautiful land." 

In a grand council of Indians on the 
shores of Lake Superior, they told the 
Frenchmen glowing stories of the "great 
river" and the countries near it. Mar- 
quette, a Jesuit father, became inspired 
with the idea of discovering this noble 
river. He was delayed in this great un- 
dertaking, however, and spent the interval 
in studying the language and habits of the 
Illinois Indians, among whom he expected 
to travel. In 1673 he completed his pre- 
parations for the journey, in which he was 
to be accompanied by Joliet, an agent of 



\ « 



-J — ► 



20 



HISTOET OF IOWA. 



the French Government. The Indians, 
who had gathered in large numbers to wit- 
ness his departure, tried to dissuade him 
from the undertaking, representing that 
the Indians of the Mississippi Valley were 
cruel and blood-thirsty, and would resent 
the intrusion of strangers upon their do- 
main. The great river itself, they said, 
was the abode of terrible monsters, who 
could swallow both canoes and men. But 
.Marquette was not diverted from his pur- 
pose by these reports, and set out on his 
adventurous trip May 13; he reached, first, 
an Indian village where once had been a 
mission, and where he was treated hospit- 
ably; thence, with the aid of two Miami 
guides, he proceeded to the Wisconsin, 
down which he sailed to the great Missis- 
si) pi, which had so long been anxiously 
looked for; floating down its unknown 
waters, the explorer discovered, on the 
25th of June, traces of Indians on the west 
bank of the river, and landed a little above 
the river now known as the Des Moines. 
For the first time Europeans trod the soil 
of Iowa. Marquette remained here a short 
time, becoming acquainted with the In- 
dians, and then proceeded on his explora- 
tions. He descended the Mississippi to 
the Illinois, by which and Lake Michigan 
he returned to French settlements. 

Nine years later, in 1682, La Salle de- 
scended the Mississippi to the Gulf of 
Mexico, and, in the name of the king of 
France, took formal posession of all the 
immense region watered by the great river 
and its tributaries from its source to its 
mouth, and named it Louisiana, in honor 
of his master, Louis XIV. The river he 
called " Colbert," in honor of the French 
Minister, and at its mouth erected a column 



and a cross bearing the inscription, in 
French: 

' 'LOUIS THE GREAT, KJXG OF FEANCB AND NAVAEKB, 
KEIG.XING APEIL 9, 1682." 

France then claimed by right of dis- 
covery and occupancy the whole valley of 
the Mississippi and its tributaries, includ- 
ing Texas. Spain at the same time laid 
claim to all the region about the Gulf of 
Mexico, and thus these two great nations 
were brought into collision. But the 
country was actually held and occupied by 
the native Indians, especially the great 
Miami Confederacy, the Miamis proper 
(anciently the Twightwees) being the east- 
ern and most powerful tribe. 

Spain having failed to make any settle- 
ment in the newly-discovered country, it 
was left for France to occupy the land, 
and that government, soon after the dis- 
covery of the mouth of the Mississippi by 
La Salle, in 1682, began to encourage the 
policy of establishing a line of trading 
posts aud missionary stations, extending 
through the west from Canada to Louis- 
iana. 

In '1762, France, in a time of extreme 
weakness, ceded all the territory west of 
the Mississippi, including what is now 
Iowa, to Spain, which power retained pos- 
session until October 1, 1800, when it 
retroceded it to France. This latter power 
ceded it to the United States in 1803, for 
the sum of $15,000,000. 

On assuming control, the United States 
organized all that region west of the Mis- 
sissippi and north of the Territory of 
Orleans as the District of Louisiana. In 
1805 the District of Louisiana was organ- 
ized into the Territory of Louisiana. 



Fp 



r y 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



21 



This Territory was subsequently divided, 
and now forms seven great States — Louis- 



iana, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, 
Kansas and Nebraska. 



CHAPTER II. 



INDIANS AND INDIAN WAKS. 



For more than one hundred years after 
Marquette and Joliet trod the virgin soil 
of Iowa, and admired its fertile plains, 
not a single settlement had been made or 
attempted, nor even a trading post estab- 
lished. The whole country remained in 
the undisputed possession of the native 
tribes, who often poured out their life 
blood in obstinate contest for supremacy. 
That this State, so aptly styled "The 
Beautiful Land," had been the theatre of 
numerous fierce and bloody struggles be- 
tween the rival nations for possession of 
the favored region long before its settle- 
ment by civilized man, there is no room 
for doubt. In these savage wars the 
weaker party, whether aggressive or de- 
fensive, was either exterminated or driven 
from its ancient hunting grounds. 

When Marquette visited this country 
in 1673, the Illini were a very powerful 
people, occupying a large portion of the 
State ; but when the country was again 
visited by the whites, not a remnant of 
that once powerful tribe remained on the 
west side of the Mississippi, and Iowa 
was principally in the possession of the 



Sacs and Foxes, a warlike tribe which, 
originally two distinct nations, residing 
in New York and on the waters of the 
St. Lawrence, had gradually fought their 
way westward, and united, probably a f'.er 
the Foxes had been driven out of the Fox 
River country in 1846, and crossed the 
Mississippi. The death of Pontiac, a 
famous Sac chieftain, was made the 
text for war against the Illini, and a fiei ce 
and bloody struggle ensued, which con- 
tinued until the Illini were nearly de- 
stroyed, and their hunting grounds pos- 
sessed by their victorious foes. The low as 
also occupied a portion of the State, for a 
time, in common with the Sacs, but they, 
too, were nearly destroyed by the Sacs 
and Foxes, and in " The Beautiful Land " 
these natives met their equally warlike 
foes, the northern Sioux, with whom the} 
maintained a constant warfare for the pos- 
session of the country for many years. 

In 1803, when Louisiana was purchased 
by the United States, the Sacs, Foxes and 
Iowas possessed the entire State of Iowa, 
and the two former tribes, also, occupied 
most of Illinois. > 



i '> 



d*=±z 



22 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



The Sacs had four principal villages, 
where most of them resided. Their 
largest and most important town — if an 
Indian village may be called such — and 
from which emanated most of the ob- 
stacles encountered by the Government in 
the extinguishment of Indian titles to 
land in this region, was on Eock river, 
near Rock Island ; another was on the 
east bank of the Mississippi, near the 
mouth of Henderson river ; the third 
was at the head of the Des Moines Rap- 
ids, near the present site of Montrose ; 
and the fourth was near the mouth of the 
upper Iowa. 

The Foxes had three principal villages. 
One was on the west side of the Missis- 
sippi, six miles above the rapids of Rock 
river; another was about twelve miles 
from the river, in the rear of the Dubuque 
lead mines ; and the third was on Turkey 
river. 

The Iowas, at one time identified with 
the Sacs of Rock river, had withdrawn 
from them and become a separate tribe. 
Their principal village was on the Des 
Moines river, in Van 6 ure n county, on 
the site where Iowaville now stands. Here 
the last great battle between the Sacs and 
Foxes and the Iowas was fought, in which 
Black Hawk, then a young man, com- 
manded one division of the attacking 
f rces. The following account of the bat- 
tle has been given: 

"Contrary to long established custom of 
Indian attack, this battle was commenced 
in the day-time, the attending circum- 
stances justifying this departure from the 
well-settled usages of Indian warfare The 
battle field was a level river bottom, about 
four miles in length, and- two miles wide 



near the middle, narrowing to a point at 
either end. The main area of this bottom 
rises perhaps twenty feet above the river, 
leaving a narrow strip of low bottom along 
the shore, covered with trees that belted 
the prairie on the river side with a thick 
forest, and the immediate bank of the river 
was fringed with a dense growth of wil- 
low. Near the lower end of this prairie, 
near the river bank, was situated the Iowa 
village. About two miles above it and 
near the middle of the prairie is a mound, 
covered at the time with a tuft of small 
trees and underbrush growing on its sum- 
mit. In the rear of this little elevation or 
mound lay a belt of wet prairie, covered, 
at that time, with a dense growth of rank, 
coarse grass. Bordering this wet prairie 
on the north, the country rises abruptly 
into elevated broken river bluffs, covered 
with a heavy forest for many miles in ex- 
tent, and in places thickly clustered with 
undergrowth, affording convenient shelter 
for the stealthy approach of the foe. 

"Through this forest the Sac and Fox war 
party made their way in the night, and 
secreted themselves in the tall grass spoken 
of above, intending to remain in ambush 
during the day and make such observa- 
tions as this near proximity to their in- 
tended victims might afford, to aid them 
in their contemplated attack on the town 
during the following night. From this 
situation their spies could take a full sur- 
vey of the village, and watch every move- 
ment of the inhabitants, by which means 
they were soon convinced that the Iowas 
had no suspicion of their presence. 

"At the foot of the mound above men- 
tioned the Iowas had their race course, 
where they diverted themselves with the 



T 



— 13 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



23 



excitement of horse-racing, and schooled 
their young warriors in cavalry evolutions. 
In these exercises mock battles were fought, 
and the Indian tactics of attack and defense 
carefully inculcated, by which means a 
skill in horsemanship was acquired that is 
rarely excelled. Unfortunately for them 
this day was selected for their equestrian 
sports, and, wholly unconscious of the 
proximity of their foes, the warriors re- 
paired to the race-ground, leaving most of 
their arms in the village, and their old 
men, women and children unprotected. 

"Pash-a-po-po, who was chief in com- 
maud of the Sacs and Foxes, perceived at 
once the advantage this state of things 
afforded for a complete surprise of his now 
doomed victims, and ordered Black Hawk 
to file off with his young warriors through 
the tall grass and gain the cover of the 
timber along the river bank, and with the 
utmost speed reach the village and com- 
mence the battle, while he remained with 
his division in the ambush to make a sim- 
ultaneous assault on the unarmed men 
whose attention was engrossed with the 
excitement of the races. The plan was 
skillfully laid and most dexterously exe- 
cuted. Black Hawk with his forces 
reached the village undiscovered, and 
made a furious onslaught upon the de- 
fenseless inhabitants by firing one general 
volley into their midst, and completing the 
slaughter with the tomahawk and scalping- 
knife, aided by the devouring flames with 
which they enveloped the village as soon 
as the fire-brand could be spread from 
lodge to lodge. 

"On the instant of the report of fire-arms 
at the village, the forces under Pash-a-po-po 
leaped from their couchant position in the 



grass, and sprang, tiger-like, upon the un- 
armed Iowas in the midst of their racing 
sports. The first impulse of the latter natur- 
ally led them to make the utmost speed to- 
ward their arms in the village, and protect, 
if possible, their wives and children from 
the attack of their merciless assailants. 
The distance from the place of attack on 
the prairie was two miles, and a great 
number fell in their flight by the bullets 
and tomahawks of their enemies, who 
pressed them closely with a running fire 
the whole way, and the survivors only 
reached their town in time to witness the 
horrors of its destruction. Their whole 
village was in flames, and the dearest 
objects of their lives lay in slaughtered 
heaps amidst the devouring element, and 
the agonizing groans of the dying, mingled 
with the exulting shouts of the victorious 
foe, filled their hearts with maddening 
despair. Their wives and children who 
had been spared the general massacre were 
prisoners, and together with their arms in 
the hands of their victors; and all that 
could now be done was to draw off their 
shattered and defenseless forces, and save 
as many lives as possible by a retreat 
across the Des Moines river, which they 
effected in the best possible manner, and 
took a position among the Soap Creek 
hills." 

Previous to the settlement of their vil- 
lage on Rock river, the Sacs and Foxes 
had a fierce conflict with the Winnebagos, 
subdued them and took possession of their 
lands. At one time this village contained 
upward of 60 lodges, and was among the 
largest Indian villages on the continent. 
The number of Sacs and Foxes in 1825 
was estimated by the Secretary of War to 



7]<£ 



24 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



be 4,600. Their village was situated in 
the immediate vicinity of the upper rapids 
of the Mississippi, where the flourishing 
towns of Rock Island and Davenport are 
now situated. The extensive prairies 
dotted over with groves, the beautiful 
scenery, the picturesque bluffs along the 
river banks, the rich and fertile soil pro- 
ducing large crops of corn, squash and other 
vegetables with little labor, the abundance 
of wild fruit, game, fish, and almost every- 
thing calculated to make it a delightful 
spot for an Indian village, which was 
found there, had made this place a favorite 
home of the Sacs, and secured for it the 
strong attachment and veneration of the 
whole nation. 

The Sioux located their hunting grounds 
north of the Sacs and Foxes They were 
a fierce and warlike nation, who often dis- 
puted possessions with their rivals in savage 
and bloody warfare. The possessions of 
these tribes were mostly located in Minne- 
sota, but extended over a portion of 
Northern and Western Iowa to the Mis- 
souri river. Their descent from the north 
upon the hunting grounds of Iowa fre- 
quently brought them into collision with 
the Sacs and Foxes, and after many a con- 
flict and bloody struggle, a boundary line 
was established between them by the 
Government of the United States, in a 
treaty held at Prairie du Chien in 1825. 
Instead of settling the difficulties, this 
caused them to quarrel all the more, in 
consequence of alleged trespasses upon 
each other's side of the line. So bitter 
and unre'enting became these contests, 
that,in lS30,the Government purchased of 
the respective tribes of the Sacs and Foxes, 
and the Sioux, a strip of land twenty miles 



wide on both sides of the line, thus throw- 
ing them forty miles apart by creating a 
"neutral ground," and commanded them 
to cease their hostilities. They were, 
however, allowed to fish and hunt on the 
ground unmolested, provided they did not 
interfere with each other on United States 
territory. 

Soon after the acquisition of Louisiana, 
the United States Government adopted 
measures for the exploration of the new 
Territory, having in view the conciliation 
of the numerous tribes of Indians by 
whom it was possessed, and a' so the se- 
lection of proper sites for the establish- 
ment of military posts and trading sta- 
tions. The Army of the West, Gen. Wil- 
kinson commanding, had its headquarters 
at St. Louis. From this post Captains 
Lewis and Clarke, with a sufficient force, 
were detailed to explore the unknown 
sources of the Missouri, and Lieut. Zebu- 
Ion M. Tike to ascend to the head waters 
of the Mississippi. Lieut. Pike, with 
one sergeant, two corporals and seven- 
teen privates, left the military camp, 
near St. Louis, in a keel boat, with four 
months' rations, August 9ih, 1805. On 
the 201 h of the same month the expedition 
arrived within the present limits of Iowa, 
at the foot of the Des Moines Rapids, 
where Pike met William Ewing, who had 
just been appointed Indian Agent at this 
point, a French interpreter, four chiefs, 
fifteen Sacs and Fox warriors. At the 
head of the rapids, where Montrose is now 
situated, Pike held a council with ihe 
Indians, in which he addres.-ed them sub- 
stantially as follows: 

"Your great father, the President of the 
United States, wishes to be more intimately 



3~, 



'A 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



25 



acquainted with the situation and wants 
of the different nations of Red people in 
our newly acquired Territory of Louis- 
iana, and has ordered the General to send 
a number of his warriors in different 
directions to take them by the hand and 
make such inquiries as might afford the 
satisfaction required." 

At the close of the council he presented 
the Red Men with some knives, tobacco 
and whisky. On the 23d of August he 
arrived at what is supposed, from his de- 
scription, to be the site of the present city 
of Burlington, which he selected as the 
location of a military post. He describes 
the place as "being on a hill, about forty 
miles above the River de Moyne Rapids, 
on the west side of the river, in latitude 
about 40 deg. 21 min. north. The channel 
of the river runs on that shore. The hill 
in front is about 60 feet perpendicular, 
and nearly level at the top. About 400 
yards in the rear is a small prairie, fit for 
gardening, and immediately under the hill 
is a limestone spring, sufficient for the 
consumption of a whole regiment." In 
addition to this description, which corres- 
ponds to Burlington, the spot is laid down 
on his map at a bend in the river a short 
distance below the mouth of the Hender- 
son, which p mrs its waters into the Mis- 
sissippi from Illinois. The fort was built 
at Fort Madison, but from the distance, 
latitude, description and map furnished by 
Pike, it could not have been the place se- 
lected by him, while all the circumstances 
corroborate the opinion that the place he 
selected was the spot where Burlington is 
now located, called by the early voyagers 
on the Mississippi " Flint Hills " In c. m- 
pany with one of his men, Tike went on 



shore on a hunting expedition, and follow- 
ing a stream which they supposed to be a 
part of the Mississippi, they were led away 
from their course. Owing to the intense 
heat and tall grass, his two favorite dogs, 
which he had taken with him, became ex- 
hausted, and he left them on the prairie, 
supposing that they would follow him as 
soon as they should get rested, and went 
on to overtake his boat. After reaching 
the river he waited some time for his 
canine friends, but they did not come, and 
as he deemed it inexpedient to detain the 
boat longer, two of his men volunteered to 
go in pursuit of them, and he continued on 
his way up the river, expecting that the 
two men would soon overtake him They 
lost their way, however, and for six days 
were without food, except a few morsels 
gathered from the stream, and might have 
perished had they not accidentally met a 
trader from St. Louis, who induced two 
Indians to take them up the river, and they 
overtook the boat at Dubuque. At he 
latter place Pike was cordially received by 
Julien Dubuque, a Frenchman, who held a 
mining claim under a grant from Spain. 
He had an old Geld piece, and fired a salute 
in honor of the advent of the first Amer- 
ican who had visited that part of the Ter- 
ritory. He was not, however, disposed to 
publish the wealth of his mines, and the 
youug and evidently inquisitive officer 
obtained but little information from him. 

Upon leaving this place, Pike pursued 
his way up the river, but as he pas-ed 
beyond the limits of the present State of 
Iowa, a detailed history of his explora- 
tions does not proprrly belong to this vol- 
ume. It is sufficient to say that, on the 
site of Fort Spelling, Mimics ita, he lu 1 ! a 



26 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



council with the Sioux, Sept. 23, and ob- 
tained from them a grant of 100,000 acres 
of land. Jan. 8, 1806, he arrived at a trad- 
ing post belonging to the Northwest Com- 
pany, on Lake De Sable, in latitude 47 °. 
This company at that time carried on their 
immense operations from Hudson's Bay to 
the St. Lawrence ; up that river, on both 
sides along the great lakes, to the head of 
Lake Superior, thence to the sources of the 
Red River of the North, and west to the 
Rocky Mountains, embracing within the 
scope of their operations what was subse- 
quently the State of Iowa. After suc- 
cessfully accomplishing his mission and 
performing a valuable service to the whole 
Northwest, Pike returned to St. Louis, ar- 
riving there April 30, 1806. 

Before the Territory of Iowa could be 
open to settlement by the whites, it was 
necessary that the Indian title should be 
extinguished and the original owners re- 
moved. The Territory had been pur- 
chased by the United States, but was still 
occupied by the Indians, who claimed title 
to the soil by right of possession. In 
order to accomplish this purpose, large 
sums of money were expended, besides the 
frontier being disturbed by Indian wars, 
terminated repeatedly by treaty, only to 
be renewed by some act of oppression on 
the part of the whites, or some violation 
of treaty stipulation. 

When the United States assumed con- 
trol of the country, by virtue of the Louis- 
iana purchase, nearly the whole State was 
in possession of the Sacs and Foxes, a 
powerful and warlike nation, who were 
not disposed to submit without a struggle 
to what they considered the encroachment 
of the pale faces. Among the most noted 



chiefs, and one whose restlessness and 
hatred of the Americans occasioned more 
trouble to the Government than any other 
of his tribe, was Black Hawk, who was 
born at the Sac Village, on Rock river, in 
1767. He was simply the chief of his own 
band of Sac warriors; but by his energy 
and ambition he became the leading spirit 
of the united nation of Sacs and Foxes, 
and one of the prominent figures in the 
history of the country from 1804 till his 
death. 

In early manhood he attained distinc- 
tion as a fighting chief, having led cam- 
paigns against the Osages and other neigh- 
boring tribes. About the beginning of 
the present century he began to appear 
prominent in affairs on Ihe Mississippi. 
His life was a marvel. He is said by 
some to have been the victim of a narrow 
prejudice and bitter ill-will against the 
Americans. 

Upon the cession of Spain to France, in 
1801, it did not give up possession of the 
country, but retained it, and by the au- 
thority of France transferred it to the 
United States in 1804. At that time 
Black Hawk and his band were in St. 
Louis, and were invited to be present and 
witness the transfer; but he refused the 
invitation, and it is but just to say that 
this refusal was caused probably more 
from regret that the Indians were to be 
transferred from the jurisdiction of the 
Spanish authorities than from any special 
hatred toward the Americans. In his life 
he says: "I found many sad and gloomy 
faces because the United States were about 
to take possession of the town and country. 
Soon after the Americans came I took my 
bind and went to take leave of my Spanish 



it* 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



27 



father. The Americans came to see 
him also. Seeing them approach, we 
passed out of one door as they entered an- 
other, and immediately started in our 
canoes for our village on Rock river, not 
liking the change any better than our 
friends appeared to at St. Louis. On 
arriving at our village, we gave the news 
that strange people had arrived at St. 
Louis, and that we should never see our 
Spanish father again. The information 
made all our people sorry." 

November 3, 1804, a treaty was con- 
cluded between William Henry Harrison, 
then Governor of Indiana Territory, on 
behalf of the United States, and five chief's 
of the Sac and Fox nation, by which the 
latter, in consideration of $2,234 worth of 
goods then delivered, and a yearly annuity 
of $1,000 to be paid in goods at just cost, 
ceded to the United States all that land on 
the east side' of the Mississippi, extending 
from a point opposite the Jefferson, in 
Missouri, to the Wisconsin river, embra- 
cing an area of over 51,000,000 of acres. 
To this treaty Black Hawk always objected, 
and always refused to consider it binding 
upon his people. He asserted that the 
chiefs or braves who made it had no au- 
thority to relinquish the title of the nation 
to any of the lands they held or occu- 
pied, and, moreover, that they had been 
sent to St. Louis on quite a different 
errand, namely: to get one of their people 
released, who had been imprisoned at St. 
Louis for killing a white man. 

In 1805 Lieutenant Pike came up the 
river for the purpose of holding friendly 
councils with the Indians and selecting 
sites for forts within the territory recently 
acquired from France by the United 



States. Lieut. Pike seems to have been 
the first American whom Black Hawk 
ever met or had a personal interview with, 
and he seemed very much prepossessed in 
his favor. He gives the following account 
of his visit to Rock Island: "A boat came 
up the river with a young American chief 
and a small party of soldiers. We heard 
of them soon after we passed Salt river. 
Some of our young braves watched them 
every day to see what sort of people he 
had on board. The boat at length arrived 
at Rock river, and the young chief came 
on shore with his interpreter, made a 
speech and gave us some presents We 
in turn presented him with meat and such 
other provisions as we had to spare. We 
were well pleased with the young chief; ' 
he gave us good advice, and said our 
American father would treat us well." 

Fort Edwards was erected soon after 
Pike's expedition, at what is now Warsaw, 
Illinois, also Fort Madison, on the site of 
the present town of that name, the latter 
being the first fort erected in Iowa. These 
movements occasioned great u;. easiness 
among the Indians. When work was 
commenced on Fort Edwards, a delegation 
from their nation, headed by some of their 
chiefs, went down to see what the Ameri- 
cans were doing, and had an interview 
with the commander, after which they 
returned home and were apparently satis- 
fied. In like manner, when Fort Madison 
was being erected, they sent down another 
delegation from a council of^the nation 
held at Rock river. According to Black 
Hawk's account, the American chief told 
them that he was building a house for a 
trader, who was coming to sell them goods 
cheap, and that the soldiers were cominir 



"?U 



28 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



to keep him company — a statement which 
Black Hawk says they distrusted at the 
time, believing that the fort was an en- 
croachment upon their rights, and designed 
to aid it getting their lands away from 
them. It is claimed, by good authority, 
that the building of Fort Madison was a 
violation of the treaty of 1804. By the 
11th article of that treaty, the United 
States had a right to build a fort near the 
mouth of the Wisconsin river, and by 
article 6 they had bound themselves "that 
if any citizen of the United States or any 
other white persons should form a settle- 
ment upon their lands, such intruders 
should forthwith be removed." Probably 
the authorities of the United States did not 
regard the establishment of military posts 
as coming properly within the meaning of 
the term "settlement" as used in the treaty. 
At all events, they erected Fort Madison 
within the territory reserved to the Indi- 
ans, who became very indignant. 

Very soon after the fort was built, a 
party led by Black Hawk attempted its 
destruction. They sent spies to watch the 
movements of the garrison, who ascer- 
tained tbat the soldiers were in the habit 
of marching out of the fort every morning 
and evening for parade, and the plan of 
the party was to conceal themselves near 
the fort, and attack and surprise them 
when they were outside. On the morning 
of the proposed day of the attack, five 
soldiers came out and were fired upon by 
the Indians, two of them being killed. 
The Indians were too hasty in their move- 
ment, for the parade had not commenced. 
However, they kept up the attack several 
days, attempting the old Fox strategy of 
setting fire to the fort with blazing arrows; 



but finding their efforts unavailing, they 
soon gave up and returned to Rock river. 
In 181 2, when war was declared between 
this country and Great Britain, Black 
Hawk and his band allied themselves with 
the British, partly because he was dazzled 
by their specious promises, but more prob- 
ably because they were deceived by the 
Americans. Black Hawk himself declared 
that they were forced into war by being 
deceived. He narrates the circumstances 
as follows: "Several of the head men and 
chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes were called 
upon to go to Washingt .n to see their 
Great Father. On their return they re- 
lated what had been said and done. They 
said the Great Father wished them, in the 
event of a war taking place with England, 
not to interfere on either side, but to re- 
main neutral. He did not want our help, 
but wished us to bunt and suppoit our 
families, and live in peace. He said that 
British traders would not be permitted to 
come on the Mississippi to furnish us with 
goods, but that we should be supplied with 
an' American trader. Our chiefs then told 
him that the British traders always gave 
them credit in the fall for guns, powder and 
goods, to enable us to hunt and clothe our 
families. He repeated that the traders at 
Fort Madison would have plenty of goods; 
that we should go there in the fall and he 
would supply us on credit, as the British 
traders had done." Black Hawk seems to 
have accepted the proposition, and he and 
his people were very much pleased. Act- 
ing in good faith, they fitted out for their 
winter's hunt, and went to Fort Madi m 
in high spirits to receive from the trader 
their outfit of supplies; but after waiting 
some time, they were told by the trader 



**T<2 »- 

+J2i 



=iK: 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



29 



that he would not trust them. In vain 
they pleailed the promise of their Great 
Father at Washington; the trader was 
inexorable. Disappointed and crest fallen, 
the Indians turned sadly to their own vil- 
lage. Says Black Hawk: "Few of us slept 
that night. All was gloom and discon- 
tent. In the morning a canoe was seen 
ascending the river; it soon arrived bear- 
ing an express, who brought intelligence 
that a British trader had landed at Rock 
Island with two boats filled with goods, and 
requested us to come up immediately, be- 
cause he had good news for us, and a 
variety of presents. The express presented 
us with tobacco, pipes and wampum. The 
news ran through our camp like fire on a 
prairie. Our lodges were soon taken down 
and all started for Rock Island. Here 
ended all our hopes of remaining at peace, 
having been forced into the war by being 
deceived." He joined the British, who 
flattered him, and styled him "Gen. Black 
Hawk," decked him with medals, excited 
his jealousy against the Americans, and 
armed his band; but he met with defeat 
and disappointment, and soon abandoned 
the service and came home. 

There was a portion of the Sacs and 
Foxes, whom Black Hawk, with all his 
skill and cunning, could not lead into hos- 
tilities to the United States. With 
Keokuk ("The Watchful Fox") at their 
head, they were disposed to abide by the 
treaty of 1804, and to cultivate friendly 
relations with the American people. So, 
when Black Hawk and his band joined the 
fortunes of Great Britain, the rest of the 
nation remained neutral, and, for protec- 
tion, organized with Keokuk for their 
chief. Thus, the nation was divided into 



the "War and Peace party." Black Hawk 
says he was informed, after he had gone to 
the war, that the nation, which had been 
reduced to so small a body of fighting 
men, were unable to defend themselves in 
case the Americans should attack them, 
and, having all the old men, women and 
children belonging to the warriors who 
had joined the British, on their hands to 
provide for, a council was held, and it was 
agreed that Quash-qua-me (The Lance) 
and other chiefs, together with the old 
men, women and children, and such others 
as chose to accompany them, should go to 
St. Louis and place themselves und» r the 
American Chief stationed there. Accord- 
ingly they went down, and were received 
as the "friendly band" of Sacs and Foxes, 
and were provided for and sent up the 
Missouri river. 

On Black Hawk's return from the 
British army, he says Keokuk was intro- 
duced to him as the war chief of the 
braves then in the village. He iuquired 
how he had become chief; and was in- 
formed that their spies had seeu a large 
armed force going toward Peoria, and 
fears were entertained of an attack upon 
the village; whereupon a council was held, 
which concluded to leave the village, and 
cross over to the other side of the Mis- 
sissippi. Keokuk had been standing at 
the door of the lodge when the council 
was held, not being allowed to enter on 
account of never having killed an enemy, 
where he remained until Wa-co-me came 
out. Keokuk asked permission to speak 
to the council, which Wa-co-me obtained 
for him. He then addressed the chiefs. 
He remonstrated against the desertion 
of their village, their own homes, and the 



30 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



graves of their fathers, and offered to 
defend the village. 

The council consented that he should be 
their war chief. He marshaled his braves, 
sent out spies, and advanced on the lead- 
ing trail to Peoria, but returned without 
seeing the enemy. The Americans did 
not disturb the village, and all were satis- 
fied with the appointment of Keokuk. 
Like Black Hawk, he was a descendant of 
the Sac branch of the nation, and was born 
on Rock river in 1780. He was of a pacific 
disposition, but possessed the elements of 
true courage, and could fi ..'lit when occa- 
sion required with cool judgment and 
heroic energy. In his first bailie he en- 
countered and killed a Sioux, which placed 
him in the rank of warriors, and he was 
honored with a public feast by his tribe 
in commemoration of the event. 

In person, Keokuk was tall and of portly 
bearing. In his public speeches he dis- 
played a commanding attitude and grace- 
ful gestures. He has been described as 
an orator, entitled to rank with the most 
gifted of his race. He spoke rapidly, but 
his enunciation was clear, distinct and 
forcible; he culled his figures from the 
stores of nature, and based his arguments 
on skillful logic. Unfortunately for his 
reputation as an oratoramong white people, 
he was never able to obtain an interpreter 
who could claim even a slight acquaint- 
ance with philosophy. With one excep- 
tion only, his interpreters were unac- 
quainted with the elements of their 
mother tongue. Of this serious hindrance 
to his fame he was well aware, and re- 
tained Frank Labershure, who had re- 
ceived a rudimental education in the French 
and English languages, until the latter 



broke down by dissipation and died. 
Keokuk was thus compelled to submit his 
speeches for translation to uneducated 
men, whose range of thought fell far 
below the flights of a gifted mind, and the 
fine imagery drawn from nature was be- 
yond their power of reproduction. 

Keokuk had sufficient knowledge of the 
English language to make him sensible of 
this bad rendering of his thoughts, and 
often a feeling of mortification at the 
bungling efforts was depicted on his coun- 
tenance while speaking. The proper 
place to form a correct estimate of his 
ability as an orator was in the Indian 
council, where he addressed himself ex- 
clusively to those who understood his lan- 
guage, and witnessed the electrical effect 
of his eloquence upon his council. He 
seems to have possessed a more sober 
judgment, and to have had a more intelli- 
gent view of the great strength and re- 
sources of the United States, than his 
noted and restless cotemporary, Black 
Hawk. He knew from the first that the 
reckless war which Black Hawk and his 
band had determined to carry on could 
result in nothing but disaster and defeat, 
and he used every argument against it. 
The large- number of warriors whom he 
had dissuaded from following Black Hawk 
became, however, greatly excited with the 
war spirit after Stillman's defeat, and but 
for the signal tact displayed by Keokuk on 
that occasion, would have forced him to 
submit to their wishes in joining the rest 
of the warriors in the field. A war dance 
was held, and Keokuk took part in it, 
seeming to be moved with the current of 
the rising storm. When the dance was 
over, he called the council together to pre- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



31 



pare for war. He made a speech, in which 
be admitted the justice of their complaints 
against the Americans. To seek redress 
was a nohle aspiration of their nature. 
The blood of their brethren had been shed 
by the white man, and the spirits of their 
braves, slain in battle, called loudly for 
vengeance. 

" I am your chief," said he, " and it is 
my duty to lead you to battle, if after fully 
considering the matteryou are determined 
to go; but before you decide to take this 
important step, it is wise to inquire into 
the chances of success." 

He then portrayed to them the great 
power of the United States, against whom 
they would have to contend, and thought 
their chances of success was utterly hope- 
less. l: But," said he, "if you do deter- 
mine to go upon the warpath, I will agree 
to lead you on one condition — that before 
we go we kill our old men and our wives 
and children, to save them from a linger- 
ing death of starvation, and that every one 
of us determine to leave our homes on the 
other side of the Mississippi." This was 
a strong but truthful picture of the pros- 
pect before them, and was presented in 
such a forcible light as to cool their ardor 
and cause them to abandon their rash 
undertaking. From this time there was 
no serious trouble with the Indians until 
the Black Hawk war. 

The treaty of 1804, between the United 
States and the chiefs of the Sac and Fox 
nations was never acknowledged by Black 
Hawk, and, in 183], he established him- 
self with a chosen band of warriors upon 
the disputed territory, ordering the whites 
to leave the country at once. The settlers 
complaining, Governor Reynolds, of Illi- 



nois, dispatched General Gaines with a 
company of regulars and 1,500 volunteers 
to the scene of action. Taking the Indians 
by surprise, the troops burnt their village, 
and forced them to conclude a treaty, by 
which they ceded all their lands east of 
the Mississippi, and agreed to remain on 
the west side of the river. 

Necessity forced the proud spirit of 
Black Hawk into submission, which made 
him more than ever determined to be 
avenged upon his enemies-. Having ral- 
lied around him the warlike braves of the 
Sac and Fox nations, he recrossed the Mis- 
sissippi in the spring of 1832. Upon 
hearing of the invasion, Governor Rey- 
nolds hastily collected a body of 1,800 
volunteers, placing them under command 
of Brig.-Gen. Samuel Whiteside. 

The army marched to the Mississippi, 
and, having reduced to ashes the Indian 
village known as " Prophet's Town," pro- 
ceeded several miles up Rock river, to 
Dixon, to join the regular forces under 
Gen. Atkinson. They formed, at Dixon, 
two companies of volunteers, who, sighing 
for glory, were dispatched to reconnoiter 
the enemy. They advanced, under com- 
mand of Major Stillman, to a creek after- 
wards called "Stillman's run," and, while 
encamping there, saw a party of mounted 
Indians at a distance of a mile. Several of 
Stillman's party mounted their horses and 
charged the Indians, killing three of them; 
but, "attacked by the main body, under 
Black Hawk, they were routed, and, by 
their precipitate flight, spread such a panic 
through the camp that the vhole company 
ran off to Dixon as fast as their legs could 
carry them. On their arrival it was found 
that there had been eleven killed. The 



-t 



•r 



32 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



party came straggling into camp all night 
long, four or five at a time, each squad 
positive that all who were left behind were 
massacred . 

It is said that a big, tall Kontuckian, 
with a loud voice, who was a Colonel of the 
militia, upon his arrival in camp gave to 
Gen. Whiteside and the wondering multi- 
tude the following glowing and bombastic 
account of the battle: 

"Sirs," said he, "our detachment was 
encamped among some scattering timber 
on the north side of Old Man's creek, with 
the prairie from the north gently sloping 
down to our encampment. It was just 
after twilight, in the gloaming of the even- 
ing, when we discovered Black Hawk's 
army coming down upon us in solid column; 
they displayed in the form of a crescent 
upon the brow of the prairie, and such 
accuracy and precision of military move- 
ments were never witnessed by man ; they 
were i qual to the best troops of Wellington 
in Spain. I have said that the Indians 
came down in solid columns, and displayed 
in the form of a crescent; and, what was 
most wonderful, there were large squares 
of cavalry resting upon the points of the 
curve, which squares were supported again 
by other columns fifteen deep, extending 
back through the woods and over a swamp 
three-quarters of a mile, which again rested 
on the main body of Black llawk's army, 
bivouacked upon the banks of the Kish- 
wakee. It was a terrible and a glorious 
sight to see the tawny warriors as they 
rode along our flanks attempting to out- 
flank us, with the glittering moonbeams 
glistening from their polished blades and 
burning spears. It was a sight well calcu- 
lated to strike consternation in the stoutest 



and boldest heart; and, accordingly, < ur 
men soon began to break, in small squads, 
for tall timber. 

"In a very little time the rout became 
general, the Indiana were soon upon our 
flanks, and threatened the destiuction of 
our entire detachment. About this time 
Maj. Stillman, Col. Stephenson, Maj. Per- 
kins, Capt. Adams, Mr. Hackelton and my- 
self, with some others, threw ourselves into 
the rear to rally the fugitives and protect 
the retreat. But in a short time all my 
companions fell bravely fighting hand-to- 
hand with the savage euemy, and I alone 
was left upon the field of battle About 
this time I discovered not far to the left a 
corps of horsemen, which seemed to be in 
tolt rable order. I immediately deployed 
to the left, when, leaning down and placing 
my body in a recumbent posture upon the 
mane of my horse, so as to bring the heads 
of the horsemen between my eye and the 
horizon, I discovered, by the light of the 
moon, that they were gentlemen who did 
not wear hats, by which token I knew they 
were no friends of mine. I therefore made 
a retrograde movement, and recovered my 
position, where I remained some time, in 
thinking what further I could do for my 
country, when a random ball came whist- 
ling by my ear, and plainly whispered to 
me, 'Stranger, you have no further busi- 
ness here.' Upon hearing this, I followed 
the example of my companions-in-arms, 
and broke for tall timber, and the way I 
ran was not a little." 

For a long time afterward Maj. Stillman 
and his men were subjects of ridicule and 
merriment, which was as undeserving as 
their expedition was disastrous. Still- 
man's defeat spread consternation through- 



^fc 



2l 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



33 



out the State and nation. The number of 
Indians was greatly exaggerated, and the 
name of Black Hawk carried with it asso- 
ciations of great military talent, savage 
cunning and cruelty. 

A regiment sent to spy out the country 
between Galena and Rock Island, was sur- 
prised by a party of seventy Indians, and 
was on the point of being thrown into dis- 
order, when Gen. Whiteside, then serving 
as a private, shouted out that he would 
shoot the first man who turned his back on 
the enemy. Order being restored, the bat- 
tle began. At its very outset Gen. White- 
side shot the leader of the Indians, who 
thereupon commenced a hasty retreat. 

In June, 1832, Black Hawk, with a band 
of one hundred and fifty warriors, attacked 
the Apple River Port, near Galena, de- 
fended by twenty-five men. This fort, a 
mere palisade of logs, was erected to afford 
protection to the miners. For fifteen con- 
secutive hours the garrison had to sustain 
the assault of the savage enemy; but, 
knowing very well that no quarter would 
be given them, they fought with such fury 
and desperation that the Indians, after 
losing many of their warriors, were com- 
pelled to retreat. 

Another party of eleven Indians mur- 
dered two men near Fort Hamilton. They 
were afterward overtaken by a company 
of twenty men, and every one of them 
killed. 

A new regimert, nuder the command of 
Gen. Atkinson, assembled on the banks of 
the Illinois, in the latter part of June. 
Major Dement, with a small party, was 
sent out to reconnoiter the movements of 
a large body of Indians, whose endeavors 
to surround him made it advisable for him 



to retire. Upon hearing of this engage- 
ment, Gen Atkinson sent a detachment to 
intercept the Indians, while he with the 
main body of his army, moved north to 
meet the Indians under B'ack Hawk. 
They moved slowly and cautiously through 
the country, passed through Turtle Vil- 
lage, and marched up along R'>ck river. 
On their arrival news was brought of the 
disc ivery of the main trail of the Indians. 
Considerable search was made, but they 
were unable to discover any vestige of In- 
dians, save two, who had shot two soldiers 
the day previous. 

Hearing that Black Hawk was encamped 
on Roi-k River, at the Manitou village, 
they resolved at once to advance upon the 
enemy, but in the execution of their de- 
sign they met with opposition from their 
officers and men. The officers of Gen. 
Henry handed to him a written protest; 
but he, a man equal to any emergency, 
ordered the officers to be arrested and 
escorted to Gen. Atkinson. Within a few 
minutes after the stern order was given, 
the officers all collected around the Gen- 
eral's quarters, many of them with tears in 
their eyes, pledging themselves that if for- 
given they would return to duty and never 
do the like again. The General rescinded 
the order, and they at once resumed duty. 

THE BATTLE OP BAD-AXE. 

Gen. Henry marched, on the 15th of 
July, in pursuit of the Indians, reaching 
Rock river after three days' journey, where 
he learned Black Hawk was encamped 
further up the river. On July 19 the 
tro ips were ordered to commence their 
march. Alter having made 50 miles, they 



^ 



34 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



were overtaken by a terrible thunder 
storm, which lasted all night. Nothing 
c )oled, however, in their courage and zeal, 
they marched again 50 miles the next day, 
encamping near the place where the In- 
dians encamped the night before. Hurrying 
along as fast as they could, the infantry 
keeping up an equal pace with the mounted 
force, the troops, on the morning of the 
2 1 st, crossed the river connecting two of 
the four lakes, by which the Indians had 
been endeavoring to escape. They found, 
on their way, the ground strewn with ket- 
tles and articles of baggage, which, in the 
haste of retreat, the Indians were obliged 
to throw away. The troops, inspired with 
new ardor, advanced so rapidly that at 
noon they fell in with the rear guard of 
the Indians. Those who closely pursued 
them were saluted by a sudden fire of 
musketry from a body of Indians who had 
concealed them elves in the high grass of 
the prairie. A most desperate charge was 
made upon the Indians, who, unable to 
resist, retreated obliquely in order to out- 
flank the volunteers on the right; but the 
latter charged the Indians in their ambush 
and expelled them from their thickets at 
the point of the bayonet, and dispersed 
them. Night set in and the battle ended, 
having cost the Indians sixty-eight of their 
bravest men, while the loss of the Illinois- 
ans amounted to but one killed and eight 
wounded. 

Soon after this battle, Gens. Atkinson 
and Henry joined their forces and pursued 
the Indians. Gen. Henry struck the main 
trail, left his horses behind, formed an 
advance guard of eight men, and marched 
forward upon their trail. When these 
eight men came within sight of the river, 



they were suddenly fired upon, and five of 
them killed, the remaining three maintain- 
ing their ground till Gen. Henry came up. 
Then the Indians, charged upon with the 
bayonet, fell back upon their main force; 
the battle now became general; the In- 
dians fought with desperate valor, but 
were furiously assailed by the volunteers 
with their bayonets, cutting many of the 
Indians to pieces and driving the rest into 
the river. Those who escaped from being 
drowned found refuge on an island. On 
hearing the frequent discharge of mus- 
ketry, indicating a general engagement, 
Gen. Atkinson abandoned the pursuit of 
the twenty Indians under Black Hawk 
himself, and hurried to the scene of action, 
where he arrived too late to take part in 
the battle. He immediately forded the 
river with his troops, the water reaching 
up to their necks, and landed on the island 
where the Indians had secreted them- 
selves. The soldiers rushed upon the 
Indians, killed several of them, took the 
others prisoners, and chased the rest into the 
river, where they were either drowned or 
shot before reaching the opposite shore. 
Thus ended the battle, the Indians losing 
three hundred, besides fifty prisoners; the 
whites, but seventeen killed and twelve 
wounded. 

Black Hawk, with his twenty braves, 
retreated up the Wisconsin river. The 
Wiunebagos, desirous of securing the 
friendship of the whites, went in pursuit 
and captured and delivered them to Gen. 
Street, the United States Indian Agent. 
Among the prisoners were the son of 
Black Hawk and the prophet of the tribe. 
These, with Black Hawk, were taken to 






»17 



4, 

- 1 — »• 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



35 



Washington, D. C, and soon consigne 1 
as prisoners at Fortress Monroe. 

At the interview Black Hawk had with 
the President, he closed his speech deliv- 
ered on the occasion in the following 
words: "We did not expect to conquer 
the whites. They have too many houses, 
too many men. I took up the hatchet, for 
my part, to revenge injuries which my 
people could no longer endure. Had I 
borne them longer without striking, my 
people would have said: 'Black Hawk is a 
woman; he is too old to be a chief; he is 
no Sac' These reflections caused me to 
raise the war-whoop. I say no more. It 
is known to you. Keokuk once was here; 
you took him by the hand, and when he 
wished to return to his home, you were 
willing. Black Hawk expects, like Keo- 
kuk, he shall be permitted to return, too." 

By order of the President, Black Hawk 
and his companions, who were in confine- 
ment at Fortress Monroe, were set free on 
the 4th day of June, 1833. 

After their release from prison they 
were conducted in charge of Major Gar- 
land, through some of the principal cities, 
that they might witness the power of the 
United States and learn their own inability 
to cope with them in war. Great multi- 
tudes flocked to see them wherever they 
were taken, and the attention paid thera 
rendered their progress through the couu- 
try a triumphal procession, instead of the 
transportation of prisoners by an officer. 
At Rock Island the prisoners were given 
their liberty amid great and impressive 
ceremony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him 



a dwelling near Des Moines, this State, 
and furnished it after the manner of the 
whites, ai'd engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits and hunting and fishing. Here, with 
his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, 
he passeil the few remaining days of his 
life. To his credit, it may be said that 
Black Hawk remained true to his wife, 
and served her with a devotion uncommon 
among Indians, living with her upward of 
forty years. 

At all times when Black Hawk visited 
the whites he was received with marked 
attention. He was an honored guest at 
the old settlers' reunion in Lee county, 
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and 
received marked tokens of esteem. In 
September, 1838, while on his way to 
Rock Island to receive his annuity from 
the Government, he contracted a severe 
cold, which resulted in a severe attack of 
bilious fever, and terminated his life Oct. 
3. After his death he was dressed in the 
uniform presented to him by the President 
while in Washington. He was buried in a 
grave six feet in depth, situated upon a 
beautiful eminence. The body was placed 
in the middle of the grave, in a sitting 
position upon a seat constructed for the 
purpose. On his left side the cane given 
him by Henry Clay was placed upright, 
with his right hand resting upon it. His 
remains were afterwards stolen and car- 
ried away, but they were recovered by the 
Governor of Iowa, and placed in the 
museum of the Historical Society at Bur- 
lington, where they were finally destroyed 
by tire. 



*>\ ■ * • 



36 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



CHAPTER III. 



INDIAN TREATIES. 



As has already been stated, all Iowa was 
in actual possession of the Indians when 
purchased by the United States Govern- 
ment, and for purposes of settlement by 
the whites, could only be obtained by 
forcible ejectment or re-purchase from 
those inhabiting the country. This was 
effected in a series of treaties and pur- 
chases, of which a synopsis is given: 

The territory known as the "Black 
Hawk Purchase," although not the first 
p ition of Iowa ceded to the United States 
by the Sacs and Foxes, was the first opened 
to actual settlement by the tide of emi- 
gration which flowed across the Missis- 
sippi as soon as the Indian title was 
extinguished. The treaty which provided 
for this cession was made at a council held 
on the west bank of the Mississippi, where 
now stands the thriving city of Davenport, 
on ground now occupied by the Chicago, 
Rock Island & Pacific R. R. Co , Sept. 21, 
1832. This was just after the "Black 
Hawk War," and the defeated savages had 
retired from east of the Mississippi. At 
the council the Government was repre- 
sented by Gen. Winfield Scott and Gov. 
Reynolds, of Illinois. Keokuk, Pashapaho 
and some thirty other chiefs and warriors 
were present. By this treaty the Sacs and 
Foxes ceded to the United States a strip 
of land on the eastern border of Iowa, fifty 
miles wide, from the northern boundary of 



Missouri to the mouth of the Upper Iowa 
river, containing about 6,000,000 acres. 
The western line of the purchase was 
parallel with the Mississippi. In consider- 
ation of this cession, the United States 
Government stipulated to pay annually to 
the confederated tribes, for thirty con- 
secutive years, $20,000 in specie, and to 
pay the debts of the Indians at Rock 
Island, which had been accumulating for 
seventeen years, and amounted to $50,000, 
due to Davenport & Farnham, Indian 
traders. The Government also generously 
donated to the Sac and Fox women and 
children whose husbands and fathers had 
fallen in the Black Hawk War, 35 beef 
cattle, 12 bushels of salt, 30 barrels of 
pork, 50 barrels of flour, aud 6,000 bushels 
of corn. 

The treaty was ratified February 13, 
1833, and took effect on the 1st of June 
following, when the Indians quietly re- 
moved from the ceded territory, and this 
fertile and beautiful region was opened to 
white settlers. 

By terms of the treaty, out of the Black 
Hawk purchase was reserved for the Sacs 
and Foxes 400 square miles of land, sit- 
uated on the Iowa River, and including 
within its limits Keokuk village, on the 
right bank of that river. This tract was 
known as Keokuk's reserve, and was occu- 
pied by the Indians until 1836, when, by 



\k — j^ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



37 



a treaty made in September between them 
and Gov. Dodge, of Wisconsin Territory, 
it was ceded to the United States. The 
council was held on the banks of the Mis- 
sissippi, above Davenport, and was the 
largest assemblage of the kind ever held by 
the Sacs and Foxes to treat for the sale of 
lands. About one thousand of their chiefs 
and braves were present, and Keokuk was 
the leading spirit of the occasion, and 
their principal speaker. 

By the terms of this treaty, the Sacs 
and Foxes were removed to another reser- 
vation on the Des Moines river, where an 
agency was established at what is now the 
town of Agency City. The Government 
also gave out of the Black Hawk purchase 
to Antoine LeClare, interpreter, in fee 
simple, one section of land opposite Rock 
Island, and another at the head of the first 
rapids above the island on the Iowa side. 
This was the first land title granted by 
the United States to an individual in Iowa. 

Gen. Joseph M. Street established an 
agency among the Sacs and Foxes very 
soon after the removal of the latter to their 
new reservation. He was transferred from 
the agency of the Winnebagos for this 
purpose. A larm was selected, upon which 
the necessary buildings were erected, in- 
cluding a comfortable farm house for the 
agent and his family, at the expense of the 
Indian fund. A salaried agent was em- 
ployed to superintend the farm and dispose 
of the crops. Two mills were erected — 
one on Soap creek, and the other on Sugar 
creek. The latter was soon swept away 
by a flood, but the former remained and 
did good service for many years. 

Connected with the agency were Joseph 
Smart and John Goodell, interpreters. The 



latter was interpreter for Hard Fishes' 
band. Three of the Indian chiefs — Keo- 
kuk, Wapello and Appanoose — had each 
a large field improved, the two former on 
the right bank of the Des Moines, back 
from the river, in what is now " Keokuk's 
Prairie," and the latter on the present 
site of the city of Ottumwa. Among the 
traders connected with their agency were 
the Messrs. Ewing, from Ohio, and Phelps 
& Co , from Illinois, and also J. P. Eddy, 
who established his post at what is now 
the site of Eddyville. The Indians at this 
agency became idle and listless in the ab- 
sence of their natural and wonted excite- 
ments, and many of them plunged into 
dissipation. Keokuk himself became dis- 
sipated in the latter years of his life, and 
it has been reported that he died of de- 
lirium tremens after his removal with his 
tribe to Kansas. On May, 1S43, most of 
the Indians were removed up the Des 
Moines river, above the temporary line of 
Red Rock, having ceded the remnant of 
their lands in Iowa to the United States, 
Sept. 21, 1837, and Oct. 11, 1842. By the 
terms of the latter treaty, they held pos- 
session of the "New Purchase" till the 
autumn of 1845, when most of them were 
removed to their reservation in Kansas, 
the balance being removed in 1846. 

Before any permanent settlement was 
made in the Territory of Iowa, white ad- 
venturers, trappers and traders, many of 
whom were scattered along the Mississippi 
and its tributaries, as agents and employes 
of the American Fur Company, intermar- 
ried with the females of the Sac and Fox 
Indians, producing a race of half-breeds, 
whose number was never definitely ascer- 
tained. There were some respectable and 



jU 



r r 



-i i__ 



38 



III&TORY OF IOWA. 



excellent people among them, children of 
some refinement and education. For in- 
stance: Dr. Muir, a gentleman educated at 
Edinburg, Scotland, a Surgeon in the 
United States Army, stationed at a mili- 
tary post located on the present site of 
Warsaw, married an Indian woman, and 
reared his family of three daughters in the 
city of Keokuk. Other examples might 
be cited, but they are probably exceptions 
to the general rule, and the race is now 
nearly or quite extinct in Iowa. 

August 4, 1824, a treaty was made be- 
tween the United States and the Sacs and 
Foxes, by which that portion c.f Lee county 
was reserved to the half-breeds of those 
tribes, and which was afterward known as 
the " half-breed tract." This reservation 
is the triangular piece of land containing 
about 119,000 acres, lying between the 
Mississippi and the Des Moines rivers. It 
is bounded on the north by the prolonga- 
tion of the northern line of Missouri. This 
line was intended to be a straight one, run- 
ning due east, which would have caused it 
to strike the Mississippi river at or below 
Montrose; but the surveyor who run it took 
no notice of the change in the variation of 
the needle, as he proceeded eastward, and, 
in consequence, the line he run was bent, 
deviating more and more to the northward 
of a direct line as he approached the Mis- 
sissippi river, so that it struck that river at 
the lower edge of the town of Fort Madi- 
son. "This erroneous line," says Judge 
Mason, "has been acquiesced in as well in 
fixing the northern limit of the half-breed 
tract as in determining the northern 
boundary line of the State of Missouri." 
The line thus run included in the reserva- 
tion a portion of the lower part of the city 



of Fort Madison, and all of the present 
townships of Van Buren, Charleston, Jef- 
ferson, Des Moines, Montrose and Jackson. 

Under the treaty of 1824, the half-breeds 
had the right to occupy the soil, but could 
not convey it, the reversion being reserved 
to the United States. But January 30th, 
1843, by act of Congress, this reversionary 
right was relinquished, and the half-breeds 
acquired the Ian Is in fee simple. This no 
sooner done than a horde of speculators 
rushed in to buy land of the half-breed 
owners, and, in many instances, a gun, 
blanket, a pony or a few quarts of whisky 
was sufficient for the purchase of large 
estates. There was a deal of sharp prac- 
tice on both sides. Indians would often 
claim ownership of land by virtue of being 
half-breeds, and had no difficulty in prov- 
ing their mixed blood by the Indians, and 
they would cheat the speculators by selling 
land to which they had no rightful title. 
On the other hand, speculators often 
claimed land in which they had no owner- 
ship. It was diamond cut diamond, until 
at last things became badly mixed. There 
were no authorized surveys, and no boun 
dary lines to claim, and, as a natural 
result, numerous conflicts and quarrels 
ensued. 

January 16, 1838, Edward Johnstone, 
Thomas S. Wilson and David Brigham 
were appointed commissioners by the Wis- 
consin Legislature, clothed with power to 
settle their difficulties, and to decide up in 
the validity of claims, or sell them for the 
benefit of the real owners. The act pro- 
vided that these commissioners should be 
paid six dollars a day each. The commis- 
sion entered upon its duties, and continued 
until the next session of the Legislature, 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



39 



when the act creating it was repealed, in- 
validating all that had been done, and 
depriving the commissioners of their pay. 
The repealing act, however, authorized the 
commissioners to commence action against 
the owners of the half-breed tract, to re- 
ceive pay for their services in the District 
of Lee county. Two judgements were 
obtained, and on execution the whole tract 
was sold to Hugh T. Reid, the sheriff exe- 
cuting the deed. Mr. Reid sold portions 
of it to various parties; but his own title 
was questioned, and he became involved 
in litigation. Decisions in favor of Reid 
and those holding under him were made 
by both District and Supreme Courts; but 
in December, 1850, these decisions were 
finally reversed by the Supreme Court of 
the United States, in the case of Joseph 
Webster, plaintiff in error, vs. Hugh T. 
Reid, and judgement titles failed. 

About nine years before the judgement 
titles were finally abrogated as above, 
another class of titles were brought into 
competition with them, and, in the conflict 
between the two, the final decision was 
obtained. These were the titles based on 
the " decree of partition " issued by the 
United States District Court for the Ter- 
ritory of Iowa, May 8, 1841, and certified 
to by the clerk on the 2d day of June of 
the same year. Edward Johnstone and 
Hugh T. Reid, then law partners at Fort 
Madison, filed the petition for the decree 
in behalf of the St. Louis claimants of 
half-breed lands. Francis S. Key, author 
of the Star-Spangled Banner, who was 
then attorney for the New York Land 
Company, which held heavy interests in 
these lands, took a leading part in the 
measure, and drew up the documents in 



which it was presented to the court. 
Judge Charles Mason, of Burlington, pre- 
sided. The plan of partition divided the 
the tract into 101 shares, and arranged that 
each claimant should draw his proportion 
by lot, and should abide the result, what- 
ever it might be. The arrangement was 
entered into, the lots drawn, and the jilat 
of the same filed in the Recorder's office, 
October 6, 1S41. Upon this basis the titles 
to the land in the Half-Breed Tract are 
now held. 

We subjoin a synopsis of the different 
treaties made with the Indians of Iowa: 

1. Treaty with the Sioux. — Made July 
15,1815; ratified December 16, 1815, This 
treaty was made at Portage des Sioux of 
Minnesota and Upper Iowa, and the United 
States, by William Clark and Ninian Ed- 
wards, Commissioners, and was merely a 
treatise of peace and friendship on the 
part of these Indians toward the United 
States at the close of the war of 1812. 

2. Treaty with the Sacs. — A similar 
treaty of peace was made at Portage des 
Sioux, between the United States and the 
Sacs, by William Clark, Ninian Edwards 
and Auguste Choteau, on the 13th of Sep- 
tember, 1815, and ratified at the same date 
as the above. In this the treaty of 1804 
was re-affirmed, and the Sacs here repre- 
sented promised for themselves and their 
bands to keep entirely separate from the 
Sacs of Rock river, who, under Black 
Hawk, had joined the British in the war 
just then closed. 

3. Treaty with the Foxes. — A separate 
treaty of peace was made with the Foxes 
at Portage des Sioux, by the same commis- 
sioners, on the 14th of September, 1815, 
and ratified the same as the above, wherein 



nv 



40 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



the Foxes re-affirmed the treaty of St. Louis, 
of November 3d, 1804, and agreed to de- 
liver up ali their prisoners to the officer in 
command at Fort Clark, now Peoria, Illi- 
nois. 

4. Treaty with the lotcas. — A treaty of 
peace and mutual good-will was made 
between the United States and the Iowa 
tribe of Indiana, at Portage des Sioux, by 
the same commissioners as above, on the 
lGth of September, 1815, at the close of the 
war with Great Britain, and ratified at the 
same date as the others. 

5. Treaty with the Sacs of Hock 
River. — Made at St. Louis, on the 13th of 
May, 1810, between the United States and 
the Sacs of Rock river, by the Commis- 
sioners, Willian Clark, Ninian Edwards 
and Augu-,te Choteau, and ratified Dec. 30, 
1816. In this treaty that of 1804 was re- 
established and enforced by the chiefs and 
head men of the Sacs of Rock river, and 
Black Hawk himself attached to it his sig- 
nature, or, as he said, "touched the goose- 
quill." 

6. Treaty of 1824.— On the 4th of 
August, 1824, a treaty was made between 
the United States and the Sacs and Foxes, in 
the city of Washington, by William Clark, 
Commissioner, wherein the Sac and Fox 
nations relinquished their title to all lands 
in Missouri, and that portion of the south- 
east corner of Iowa known as the "half- 
breed tract" was set off and reserved for 
the use of the half breeds of the Sacs and 
Foxes, they holding title in the same man- 
ner as Indians. Ratified Jan. 18, 1825. 

7. Treaty of August 19, 1825.— At this 
date a treaty was made by Willi ira ' lark 
and Lewis Cass, at Prairie du Chien, be- 



tween the United States and the Chippe- 
was, Sacs and Foxes, Menominees, Winne- 
bagos, and a portion of the Ottawas and 
Pottawatomies. In this treaty, in order 
make peace between the contending tribes 
as to the limits of their respective hunting 
grounds in Iowa, it was agreed that the 
United States Government should run a 
boundary line between the Sioux, on the 
north, and the Sacs and Foxes on the south, 
as follows: 

Commencing at the mouth of the Upper 
Iowa river, on the west bank of the Mis- 
sissippi, and ascending said Iowa river to 
its west fork; thence up the fork to its 
source; thence crossing the fork of Red 
Cedar river in a direct line to the lower 
fork of the Calumet river, and down that 
fork to its junction with the Missouri river. 

8. Treaty of 1830.— On the loth of 
July, 1830, the confederate tribes of the 
Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States 
a strip of country lying south of the above 
line, twenty miles in width, and extending 
along the line aforesaid from the Missis- 
sippi to the Des Moines river. The Sioux 
also, whose possessions were north of the 
line, ceded to the Government, in the same 
treaty, a strip on the north side of the 
boundary. Thus the United States, at the 
ratification of this treaty, February 24, 
1831, came into possession of a portion of 
Iowa forty miles wide, extending along 
the Clarke and Cass line of 1825, from the 
Mississippi to the Des Moines river. This 
territory was then known as the "Neutr.il 
Ground," and the tribes on either side of 
the line were allowed to fish and hunt on 
it unmolested until it was made a Winne- 
bago reservation, and the Winnebagos 
were removed to it in 1841. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



41 



9. Treaty with the Sacs and Foxes and 
other tribes. — At the same time of the 
above treaty respecting the "Neutral 
Ground" (July 15, 1830), the Sacs and 
Foxes, Western Sioux, Omahas, Iowas and 
Missouris ceded to the United States a por- 
tion of the western slope of Iowa, the 
boundaries of which were defined as fol- 
lows: Beginning at the upper fork of the 
Des Moines river, and passing the sources 
of the Little Sioux and Floyd rivers, to the 
bank of the first creek that falls into ihe 
Big Sioux, or Calumet, on the east side; 
thence down said creek and the Calumet 
river to the Missouri river; thence down 
said Missouri river to the Missouri State 
line above the Kansas; thence along said 
line to the northwest corner of said State; 
thence to the high lands between the 
waters falling into the Missouri and Des 
Moines, passing to said high lands along 
the dividing ridge between the forks of 
the Grand river; thence along said high 
lands or ridge separating the waters of the 
Missouri from those of the Des Moines, to 
a point opposite the source of the Boyer 
river, and thence in a direct line to the 
upper fork of the Des Moines, the place of 
beginning 

It was understood that the lands ceded 
and relinquished by this treaty were to be 
assigned and allotted, under the direction 
of the President of the United States, to 
the tribes then living thereon, or to such 
other tribes as the President might locate 
thereon for hunting and other purposes. 
In consideration of three tracts of land 
ceded in this treaty, the United States 
agreed to pay to the Sacs $3,000; to the 
Foxes, $3,000; to the Sioux, $2,000; to the 
Yankton and Santee bands of Sioux, $3,000; 



to the Omahas, $1,500; and to the Ottoes 
and Missouris, $2,500— to be paid annually 
for ten successive years. In addition to 
these annuities, the Government agreed to 
furnish some of the tribes with b'ack- 
smiths and agricultural implements to the 
amount of $200, at the expense of the 
United States, and to set apart $3,000 an- 
nually for the education of the children of 
these tribes. It does not appear that any 
fort was erected in this territory prior to 
the erection of Fort Atkinson on the Neu- 
tral Ground in 184u-'41. 

This treaty was made by William Clark, 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and Col. 
Willoughby Morgan, of the United States 
First Infantry, and came into effect by 
proclamation, February 24, 1831. 

10. Treaty with the Winnebagos. — 
Made at Fort Armstrong, Rock Island, 
September 15th, 1832, by General Winfie d 
Scott and Hon. John R ynolds, Governor 
of Illinois In this treaty the Winne- 
bagos ceded to the United States all their ' 
land lying on the east side of the Missis- 
sippi, and in part consideration therefor 
the United States granted to the Winne- 
bagos, to be held as other Indian lands 
are held, that portion of Iowa known as 
the Neutral Grounds. The exchange of 
the two tracts of country was to take place 
on or before the 1st day of June, 1833. In 
addition to the Neutral Grounds, it was 
stipulated that the United States should 
give the Winnebagos, beginning in Sep- 
tember, 1833, and continuing for twenty- 
seven successive years, $10,000 in specie, 
and establish a school among them with a 
farm and garden, and provide other facili- 
ties for the education of their chi dren, not 
to exceed in cost $3,000 a year, and to con- 



f 



TV 



42 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



tinue the same twenty-seven successive 
years. Six agriculturists, twelve yoke of 
oxen, and plows and other farming tools 
were to be supplied by the Government. 

11. Treaty o/1832 with the Sacs and 
Foxes. — Already mentioned as the Black 
Hawk purchase. 

12. Treaty of 1836 with the Sacs and 
Foxes. — Ceding Keokuk's reserve to the 
United States, for which the Government 
stipulated to pay $30,000, and an annuity 
of $10,000 for ten successive years, to- 
gether with other sums and debts of the 
Indians to various parties. 

13. Treaty of 183V.— On the 21st of 

October, 1837, a treaty was made at the 
city of Washington, between Carey A. 
Harris, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
and the confederate tribes of Sacs and 
Foxes, ratified February 21, 1838, wherein 
another slice of the soil of Iowa was ob- 
tained, described in the treaty as follows: 

"A tract of country containing 1,250,000 
acres, lying west and adjoining the tract 
conveyed by them to the United States in 
the treaty of September 21, 1832. It is 
understood that the points of termination 
for the present cession shall be the north- 
ern and southern points of tract as fixed 
by the survey made under the authority of 
the United States, and that a line shall be 
drawn between them so as to intersect a 
line extended westwardly from the angle 
of said tract nearly opposite to Rock Island, 
as laid down in the above survey, so far as 
may be necessary to include the number of 
acres hereby ceded, which last mentioned 



line, it is estimated, will be about twenty- 
five miles." 

This piece of land was about twenty-five 
miles in the middle, and ran off to a poitit 
at both ends, lying directly back to the 
Black Hawk purchase, and of the same 
length. 

14. Treaty of Relinquishment. — At the 
same date as the above treaty, in the city 
of Washington, Carey A. Harris, Commis- 
sioner, the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the 
United States all their right and interest 
in the country lying south of the boundary 
line between the Sacs, Foxes and Sioux, as 
described in the treaty of August 19, 1825, 
and between the Missouri and Mississippi 
rivers, the United Slates paying fur the 
same $160,000. The Indians also gave up 
all claims and interests under the treaties 
previously made with them, for the satis- 
faction of which no appropriations had 
been made. 

15. Treati/ of 1842.— The last tr aty 
was made with the Sacs and Foxes October 
11, 1842; ratified March 23, 1843. It was 
made at the Sac and Fox agency (Agency 
City), by John Chambers, Commissioner 
on behalf of the United States. In this 
treaty the Sac and Fox Indians ceded to 
the United States all their lands west of 
the Mississippi to which they had any 
claim or title By the terms of this treaty 
they were to be removed from the country 
at the expiration of three years, and all 
who remained after that were to move at 
their own expense. Part of them were 
removed to Kansas in the fall of 1845, and 
the rest the spring following. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



43 



CHAPTER IV. 



EAELY SETTLEMENTS. 



The first permanent settlement made by 
whites within the limits of Iowa, was by 
Julien Dubuque, in 1788, when, with a small 
party of miners, he settled on the site of 
the city that now bears his name, where he 
lived until his death, in 1810. What was 
known as the Girard settlement, in Clayton 
county, was made by some parties prior to 
the commencement of the present century. 
It consisted of three cabins, in 1805. Louis 
Honori settled on the site of the present 
town of Montrose, probably in 1799, and 
resided thereuntil 1805, when his property 
passed into other hands. Indian traders 
had established themselves at various points 
at an early date. Mr. Johnson, an agent 
of the American Fur Company, had a 
trading post below Burlington, where he 
carried on traffic with the Indians some- 
time before the United States purchased 
Louisiana. In 1820, LeMoliese, a French 
trader, had a station at what is now San- 
dusky, six miles above Keokuk, in Lee 
county. The same year, a cabin was built 
where the city of Keokuk now stands, by 
Ur. Samuel C. Muir, a surgeon in the 
United States Army. His marriage and 
subsequent life were very romantic. While 
stationed at a military post on the Upper 
Mississippi, the post was visited by a beau- 
tiful Indian maiden — whose native name, 
unfortunately, has not been preserved — 
who, in her dreams, had seen a white brave 



unmoor his canoe, paddle it across the 
river, and come directly to her lodge. She 
felt assured, according to the superstitious 
belief of her race, that in her dreams she 
had seen her future husband, and had come 
to the fort to find him. Meeting Dr. Muir, 
she instantly recognized him as the hero of 
her dream, which, with childlike innocence 
and simplicity, she related to him. Her 
dream was indeed prophetic. Charmed 
with Sophia's beauty, innocence and devo- 
tion, the doctor honorably married her; but 
after awhile the sneers and gibes of his 
brother officers — less honorable than he, 
perhaps — made him feel ashamed of his 
dark-skinned wife, and when his regiment 
was ordered down the river to Bellefon- 
taine, it is said he embraced the opportu- 
nity to rid himself of her, never expecting 
to see her again, and little dreaming that 
she would have the courage to follow him. 
But, with her infant child, this intrepid 
wife and mother started alone in her canoe, 
and after many days of weary labor and a 
lonely journey of 900 miles, she at last 
reached him. She afterward remarked, 
when speaking of this toilsome journey 
down the river in search of her husband: 
"When I got there I was all perished 
away — so thin !" The doctor, touched by 
such unexampled devotion, took her to his 
heart, and ever after, until his death, treat- 
ed her with marked respect. She always 



^[ g I 



44 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



presided at his table with grace and dig- 
nity, but nrver abandoned her native style 
of dress. In 181 9-'20 be was stationed at 
Fort Edward, now Warsaw, but the sense- 
less ridicule of some of his brother officers 
on account of his Indian wife induced him 
to resign his commission. He then built 
a cabin, as above stated, where Keokuk is 
now situat'ed, and made a claim to some 
land. This claim he leased to Otis Rey- 
nolds and John Culver, of St. Louis, and 
went to La Pointe (afterward Galena), 
where he practiced his profession for ten 
years, when he returned to Keokuk. His 
Indian wife bore to him four children — 
Louise, James, Mary and Sophia. Dr. 
Muir died suddenly of cholera, in 1832, 
but left his property in such a condition 
that it was soon wasted in vexatious liti- 
gation, and his brave and faithful wife, left 
friendless and penniless, became discour- 
aged, and, with her two younger children, 
disappeared. It is said she returned to her 
people, on the Upper Missouri. 

The gentleman who had leased Dr. 
Muir's claim at Keokuk, subsequently em- 
ployed as their agent Moses Stillwell, who 
arrived with his family in 1828, and took 
possession. His brothers-in-law, Amos and 
Valencourt Van Ansdal, came with him 
and settled near. Mr. Stillwell's daughter 
Margaret (afterward Mrs. Ford), was born 
in 1831 at the foot of the rapids, called by 
the Indians Puckashetuck. She was prob- 
ably the first white American child born 
in Iowa. 

In 1829 Dr. Isaac Gallaud made a set- 
tlement on the Lower Rapids, at what is 
now Nashville. The same year James S. 
Langworthy, who had been engaged in 
lead mining at Galena since 1824, resolved 



to visit the Dubuque mines The lead 
mines in the Dubuque region were an 
object of great interest to the miners about 
Galena, for they were known to be rich in 
lead ore. To explore these mines, and to 
obtain permission to work them was there- 
fore eminently desirable. Crossing the 
Mississippi at a point now known as Dun- 
leith, in a canoe, and swimming his horse 
by his side, he landed on the spot known 
as the Jones Street Levee. Before him 
was spread out a beautiful prairie, on 
which the city of Dubuque now stands. 
Two miles south, at the mouth of Catfish 
creek, was a village of Sacs and Foxes. 
Thither Mr, Langworthy proceeded, and 
was well received by the natives. He 
endeavored to obtain permission from 
them to mine in their hills; but this they 
refused. He, however, succeeded in gain- 
ing the confidence of the chief to such an 
extent as to be allowed to travel in the 
interior for three weeks, and explore the 
country. He employed two young Indians 
as guides, and traversed in different direc- 
tions the whole region lying between the 
Maquoketa and Turkey rivers. He re- 
turned to the village, secured the good will 
of the Indians, and, returning to Galena, 
formed plans for future operations, to be 
executed as soon as the circumstances 
would permit. In the following year, with 
his brother, Lucius H, and others, having 
obtained the consent of the Indiaus, Mr. 
Langworthy crossed the Mississippi and 
commenced mining in the vicinity around 
Dubuque. 

Although these lands had been pur- 
chased from France, they were not in the 
actual posession of the United States. 
The Indian titles had not been ex- 



t9 



** 



<2 i^. 



!?■ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



45 



~?u 



tinguished, and these adventurous persons 
were beyond the limits of any State or 
Territorial government. The first settlers 
were therefore obliged to be their own 
law-makers, and to agree to such regula- 
tions as the exegencies of the case de- 
manded. The first act resembling civil 
legislation in Iowa was done by the miners 
at this point, in June, 1830. They met on 
the bank of the river, by the side of an old 
cottonwood drift log, at what is now the 
Jones Street Leevee, Dubuque, and elected 
a committee, consisting of J. C. Lang- 
worthy, H. F. Lander, James McPhetres, 
Samuel Scales and E. M. Wren. This may 
be called the first Legislature in Iowa, the 
• members of which gathered around that 
old cottonwood log, and agreed to and re- 
ported the following, written by Mr. Lang- 
worthy, on a half sheet of coarse, unruled 
paper, the old log being the writing desk: 

"We, a committee, having been chosen 
to draft certain rules and regulations 
(laws), by which we, as miners, will be 
governed, and, having duly considered the 
subject, do unanimously agree that we will 
be governed by the regulations on the east 
side of the Mississippi river, with the fol- 
lowing exceptions, to-wit: 

Article I. That each and every man 
shall hold two hundred yards square of 
ground by working said ground one day 
in six." 

"Article II. We further agree that 
there shall be chosen by the majority of 
the miners present, a person who shall hold 
this article, and who shall grant letters of 
arbitration on application having been 
made, and that said letters of arbitration 
shall be obligatory on the parties so apply- 



The report was accepted by the miners 
present, who elected Dr Jarote in accord- 
ance with article second. Here, then, we 
have, in 1830, a primitive Legislature 
elected by the people, the law drafted by 
it being submitted to the people for ap- 
proval, and under it Dr. Jarote was elected 
first Governor. And the laws thus enacted 
were as promptly obeyed as any have been 
since. 

After this, the miners, who had thus 
erected an independent government of 
their own on the west side of the Missis- 
sippi river, continued to work successfully 
for a long time, and the new settlement 
attracted considerable attention. But the 
west side of the Mississippi belonged to 
the Sac and Fox Indians, and the Govern- 
ment, in order to preserve peace on the 
frontier, as well as to protect the Indians 
in their rights under the treaty, ordered 
the settlers not only to stop mining, but to 
remove from the Indian Territory. They 
were simply intruders. The execution of 
this order was intrusted to Col. Zachary 
Taylor, then in command of the military 
post at Prairie du Chien, who, early in 
July, sent an officer to the miners to forbid 
settlement, and to command the miners to 
remove, within ten days, to the east side 
of the Mississippi, or they would be driven 
off by armed force. The miners, how- 
ever, were reluctant about leaving the rich 
"leads" they had already discovered and 
opened, and were not disposed to obey the 
order to remove with any considerable 
degree of alacrity. 

In due time Colonel Taylor dispatched 
a detachment of troops to enforce his 
order. The miners, anticipating their 
arrival, had, excepting three, recrossed the 




•y 



<2 k^ 



46 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



river, and from the eaat bank saw the 
troops land on the western shore. The 
three who had lingered a little too loDg 
were, however, permitted to make their 
escape unmolested. From this time a mil- 
itary force was stationed at Dubuque to 
prevent the settlers from returning, until 
June, 1832. The Indians returned, and 
were encouraged to operate the rich mines 
opened by the late white occupants. 

In June, 1832, the troops were ordered 
to the east side of the Mississippi to assist 
in the annihilation of the very Indians 
whose rights they had been protecting on 
the west side. Immediately after the close 
of the Black Hawk war, and the negotia- 
tions of the treaty in September, 1832, by 
which the Sacs and Foxes ceded the tract 
known as the "Black Hawk Purchase," the 
settlers, supposing that now they had a 
right to re-enter the territory, returned and 
took possession of their claims, built cab- 
ins, erected furnaces and prepared large 
quantities of lead for market. But the 
prospects of the hardy and enterprising 
settlers and miners were again ruthlessly 
interferred with by the Government, on 
the ground that the treaty with the Indians 
would not go into force until June 1st, 
1833, although they had withdrawn from 
the vicinity of the settlement. Col. Taylor 
was again ordered by the War Department 
to remove the miners, and, in January, 
1833, troops were again sent from Prairie 
du Chien to Dubuque, for that purpose. 
This was a serious and perhaps unneces- 
sary hardship imposed upon the miners. 
They were compelled to abandon their 
cabins and homes in mid-winter. This, 
too, was only out of respect for forms, for 
the purchase had been made, and the In- 



dians had retired. After the lapse of fifty 
years, no very satisfactory reason for this 
rigorous action of the Government can be 
given. Hut the orders had been given, 
and there was no alternative but to obey. 
Many of the settlers re-crossed the river, 
and did not return; a few, however, re- 
moved to an island near the east bank of 
the river, built rude cabins of poles, in 
which to store their lead until spring, when 
they could float the fruits of their labors 
to St. Louis for sale, and where they could 
remain until the treaty went into force, 
when they could return. Among these 
were the Langworthy brothers, who had 
on hand about 300,000 pounds of lead. 

No sooner had the miners left than Lieu- 
tenant Covington, who had been placed in 
command at Dubuque, by Colonel Taylor, 
ordered some of the cabins of the settlers 
to be torn down, and wagons and other 
property to be destroyed. This wanton 
and inexcusable action on the part of a 
subordinate, clothed with a little brief 
authority, was sternly rebuked by Col. 
Taylor, and Covington was superseded by 
Lieut. George Wilson, who pursued a just 
and friendly course with the p oneers, who 
were only waiting for the time when they 
could repossess their claims. 

The treaty went formally into effitct 
June, 1833; the troops were withdrawn, 
and the Langworthy brothers and a few 
others at once returned and resumed pos- 
session of their homes and claims. From 
this time must date the first permanent set- 
tlement of this portion of Iowa. Mr. John 
P. Sheldon was appointed superintendent 
of the mines, by the Government, and a 
system of permits to miners and licenses 
to smelters was adopted, similar to that 









4* 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



47 



which had been in operation at Galena 
since 1825, under Lieut. Martin Thomas 
and Capt. Thomas C. Legate. Substan- 
tially the primitive law enacted by the 
miners assembled around that old cotton- 
wood drift log in 1830, was adopted and 
enforced by the United States Govern- 
ment, except that miners were required to 
sell their mineral to licensed smelters, and 
the smelter was required to give bonds for 
the payment of six per cent, of all lead 
manufactured, to the Government. 

The rule in the United States mines, 
on Fever river, in Illinois, had been, 
until 1830, that the miners must pay a ten 
per cent. tax. This tax upon the miners 
created much dissatisfaction among the 
miners on the west side, as it had on the 
east side of the Mississippi. They thought 
they had suffered hardships and privations 
enough in opening the way for civilization, 
without being subjected to the imposition 
of an odious Government tax upon their 
means of subsistence, when the Federal 
Government could better afford to aid than 
to extort from them. The measure soon 
became very unpopular. It was difficult 
to collect the taxes, and the whole system 
was abolished in about ten years. 

About five hundred people arrived in 
the mining district in 1833, after the In- 
dian title was fully extinguished, of whom 
one hundred and fifty were from Galena. 
In the same year Mr. Langworthy assisted 
in building the first school-house in Iowa, 
and thus was formed the nucleus of the 
populous and thriving city of Dubuque. Mr. 
Langworthy lived to see the naked prairie 
on which he first settled become the site 
of a city of 15,000 inhabitants; the 
small school-house which he aided in con- 



structing replaced by three substantial ed- 
ifices, wherein 2,000 children were being 
trained; churches erected in every part of 
the city, and railroads connecting the wil- 
derness, which he first explored, with all 
the eastern world. He died suddenly, on 
the 13th of March, 1865, while on a trip 
over the Dubuque & Southern railroad, at 
Monticello, and the evening train brought 
the news of his death, and his remains. 

Lucius H. Langworthy, his brother, was 
one of the most worthy, gifted and influ- 
ential of the old settlers of this section of 
Iowa. He died greatly lamented by many 
friends, in June, 1865. 

The name "Dubuque" was given to the 
settlement by the miners, at a meeting held 
in 1834. 

Soon after the close of the Black Hawk 
war, in 1832, Zachariah Hawkins, Benja- 
min Jennings, Aaron White, Augustine 
Horton, Samuel Gooch, Daniel Thompson 
and Peter Williams made claims at Fort 
Madison. In 1833, Gen. John H Knapp 
and Col. Nathaniel Knapp purchased these 
claims, and, in the summer of 1835, they 
laid out the town of "Fort Madison," and 
lots were exposed for sale early in 1836. 
The town was subsequently re-surveyed 
and platted by the United States Govern- 
ment. The population rapidly increased, 
and in less than two years the beautiful 
location was covered by a flourishing town 
containing nearly 600 inhabitants, with a 
large proportion of enterprising merchants, 
mechanics and manufacturers. 

In the fall of 1832, Simpson S. White 
erected a cabin on the site of Burlington, 
79 miles below Rock Island. During the 
war, parties had looked longingly upon the 
"Flint Hills" from the opposite side of the 



43 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



river, and White was soon followed by 
others. David Tothers made a claim on 
the prairie, about three miles back from 
the river, at a place since known as the 
farm of Judge Morgan. The following 
winter the settlers were driven off by the 
military from Rock Island, as intruders 
upon the rights of the Indians. White's 
cabin was burned by the soldiers. He 
returned to Illinois, where he remained 
during the winter, and, in the following 
summer, as soon as the Indian title was 
extinguished, returned and re-built his 
cabin. White was joined by his brother- 
in-law, Doolittle, and they laid out the 
town of Burlington in 1834, on a beautiful 
area of sloping eminences and gentle de- 
clevities, enclosed within a natural amphi- 
theater formed by the surrounding hills, 
which were covered with luxuriant forests, 
and presented the most picturesque scenery. 
The same autumn witnessed the opening 
of the first dry goods stores, by Dr. W. R. 
Boss and Major Jeremiah Smith, each well 
supplied with Western merchandise. Such 
was the beginning of Burlington, which, 
in less than four years, became the seat of 
.government for the territory of Wisconsin, 
and, in three years more, contained a pop- 
ulation of 1,400 persons. 

Immediately after the treaty with the 
Sacs and Foxes, in September, 1832, Col. 
George Davenport made the first claim on 
the site of the present thriving city of 
Davenport. As early as 1827, Col. Daven- 
port had established a flat-boat ferry, which 
ran between the island and the main shore 
of Iowa, by which he carried on a trade 
with the Indians west of the Mississippi. 

In 1833 Capt. Benjamin W. Clark moved 
from Illinois, and laid the foundation of 



the town of Buffalo, in Scott county, which 
was the first actual settlement within the 
limits of that county. 

The first settlers of Davenport were 
Antoine LeClaire, Col. George Davenport, 
Major Thomas Smith, Major Wm. Gordon, 
Philip Hambough, Alex. W. McGregor, 
Levi S. Colton, Captain James May, and 
others. 

A settlement was made in Clayton county 
in the spring of 1832, on Turkey river, by 
Robert Hatfield and Wm. W. Wayman. 
No further settlement was made in this 
part of the State until 1836. 

The first settlers of Muscatine county 
were Benjamin Nye, John Vanater and G. 
W. Kasey, all of whom came in 1834. E. 
E. Fay, Wm. St. John, N. Fullington, II. 
Reece, JonaPettibone, R.P.Lowe, Stephen 
Whicher, Abijah Whitney, J. E. Fletcher, 
W. D. Abernethy and Alexis Smith were 
also early settlers of Muscatine. 

As early as 1824 a French trader named 
Hart had established a trading post, and 
built a cabin on the bluffs above the large 
spring now known as "Mynster Spring," 
within the limits of the present city of 
Council Bluffs, and had probably been 
there some time, as the post was known to 
the employes of the American Fur Com- 
pany as "La Cote de Hart," or "Hart's 
Bluff." 

In 18 27 an agent of the American Fur 
Company, Francis Guitar, with others, en- 
camped in the timber at the foot of the 
bluffs, about on the present location of 
Broadway, and afterward settled there. 
In 1839 a block house was built on the 
bluff in the east part of the city. The 
Pottawatomie Indians occupied this part 
of the State until 1846 7, when they re- 



^J 



« »»_ 



•feu 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



49 



Iinquished the territory and removed to 
Kansas. Billy Caldwell was then princi- 
pal chief. There were no white settlers in 
that part of the State except Indian traders, 
until the arrival of the Mormons under the 
lead of Brigbam Young. These people, 
on their way westward, halted for the win- 
ter of 1846-7 on the west bank of the Mis- 
souri river, about five miles above Omaha, 
at a place now called Florence. Some of 
them had reached the eastern bank of the 
river the spring before, in season to plant 
a crop. In the spring of 1847 Young and 
a portion of the colony pursued their jour- 
ney to Salt Lake, but a large portion of 
them returned to the Iowa side and settled 
mainly within the present limits of Potta- 
watomie county. The principal settlement 
of this strange community was at a place 
first called ''Miller's Hollow," on Indian 
creek, and afterward named Kanesville, in 
honor of Col. Kane, of Pennsylvania, who 
visited them soon afterward. The Mor- 
mon settlement extended over the county 
and into neighboring counties, wherever 
timber and water furnished desirable loca- 
tions. Orson Hyde, priest, lawyer and 
editor, was installed as President of the 
Quorum of Twelve, and all that part of the 
State lemained under Mormon control for 
several years. In 1847 they raised a bat- 
talion, numbering 500 men, for the Mexi- 
can war. In 1848 Hyde started a paper, 
called the Frontier Guardian, at Kanes- 
ville. 



In 1849, after many of the faithful had 
left to join Brigham Young, at Salt Lake, 
the Mormons in this section of Iowa num- 
bered 0,552, and, in 1850, 7,828, but they 
were not all within the limits of Pottawat- 
omie county. This couuty was organized 
in 1848, all the first officials being Mor- 
mons. In 1852 the order was promulgated 
that all the true believers should gather 
together at Salt Lake. Genti'es flocked 
in, and in a few years nearly all the first 
settlers were gone. 

May 9, 1 843, Capt. James Allen, with a 
small detachment of troops, on board the 
steamer "lone," arrived at the present site 
of the capital of the State, DesMoines. 
This was the first steamer to ascend the 
DesMoines river to this point. 1 he troops 
and stores were landed at what is now the 
foot of Court Avenue, DesMoines, and 
Capt. Allen returned in the steamer to 
Fort Sanford, to arrange for bringing up 
more soldiers and supplies. In due time 
they, too, arrived, and a fort was built 
near the mouth of Raccoon Fork, at its 
conlluence with the DesMoines, and named 
Fort DesMoines. Soon after the arrival of 
the troops, a trading post was established 
on the east side of the river, by two noted 
Indian traders, named Ewing, from Ohio. 
Among the first settlers in this part of 
Iowa were Benjamin Bryant, J. B. Scott, 
James Drake (gunsmith), John Sturtevant, 
Robert Kinzie, Alexander Turner, Peter 
Newcomer, and others. 



T 



^T 



M*-= 



50 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



CHAPTER V. 



TERRITORIAL AND STATE ORGANIZATIONS. 



The immigration to Iowa after the Black 
Hawk purchase was so rapid and steady- 
that some provision for civil government 
became necessary. Accordingly, in 1834, 
all the territory comprising the present 
States of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota 
was made subject to the jurisdiction of 
Michigan Territory. Up to this time there 
had been no county or other organization 
in what is now the State of Iowa, although 
one or two justices of the peace had been 
appointed, and a postoftice was established 
at Dubuque in 1833. In September of 
1834, therefore, the Territorial Legislature 
of Michigan created two counties on the 
west side of the Mississippi river — Du- 
buque and DesMoines — separated by a line 
drawn westward from the foot of Rock 
Island. These counties were partially or- 
ganized. John King was appointed Chief 
Justice of Dubuque county, and Isaac Lef- 
fler (of Burlington) of DesMoines county. 
Two associate justices, in each county, 
were appointed by the Governor. 

In October, 1835, Gen. George W. Jones, 
now a citizen of Dubuque, was elected a 
delegate to Congress. April 20, 1830, 
through the efforts of Gen. Jones, Con- 
gress passed a bill creating the Territory 
of Wisconsin, which went into operation 
July 4, of the same year. Iowa was then 
included in the Territory of Wisconsin, of 
which Gen. Henry Dodge was appointed 



Governor; John S. Horner, Secretary; 
Charles Dunn, Chief Justice; David Irwin 
and William C. Frazer, Associate Justices. 

Sept. 9, 1836, Governor Dodge ordered 
a census of the new Territory to be taken. 
This census showed a population of 10,531, 
of which DesMoines county contained 
6,257, and Dubuque 4,274. Under the 
apportionment, the two above named 
counties were entitled to six members 
of the Council and thirteen of the House 
of Representatives. The Governor issued 
his proclamation for an election to be held 
on the first Monday of October, 1836, on 
which day the following members of the 
first Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin 
were elected from the two counties in the 
Black Hawk purchase : 

Dubuque — Council: John Fally, Thos. 
McKnight, Thos. McCraney. House: Lor- 
ing Wheeler, Iialdin Whelan, Peter Hill 
Engl e, Patrick Quigly , Hosea F. Camp. 

DesMoines — Council: Jeremiah Smith, 
Jr., Joseph B. Teas, Arthur B. Ingram. 
House: Isaac Lefiier, Thos. Blair, Warren 
L. Jenkins, John Box, George W. Teas, 
Eli Reynolds, David R Chance. 

The Legislature assembled at Belmont, 
in the present State of Wisconsin, October 
25th, 1836, and organized by electing Henry 
Baird President of the Council, and Peter 
Hill Engle (of Dubuque) Speaker of the 
House. 



- ± _ 4? 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



51 



At this session the county of DesMoines 
was divided into DesMoines, Lee, VanBu- 
ren, Henry, Muscatine and Cook. This 
last is now called Scott county. The first 
Legislature adjourned December 9th, 1836. 

The second Legislature assembled at 
Burlington, November 9, 1837. It divided 
Dubuque into the counties of Dubuque, 
Clayton, Fayette, Delaware, Buchanan, 
Jackson, Jones, Linn, Benton, Clinton and 
Cedar, and adjourned January 20th, 1S38. 

A third session was held at Burlington, 
commencing June 1st, and ending June 
12th, lb38. Most of the new counties 
were not organized until several years 
afterward. 

The question of the organization of the 
Territory of Iowa now began to be agi- 
tated, and the desires of the people found 
expression in a convention held Nov. 1st, 
which memoralized Congress to organize a 
Territory west of the Mississippi, and to 
settle the boundary line between Wiscon- 
sin Territory and Missouri. The Territorial 
Legislature of Wisconsin, then in session 
at Burlington, joined in the petition. Gen. 
George W. Jones, of Dubuque, then re- 
siding at Linsinawa Mound, in what is now 
Wisconsin, was delegate to Congress from 
Wisconsin Territory, and labored so earn- 
estly that the act was passed dividing the 
Territory of Wisconsin, and providing for 
the territorial government of Iowa. This 
was approved June 12, 1838, to take effect 
and be in force on and after July 3, 1838. 

The new Territory embraced "all that 
part of the pr sent Territory of Wisconsin 
west of the Mississippi river, and west of 
a line drawn due north from the head- 
waters or sources of the Mississippi to the 
Territorial line." The organic act pro- 



vided for a Governor, whose term of office 
should be three years; and for a Secretary, 
Chief Justice, two Associate Justices, and 
Attorney and Marshal, who should serve 
four years, to be appointed by the Pr, si- 
dent, by and with the advice and consent 
of the Senate. 

The act also provided for the election, by 
the white male inhabitants, citizens of the 
United States, over 21 years of age, of a 
House of Representatives, consisting of 
26 members, and a council, to consist of 13 
members. It also appropriated $5,000 for 
a public library, and $20,000 for the erec- 
tion of public buildings. 

In accordance with this act, President 
Van Buren appointed ex-Governor Robert 
Lucas, of Ohio, to be the first Governer of 
the new Territory. Wm. B. Conway, of 
Pittsburg, was appointed Secretary of the 
Tenitory; Charles Mason, of Burlington, 
Chief Justice, and Thomas S. Wilson, of 
Dubuque, and Joseph Williams, of Penn- 
sylvania, Associate Judges of the Supreme 
and District Courts; Mr. Van Allen, of 
New York, Attorney; Francis Gehon, of 
Dubuque, Marshal; Augustus C. Dodge, 
Register of the Land Office at Burlington, 
and Thos. McKnight, Receiver of the Land 
Office at Dubuque. Mr. Van Allen, the 
District Attorney, died at Rockingham 
soon after his appointment, and Col. Chas 
Weston was appointed to fill his vacancy. 
Mr. Conway, the Secretary, also died at 
Burlington during the second session of 
the Legislature, and James Clarke, editor 
of the Gazette,wa.$ appointed to succeed him. 

Governor Lucas, immediately after his 
arrival, issued a proclamation for the elec- 
tion of members of the first Territorial 
Legislature, to be held on the 10th of Sep- 



ihL: 



52 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



tember, dividing the Territory into election 
districts for that purpose, and appointing 
the 12th of November for the meeting of 
the Legislature to be elected at Burlington. 
The members were elected in accordance 
with this proclamation, and assembled at 
the appointed time and place. The fol- 
lowing are their names : 

Council — Jesse B. Brown, J. Keith, E. 

A. M. Swazey, Arthur Ingram, Robert 
Ralston, George Hepner, Jesse J. Payne, 
D. B. Hughes, James M. Clark, Charles 
Whittlesey, Jonathan W. Parker, Warner 
Lewis, Stephen Hempstead. 

House — Wm. Patterson, Hawkins Tay- 
lor, Calvin J. Price, James Brierly, James 
Hall, Gideon S. Bailey, Samuel Parker, 
James W. Grimes, George Temple, Van 

B. Delashmutt, Thomas Blair, George H. 
Beeler, Wm. G. Coop, Wm. H. Wallace, 
Asbury B. Porter, John Frierson, Wm. L. 
Toole, Levi Thornton, S. C. Hastings, 
Robert G. Roberts, Laurel Summers, Ja- 
bez A. Burchard, Jr., Chauncey Swan, An- 
drew Bankson, Thomas Cox and Hardin 
Nowlin. 

Although a large majority of both 
branches of the Legislature were Demo- 
ocrats, Gen. Jesse B. Brown (Whig), of 
Lee county, was elected President of the 
Council, and Hon. Wm. H.Wallace (Whig), 
of Henry county, Speaker of the House of 
Representatives — the former unanimously 
and the latter with but little opposition 
At that time national politics were little 
heeded by the people of the new Territory, 
but in 1840, during the Presidential cam- 
paign, party lines were strongly drawn. 

At the same time with this Legislature, 
a Congressional delegate was also elected. 



Out of four candidates, William W. Chap- 
man was elected. 

The first session of the Iowa Territorial 
Legislature was a stormy and exciting one. 
By the organic law the Governor was 
clothed with almost unlimited veto power. 
Governor Lucus seemed disposed to make 
free use of it, and the independent Hawk- 
eyes could not quietly submit to arbitrary 
and absolute rule, and the result was an 
unpleasant controversy between the execu- 
tive and legislative departments; Congress, 
however, by act approved March 3d, 1839, 
amended the organic law by restricting 
the veto power of the Governor to the two- 
thirds rule, and took from him the power 
to appoint sheriffs aud magistrates. Among 
the first important matters demanding at- 
tention was the location of the seat of 
government, and provision for the erection 
of publio buildings, for which Congress 
had appropriated $20,000. Gov. Lucas, 
in his message, had recommended the ap- 
pointment of commissioners with a view 
to selecting a central location. The extent 
of the future State of Iowa was not known 
or thought of. Only a strip of land fifty 
miles wide, bordering on the Mississippi 
river, was the Indian title extinguished, 
aud a central location meant some central 
point in the Black Hawk Purchase. 

The friends of a central location sup- 
ported the Governor's suggestion. The 
Southern members were divided between 
Burlington and Mount Pleasant, but finally 
united on the latter as the proper location 
for the seat of government. The central 
and southern parties were very nearly equal, 
and, in consequence, much excitement pre- 
vailed. The central party at last tri- 
umphed, and, on January 21st, 1839, an act 



to 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



53 



was passed appointing Chauncey Swan, of 
Dubuque county, John Ronalds, of Louisa 
county, and Robert Ralston, of DesMoines 
county, Commissioners to select a site for 
a permanent seat of government within 
the limits of Johnson county. 

The first settlement within the limits of 
Johnson county was made in 1837. The 
county was created by act of the Territorial 
Legislature of Wisconsin, approved Dec. 
21, 183V, and organized by act passed at 
the special session at Burlington, in June, 
1838, the organization to date from July 4, 
following. Napoleon, on the Iowa river, 
a few miles below the future Iowa City, 
was designated as the temporary county 
seat. 

All things considered, the location of 
the capital in Johnson county was a wise 
act. The Territory was bounded on the 
north by the British possessions; east, by 
the Mississippi river to its source; thence 
by a line drawn due north to the northern 
boundary of the United States; south, by 
the State of Missouri, and west by the 
Missouri and White Earth rivers. But 
this immense territory was in undisputed 
possession of the Indians, except a strip 
on the Mississippi, known as the Black 
Hawk Purchase. Johnson county was, 
from north to south, in the geographical 
center of this purchase, and as near the 
east and west geographical center of the 
future State of Iowa as could then be made, 
as the boundary line between the lauds of 
the United States and the Indians estab- 
lished by the treaty of Oct. 21, 1837, was 
immediately west of the county limits. 

After selecting the site, the Commission- 
ers were directed to lay out 640 acres into 
a town, to be called Iowa City, and to pro- 



ceed to sell lots and erect public buildings 
thereon, Congress having granted a section 
of land to be selected by the Territory for 
this purpose. The Commissioners met at 
Napoleon, Johnson county, May 1, 1839, 
selected for a site section 10, in township 
79 north, of range 6 west of the fifth prin- 
cipal meridian, and immediately surveyed 
it and laid off the town. The first sale of 
lots took place Aug. 16, 1839. The site 
selected for the public buildings was a 
little west of the center of the section, 
where a square of 10 acres, on the elevated 
grounds overlooking the river, was reserved 
for the purpose. The capitol is located in 
the center of this square. The second Ter- 
ritorial Legislature, which assembled in 
November, 1839, passed an act requiring 
the Commissioners to adopt such plan for 
the building that the aggregate cost, when 
complete, should not exceed $51,000, and 
if they had already adopted a plan involv- 
ing a greater expenditure, they were direct- 
ed to abandon it. Plans for the buildiug 
were designed and drawn by Mr. John F. 
Rague, of Springfield, Ills., and July 4, 
1840, the corner-stone of the edifice was 
laid with appropriate ceremonies. Samuel 
C. Trowbridge was marshal of the day, 
and Governor Lucas delivered the address 
on that occasion. 

On July 13, 1840, Governor Lucas an- 
nounced to the Legislature then as- 
sembled in special session, that on the 
4th of that month he had visited Iowa 
City, and found the basement of the cap- 
itol nearly completed. A bill authorizing 
a loan of $20,000 for the building was 
passed January 15, 1841, the unsold lots of 
Iowa City being the security offered, but 
only $5,500 was obtained under the act. 



\ 



54 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Monday,' December 6, 1841, the fourth 
Legislative Assembly met at the new cap- 
ital, Iowa City, but the capitol building 
could not be used, and the Legislature oc- 
cupied a temporary frame house, that had 
been erected for that purpose during the 
session of 1841-2. At this session, the 
Superintendent of Public Buildings (who, 
with the Territorial Agent, had superseded 
the Commissioners first appointed,) esti- 
mated the expense of completing the build- 
ing at $33,330, and of completing rooms 
for the use of the Legislature at $15,600. 

During the following year the Superin- 
tendent commenced obtaining stone from a 
new quarry about ten miles northeast of the 
city. This is now known as the "Old Cap- 
itol Quarry," and is thought to contain an 
immense quantity of excellent building 
stone. Here all the stone for completing 
the building was obtained, and it was so 
far completed that, on the 5th day of De- 
cember, 1842, the Legislature assembled in 
the new Capitol. At this session the Su- 
perintendent estimated that it would cost 
$39,143 to finish the building. This was 
nearly $6,000 higher than the estimate of 
the previous year, notwithstanding a large 
sum had been expended in the meantime. 
This rather discouraging discrepancy was 
accounted for by the fact that the officers 
in charge of the work were constantly 
short of funds. Except the Congressional 
appropriation of $20,000, and the loan of 
$5,500 obtained from the Miners' Bank of 
Dubuque, all the funds for the prosecution 
of the work were derived from the sale of 
the city lots (which did not sell very rap- 
idly), from certificates of indebtedness, 
and from scrip, based upon unsold lots, 
which was to be received in payment for 



such lots when they were sold. At one 
time the Sup' -rintendent nndea requisition 
for bills of iron and glass, which could not 
be obtained nearer than St. Louis. To 
meet this, the agent sold some lots for a 
draft payable at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 
for which he was compelled to pay 25 per 
cent, exchange. This draft amounted to 
$507, which that officer reported to be more 
than one-half the cash actually handled by 
him during the entire season, when the dis- 
bursements amounted to very nearly $24,- 
000. With such uncertainty, it could not 
be expected that the estimate could be 
very accurate. With all these disadvan- 
tages, however, the work appears to have 
been prudently prosecuted, and as rapidly 
as circumstances would permit. 

In 1841, John Chambers succeded Robert 
Lucas as Territorial Governor. The office 
was held by him until 1845, when it was 
filled by James Clarke. 

The first Legislative Assembly laid the 
broad foundation of civil equality, on which 
has been constructed one of the most lib- 
eral governments in the Union. Its first 
act was to recognize the equality of woman 
with man, before the law, by providing 
that " no action commenced by a single 
woman, who marries during the pendency 
thereof, shall abate on account of such 
marriage." This principle has been 
adopted in all subsequent legislation in 
Iowa, and to-day woman has full and equal 
rights with man, excepting only the right 
of the ballot. 

Religious toleration was also secured to 
all, personal liberty strictly guarded the 
rights and privileges of citizenship ex- 
tended to all white persons, and the purity 
of elections secured by heavy penalties 



? 



t 



■v fe * * 



,u 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



55 



against bribery and corruption. The 
judiciary power was vested in a Supreme 
Court, District Court, Probate Court and 
justices of the peace. Real estate was 
made divisible by will, and intestate pro- 
perty divided equitably among heirs. 
Murder was made punishable by death, 
and proportionate penalties fixed for lesser 
crimes. A system of free schools, open 
for every class of white citizens, was estab- 
lished. Provision was made for a system 
of roads and highways. Thus, under the 
Territorial organization, the country began 
to emerge from a savage wilderness, and 
take on the forms of civil government. 

The Territorial Legislature held its 
eighth and last session at Iowa City, com- 
mencing December 1, 1845. James Clark 
was the same year appointed the successor 
of Governor Chambers, and was the third 
and last Territorial Governor. In 1843 the 
Territorial Legislature compiled and pub- 
lished a code of general statutes, making 
a volume of 800 pages, that continued in 
force until July, 1851. 

THE MISSOURI WAR. 

In defining the boundaries of the coun- 
ties bordering on Missouri, the Iowa 
authorities had fixed a line which has 
since been established as the boundary 
between Iowa and Missouri. The consti- 
tution of Missouri defined her northern 
boundary to be the parallel of latitude which 
passes through the rapids of Des Moines 
river. The lower rapids of the Mississippi 
immediately above the mouth of the Des 
M ines river had always been known as 
the Des Moines Rapids, or the "rapids of 
the Des Moines river." The Missourians 
(evidently not well versed in history or 



geography), insisted on running the 
northern boundary line from the rapids in 
the Des Moines river, just telow Keosau- 
qua, thus taking from Iowa a strip of ter- 
ritory eight or ten miles wide. Assuming 
this as her northern boundary line, Missouri 
attempted to exercise jurisdiction over the 
disputed territory by assessing taxes, and 
sending her sheriffs to collect them by 
distraining the personal property of the 
settlers. The Iowans, however, were not 
disposed to submit, and the Missouri offi- 
cials were arrested by the sheriffs of Davis 
and Van Buren counties and confined in 
jail. Governor Boggs, of Missouri, called 
out his milita to enforce the claim and 
sustain the officers of Missouri. Governor 
Lucas called out the militia of Iowa. 
About 1,200 men were enlisted, and 500 
were actually armed and encamped in 
Van Buren county, ready to defend the 
integrity of the Territory. Subsequently, 
Gen. A. C. Dodge, of Burlington, General 
Churchman, of Dubuque, and Dr. Clark, 
of Fort Madison, were sent to Missouri as 
envoys plenipotentiary, to effect, if possi- 
ble, a peaceable adjustment of the diffi- 
culty. Upon their arrival, they found that 
the county commissioners of Clark county, 
Missouri, had rescinded their order for the 
collection of taxes, and that Governor 
Boggs had dispatched messengers to the 
Governor of Iowa proposing to submit an 
agreed case to the Supreme Court of the 
United States for the settlement of the 
boundary question. This proposition was 
declined; but afterward, upon petition of 
Iowa and Missouri, Congress authorized a 
suit to settle the controversy. The suit 
was duly instituted, and resulted in the 
decision that Iowa had only asserted "the 



^ 



<jj<3 ^_ 



56 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



truth of history," and that she knew 
where the rapids of Des Moines river were 
located. Thus ended the Missouri war. 
"Tnere was much good sense," says Hon. 
C. C. Nourse, "in the basis upon which 
peace was secured, to-wit: 'If Missourians 
did not know where the rapids of the river 
Des Moines were located, that was no suf- 
ficient reason for killing them off with 
powder and lead; and if we did know a 
little more of history and geography than 
they did, ve ought not to be shot for our 
learning. We commend our mutual for- 
bearance to older and greater people.' " 
Under an order from the Supreme Court 
of the United States, William G. Miner, of 
Missouri, and Henry B. Hendershott, of 
Iowa, acted as commissioners, and surveyed 
and established the boundary. The ex- 
penses of the war on the part of Iowa were 
never paid, either by the United States or 
the Territorial Government. The patriots 
who furnished supplies to the troops had 
to bear the cost and charges of the struggle 
The population being sufficient to justify 
the formation of a State government, the 
Territorial Legislature of Iowa passed an 
act, which was approved February 12th, 
1844, submitting to the people the ques- 
tion of the formation of a State constitu- 
tion and providing for the election of 
delegates to a convention to be convened 
for that purpose. The people voted upon 
this at their township elections in the fol- 
lowing April. The measure was carried 
by a large majority, and the delegates 
elected assembled in convention at Iowa 
City October 7th, 1844. On the first day 
of November following, the convention 
completed its work, and adopted the hist 
Slate constitution. 



Hon Shepherd Lerfler, the president of 
this convention, was instructed to transmit 
a certified copy of this constitution to the 
delegate in Congress, to be by him sub- 
mitted to that body at the earliest practi- 
cable day. It also provided that it should 
be submitted, together with any conditions 
or changes that might be made by Con- 
gress, to the People of the Territory, for 
their approval or rejection, at the township 
election in April, 1845. 

The Constitution, as thus prepared, pro- 
vided the following boundaries for the 
State: Beginning in the middle of the 
channel of the Mississippi river, opposite 
the mouth of the Des Moines river; thence 
up the said river Des Moines, in the mid- 
dle of the main channel thereof, to a point 
where it is intersected by the old Indian 
boundary line, or line run by John C. Sul- 
livan in 1816; thence westwardly along 
said line to the "old" northwest corner of 
Missouri; thence due west to the midd!e 
of the main channel of the Missouri river; 
thence up the middle of the main channel 
of the river last mentioned, to the mouth 
of the Sioux or Calumet river; thence in a 
direct line to the middle of the main chan- 
nel of the St. Peters river, where the Wa- 
tonwan river — according to Nicollett's 
map — enters the same; thence down the 
middle of the main channel of the said 
river to the middle of the main channel 
of the Mississippi river; thence down the 
middle of the main channel of said river 
to the place of beginning. 

These boundaries were considerably 
more extended than other Western States, 
and Congress therefore amended the < on- 
stitution, by act approved March 3, 1845, 
as follows: Beginning at the mouth of 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



the Des Moines river, at the middle of the 
Mississippi; thence by the middle of the 
channel of that river to a parallel of lati- 
tude, passing through the mouth of the 
Mankato or Blue Earth river; thence west, 
along said parallel of latitude, to a point 
where it is intersected by a meridian line 
17° 30' west of the meridian of Wash- 
ington City; thence due south, to the 
northern boundary line of the State of 
Missouri; thence eastwardly, following 
that boundary to the point at which the 
same intersects the Des Moines river; 
thence by the middle of the channel of 
that river to the place of beginning. 

Had these boundaries been accepted, 
they would have placed the northern 
boundary of the State about 30 miles 
north of its present location, and would 
have deprived it of the Missouri slope and 
the boundary of that river. The western 
boundary would have been near the west 
line of what is now Kossuth county. But 
it was not so to be. In consequence of 
this radical and unwelcome change in the 
boundaries, the people refused to accept 
the act of Congress, and rejected the Con- 
stitution, at the election held Aug. 4, 1845, 
by a vote of 7,656 to 7,235. 

May 4, 1846, a second Convention met 
at Iowa City, and on the 18th of the same 
month another Constitution, prescribing 
the boundaries as they now are, was 
adopted. This was accepted by the people, 
August 3, by a vote of 9,492 to 9,036. The 
new Constitution was approved by Con- 
gress, and Iowa was admitted as a sov- 
ereign State in the American Union, Dec. 
28, 1846. 

The people of the State, anticipating 
favorable action by Congress, held an 



election for State officers October 26, 
which resulted in Ansel Briggs being de- 
clared Governor; Elisha Cutler, Jr , Secre- 
tary of State; Joseph T. Fales, Auditor; 
Morgan Reno, Treasurer; and members of 
the Senate and House of Representatives. 

The act of, Congress which admitted 
Iowa gave her the 16th section of every 
township of land in the State, or its 
equivalent, for the support of schools; 
also, 72 sections of land for the purpose of 
a university; also, five sections of land for 
the completion of her public buildings; 
also, the salt springs within her limits, not 
exceeding 12 in number, with sections of 
land adjoining each; also, in consideration 
that her public lands should be exempt 
from taxation by the State, she gave the 
State five per cent, of the net proceeds of 
the sale of public lands within the State. 
Thus provided for as a bride with her 
marriage portion, Iowa commenced house- 
keeping on her own account. 

A majority of the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1846 were of the Democratic 
party; and the instrument contains some 
of the peculiar tenets of the party of that 
day. All banks of issue were prohibited 
within the State. 1 he State was prohibited 
from becoming a stockholder in any cor- 
poration for pecuniary profit, and the Gen- 
eral Assembly could only provide for pri- 
vate corporations by general statutes. The 
constitution also limited the State's indebt- 
edness to 8100,000. It required the Gen- 
eral Assembly to provide public schools 
throughout the State for at least three 
months in the year. Six months previous 
residence of any white male citizen of the 
United States constituted him an elector. 



^ 



58 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



The government was started on an 
economical basis. The members of the 
General Assemb'y received, each, two dol- 
lars per day for the first fifty days of the 
session, and one doll ir per day thereafter. 
The sessions were to be biennial. The 
salaries of the State officers were limited 
the first ten years as follows: Governor, 
$1,000 per annum; Secretary of State, $500; 
Treasurer of State, $400; Auditor of State, 
$000; and Judges of the Supreme Court, 
$1,000 each. And it may be said here that 



these prices did not discourage the best 
talent of the State from seeking tluse 
positions, and that during these ten years 
none of these officers were ever known to 
receive bribes, or to steal one dollar of the 
public money. At the time of organiza- 
tion as a State, Iowa had a population of 
116,651, as appears by the census of 1847. 
There were twenty-seven organized coun- 
ties in the State, and the settlements were 
being rapidly pushed toward the Missouri 
river. 



CHAPTER VI. 



GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TDE STATE. 



The first General Assembly was com- 
posed of nineteen Senators and forty Rep- 
resentatives. It assembled in Iowa City, 
November 30th, 1846, about one month be- 
fore Congress passed the act of admission. 
The most important business transacted 
was the passage of a bill authorizing a 
loan of $50,000 for means to run the State 
government and pay the expenses of the 
Constitutional Convention. The election 
of United States Senators was called up at 
this session, and was the occasion of much 
excitement and no little hard feeling. The 
Whigs had a majority of two in the House 
and the Democrats a majority of one in 



the Senate. After repeated attempts to 
control these majorities for caucus nom- 
inees, and frequent sessions of a joint con- 
vention for purposes of an election, the 
attempt was abandoned. A public school 
law was passed at this session, for the or- 
ganization of public schools in the State. 
In pursuance of its provisions, an election 
f ,r superintendent of public instruction 
was held the following spring, aod James 
Harlan received a majority of the votes 
cast. After the election the Democratic 
Secretary of State discovered that the law 
contained no provision for its publication 
in the newspapers, and he claimed it had 



p 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



59 



not gone into effect. He, therefore, and 
the Governor, refused Harlan a certificate 
of election. The Supreme Court sustained 
their action. 

At this first session of the General As- 
sembly, the Treasurer of State reported 
that the capitol building was in a very 
exposed condition, liable to injury from 
storms, and expressed the hope that some 
provision would be made to complete it, at 
least sufficiently to protect it from the 
weather. The General Assembly re- 
sponded by appropriating 12,500 for the 
completion of the public buildings. At 
the first session, also, arose the question of 
the relocation of the capitol. The western 
boundary of the State, as now determined, 
left Iowa City too far toward the eastern 
and southern boundary of the State; this 
was conceded. Congress had appropri- 
ated five sections of land for the erection 
of public buildings, and toward the close 
of the session a bill was introduced pro- 
viding for the relocation of the seat of 
government, involving to some extent the 
location of the State University, which 
had already been discussed. This bill 
gave rise to much discussion, and parlia- 
mentary maneuvering almost purely sec- 
tional in its character. It provided for 
the appointment of commissioners, who 
were authorized to make a location as near 
the geographical centre of the State as 
a healthy and eligible site could be ob- 
tained; to select the five sections of land 
donated by Congress, to survey and plat 
into town lots not exceeding one section of 
the land so selected; to sell lots at public 
sale, not to exceed two in each block. 
Having done this, they were then required 
to suspend further operations, and make a 



report of their proceeding to the Governor. 
The bill passed both Houses by decisive 
votes, received the signature of the Gov- 
ernor, and became a law. Soon after, by 
"An act to locate and establish a State 
University," approved Feb. 25, 1847, the 
unfinished public buildings at Iowa City, 
together with the ten acres of lands on which 
they were situated, were granted for the 
use of the University, reserving their use, 
however, by the General Assembly and the 
State officers, until other provisions were 
made by law. 

The Commissioners forthwith entered 
upon their duties, and selected four sec- 
tions and two half sections in Jasper 
county. Two of these sections are in what 
is now DesMoines township, and the others 
in Fairview township, in the southern part 
of that county. These lands are situated 
between Prairie City and Monroe, on the 
Keokuk & DesMoines railroad, which runs 
diagonally through them. Here a town 
was platted called Monroe City, and a sale 
of lots took place. The number of 415 
lots were sold, at prices that were not con- 
sidered remarkably remunerative. The 
cash payments (one-fourth) amounted to 
$1, 797. 43, while the expenses of the sale 
and the claims of the Commissioners for 
services amounted to $2,206.57. The Com- 
missioners made a report of their proceed- 
ings to the Governor, as required by law, 
but the location was generally condemned. 

When the report of the Commissioners, 
showing this brilliant financial operation, 
had been read in the House of Represent- 
atives, at the next session, and while it was 
under consideration, an indignant member, 
afterward known as the eccentric Judge 
McFarland, moved to refer the report to a 



•ru- 



60 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



select committee of five, with instructions 
to report "how much of said city of Mon- 
roe was under water, and how much was 
burned." The report was referred, with- 
out the instructions, but Monroe City never 
became the seat of government. By an 
act approved January 15, 1849, the law by 
which the location had been made was re- 
pealed, and the new town was vacated, the 
money paid by purchasers of lots being 
refunded to them. This, of course, re- 
tained the seat of government at Iowa 
City, and precluded for the time the occu- 
pation of the building and grounds by the 
University. 

At the same session $3,000 more were 
appropriated for completing the State 
building at Iowa City. In 1852, the fur- 
ther sum of $5,000, and in 1854 $4,000 
more were appropriated for the same pur- 
pose, making the whole cost $123,000, paid 
partly by the general Government and 
partly by the State, but principally by the 
proceeds of the sale of lots in Iowa City. 

After the adjournment of the first Gen- 
eral Assembly, the Governor appointed 
Joseph Williams, Chief Justice, and Geo. 
Green and John F. Kinney Judges, of the 
Supreme Court. They were afterward 
elected by the second General Assembly, 
and constituted the Supreme Court until 
1855, with the exception that Kinney re 
signed in January, 1854, and J. C. Hall, of 
Burlington, was appointed in his place. 
Hall was one of the earliest and ablest 
lawyers of the State, and his memory will 
long be cherished by the e.trly members of 
the profession. Some changes having 
occurred by death and removal, the Gov- 
ernor was induced to call an extra session 
of the General Assembly in January, 1848, 



with the hope of an election of United 
States Senators. The attempt, however, 
was again unsuccessful. At this session, 
Charles Mason, William G. Woodward and 
Stephen Hempstead were appointed Com- 
missioners to prepare a code of laws for 
the State. Their work was finished in 
1850, and was adopted by the General As- 
sembly. This "code" contained, among 
other provisions, a code of civil practice, 
superseding the old common-law forms of 
actions and writs, and it was admissible 
for its simplicity and method. It remained 
in force until 1863, when it was superseded 
by the jnore complicated and metaphys- 
ical system of the revision of that year. 

The first Representatives in Congress 
were S. Clinton Hastings, of Muscatine, 
and Shepherd Leffler, of DesMoines county. 

The second General Assembly elected 
to the United States Senate, Augustus 
Cffisar Dodge and George W. Jones. The 
State government, after the first session, 
was under the c ntrol of Democratic ad- 
ministration till 1855. The electoral vote 
of the State was cast for Lewis Cass, in 
1848, and for Franklin Pierce in 1852. 
The popular vote shows that the Free-Soil 
element of State during this period very 
nearly held the balance of power, and that 
up to i854 it acted in the State elections 
to some extent with '.he Democratic party. 
In 1848 Lewis Cass received 12,093 votes, 
Zachary Taylor 11,043, and Martin Van 
Buren,the Free-Soil candidate, 1,226 votes, 
being 176 less than a majority for Cass. 

In 18,2, Pierce leo ived 17,762 votes, 
Scott 15,855, and Hale (Free-Soil) 1,606, 
buing for Pierce 301 votes more than a 
majority. 



J t 



-d ?■ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



61 



The question of the permanent location 
of the seat of government was not settled, 
and in 1851 bills were introduced for its 
removal to Fort DesMoines. The latter 
appeared to have the support of the major- 
ity, but was finally lost in the House on 
the question of ordering it to its third 
reading. 

At the next session, in 1853, a bill was 
again introduced in the Senate for the re- 
moval of the seat of government to Fort 
DesMoines, and, on final vote, was just 
barely defeated. At the next session, how- 
ever, the effort was more successful, and 
January 15th, 1855, a bill relocating the 
Capital within two miles of the Raccoon 
Fork of the DesMoines, and for the ap- 
pointment of Commissioners, was approved 
by Gov. Grimes. The site was selected in 
1856, in accordance with the provisions of 
this act; the land being donated to the 
State by citizens and property-holders of 
DesMoines. An association of citizens 
erected a building for a temporary capitol, 
and leased it to the State at a nominal 
rent. 

The passage by Congress of the act 
organizing the Territories of Kansas and 
Nebraska, and the provision it contained 
abrogating that portion of the Missouri 
bill that proh bited slavery and involuntary 
seivitude north of 36 ° 30' was the begin- 
ning of a political revolution in the North- 
ern States, and in none was it more marked 
than in the State of Iowa. Iowa was the 
"first free child born of the Missouri com- 
promise," and has always resented the de- 
struction of her foster parent. 

In the summer of 1854 there was a tacit 
coalition or union of the Whig and Free- 
Suil elements of the State. Alarmed at 



the aggressive spirit manifested by the ad- 
herents of the peculiar institution, the 
Free-So. lers, who almost held the balance 
of power in the State, readily adopted as 
their candidate the Whig nominee for Gov- 
ernor. Many of the old-line Whigs aban- 
doned their party because of this coalition, 
but many strong and able men among the 
Democrats co-operated with it. James W. 
Grimes was the nominee of the Whigs, 
and Curtis Bates, of Polk county, was the 
nominee of the Democratic party. Grimes 
was then in the vigor of his manhood, and 
all the energies of his being appeared to 
be aroused by what he denominated the 
aggressions of the slave power. He was 
thoroughly in earnest, and canvassed most 
of the organized counties of the State. 
The people flocked by the thousands to 
hear him, and were electrified by his elo- 
quence. No one of the opposition at- 
tempted to meet him in debate. The re- 
sult was his election by a majority of 1,404 
in a vote of 21,794. A majority was also 
secured in the General Assembly on joint 
ballot of the two Houses in opposition to 
the Democratic party. The opposition 
party in 1854-'5 were known as anti-Ne- 
braska Whigs. A caucus of this opposing 
element nominated James Harlan as their 
candidate for United States Senator, Geo. 
G. Wright for Chief Justice, and Norman 
W. Isbell and Wm. G. Woodward for 
Judges of the Supreme Court. 

A portion of the opposition, however, 
refused to go into this caucus, or to abide 
by its decision as to the United States Sen- 
ator. They were the personal friends of 
Ebenezer Cook, of Scott county. 

A joint convention was secured, and the 
Judges of the Supreme Court were elected. 






62 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



After frequent balloting and adjournments, 
it was at last understood that Cook's 
friends had yielded, and would support 
Mr. Harlan. When the hour arrived to 
which the joint convention had adjourned, 
messengers were sent to the Seuate by the 
House, to inform that body that the House 
was ready to meet them in joint conven- 
tion. Before this message could be de- 
livered, the Senate had adjourned over 
until the next day. The anti-Nebraska 
Senators, however, entered the hall of the 
House and took their seats in joint conven- 
tion. Much confusion prevailed, but 
finally a President pro tern of the conven- 
tion was chosen, and Mr. Harlan was 
elected. His seat was contested, and his 
eh ction declared invalid by the United 
Slates Senate. 

At the next session of the General As- 
sembly, held in 1857, Mr. Harlan was re- 
elected, and was permitted to take his seat. 

The year 1856 marked a new era in the 
history of Iowa. In 1854 the Chicago & 
Rock Island railroad had been completed 
to the east bank of the Mississippi river, 
opposite Davenport. In the same year the 
corner-stone of a railroad bridge that was 
to be the first to span the "Father of 
Waters," was laid with appropriate cere- 
monies, at this point. St. Louis had re- 
solved that the enterprise was unconstitu- 
tional, and by writs of injunction made an 
unsuccessful effort to prevent its comple- 
tion. Twenty years later in her history 
St. 1 ouis repented her folly, and made 
atonement for her sin by imitating Iowa's 
example. January 1st, 1856, this railroad 
was completed to Iowa City. In the mean- 
time two other railroads had reached the 
east bank of the Mississippi — one opposite 



Burlington and one opposite Dubuque — 
and these were being extended into the 
interior of the State. Indeed, four other 
lines of railroads had been projected across 
the State, from the Mississippi to the Mis- 
souri, having eastern connections. 

May 15th, 1856, Congress passed an act 
granting to the State, to aid in the con- 
struction of railroads, the public lands in 
alternate sections, six miles on each side 
of the proposed lines. An extra session 
of the General Assembly was called in 
July of this year, that disposed of the 
grant to the several companies that pro- 
posed to complete these enterprises. The 
population of Iowa was now 500,000. Pub- 
lic attention had been called to the neces- 
sity of a railroad across the continent. 
The position of Iowa, in the very heart 
and center of the republic, on the route 
of this great highway of the continent, 
began to attract attention. Cities and 
towns sprang up through the State as if 
by magic. Capital began to pour into the 
State, and had it been employed in devel- 
oping the vast coal measures and establish- 
ing manufactories, or if it had been 
expended in improving the lands, and in 
building houses and barns, it would have 
been well. But all were in haste to get 
rich, and the spirit of speculation ruled the 
hour. 

In the meantime, every effort was made 
to help the speedy completion of the i ail- 
roads. Nearly every county and city on 
the Mississippi, and many in the interior, 
voted large corporate subscriptions to the 
stock of the railroad companies, and issued 
their negotiable bonds for the amount. 
Thu? enormous county and city debts were 
incurred, the payment of which these mu- 



@ »■_ 



*P ¥ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



63 



nicipalitie8 tried to avoid, upon the plea 
that they had exceeded the constitutional 
limitation of their powers. The Supreme 
Court of the United States held these 
bonds to be valid, and the courts, by man- 
damus, compelled the city and county 
authorities to levy taxes to pay the judg- 
ments recovered upon them. These debts 
are not all paid, even to this day; but the 
worst is over, and the incubus is in the 
course of ultimate extinction. The most 
valuable lessons are those learned in the 
school of experience, and, accordingly, the 
corporations of Iowa have ever since been 
noted for economy. 

In 1856 the Republican party of the 
State was duly organized, in full sympathy 
with that of the other free States, and at 
the ensuing presidential election the elec- 
toral vote of the State was cast for John 
C. Fremont. The popular vote was as 
follows : Fremont, 43,954; Buchanan, 36,- 
170, and Fillmore, 9,180. This was 1,396 
less than a majority for Fremont. The 
followi g year an election was held, after 
an exciting campaign, for State officers, 
resulting in a majority of 1,406 for Ralph 
P. Lowe, the Republican nominee. The 
Legislature was largely Republican in both 
branches. 

In June, 1854, a Board of State Com- 
missioners contracted with the DesMoines 
Navigation Railroad Company, an organ- 
ization composed principally of New York 
capitalists, to undertake the work, agree- 
ing to convey to the company lands at 
$1.25 an acre for all moneys advanced 
and expended. In the meantime difficul- 
ties arose in regard to the extent of the 
grant. The State claimed lands through- 
out the whole extent of the river to the 



north line of the State. The Department 
of the Interior changed its rulings under 
the several administrations. The Com- 
missioner of the General Land Office cer- 
tified to the State about 320,000 acres of 
land below the Raccoon Fork of the river, 
and about 270,000 acres above it prior to 
1857, when he refused to certify any more. 
This led to a settlement and compromise 
with the Navigation Company in 1858, 
whereby the company took all the land 
certified to the State at that date, and paid 
the State $20,010 in addition to what they 
had already expended, cancelled their con- 
tract and abandoned the work. 

The General Assembly granted to the 
DesMoines Valley Railroad Company the 
remainder of the grant to the State line, to 
aid in building a railroad up and along the 
Des-Moines Valley; and Congress, in 1862, 
extended the grant, by express enactment, 
to the north line of the State. 

The most injurious result to the State, 
arising from the spirit of speculation pre- 
valent in 1856, was the purchase and entry 
of great bodies of Government land within 
the State by non-residents. This land was 
held for speculation, and placed beyond 
the reach of actual settlers for many 
years. 

From no other one cause has Iowa suf- 
fered so much as from the short-sighted 
policy of the Federal Government in sell- 
ing lands within her borders. The money 
thus obtained by the Federal Government 
has been comparatively inconsiderable. 
The value of this magnificient public do- 
main to the United States was not in the 
few thousands of dollars she might exact 
from the hardy settlers, or that she might 
obtain from the speculator who hoped to 



Tv~*" 



- » fe 



G4 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



]>rotit by the settlers' labors in improving 
the country. Statesmen should have taken 
a broader and more comprehensive view 
of national economy, and a view more in 
harmony with the divine economy that had 
prepared these vast ftrtile plains of the 
West for the "homes of men and the seats 
of empire." It was here that new States 
were to be builded up that si onld be the 
future strength of the nation against for- 
eign invasion or home revolt. A single 
regiment of Iowa soldiers during the dark 
days of the Rebellion was worth more to 
the nation than all the money she ever ex- 
acted from the toil and sweat of Iowa's 
early settlers. Could the statesmen of 
forty years ago have looked forward to this 
day, when Iowa pays her $1,000,000 annu- 
ally into the treasury of the nation for the 
extinction of the national debt, they would 
have realized that the founding of new 
States was a greater enterprise than the 
retailing of public lands. 

In January, 1857, another Constitutional 
Convention assembled at Iowa City, which 
framed the present State constitution. One 
of the most pressing demands for this con- 
vention grew out of the prohibition of banks 
under the old constitution. The practical 
result of this prohibition was to flood the 
State with every species of "wild-cat" 
currency. Our circulating medium was 
made up in part of the free-bank paper of 
Illinois and Indiana. In addition to this, 
we had paper issued by Iowa brokers, who 
had obtained bank charters from the Ter- 
ritorial Legislature of Nebraska, and had 
their pretended headquarters at Omaha and 
Florence. Our currency was also well 
assorted with the bills from other States, 
generally such as had the best reputation 



where they were least known. This paper 
was all at 2, and some of it from 10 to 15 
per cent, discount. Every man who was 
not an expert in detecting counterfeit bills, 
and who was not posted in the history of 
all manner of banking institutions, did 
business at his peril. The new constitution 
made ample provisions for house banks 
under the supervision of our own laws. 
The limitation of our State debt was en- 
larged to $.'50,000, and the corporate in- 
debtedness of the cities and counties were 
also limited to five per cent, upon the valu- 
ation of their taxable property. 

The Judges of the Supreme Court were 
to be elected by the popular vote. 

The permanent seat of government 
was fixed at DesMoines, and the Statt Uni- 
versity located at Iowa City. The qualifi- 
cations of electors remained the same as 
under the old constitution, but the schedule 
provided for a vote of the people upon a 
separate proposition to strike the word 
"white" out of the suffrage clause, which, 
had it prevailed, would have re.-ulted in 
conferring the right of suffrage without 
distinction of color. Since the early or- 
ganization of Iowa there had been upon 
the statute books a law providing that no 
negro, mulatto or Indian should be a com- 
petent witness in any suit or proceeding to 
which a white man was a party. The Gen- 
eral Assembly of 1856-'7 repealed this law, 
and the new constitution contained a clause 
forbidding such disqualification in the 
future. It also provided for the education 
of "all youth of the State" through a sys- 
tem of common schools. This constitution 
was adopted at the ensuing election by a 
vote of 40,311 to 38,681. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



65 



October 19, 1857, Gov. Grimes issued a 
proclamation declaring the City of Des- 
Moines to be the capital of the State of 
Iowa. The removal of the archives and 
offices was commenced at once and con- 
tinued through the fall. It was an under- 
taking of no small magitude; there was 
not a mile of railroad to facilitate the 
work, and the season was unusually dis- 
agreeable. Rain, snow and other accom- 
paniments increased the difficulties, and it 
was not until December that the last of the 
effects, — the safe of the State Treasurer, 
loaded on two large "bob-sleds," drawn by 
ten yokes of oxen, — was deposited in the 
new capitol. Thus Iowa City ceased to be 
the capital of the State after four Territo- 
rial Legislatures, six State Legislatures and 
three Constitutional Conventions had held 
their sessions there. 

In 1856 and 1858 large appropriations 
were made for the erection of public build- 
ings and the support of the unfortunate 
classes, and a loan of $200,000 was author- 
ized. 

During the years 1 858-60, the Sioux In- 
dians became troublesome in the north- 
western part of the State. They made 
frequent raids for the purpose of plunder, 
and on several occasions murdered whole 
families of settlers. In 1861 several com- 
panies of militia were ordered to that por- 
tion of the State to hunt down and expel 
the thieves. No battles were fought, the 
Indians fleeing as soon as they ascertained 
systematical measures had been adopted 
for their punishment. 

In 1870 the General Assembly made an 
appropriation and provided for the appoint- 
ment of a Board of Commissioners to 
commence the work of building a new cap- 



itol. The corner-stone was laid with ap- 
propriate ceremonies November 23, 1871. 

The building is a beautiful specimen of 
modern architecture. 

When Wisconsin Territory was organ- 
ized, in 1836, the entire population of that 
portion of the Territory now embraced in 
the State of Iowa, was 10,531. The Terri- 
tory then embraced two counties, Dubuque 
and DesMoines, erected by the Territory 
of Michigan, in 1834. Since then, the 
counties have increased to ninety-nine, and 
the population in 1880 was 1,624,463. The 
following table will show the population at 
different periods since the erection of Iowa 
Territory: 

Tear. Population 

1838 22,589 

1840 43,1 1 5 

1844 75,152 

1846 97,588 

1847 116,651 

1849 1 52,988 

1850 191,982 

1851 204,774 

1852 230,7 13 

1854 326,013 

1856 5 19,055 

1859 638,775 

1860 674,913 

1863 701,732 

1865 750,699 

1867 902,040 

1869 1,040,819 

1870 1,191,727 

1873 1,251,333 

1875 1,366,000 

1880 1,624,463 

The most populous county is Dubuque, 
42.1197. Polk county has 41,395, and Scott 
41,270. Not only in population, but in 



w 



66 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



everything contributing to the growth and 
greatness of a State has Iowa made rapid 
progress. In a little more than thirty-five 
years its wild but beautiful prairies have 
advanced from the home of the savage to 
a highly civilized commonwealth, embra- 
cing all the elements of progress which 
characterize the older States. 

The first railroad across the State was 
completed to Council Bluffs in January, 
1861. The completion of three others 
soon followed. 

In 1854 there was not a mile of railroad 
in Iowa. Within the succeeding twenty 
years, 3,765 miles were built and put in 
successful operation. 

The present value of buildings for State 
institutions, including the estimated cost 
of the capitol, is as follows : 

State Capitol $2,500,000 

State University 400,000 

Agricultural College and Farm. 300,000 

Institution for the Blind 150,000 

Institution for the Deaf and 

Dumb 225,000 

Institutions for the Insane 1,149,000 

Orphans' Home 62,000 

Penitentiaries 408,000 

Normal School 50,000 

R form School 90,000 

The State has never levied more than 
two and one-half mills on the dollar for 
State tax, and this is at present the consti- 
tutional limit. The State has no debt. 

No other influence has contributed so 
much to the progress and development of 
Iowa as the newspapers of the State. No 
class of men have labored more assiduously 
and disinterestedly for the development of 
the State and the advancement of her ma- 
terial interests, than her editors. There 



are now published in Iowa 25 daily papers, 
364 weekly papers, and 13 monthly publi- 
cations. These are as a rule vvell supported 
by the people. 

Such is briefly a summary of the history 
and resources of Iowa. There is perhaps 
no other country on earth where so few 
people are either rich or poor as in Iowa; 
where there is such an equaiity of condi- 
tion, and where so many enjoy a compe- 
tence. The law exempts from execution 
a homestead to every head of a family. 
Every sober, industrious man can in a short 
time acquire a home Iowa is the home 
for the immigrant. The children of the 
laboring man have no prejudice of caste to 
overcome in the effort they may choose to 
make for the improvement of their condi- 
tion in life. Here all men enjoy the alien- 
able blessings of "life, liberty and the pur- 
suit of happiness," not only unfettered by 
legal disabilities, but also untrammeled by 
those fixed conditions of social and busi- 
ness life that elsewhere result from accu- 
mulated wealth in the possession of the 
few. As education is free, so also the ave- 
nues of success are open in every pursuit 
and calling. The highest incentives exist 
to exertion. Labor and effort, whether 
manual or mental, are held alike honorable; 
and idleness and crime are alone consid- 
ered disreputable. 

Thriving cities and towns dot the land; 
an iron net-work of thousands of miles of 
railroads is woven over its troad acres; 
10,000 school-houses, in which more than 
500,000 children are being taught the rudi- 
ments of education, testify to the culture 
and liberality of the people; high schools, 
colleges and universities, are generously 
endowed by the State; manufactories are 



r 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



67 



busy on all her water-courses, and in most 
of her cities and towns. 

We quote from Judge Nourse: "The 
great ultimate fact that America would 
demonstrate is, the existence of a people 
capable of attaining and preserving a su- 
perior civilization, with a government self- 
imposed, self-administered and self-perpet- 
uated. In this age of wonderful progress, 
America can exhibit nothing to the world 
of mankind more wonderful or more glo- 
rious, than her new States — young empires, 



born of her own enterprise, and tutored at 
her own political hearth-stone. Well may 
she say to the monarchies of the old world, 
who look for evidence of her regal grandeur 
and state: 'Behold, these are my jewels !' 
And may she never blush to add: 'This 
one in the center of the diadem is called 
Iowa!"* 

The following is the census of Iowa 
by counties, as taken by the National Gov- 
ernment at each decade: 



CENSUS OF IOWA. 



COUNTIES. 


1840. 


1850. 


1860. 


1870. 


1880. 








984 
1,533 
12, 237 
11,931 
451 
8,496 
8,244 

4, 232 
4 915 
7,906 

57 

3,724 

147 

281 

1,612 

12,949 

940 

58 

4,336 

5, 427 

52 

20, 728 

18, 938 

383 

5,544 

13,764 

8,677 

11, 024 
19,611 

180 

31, 164 

105 

12, 073 
3,744 
1,309 
5, 074 

i,;iT4 

T93 

3, 058 


3, 982 
4,614 

17,868 

16, 456 
1,212 

22, 454 
21,708 

14, 584 
12,528 

17, 034 
1,585 
9, 951 
1,602 
2,451 
5.464 

19, 731 
4,722 
1,967 

10, 180 
8,735 
1,523 

27,771 

35, 357 
2,530 

12,019 

15, 565 
12 018 
17, 432 
27, 256 

1,389 
38, 969 

1, 392 
16; 973 

10, 768 

4, 738 

11, 174 
4, 627 
6, 399 
7,061 


11, 199 








11,188 






777 
3, 131 


19,791 






16.636 






7,448 






672 
135 
735 


24,888 






23,913 






20, 838 






14,0-1 






517 


18, 547 






7,537 








14. 293 








5, .'.95 








12 351 








16,943 


Ceiiar 


1,253 


3,941 


18, 937 




11,461 
8, 240 








14,534 


Clarke 




709 


11,512 






4,248 




1,101 
821 


3,873 
2, 822 


28,829 




36, 764 




12,413 






854 

7,264 

965 

1,759 

12, 988 


18, 746 






16. 468 






15, 336 




168 
S, 577 


17, 9. 2 




33, 099 




1,901 




3,059 


10, 841 


42, 997 




1,550 






625 


22, 258 






14,677 








10,248 






1,244 


17,653 
12,725 








12, 63 1 








14,e63 



X' 



J> \<s 



^J 



w_ 



-t\ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



CENSUS OF IOWA— Continued. 



COUNTIES. 


1840. 


1850. 


1860. 


1870. 


1880. 








1,699 
179 

5,440 

3,621 
18, 701 

3, 168 
332 
43 

8,029 
18. 493 

9,883 
15, 038 
17, 573 
13.306 
13,271 
418 
29, 232 
18,947 
10, 370 

6,766 


6,055 
999 
13, 684 
8,931 
21, 463 
6,282 
2,596 
226 

16, 664 
22,619 
32,116 

17, 839 

24, 898 
19, 731 
19, 434 

3,351 
37,210 
28, 853 

12, 877 
10, 388 

221 

13, 884 

25, 51 8 
24, 436 
17, 576 

8,718 
9, 582 
3, 654 

12,724 
5,934 

21,688 
715 


11,252 








3,453 








17, 808 






8,707 


16,649 




3, 772 


20, 826 




10,837 








6,341 


Ida 






4, 382 
19, 221 






822 
7,210 
1,280 
9,904 
4,472 
3,007 
4.822 




1,411 


23, 771 




35, 962 




2,773 

1,491 

471 


17, 478 




25, 429 




21, 052 




21, 259 






6,179 




6,093 
1, 373 
1,927 


18, 861 

5,444 

4,939 

471 


34, 859 




37, 235 




13, 146 




14, 530 






1,968 






1.179 

5,9f» 

5,483 

338 


7,339 

14,816 

16, 8H 

6,015 

4,481 

3, 40a 

832 

8,612 

1, 256 

16, 444 

8 


17, 225 






25,201 






25, 1 1 1 






23,752 


Mills 




14, 135 








14,361 








9, 055 






2,884 
5,731 


13,719 






15, 895 




1,942 


23. 16f 


O'Brien 


4, 155 








2, 219 






551 


4,419 

132 

148 

103 

11,625 

5,668 

2, 923 
246 

25, 959 

818 

10 

4,051 

5. 28.) 

3, 590 
2 012 

17,081 
14.518 
10.281 
14, 235 

6, 419 
2,504 

168 

13,942 

1,119 

756 

653 


9, 975 
1,336 
2,199 
1,446 
27, 857 
16, 893 

15, 581 
5,691 
1,411 

38,509 

2,549 

570 

11,651 

16, 131 
6, 989 
5,986 

17, 672 

22, 346 

17, 980 

18, 952 
11,287 
10, 484 

1,52ft 

23, 570 
6. 172 
2,692 
2, 392 


19,607 


Palo Alto 




4, 131 








8,567 








3,713 


Polk 




4.5n 

7.828 
615" 


42. 395 






39, 846 






18, 936 






12, 085 








8,774 




2,140 


5, 986 


41, 270 


Shelby 


12, 696 








5, 426 








16, 966 






8 
204 


31, 5,-5 






15, 635 






14 980 




6,146 


12, 270 
8,471 

961 
4, 9.V7 

340 


17, 042 




25,282 






19, 578 




1,594 


20. 375 




16, 127 






15,950 








4,917 






546 


23, 937 






14, 997 


Worth 






7, 953 


Wright 






5 062 










Total 


43, 112 


192, 214 


674,913 


1,191,792 


1, 624, 463 



* V| •: 






HISTORY OF IOWA. 



69 



CHAPTER VII. 



GEOLOGY — TOPOGRAPHY — WATER COURSES. 



Geologists divide the soil of Iowa into 
three general divisions — drift, bluff and 
alluvial. The drift occupies a much larger 
part of the surface of the State than both 
the others. The bluff has the next greatest 
area of surface, and the alluvial least. All 
soil is disintegrated rock. The drift de- 
posit of Iowa was derived, to a consider- 
able extent, from the rocks of Minnesota; 
but the greater part of Iowa drift was de- 
rived from its own rocks, much of which 
has been transported but a short distance. 
In northern and northwestern Iowa the 
drift contains more sand and gravel than 
elsewhere. In southern Iowa the soil is 
frequently stiff and clayey. The bluff soil 
is found only in the western part of the 



State, and adjacent to the Missouri river. 
Although it contains less than one per cent, 
of clay in its composition, it is in no re- 
spect inferior to the best drift soil. The 
alluvial soil is that of the flood plains of 
the river valleys, or bottom lands. That 
which is periodically flooded by the riveis 
is of little value for agricultural purposes; 
but a large part of it is entirely above the 
reach of the highest flood, and is very pro- 
ductive. 

The stratified rocks of Iowa range from 
the Azoic to the Mesozoic, inclusive; but 
the greater portion of the surface of the 
State is occupied by those of the Palaeozoic 
age. The table below will show each of 
these formations in their order: 



BYSTKMS. 
AGES. 



Cretaceous...... 

Carboniferous.., 

Devonian 

Upper Silurian. 

Lower Silurian. 
Azolo 



groups. 

PERIODS. 



Post Tertiary 

! Lower Cretaceous. . 



Coal Measures.... 
Subearboniferous. 



Hamilton 

Niagara , 

| Cincinnati.. 



Trenton..... 



Primordial. 
Huronian;.... 



FORMATIONS. 
EPOCHS. 



Drift 

JInoceramous Bed 
Woodbury Sandstone and Shales 
Nishnabotany Sandstone 

5 Upper Coal Measures 
Middle Coal Measures , 
Lower Coal Measures 

fSt. Louis Limestone 

I Keokuk Limestone 

1 Bnrlington Limestone. — 

I Kinderhook Beds 

Hamilton Limestone and Shales... 

Niagara Limestone — 

Maquoketa Shales 

\ Galena Limestone 

J Trenton Limestone 

S St. Peter's SaBdstone 
Lower Magnesian Limestone 
Potsdam Sandstone 

Sioux Quart zite 



THICKNESS 
IN FEET. 



10 to 200 
50 

130 

100 

200 

201 

300 

15 

90 

196 

175 

2(10 

350 

80 

850 

2on 
fO 

250 

300 

50 



;V 



70 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



AZOIC SYSTEM. 

The Sioux quartzite is found exposed in 
natural ledges only upon a few acres in 
the extreme northwest corner of the State, 
upou the banks of the Big Sioux river, 
for which reason the specific name of 
Sioux quartzite has been given them. It 
is an intensely hard rock, breaks in 
splintery fracture, and of a color varyiug, 
in different localities, from a light to deep 
red. The process of metamorphism has 
been so complete throughout the whole 
formation, that the rock is almost every- 
where of uniform texture. The dip is 
four or five degrees to the northward, and 
the trend of the outcrop is east vard and 
westward. 

LOWER SILURIAN SYSTEM. 

Primordial Group. — The Potsdam sand- 
stone formation is exposed only in a small 
portion of the northeastern part of the 
State. It is only to be seen in the bases 
of the bluffs and steep valley sides which 
border the river there. It is nearly value-, 
less for economic purposes. No fossils 
have been discovered in this formation in 
Iowa. 

Lower Magnesian Limestone. — This 
formation has but little greater geographi- 
cal extent in Iowa than the Potsdam sand- 
stone. It lacks a uniformity of texture 
and stratification, owing to which it is not 
generally valuable for building purposes. 
The only fossils found in this formation in 
the State are a few traces of crinoids, near 
McGregor. 

The St. Peters sandstone formation is 
remarkably uniform in thickness through- 



out its known geographical extent, and it 
occupies a large portion of the northern 
half .of Allamakee county, immediately 
beneath the drift. 

Trenton Group — With the exception of 
the Trenton limestone, all the limestones 
of both Upper and Lower Silurian age in 
Iowa are magnesian limestone — nearly 
pure dolomites. This formation occupies 
large portions of Winneshiek and Allama- 
kee counties and a small part of Clayton 
The greater part of it is useless for eco- 
nomic purposes; but there are some com- 
pact, even layers that furnish fine material 
for window-caps and sills. Fossils are so 
abundant in this formation that in some 
places the rock is made up of a mass of 
shells, corals and fragments of trilobites, 
cemented by calcareous material into a 
solid rock. Some of these fossils are new 
to science and peculiar to Iowa. 

The Galena limestone is the upper form- 
ation of the Trenton Group. It is 150 
miles long, and seldom exceeds 12 miles 
in width. It exhibits its greatest develop- 
ment in Dubuque county. It is nearly a 
pure dolomite, with a slight admixture of 
silicous matter; good blocks for dressing 
are sometimes found near the top of the 
bed, although it is usually unfit for such a 
purpose. This formation is the source of 
the lead ore of the Dubuque lead mines. 
The lead region proper is confined to an 
area of about 15 miles square iu the vicinity 
of Dubuque. The ore occurs in vertical 
fissures, which traverse the rock at regular 
intervals from east to west; some is found in 
those which have a north and south direc- 
tion. This ore is mostly that known as 
Galena, or sulphuret of lead, very small 



<a i^. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



71 



quantities only of the carbonate being 
found with it. 

Cincinnati Group — The surface occu- 
pied by the Maquoketa shales is more than 
100 miles in length, but is singularly long 
and narrow, seldom reaching a mile or two 
in width. The most northern exposure 
yet recognized is in the western part of 
Winneshiek county, while the most south- 
erly is in Jackson county, in the bluffs of 
the Mississippi. The formation is largely 
composed of bluish and brownish shales, 
sometimes slightly arenaceous, sometimes 
calcareous, which weather into a tenacious 
clay upon the surface, and the soil derived 
from it is usually stiff and clayey. Several 
species of fossils which characterize the 
Cincinnati Group are found in the Maquo- 
keta shales, but they contain a larger num- 
ber than have been found anywhere else 
in these shales in Iowa, and their distinct 
faunal characteristics seem to warrant the 
separation of the Maquoketa shales as a 
distinct formation from others in the 
group. 

UPPEK SILURIAN SYSTEM. 

Niagara Group. — The area occupied by 
the Niagara limestone is 40 and 50 miles 
in width, and nearly 160 miles long, from 
north to south. This formation is entirely 
a magnesian limestone, with a considerable 
portion of silicious matter, in some places, 
in the form of chert or coarse flint. A 
large part of it probably affords the best 
and greatest amount of quarry rock in the 
State. The quarries at Anamosa, LeClaire 
and Farley are all opened in this forma- 
tion. 

DEVONIAN SYSTEM. 

Hamilton Group. — The area of surface 
occupied by the Hamilton limestone and 



shales is as great as those by all the form- 
ations of both Upper and Lower Silurian 
age in the State. Its length is nearly 200 
miles, and width from 40 to 50. A large 
part of the material of this is quite woi th- 
less, yet other portions are valuable for 
economic purposes; and, having a huge 
geographical extent in the State, is a very 
important formation. Its value for the 
production of hydraulic lime has been 
demonstrated at Waverly, Bremer county; 
the heavier piers and other material re- 
quiring strength and durability. All the 
Devonian strata of Iowa evidently belong 
to a single epoch. The most conspicuous 
and characteristic fossils of this formation 
are brachiopodes, corals and mullusks. 
The coral Acervularia Davidsoni occurs 
near Iowa City, and is known as "Iowa 
City marble" and "Bird's Eye marble." 

CARBONIFEROUS SYSTEM. 

Of the three groups of formations that 
constitute the carboniferous, viz: the sub- 
carboniferous, coal measures and Permian, 
only the first two are found in Iowa. 

Subcarboniferous Group. — This group 
occupies a very large area of surface. ' Its 
eastern border passes from the northeast- 
ern part of Winnebago county, with con- 
siderable directness in a southeasterly 
direction to the northern part of Washing- 
ton county. It then makes a broad and 
direct bend nearly eastward, striking the 
Mississippi at Muscatine. The southern 
and western boundaries are to a consider- 
able extent the same as that which separates 
it from the real field. From the southern 
part of Pocahontas oounty it passes south- 
east to Fort Dodge, thence to Webster 
City, thence to a point 3 or 4 miles north- 



T 



72 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



east of Eldora, in Hardin county, thence 
southward to the middle of the north line 
of Jasper county, thence southeastward to 
Sigourney, in Keokuk county, thence to 
the northeastern corner of Jefferson county, 
thence sweeping a few miles eastward to 
the southeast corner of Van Buren county. 
Its arc is about 250 miles long, and from 
20 to 50 miles wide. 

The Rinderhook Becfo. — The most south- 
erly exposure of these beds is in Des- 
Moines county, near the mouth of Skunk 
river. The most northerly now known is 
in the eastern part of Pocahontas county, 
more than 200 miles distant. The princi- 
pal exposures of this formation are along 
the bluffs which border the Mississippi and 
Skunk rivers, where they form the eastern 
and northern boundary of DesMoines 
county; aloifg English river, in Washing- 
ton county; along the Iowa river in Tama, 
Marshall, Hamlin and Franklin counties, 
and along the DesMoines river in Hum- 
boldt county. This formation has consid- 
erable economic value, particularly in the 
northern portion of the region it occupies. 
In Pocahontas and Humboldt counties it 
is invaluable, as no other stone except a 
few boulders are found here. At Iowa 
Falls the lower division is very good for 
building purposes. In Marshall county all 
the limestone to be obtained comes from 
this formation, and the quarries near Le 
Grand are very valuable. At this point 
some of the layers are finely veined with 
peroxide of iron, and are wrought into both 
useful and ornamental objects. In Tama 
county the oolitic member is well exposed, 
where it is manufactured into lime. Upon 
exposure to atmosphere and frost it crum- 



bles to pieces; consequently it is not valu- 
able for building purposes. 

The remains of fishes are the only fossils 
yet discovered in this formation that can 
be referred to the sub-kingdom Vertebrata; 
and so far as yet recognized, they all be- 
long to the order Selachians Of Articu- 
ticulates, only two species have been recog- 
nized, both of which belong to the genus 
Phillipsia. The sub-kingdom Mollusca is 
also largely represented. The Radiata are 
represented by a few crinoids, usually 
found in a very imperfect condition. The 
sub kingdom is also represented by corals. 
The prominent feature in the life of this 
epoch was molluscan. It overshadowed 
all other branches of the animal kingdom. 
The prevailing classes are: Lamellibranch- 
iates, in the more arenaceous portions; and 
Brachropods in the more calcareous por- 
tions. No remains of vegetation have 
been detected in any of the strata of this 
formation. 

The Burlington limestone formation 
consists of two distinct calcareous divi- 
sions, separated by a series of siliceous 
beds; both divisions are crinoidal. The 
Burlington limestone is carried down by 
the southerly dip of the Iowa rocks, so that 
it is seen for the last time in the State in 
the valley of Skunk river, near the south- 
ern boundary of DesMoines county, which 
is the most northerly point that it has been 
found, but it probably exists as far north 
as Marshall county. Much valuable mate- 
rial is afforded by this formation for eco- 
nomic purposes. The upper division 
furnishes excellent common quarry rock. 
Geologists are attracted by the great 
abundance and variety of its fossils — cri- 
noids — now known to be more than 300. 



■9 



*2L 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



73 



The only remains of vertebrates discov- 
ered in this formation are those of fishes, 
and consist of teeth and spines. Bones of 
bony fish, on Buffington creek, Louisa 
county, is an exposure so fully charged 
with these remains that it might with pro- 
priety be called bone breccia. 

Remains of Articulates are rare in this 
formation; so far as yet discovered, they 
are confined to two species of trilobites of 
the genus Phillipsia. Fossil shells are 
very common. 

The two lowest classes of the sub-king- 
dom Radiata are represented in the genera 
Zaphrentis, Amplexus and Syringaposa, 
while the highest class, Echinoderms, are 
found in most extraordinary profusion. 

The Keokuk limestone formation is to 
be seen only in four counties — Lee, Van 
Buren, Henry and DesMoines. In some 
localities the upper siliceous portion is 
known as the Geode bed; it is not recog- 
nizable in the northern portion .of the 
formation, nor in connection with it where 
it is exposed, about 80 miles below Keo- 
kuk. The geodes of the Geode bed are 
more or less masses of silex, usually hol- 
low andlined with crystals of quartz; the 
outer crust is rough and unsightly, but the 
crystals which stud the interior are often 
very beautiful; they vary in size from the 
size of a walnut to a foot in diameter. 

This formation is of great economic 
value. Large quantities of its stone have 
been used in the finest structures in the 
State, among which are the postoffices at 
Dubuque and DesMoines. The principal 
quarries are along the banks of the Missis- 
sippi, from Keokuk to Nauvoo. The only 
vertebrate fossils in the formation are 
fishes, all belonging to the order Selachians, 



some of which indicate that their owners 
reached a length of 25 or 30 feet. Of the 
Articulates, only two species of the genus 
Phillipsia have been found in this forma- 
tion. Of the Mollusks no Cephalopods 
have yet been recognized in this forma- 
tion in Iowa. Gasteropods are rare; 
Brachiopo.ls and Polyzoans are quite 
abundant. Of Radiates, corals of genera 
Zaphrentis, Amplexus and Aulopora are 
found, but crinoids are most abundant. Of 
the low forms of animal life, the proto- 
zoans, a small fossil related to the sponges, 
is found in this formation in small num- 
bers. 

The St. Louis limestone is the uppermost 
of the sub-carboniferous group in Iowa. It 
occupies a small superficial area, consisting 
of long, narrow strips, yet its extent is 
very great. It is first seen resting on the 
geode division of the Keokuk limestone, 
near Keokuk; proceeding northward, it 
forms a narrow border along the edge of 
the coal fields in Lee, DesMoines, Henry, 
Jefferson, Washington, Keokuk and Ma- 
haska counties; it is then lost sight of 
until it appears again in the banks of 
Boone river, where it again passes out of 
view under the Coal Measures, until it is 
next seen in the banks of the DesMoines, 
near Fort Dodge. As it exists in Iowa, it 
consists of three tolerably distinct sub- 
divisions — the magnesian, arenaceous and 
calcareous. The upper divis : on furnishes 
excellent material for quicklime, and when 
quarries are well opened, as in the north- 
western part of VanBuren county, large 
blocks are obtained. The sandstone, or 
middle division, is of little economic value. 
The lower, or magnesian division, furnishes 
a valuable and durable stone, exposures of 



rV 



jy. 



-\ 



74 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



which are found on Lick creek, in Van 
Buren county, and on Long creek, seven 
miles west of Burlington. 

Of the fossils of this formation, the 
vertebrates are represented only by the 
remains of fish, belonging to the two 
orders, Selachians and Ganoids. The 
Articulates are represented by one species 
of the trilobite, genus Phillipsia; and two 
ostracoid genera, Cylhra and Beyricia. 
The Mollusks distinguished this formation 
more than any other branch of the animal 
kingdom. Radiates are exceedingly rare, 
showing a marked contrast between this 
formation and the two preceding it. 

The Coal Pleasure Group is properly 
divided into three formations, viz: the 
Lower, Middle and Upper Coal Measures; 
each having a vertical thickness of about 
two hundred feet. 

The Lower Coal Measures exists east- 
ward and northward of the DesMoines 
river, and also occupy a large area west- 
ward and southward of that river; but 
their southerly dip passes below the Middle 
Coal Measure at no great distance from 
the river. This formation possesses 
greater economic value than any other in 
the whole State. The clay that underlies 
almost every bed of coal, furnishes a large 
amount of material for potters' use. The 
sandstone of these measures is usually soft 
and unfit for use; but in some places, as in 
Red Rock, in Marion county, blocks of 
large dimensions are obtained, which make 
good building material, samples of which 
can be seen in the State Arsenal, at Des 
Moines. 

But few fossils have been found in any 
of the strata of the Lower Coal Measures, 
but such animal remains as have been 



found are, without exception, of marine 
origin. All fossil plants found in these 
measures, probably belong to the class 
Acrogens. Specimens of Calamites and 
several species of ferns are found in all ihe 
Coal Measures, but the genus Lepidoden- 
dron seems not to have existed later than 
the epoch of the Middle Coal Measures. 
The latter formation occupies a narrow 
belt of territory in the southern-central 
portion of the State, embracing a superfi- 
cial 'area of about 1,400 square miles The 
counties underlaid by this formation are, 
Guthrie, Dallas, Po'k, Madison, Warren, 
Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne and Appa- 
noose. 

Few species of fossils occur in these 
beds. Some of the shales and sandstone 
have afforded a few imperfectly preserved 
land plants, three or four species of ferns, 
belonging to the genera. Some of the 
carboniferous shales afford beautiful speci- 
mens of what appears to have been sea- 
weed. Radiates are represented by corals. 
The Mollu.sk-; are most numerously repre- 
sented. Trilobites and ostracoids are the 
only remains known of Articulates. Ver- 
tebrates are only known by the remains of 
Selachians, or sharks and ganoids. 

The Upper Coal Measures occupy a very 
lr.rge area, comprising thirteen whole 
counties, in the southwestern part of the 
State. By its northern and eastern boun- 
daries it adjoins the are.i occupied by the 
Middle Coal Measures. This formation 
contains a considerable portion of shales 
and sandstone, but the prominent litho- 
logical features are its limestones. Al- 
though it is known by the name of Upper 
Coal Measures, it contains but a single bed 
of coal, and that only about 20 inches iu 



$£+ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



75 



maximum thickness. The limestone ex- 
posed in thid formation furnishes good 
building material, as in Madison and Fre- 
mont counties. The sandstones are quite 
worthless. No beds of clay, for potters' 
use, are found in the whole formation. 
The fossils are more numerous than in 
either the Middle or Lower Coal Measures 
The vertebrates are represented by the 
fishes of the orders Selachians and Ganoids. 
The Articulates are represented by the 
trilobites and ostracoids. Mollusks are 
represented by the classes Cephalapoda, 
Gasterapoda, Lamellibranchiata, Brachio- 
poda and Polyzoa. Radiates are more 
numerous than in the Middle and Lower 
Coal Measures. Protozoans are repre- 
sented in the greatest abundance, some 
layers of limestone being almost entirely 
composed of their small fusiform shells. 

CRETACEOUS SYSTEM. 

The next strata in the geological series 
are of the Cretaceous age. They are found 
in the western half of the State, and do 
not dip, as do all the other formations 
upon which they rest, to the southward 
and westward, but have a general dip of 
their own to the north of westward, which, 
however, is very slight. Although the 
actual exposures of cretaceous rocks are 
few in Iowa, there is reason to believe that 
nearly all the western half of the State was 
originally occupied by them; but they have 
been removed by denudation, which has 
taken place at two separate periods. The 
first period was during its elevation from 
the cretaceous- sea, and during the long 
Tertiary age that passed between the time 
of that elevation and the commencement 
of the Glacial epoch. The second period 



was during the Glacial epoch, when the ice 
produced their entire removal over consid- 
erable areas. All the cretaceous rocks in 
Iowa are a part of the same deposits farther 
up the Missouri river, and, in reality, form 
their eastern boundary. 

The Nishnabotany sandstone has the 
most easterly and southerly extent of the 
cretaceous deposits of Iowa, reaching the 
southeastern part of Guthrie county and 
the southern part of Montgomery county. 
To the northward, it passes beneath the 
Woodbury sandstones and shales, the latter 
passing beneath the Inoceramus, or chalky 
beds. This sandstone is, with few excep- 
tions, valueless for economic purposes. 
The only fossils found in this formation 
are a few fragments of angios permous 
leaves. The strata of Woodbury sand- 
stones and shales rest upon the Nishnabot- 
any sandstone, and have not been observed 
outside of Woodbury county; hence their 
name. Their principal exposure is at Ser- 
geant's Bluffs, seven miles below Sioux 
City. This rock has no value, except for 
purposes of common masonry. Fossil re- 
mains are rare. Detached scales of a lepi- 
doginoid species have been detected, but 
no other vertibrate remains of vegetation, 
leaves of Salix Meekii and Sassfras creta- 
ceum have been occasionally found. 

The Inoceramus beds rest upon the 
Woodbury sandstone and shales. They 
have not been observed in Iowa except in 
the bluffs which border the Big Sioux river 
in Woodbury and Plymouth counties. 
They are composed almost entirely of cal- 
careous material, the upper portion of 
which is extensively used for lime. No 
building material can bo obtained from 
these beds, and the only value they possess, 



T 



-r— ►■ 



9 1_ 



76 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



except lime, are the marls, which at some 
time may be useful on the soil of the adja- 
cent region. The only vertebrate remains 
found iu the cretaceous rocks are the fishes. 
Those in the Inoceramus beds are two 
species of squaloid Selachians, or certra- 
cionts, and three genera of teliosts. Mol- 
luscan remains are rare. 

PEAT. 

Extensive beds of peat exist in Northern 
Middle Iowa, which, it is estimated, con- 
tain the following areas: Cerro Gordo 
county, 1,500 acres; Worth, 2,000; Winne- 
bago, 2,000; Hancock, 1,500; Wright, 500; 
Kossuth, TOO; Dickinson, 80. Several con- 
tain peat beds, but the peat is inferior to 
that in the northern part of the State. 
The beds are of an average depth of four 
feet. It is estimated that each acre of 
these beds will furnish 250 tons of dry 
fuel for each foot in depth. At present 
this peat is not utilized, but, owing to its 
great distance from the coal fields, and the 
absence of timber, the time is coming when 
their value will be fully realized. 

GYPSUM. 

The only sulphate of the alkaline earth 
of any economic value is gypsum, and it 
may be found in the vicinity of Fort 
Dodge, in Webster county. The deposit 
occupies a nearly central position in the 
county, the DesMoines river running nearly 
centrally through it, along the valley sides 
of which the gypsum is seen in the form of 
ordinary rock cliff and ledges, and also oc- 
curring abundantly in similar positions 
along both sides of the valleys of the 
smaller streams and of the numerous 
ravines coming into the river valley. The 



most northerly known limit of the deposit 
is at a point near the mouth of Lizaid 
creek, a tributary of the DesMoines river 
and almost adjoining the town of Fort 
Dodge. The most southerly point at which 
it has been exposed is about six miles, by 
way of the river, from the northerly point 
mentioned. The width of the area is un- 
known, as the gypsum becomes lost be- 
neath the overlying drift, as one goes up 
the ravines and minor valleys. 

On either side of the creeks and ravines 
which come into the valley of the Des 
Moines river, the gypsum is seen jutting 
out from beneath the drift in the form of 
ledges and bold quarry fronts, having 
almost the exact appearance of ordinary 
limestone exposures, so horizontal and reg- 
ular are its lines of stratification, and so 
similar in color is it to some varieties of 
that rock. The principal quarries now. 
opened are on Two-JVIile creek, a couple of 
miles below Fort Dodge. 

Age of the Gypsum Deposit — No trace 
of fossil remains has been found in the 
gypsum or associated clays; neither has 
any other indication of its geologic age 
been observed except that which is afforded 
by its stratigraphical relations; the most 
that can be said with certainty is that it is 
newer than the coal measures, and older 
than the drift. The indications afforded 
by the stratigraphical relations of the gyp- 
sum deposit of Fort Dodge are, however, 
of considerable value. No Tertiary de- 
posits are known to exist within or near 
the borders of Iowa, to suggest that it 
might be of that age, nor are any of the 
Palaeozoic strata newer than the subcar- 
boniferous unconformable upon each other 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



11 



as the other gypsum is unconformable upon 
the strata beneath it. It therefore seems, 
in a measure, conclusive that the gypsum 
is of Mesozoic age; perhaps older than 
the cretaceous. 

The lithological origin of this deposit is 
as uncertain as its geological age. It seems 
to present itself in this relation, as in the 
former one, — an isolated fact. None of 
the associated strata show any traces of a 
double decomposition of pre-existing ma- 
terials, such as some have supposed all de- 
posits of gypsum to have resulted from. 
No considerable quantities of oxide of iron 
nor any trace of native sulphur have been 
found in connection with it, nor has any 
salt been found in the waters of the region. 
These substances are common in associa- 
tion with other gypsum deposits, and by 
many are regarded as indicative of the 
method of or resulting from their origin 
as such. Throughout the whole region the 
Fort Dodge gypsum has the exact appear- 
ance of a sedimentary deposit. From 
these facts it seems not unreasonable to en- 
tertain the opinion that this gypsum origin- 
ated as a chemical precipitation in com- 
paratively still waters which were satu- 
rated with sulphate of lime and destitute 
of life; its stratification and impurities 
being deposited at the same time as clayey 
impurities which had been suspended in 
the same waters. 

Physical Properties. — Much has already 
been said of the physical character of this 
gypsum; but as it is so different in some 
respects from other deposits, there are still 
other matters worthy of mention in con- 
nection with those. According to the re- 
sults of a complete analysis of Prof.Emery, 



the ordinary gray gypsum contains only 
about eight per cent, of impurity, and it 
is possible that the average impurity for 
the whole deposit will not exceed that pro- 
portion, so uniform in quality is it from 
top to bottom and from one end of the 
region to the other. As plaster for agri- 
cultural purposes is sometimes prepared 
from gypsum that contains thirty per cent, 
of impurity, it will be seen that this is a 
very superior article for such purposes. 
The impurities are of such a character 
that they do not in any way interfere with 
its value for use in the arts. 

Although the gypsum rock has a gray 
color, it becomes quite white by grinding, 
and still whiter by the calcimining process 
necessary in the preparation of plaster of 
Paris. These test* have all been practi- 
cally made in the rooms of the Geological 
Survey, and the quality of the plaster of 
Paris still further tested by actual use and 
experiment. The only use yet made of 
the gypsum by the inahabitants is for the 
purposes of ordinary building stone. It is 
so compact it is found to be comparatively 
unaffected by frost, and its ordinary situa- 
tion in walls of houses is such that it is 
protected from the dissolving action of 
water, which can, at most, reach it only 
from occasional rains, and the effect of 
these is too slight to be perceived after the 
lapse of several years. Hon. John F. 
Duncombe, of Fort Dodge, built a fine 
residence of it in 1861, the walls of which 
appear as unaffected by exposure and as 
beautiful as they were when first erected. 
Several other houses in Fort Dodge have 
been constructed of it, including the depot 
buildings of the Dubuque and Sioux City 
Railroad. MaDy of the sidewalks in the 



jy 



i? **_ 



78 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



town are made of the slabs or flags of gyp- 
sum which occur in some of the quarries 
in the form of thin layers. 

MINOR DEPOSITS OF SULPHATE OF LIME. 

Sulphate of lime in the various forms 
of fibrous gypsum, selenite and small 
amorphous masses, has also been discov 
ered in various formations in different 
parts of the State, including the Coal 
Measure shales near Fort Dodge, where it 
exists in small quantities, quite independ- 
ently of the great gypsum deposit there. 
The quantity of gypsum in these minor 
deposits is always too small to be of any 
practical value, usually occurring in shales 
and shaly clays. Associated with strata 
that contain more or less sulphuret of 
iron, gypsum has thus been detected in 
the Coal Measures, the St. Louis lime- 
stone, the Cretaceous strata, and also in 
the Dead Caves of Dubuque. 

6ULPHATE OF STEONITA. 

This mineral is found at Fort Dodge, 
which is, perhaps, the only place in Iowa 
or in the valley of the Mississippi where 
it has as yet been discovered. There, it 
occurs in very small quantities in both the 
shales of the Lower Coal Measures and in 
the clays that overlie the gypsum deposit, 
and which is regarded as of the same age 
with it. The mineral is fibrous and crys- 
talline, the fibers being perpendicular to 
the plane of the layer; it resembles, in 
physical character, the layer of fibro-crys- 
talline gypsum, before mentioned. Its 
color is of light b'ue, is transparent, and 
shows crystalline facets upon both the 



upper and under surfaces of the layer, of 
the upper surface being smaller and more 
numerous. The layer is probably not 
more than a rod in extent in any direct'on, 
and about three inches in maximum thick- 
ness. Apparent lines of stratification 
occur in it, corresponding with those of 
the shales which imbed it The other 
deposit was still smaller in amount, and 
occurred as a mass of crystals imbedded 
in the clays that overlie the gypsum at 
Cummins' quarry, in the valley of Sol- 
diers' creek, upon the north side of the 
town. The mineral in this clay is nearly 
colorless, and somewhat resembles masses 
of impure salt. The crystals are so closely 
aggregated that they enclose but little im- 
purity in the mass, but in almost all other 
cases their fundamental forms are ob- 
sured. This mineral has almost no prac- 
tical value, and is only interesting as a 
mineralogical fact. 

SULPHATE OF BARYTA. 

In Iowa this mineral has been found 
only in minute quantities. It has been de- 
tected in the Coal Measure shales of De- 
catur, Madison and Marion counties, 
Devonian limestone of Johnson and Bre- 
mer counties, and, also, in the lead caves 
of Dubuque. It is in the form of crystals 
or small crystalline masses. 

SULPHATE OF MAGNESIA. 

Epsomite, or native Epsom salts, having 
been discovered near Burlington, all the 
sulphates of alkaline earths of natural 
origin have been recognized in Iowa; all 
except the sulphate of lime being in very 
small quantity. The Epsomite mentioned 



r r 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



T9 



was found beneath the overhanging cliff of 
Burlington limestone near Starr's Mill. It 
occurs in the form of efflorescent encrusta- 
tions upon the surface of stones, and in 
similar small fragile masses among the 
pine debris that has fallen down beneath 
the overhanging cliff. The projection of 
the cliff over the perpendicular face of the 
strata beneath, amounts to near 20 feet at 
the point where Epsomite was found. The 
rock upon which it accumulates is an im- 
pure limestone, containing also some car- 
bonate of magnesia, together with a small 
proportion of iron pyrites, in a finely 
divided condition. By experim tits with 
this native salt in the office of the Survey, 
a fine article of Epsom salts was produced, 
but the quantity obtained there is very 
small, and would be of no practical value 
on account of the cheapness in the market. 

CLIMATE. 

The greatest objection to the climate of 
this State is the prevalence of wind, which 
is somewhat greater than in the States 
south and e3st, but not so great as it is 
west. The air is pure and generally bra- 
cing, — the northern part particularly so 
during the winter. The prevailing direc- 
tion of the wind during the whole year is 
easterly. Corresponding'}', thunder-storms 
are somewhat more violent in this Slate 
than east or south, but not near so much so 
as toward the mountains. As elsewhere in 
the Northwestern States, easterly wind 
bii n g rain and snow, while westerly oms 
clear the sky. While the highest temper- 
ature occurs here in August, the month of 
July aver ges the hottest, and January the 
coldest. The mean temperature of April 
and October nearly corresponds to the 



mean temperature of the year, as well as to 
the seasons of spring and fall, while that 
of summer and winter is best represented 
by August and December. Indian summer 
is delightful and well prolonged. Untimely 
frosts sometimes occur, but seldom severely 
enough to do great injury. The wheat 
crop being a staple product of the State, 
and is not injured at all by frost, this great 
resource of the State continues intact. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

All the knowledge we have at present 
of the topography of the State of Iowa is 
that derived from incidental observations 
of geological corps, from the surveys made 
by railroad engineers, and from barometri- 
cal observations made by authority of the 
Federal Government. No complete topo 
graphical survey has yet been made, tut 
this will doubtless be attended to in a few 
years. 

The State lies wholly within, and com- 
prises a part of, a vast plain, and there is 
no mountainous or even hilly country 
within its borders; for the highest point is 
but 1,200 feet above the lowest point; these 
two points are nearly 300 miles apart, and 
the whole State is traversed by gently 
flowing rivers. A clearer idea of the great 
uniformity of the surface of the State may 
be obtained from a statement of the gen- 
eral t-lopes in feet per mile, from point to 
point, in straight lines across it. 

Per Mile. 
From N. E. corner to S. E. cor- 
ner of State 1 ft. 1 in. 

From N. E. corner to Spirit Lake, 5 ft. 5 in 
From N.W. corner to Spirit Lake, 5 ft. 
From N.W. corner to S.W. cor- 
ner of the State 2 ft. 



80 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



From S. W. corner to highest 
ridge between the two great 
rivers (in Ringgold county).. 4 ft. i in. 

From the highest point in the 
State (near Spirit Lake) to the 
lowest point in the State (at 
the mouth of DesMoines river) 4 ft. 

We thus find that there is good degree 
of propriety in regarding the whole State 
as belonging to a great plain, the lowest 
point of which within its border, the south- 
eastern corner of the State, is only 444 
feet above the level of the sea. The aver- 
age height of the whole State above the 
level of the sea is not far from 800 feet, 
although it is a thousand miles from the 
nearest ocean. 

These remarks are, of course, to be un- 
derstood as applying to the State as a 
whole. On examining its surface in detail, 
we find a great diversity of surface by the 
formation of valleys out of the general 
level, which have been evolved by the 
actions of streams during the unnumbered 
years of the terrace epoch. These river 
valleys are deepest in the northwestern 
part of the State, and consequently it is 
there that the country has the greatest di- 
versity of surface, and its physical features 
are most strongly marked. 

The greater part of Iowa was formerly 
one vast prairie. It has, indeed, been 
estimated that seven-eighths of the surface 
of the State was prairie when first settled. 
By prairie it must not be inferred that a 
level surface is meant, for they are found 
in hilly countries as well. Nor are they 
confined to any particular variety of soil, 
for they rest upon all formations, from 
those of the Azotic to those of the Creta- 



ceous age, inclusive. Whatever may have 
been their origin, their present existence 
in Iowa is not due to the influence of cli- 
mate, of the soil, or of any of the under- 
lying formations. The real cause is the 
prevalence of the annual fires. If these 
had been prevented fifty years ago, Iowa 
would now be a timbered country. The 
encroachment of forest trees upon prairie 
farms as soon as the bordering wood- 
land is protected from the annual prairie 
fires, is well known to farmers throughout 
the State. The soil of Iowa is justly 
famous for its fertility, and there is prob- 
ably no equal area of the earth's surface 
that contains so little untillable land, or 
whose soil has so high an average of fer- 
tility. Ninety-five per cent, of its surface 
is capable of a high state of cultivation. 

LAKES AND STREAMS. 

Lakes — The lakes of Iowa may be prop- 
erly divided into two distinct classes. The 
first may be called drift lakes, having had 
their origin in the depressions left in the 
surface of the drift at the close of the gla- 
cial epoch, and have rested upon the undis- 
turbed surface of the drift deposit ever 
since the glaciers disappeared. The others 
may be properly termed fluviatile or allu- 
vial lakes, because they have had their 
origin by the action of rivers while cut- 
ting their own valleys out from the surface 
of the drift as it existed at the close of the 
glacial epoch, and are now found resting 
upon the alluvium. By "alluvium" is 
meant the deposit which has accumulated 
in the valleys of rivers by the action of 
their own currents. It is largely composed 
of sand and other coarse material, and 



•V 



"t^u. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



upon that deposit are some of the best 
productive soils in the State. It is this 
deposit which forms the flood plains and 
deltas of our rivers, as well as the terraces 
of their valleys. The regions to which the 
drift lakes are principally confined are near 
the head waters of the principal streams 
of the State. They are consequently found 
in those regions which lie between the 
Cedar and DesMoines rivers, and the Des 
Moines and Little Sioux. No drift lakes 
are found in Southern Iowa. The largest 
of the lakes to be found in the State 
are Spirit and Okoboji, in Dickinson 
county, Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo county, 
and Storm Lake in Buena Vista county. 

Spirit Lake. — The width and length of 
this lake are about equal, and it contains 
about 12 square miles of surface, its north- 
ern border resting directly on the boun- 
dary of the State. It lies almost directly 
upon the great water-shed. Its shores 
are mostly gravelly, ai d the country about 
it fertile. 

Okoboji Lake. — This body of water 
lies directly south of Spirit Lake, and has 
somewhat the shape of a horse-shoe, with 
its eastern projection within a few rods 
of Spirit Lake, where it receives the out- 
let of the latter. Okoboji Lake extends 
about five miles southward from Spirit 
Lake, thence about the same distance 
westward, and it then bends northward 
about as far as the eastern projection. 
The eastern portion is narrow, but the 
western is larger, and in some places 100 
feet deep. The surroundings of this and 
Spirit Lake are very pleasant; fish are 
abundant in them, and they are the re- 
sort of myriads of water-fowl. 



Clear Lake. — This lake is situated 
upon the water-shed between the Iowa and 
Cedar rivers. It is about 5 miles long, 2 
or 3 miles wide, and has a maximum 
depth of only 15 feet. Its shores and the 
country around are like that of Spirit 
Lake. 

Storm Lake. — This lake rests upon the 
great water-shed in Buena Vista county. 
It is a clear, beautiful sheet of water, con- 
taining a surface area of between 4 and 5 
square miles. The outlets of all these 
drift lakes are dry during a portion of the 
year, except Okoboji. 

Walled Lakes — Along the water-sheds 
of Northern Iowa great numbers of small 
lakes exist, varying from half a mile to a 
mile n diameter. One of the la'-es in 
Wright county, and another in Sac, have 
each received the name of "Walled Lake," 
on account of the embankments on their 
bord is, which are supposed to be the work 
of ancient inhabitants. These embank- 
ments are from 2 to 10 feet in height, and 
from 5 to 30 feet across. They are the 
result of natural causes alone, being refer- 
able to the periodic action of ice, aided to 
some extent by the action of the waves. 

These lakes are very shallow, and in win- 
ter freeze to the bottom, so that but little 
unfrozen water remains in the middle. The 
ice freezes fast, to everything on the bot- 
tom, and the expansive power of the water 
in freezing acts in all directions from the 
center to the circumference, and whatever 
was on the bottom of the lake has been 
thus carried to the shore. This has been 
going on from year to year, from century 
to century, forming the embankments 
which have caused so much wonder. 






HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



Springs issue from all the geological 
formations, and form the sides of almost 
every valley, but they are more numerous, 
and assume proportions which give rise to 
the name of sink-holes, along the upland 
borders of the Upper Iowa river, owing to 
the peculiar fissued and laminated charac- 
ter and great thickness of the strata of the 
age of the Trenton limestone which under- 
lies the whole region of the valley of that 
stream. No mineral springs, properly so- 
called, have yet been discovered in Iowa, 
though the water of several artesian wells 
is frequently found charged with soluable 
mineral substances. 

Rivers. — The two great rivers, the Mis- 
sissipi and Missouri, from the eastern and 
the western boundaries, respectively, of 
the State, receive the eastern and western 
drainage of it. The Mississippi with its 
tributaries in Eastern Iowa drain two- 
thirds of the State, and the Missouri with 
its tributaries drain the western third. The 
great water-shed which divides these two 
systems is a land running southward from 
a point on the northern boundary line of 
the State, near Spirit Lake, in Dickinson 
county, to a nearly central point in the 
northern part of Adair county. From the 
last named point this highest ridge of land 
between the two great rivers continues 
southward, without change of character, 
through Ringgold county, into the State 
of Missouri; but it is no longer the great 
water-shed. From that point another ridge 
bears off southward, through the counties 
of Madison, Clarke, Lucas and Appanoose, 
which is now the water-shed. 

All streams that rise in Iowa occupy, at 
first, only slight depressions of the land, 



and are scarcely perceptible. These uniting 
into larger streams, though still flowing 
over drift and bluff deposits, reach consid- 
erable depth into these deposits, in some 
cases to a depth of nearly 200 feet from 
the general prairie level. 

The greater part of the streams in West- 
ern Iowa run either along the whole or a 
part of their course, upon that peculiar 
deposit known as bluff deposit. The 
banks even of the small streams are often 
five to ten feet in height and quite perpen- 
dicular, so that they render the streams 
almost everywhere unfordable, and a great 
impediment to travel across the open 
country where there are no bridges. 

This deposit is of a slightly yellowish 
ash color, except when darkened by decay- 
ing vegetation, very fine and silicious, but 
not sandy, not very cohesive, and not at 
all plastic. It forms excellent soil, and 
does not bake or crack in drying, except 
limy concretions, which are generally dis- 
tributed throughout the mass, in shape 
and size resembling pebbles; but not a 
stone or a pebble can be found in the 
whole deposit. It was called "silicious 
marl" by Dr. Owen, in his geological re- 
port to the Government, and he attributes 
its origin to an accumulation of sediment 
in an ancient lake, which was afterward 
drained, and the sediment became dry land. 
Prof. Swallow gives it the name of "bluff," 
which is here adopted; but the term, "la- 
custrine" would have been more appro- 
priate. The peculiar properties of this 
deposit are that it will stand securely with 
a precipitous front 200 feet high, and yet 
is easily excavated with a spade. Wells 
dug in it require only to be walled to a 
point just above the water-line. Yet, com- 



r r 



■fe 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



83 



pact as it is, it is very porous, so that 
water which falls on it does not remain at 
the surface, but percolates through it; 
neither does it accumulate within it at any 
point, as it does upon and within the drift 
and the stratified formations. 

The thickest deposit yet known in Iowa 
is in Fremont county, where it reaches 200 
feet. It is found throughout a region 
more than 200 miles in length, and nearly 
100 miles in width, and through which the 
Missouri runs almost centrally. 

This fine sediment is the same which 
the Missouri once deposited in a broad 
depression in the surface of the drift that 
formed a lake-like expansion of that river 
in the earliest period of the history of its 
valley. The extent of the deposit shows 
this lake to have been 100 miles wide and 
more than twice as long. The water of 
the river was muddy then as now, and the 
broad lake became filled with the sediment 
which the river brought down. After the 
lake became filled with the sediment, the 
valley below became deepened by the con- 
stant erosive action of the waters, to a 
depth sufficient to have drained the lake 
of its first waters; but the only effect then 
was to cause it to cut its valley out of the 
deposits its own muddy waters had formed. 
Thus along the valley of that river, so far 
as it forms the western boundary of Iowa, 
the bluffs which border it are composed of 
that sediment known as bluff deposit, 
forming a distinct border along the broad, 
level flood plain, the width of which varies 
from five to fifteen miles, while the orig- 
inal sedimentary deposit stretches far in- 
land. 

Chariton and Grand rivers rise and 
run for twenty -five miles of their course 



upon the drift deposits alone. The first 
strata that are exposed by the deepening 
valleys of both these streams belong to 
the Upper Coal Measures, and they both 
continue upon the same formation until 
they make their exit from the State, (the 
former in Appanoose county, the latter in 
Ringgold county,) near the boundary of 
which they passed nearly or quite through 
the whole of that formation to the Middle 
Coal Measures. Their valleys deepen 
gradually, and 15 or 20 miles from the 
river they are nearly 1 50 feet below the gen- 
eral level of the adjacent highland. When 
the rivers have cut their valleys down 
through the series of limestone strata, they 
reach those of a clayey composition. Upon 
these they widen their valleys, and make 
broad flood plains or " bottoms," the soil 
of which is stiff and clayey, except where 
modified by sandy washings. These 
streams are prairie streams in their upper 
branches and tributaries, but flow through 
woodland farther down. The proportion 
of lime in the drift of Iowa is so great that 
the water of all the wells and springs is 
too " hard " for washing purposes, and the 
same substance is so prevalent in the drift 
clays that they are always found to have 
sufficient flux when used for the manufac- 
ture of brick. 

Platte river belongs mainly to Missouri. 
Its upper branches pass through Ringgold 
county. Here the drift deposit reaches its 
maximum thickness on an east and west 
line across the State, and the valleys are 
eroded in some instances to a depth of 
200 feet, apparently, through this deposit 
alone. Thi term " drift deposit " applies 
to the soil and sub soil of the greUer pari. 



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84 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



of the State, and in it alone many wells 
are dug and our forests take root. It rests 
upon the stratified rocks. It is composed 
of clay, sand, gravel and boulders, promis- 
cuously intermixed without stratification, 
varying in character in different parts of 
the State. 

One Hundred and Two river is repre- 
sented in Taylor county, the valleys of 
which have the same general character of 
those just described. The country around 
and between the east and west forks of 
this stream is almost entirely prairie. 

Nodaway river is represented by east, 
middle and west branches. The two for- 
mer rise in Adair county, the latter in 
Cass county. These rivers and valleys are 
fine examples of the small rivers and 
valleys of Southern Iowa. They have the 
general character of drift valleys, and with 
beautiful undulating and sloping sides. 
The Nodaway drains one of the finest 
agricultural regions in the State, the soil 
of which is tillable almost to their very 
banks. The banks and the adjacent nar- 
row flood-plains are almost everywhere 
composed of a rich, deep, dark loam. 

Nishnabotany river is represented by 
east and west branches, the former having 
its source in Anderson county, the latter 
in Shelby county. Both these branches, 
from their source to their confluence, and 
also the main stream from there to the 
point where it enters the great flood-plain 
of the Missouri, run through a region, the 
surface of which is occupied by the bluff 
deposit. 

The West Nishnabotany is probably 
without any valuable mill-sites. In the 
western part of Cass county, the East 



Nishnabotany loses its identity by becom- 
ing abruptly divided up into five or six 
different creeks. A few good mill-sites 
occur here on this stream. None, how- 
ever, that are thought reliable, exist on 
either of these rivers, or on the main 
stream below the confluence, except, per- 
haps, one or two in Montgomery county. 
The valleys of the two branches, and the 
intervening upland, possess remarkable 
fertility. 

Buyer river, until it enters the flood- 
plain of the Missouri, runs almost, if not 
quite, its entire course through the region 
occupied by the bluff deposit, and has cut 
its valley entirely through it along most of 
its passage. The only rocks exposed are 
the upper coal measures, near Reed's mill, 
in Harrison county. The exposures are 
slight, and are the most northerly now 
known in Iowa. The valley of this river 
has usually gently sloping sides, and an in- 
distinctly defined flood-plain. Along the 
lower half of its course the adjacent up- 
land presents a surface of the billowy 
character, peculiar to the bluff deposit. 
The source of this river is in Sac county. 

Soldier river — The east and middle 
branches of this stream have their source 
in Crawford county, and the west branch 
in Ida county. The whole course of this 
river is through the bluff deposit. It has 
no exposure of strata along its course. 

Little Sioitx river. — Under this head are 
included both the main and west branches 
of that stream, together with the Maple, 
which is one of its branches. The west 
branch and the Maple are so similar to 
the Soldier river that they need no sep- 
arate description. The main stream has 



<s ^ 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



85 



its boundary near the northern boundary 
of the State, and runs most of its course 
upon drift deposit alone, entering the 
region of the bluff deposit in the southern 
part of Cherokee county. The two prin- 
cipal upper branches near their source in 
Dickinson and Osceola counties are small 
prairie creeks within distinct valleys. On 
entering Clay county the valley deepens, 
and at their confluence has a depth of 200 
feet. Just as the valley enters Cherokee 
county it turns to the southward, and be- 
comes much widened, with its sides gently 
sloping to the uplands. When the valley 
enters the region of the bluff deposit, it 
assumes the billowy appearance. No ex- 
posures of strata of any kind have been 
found in the valley of the Little Sioux or 
any of its branches. 

Floyd river. — This river rises upon the 
drift in O'Brien county, and flowing south- 
ward enters the region of the bluff deposit 
a little north of the centre of Plymouth 
county. Almost from its source to its 
mouth it is a prairie stream, with slightly 
sloping valley sides, which blend gradually 
with the uplands. A single slight exposure 
of sandstone of cretaceous age occurs in the 
valley near Sioux City, and which is the 
only known exposure of rock of any kind 
along its whole length. Near this exposure 
is a mill-site, but farther up the stream it 
is not valuable for such purposes. 

Rock river. — This stream passes through 
Lyon and Sioux counties. It was, evi- 
dently, so named from the fact that con- 
siderable exposures of the red Sioux 
quartzite occur along the main branches 
of the stream in Minnesota, a few miles 
north of the State boundary. Within the 



State the main stream and its branches are 
drift streams and strata are exposed. The 
beds and banks of the streams are usually 
sandy and gravelly, with occasionally 
boulders intermixed. 

Big Sioux River. — The valley of this 
river, from the northwest corner of the 
State to its mouth, possesses much the 
same character as all the streams of the 
surface deposits. At Sioux Falls, a few 
miles above the northwest corner of the 
State, the streams meet with remarkable 
obstructions from, the presence of Sioux 
quartzite, which outcrops directly across 
the stream, and causes a fall of about 60 
feet within a distance of half a mile, pro- 
ducing a series of cascades. For the first 
25 miles above its mouth, the valley is 
very broad, with a broad, flat flood-plain, 
with gentle slopes, occasionally showing 
indistinctly defined terraces. These ter- 
races and valley bottoms constitute some 
of the finest agricultural land of the re- 
gion. On the Iowa side of the valley the 
upland presents abrupt bluffs, steep as the 
materials of which they are composed will 
stand, and from 100 to nearly 200 feet 
high above the stream. At rare intervals, 
about 15 miles from its mouth, the creta- 
ceous strata are exposed in the face of the 
bluffs of the Iowa side. No other strata 
are exposed along that part of the valley 
which borders our State, with the single 
exception of Sioux quartzite at its extreme 
northwestern corner. Some good mill- 
sites may be secured along that portion of 
this river which borders Lyon county, but 
below this the fall will probably be found 
insufficient and the locations for dams in- 
secure. 



>PT 



**k 



^ 



86 



HIS 10 11 Y OF IOWA. 



Missouri River. — This is one of the 
muddiest streams on the globe, and its 
waters are known to be very turbid far 
toward its source. The chief peculiarity 
of this river is its broad flood-plains, and 
its adjacent bluff deposits. Much the 
greater part of the flood-plain of this river 
is upon the Iowa side, and continues from 
the south boundary line of the State to 
Sioux City, a distance of more than 100 
miles in length, varying from three to five 
miles in width. This alluvial plain is esti- 
mated to contain more than half a million 
of acres of land within the State, upward 
of 400,000 of which are now tillable. 

The rivers of the eastern system of 
drainage have quite a different character 
from those of the western system. They 
are larger, longer and have their valleys 
modified to a much greater extent by the 
underlying strata. For the latter reason, 
water-power is much more abundant upon 
them than upon the streams of the western 
system. 

DesMoines River. — This river has its 
source in Minnesota, but it enters Iowa 
before it has attained any size, and flows 
almost centrally through it from northwest 
to southeast, emptying into the Mississippi 
at the extreme southeastern corner of the 
State. It drains a greater area than any 
river within the State. The upper portion 
of it is divided into two branches, known 
as the east and west forks These unite 
in Humboldt county. The valleys of these 
branches above their confluence are drift 
valleys, except a few small exposures of 
subcarbouiferous limestone about five 
miles above their confluence. These ex- 
posures produce several small mill-sites. 



The valleys vary from a few hundred yards 
to half mile in width, and are the finest 
agricultural lands. In the northern part 
of Webster county the character of the 
main valley is modified by the presence of 
ledges and low cliffs of the subcarbonifer- 
ous limestone and gyps;m. From a point 
a little below Fort Dodge to near Amster- 
dam, in Marion county, the river runs all 
the way through and upon the lower Coal 
Measure strata. Along this part of the 
course the flood-plain varies from an 
eighth to a mile or more in width. From 
Amsterdam to Ottumwa the subcarbonifer- 
ous rocks pass beneath the river again, 
bringing down the Coal Measure strata 
into its bed; they rise from it in the ex- 
treme northwestern part of VanBuren 
county, and subcarboniferous strata re- 
sume and keep their place along the valley 
to the north of the river. 

From Fort Dodge to the northern part 
of Lee county the strata of the Lower 
Coal Measures are present in the valley. 
Its flood-plain is frequently sar.dy from 
the debris of the sandstone and sandy 
shales of the Coal Measures produced by 
their removal in the process of the forma- 
tion of the valley. 

The principal tributaries of the Des 
Moines are upon the western side. These 
are the Raccoon and the three rivers, viz: 
South, Middle and North rivers. The 
three latter have their sources in the re- 
gion occupied by the Upper Coal Measure 
limestone formation, flow eastward over 
the Middle Coal Measures, and enter the 
valley of the DesMoines upon the Lower 
Coal Measures. These streams, especially 
South and Middle rivers, are frequently 
bordered by high, rocky cliffs. Raccoon 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



87 



river has its source upon the heavy surface 
deposits of the middle region of Western 
Iowa, and along the greater part of its 
course it has excavated its valley out of 
those deposits and the Middle Coal 
Measure alone. The valley of the Des 
Moines and its branches are destined to 
become the seat of extensive manufac- 
turies, in consequence of the numerous 
mill-sites of immense power, and the fact 
that the main valley traverses the entire 
length of the Iowa coal fields. 

Sku?ik river. — This has its source in 
Hamilton county, and runs almost its en- 
tire course upon the border of the outcrop 
of the Lower Coal Measures, or, more prop- 
erly speaking, upon the subcarboniferous 
limestone, just where it begins to pass be- 
neath the Coal Measures by its southerly 
and westerly dip. Its general course is 
southeast. From the western part of 
Henry county, up as far as Story county, 
the broad, flat flood-plain is covered with a 
rich, deep clay soil, which, in time of long- 
continued rains and overflows of the river, 
has made the valley of Skunk river a ter- 
ror to travelers from the earliest settlement 
of the country. There are some excellent 
mill-sites on the lower half of this river, 
but they are not so numerous or valuable 
as on other rivers of the eastern system. 

Iowa river. — This river rises in Han- 
cock county, in the midst of a broad, 
slightly undulating drift region. The first 
rock exposure is that of subcarboniferous 
limestone, in the southwestern corner of 
Franklin county. It enters the region of 
the Devonian strata near the southwestern 
corner of Benton county, and in this it 
continues to its confluence with the Cedar 



in Louisa county. Below the junction 
with the Cedar, and for some miles above 
that point, its valley is broad, and especi- 
ally on the northern side, with a well- 
marked flood-plain. Its borders gradually 
blend with the uplands as they slope away 
in the distance from the river. The Iowa 
furnishes numerous and valuable mill-sites. 

Cedar river. — This stream is usually 
understood to be a branch of the Iowa, but 
it ought, really, to be regarded as the main 
stream. It rises by numerous branches in 
the northern part of the State, and flows 
the entire length of the State, through the 
region occupied by the Devonian strata and 
along the trend occupied by that formation. 
The valley of this river, in the upper part 
of its course, is narrow, and the sides slope 
so gently as to scarcely show where the 
lowlands end and the uplands begin. Be- 
low the confluence with the Shell Rock, 
the flood-plain is more distinctly marked, 
and the valley broad and shallow. The 
valley of the Cedar is one of the finest re- 
gions in the State, and both the main 
stream and its branches afford abundant 
and reliable mill-sites. 

Wapsipinnicon river. — This river has 
its source near the source of the Cedar, 
and runs parallel and near it almost its en- 
tire course, the upper half upon the same 
formation — the Devonian. In the north- 
eastern part of Linn county it enters the 
region of the Niagara limestone, upon 
which it continues to the Mississippi. It 
is 100 miles long, and yet the area of its 
drainage is only from 12 to 20 miles in 
width. Hence, its numerous mill-sites are 
unusually secure. 



a ^. 



88 



HISTORY -OF IOWA. 



Turkey river — This river and the Upper 
Iowa are, in many respects, unlike other 
Iowa rivers. The difference is due to the 
great depth to which they have eroded 
their valleys and the different character of 
the material through which they have 
worked. Turkey river rises in Howard 
county, and in Winneshiek county, a few 
miles from its source, its valley has attained 
a depth of more than 200 feet, and in Fay- 
ette and Clayton counties its depth is in- 
creased to 300 and 400 feet. The summit 
of the uplands, bordering nearly the whole 
length of the valley, is capped by the Ma- 
quoketa shales. These shales are under- 
laid by the Galena limestone, between 200 
and 300 feet thick. The valley has been 
eroded through these, and runs upon the 
Trenton limestone. Thus all the forma- 
tions along and within this valley are Lower 
Silurian. The valley is usually narrow, 
and without a well-marked flood-plain. 
Water-power is abundant, but in most 
places inaccessible. 

Upper Iowa river.— This river rises in 
Minnesota, just beyond the northern boun- 
dary line, and enters our State in Howard 
county before it has attained any consider- 
able size. Its course is nearly eastward 
until it reaches the Mississippi. It rises in 
the region of the Devonian rocks, and 
flows across the outcrops, respectively, of 
the Niagara, Galena and Trenton lime- 
stone, the lower magnesian limestone, and 
Potsdam sandstone, into and through all 
of which, except the last, it has cut its val- 
ley, which is the deepest of any in Iowa. 
The valley sides are almost everywhere 
high and steep, and cliffs of lower magne- 
sian and Trenton limestone give thi'm a 



wild and ruggod aspect. In the lower part 
of the valley the flood-plain reaches a 
width sufficient for the location of small 
farms, but usually it is too narrow for such 
purposes. On the higher surface, however, 
as soon as you leave the valley you come 
immediately upon a cultivated country. 
This stream has the greatest slope per mile 
of any in Iowa, and consequently it fur- 
nishes immense water-power. In some 
places where creeks come into it, the valley 
widens and affords good locations for 
farms. The town of Decorah, in Winne- 
shiek county, is located in one of these 
spots, which makes it a lovely location; 
and the power of the river and the small 
spring streams around it offer fine facilities 
for manufacturing. This river and its 
tributaries are the only trout streams in 
Iowa. 

Mississippi river. — This river may be 
described, in general terms, as a broad 
canal cut out of the general level of the 
country through which the river flows. It 
is bordered by abrupt hills or bluffs. The 
bottom of the valley ranges from one to 
eight miles in width. The whole space 
between the bluffs is occupied by the river 
and its bottom, or flood-plain only, if we 
except the occasional terraces or remains 
of ancient flood-plains, which are not now 
reached by the highest floods of the river. 
The river itself is from half a mile to 
nearly a mile in width. There are but four 
points along the whole length of the State 
where the bluffs approach the stream on 
both sides. The Lower Silurian formations 
compose the bluffs in the northern part of 
the State, but they gradually disappear by 
a southerly dip, and the bluffs are con- 






-- »b?\ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



89 



tinued successively by the Upper Silurian, 
Devonian and Subcarboniferous rocks 
which are reached near the southeastern 
corner of the State. 

Considered in their relation to the pres- 
ent general surface of the State, the rela- 
tive ages of the river valley of Iowa date 



back only to the close of the glacial epoih; 
but that the Mississippi and all the rivers 
of Northeastern Iowa, if no others, had at 
least a large part of the rocky portions of 
their valleys eroded by pro-glacial, or, per- 
haps, by palseogoic rivers, can scarcely be 
doubted. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



IOWA AND THK REBELLION'. 



By her record in the war of the rebellion 
Iowa proved herself a truly loyal State. 
The Presidential campaign of 1860 was 
an exciting one, and the fact that civil war 
might be inaugurated in case Abraham 
Lincoln was elected, was well understood 
and duly considered. The people of Iowa 
indulged in no hatred or ill-will toward 
any section of the country, but were deter- 
mined to hold such opinions upon questions 
of public interests, and vote for such men 
as to them seemed for the general good, 
uninfluenced by any threat of violence or 
civil war. 

The General Assembly of the State of 
Iowa, as early as 1851, had by joint resolu- 
tion declared that the State of Iowa was 
" bound to maintain the union of these 
States by all the means in her power." 
The same year the State furnished a block 



of marble for the Washington Monument 
at the national capitol, and by order of the 
General Assembly there was inscribed 
upon its enduring surface the following: 
"Iowa — Her affections, like the rivers of 
her borders, 'flow to an inseparable Union." 
The time was now approaching in her his- 
tory when these declarations of attachment 
and fidelity to the nation were to be put 
to a practical test. 

Certainly the people of no State in the 
nation could be more vitally interested in 
the question of our national unity than the 
people of Iowa. The older States of the 
Union, both North and South, were repre- 
sented in its population. Iowans were 
nearly all immigrants, bound to those older 
communities by the most sacred ties of 
blood, and most endearing recollections of 
early days. In addition to these consider- 



>» 

fr 






90 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



ations of a personal character, there were 
others of the gravest political importance. 
Iowa's geographical position as a State 
made the dismemberment of the Union a 
matter of serious concern. The Missis- 
sippi had been for years its highway to 
the markets of the world. The people 
could not entertain the thought that its 
navigation should pass under the control 
of a foreign government. But more than 
this was to be feared the consequence of 
introducing and recognizing in our national 
system the principal of secession or disin- 
tegration. 

If this should be recognized as a right, 
what security had the States of the interior 
against their entire isolation from the com- 
merce of the world, by the future secession 
of the Atlantic and Pacific States? And 
the fact also remained, that secession or 
separation removed none of the causes of 
war. Whatever there was in the peculiar 
institution that created differences of sen- 
timent or feeling, or caused irritation, still 
existed after the separation, with no court 
or constitution as the arbiter of rights, and 
with the one resort, only, of the sword to 
settle differences. In secession and its 
logical and necessary results, we saw 
nothing but dire confusion and anarchy, 
and the utter destruction of that nation- 
ality through which alone we felt that our 
civil liberties as a people could be pre- 
served, and the hopes of our civilization 
prepetuated. 

The declaration of Mr. Buchanan's last 
annual message, that the nation posssesed 
no constitutional power to coerce a seced- 
ing State, was received by the great 
majority of our citizens with humiliation 



and distrust. Anxiously they awaited the 
expiring hours of his administration, and 
looked to the incoming President as to an 
expected deliverer that should rescue the 
nation from the hands of traitors, and the 
control of those whose non-resistance in- 
T*8"k} her destruction. The firing upon the 
national flag at Sumter aroused a burning 
indignation throughout the loyal States of 
the Republic, and nowhere was it more 
intense than in Iowa. And when the 
proclamation of the President was pub- 
lished, April 15, 1861, calling for 75,000 
citizen soldiers to "maintain the honor, 
the integrity, and the existence of our 
national Union, and the perpetuity of pop- 
ular government," they were more than 
willing to respond to the call. Party lines 
gave way, and for a while, at least, party 
spirit was hushed, and the cause of our 
common country was supreme in the affec- 
tions of the people. Peculiarly fortunate 
were the people of Iowa at this crisis, in 
having a truly representative man as ex- 
ecutive of the State. Thoroughly honest 
and thoroughly earnest, wholly imbued 
with the enthusiasm of the hour, fully 
aroused to the importance of the crises, 
and the magnitude of the struggle upon 
which *~ were entering, with an indomit- 
able rt'ill under the control of a strung 
common sense, Samuel J. Kirkwood, was, 
indeed, a worthy chief to organize and 
direct the energies of the people. Within 
thirty days after the date of the President's 
call for troops, the First Iowa Regiment 
was mustered into the service of the 
United States, a second regiment was in 
camp ready for the service, and the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the State was convened 
in special session, and had by joint resolu- 



spy 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



91 



tion solemnly pledged every resource of 
men and money to the national cause. 

So urgent were the offers of companies, 
that the Governor conditionally accepted 
enough additional companies to compose 
two additional regiments. These were 
soon accepted by the Secretary of War. 
Near the close of May, the Adjutant Gen- 
eral of the State reported that 170 compa- 
nies had been tendered the Governor to 
serve against the enemies of the Union. 
The question was eagerly asked, " Which 
of us will be allowed to go? " It seemed 
as if Iowa was monopolizing the honors 
of the period, and would send the larger 
part of the 75,000 wanted from the whole 
North. 

There were much difficulty and consid- 
erable delay experienced in fitting the first 
three regiments for the field. For the 
First Infantry a complete outfit (not uni- 
form) of clothing was extemporized, prin- 
cipally by the volunteered labor of loyal 
women in the different towns — from mate- 
rial -of various colors and qualities, ob- 
tained within the limits of the State. The 
same was done in part for the Second 
Infantry. Meantime, an extra session of 
the General Assembly had been called by 
the Governor, to convene on the 15th of 
May. With but little delay, that body 
authorized a loan of $800,000, to meet the 
extraordinary expenses incurred, and to be 
incurred, by the Executive Department, 
in consequence of the new emergency. A 
wealthy merchant of the State (ex-Gov. 
Merrell, then a resident of McGregor) 
immediately took from the Governor a 
contract to supply a complete outfit of 
clothing for three regiments organized, 
agreeing to receive, should the Governor 



so elect, his pay therefor in the State bonds 
at par. This contract he executed to the 
letter, and a portion of the clothing (which 
was manufactured in Boston, at his order) 
was delivered at Keokuk, the place at 
which the troops had rendezvoused, in ex- 
actly one month from the day in which 
the contract had been entered into. The re- 
mainder arrived only a few days later. This 
clothing was delivered to the soldiers, but 
was subsequently condemned by the Gov- 
ernment, for the reason that its color was 
gray, and blue had been adopted as the 
color to be worn by the National troops 
Other States had also clothed their troops, 
sent forward under the first call of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, with gray uniforms, but it 
was soon found that the Conf< derate forces 
were also clothed in gray, and that color 
was at once abandoned by the Union 
troops. If both armies were clothed alike, 
annoying, if not fatal, mistakes were liable 
to be rna<1e. 

While engaged in these efforts to dis- 
charge her whole duty in common with all 
the other Union-loving States in the great 
emergency, Iowa was compelled to make 
immediate and ample provision for the 
protection of her own borders from threat- 
ened invasions on the si uth by the seces- 
sionists of Missouri, and from danger of 
incursions from the west and northwest by 
bands of hostile Indians, who were freed 
from the usual restraint imposed up^n 
them by the presence of regular troops 
stationed at the frontier posts. These 
troops were withdrawn to meet the greater 
and more pressing danger threatening the 
life of the Nation at its very heart. 

The Governor of the State, in order to 
provide for the adequate defense of Iowa's 



•CJS 



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92 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



borders from the ravages of both rebels 
in arms against the Government and of the 
more irresistible foes from the Western 
plains, was authorized to raise and equip 
two regiments of infantry, a squadron of 
cavalry (not less than five companies) and 
a battalion of artillery (not less than three 
companies). Only cavalry were enlisted 
for home defense, however, but in times of 
special danger, or when calls were made 
by the Unionists of Northern Missouri for 
assistance against their disloyal enemies, 
large numbers of militia on foot often 
turned out, and remained in the field until 
the necessity for their services had passed. 
June 13th, Gen. Lyon, then command- 
ing the United States forces in Missouri, 
issued the first order for the Iowa volun- 
teers to move to the field. The First and 
Second Infantry immediately embarktd in 
steamboats and proceeded to Ilannibal. 
Two weeks later the Third Infantry was 
ordered to the same point. These three, 
together with many other of the earlier 
organized Iowa regiments, rendered their 
first field service in Missouri. The First 
Infantry formed a part of the little army 
with which Gen. Lyon moved on Spring- 
field, and fought the bloody battle of Wil- 
son's creek. It received unqualified praise 
for its gallant bearing on the field. In the 
following month (September), the Third 
Iowa, with but very slight support, fought 
with honor the sanguinary engagement of 
Blue Mills Landing; and in November the 
Seventh Iowa, as a part of the force com- 
manded by Gen. Grant, greatly distin- 
guished itself in the battle of Belmont, 
where it poured out its blood like water — 
losing more than half of the men it took 
into action. 



The initial operations in which the bat- 
tles referred to took place were followed 
by the more important movements led by 
Gen. Grant, Gen. Curtis, of this State, and 
other commanders, which resulted in de- 
feating the armies defending the chief 
strategic lines held by the Confederates in 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkan- 
sas, compelling their withdrawal from 
much of the territory previously controlled 
by them in those States. In these and 
other movements, down to the grand cul- 
minating campaign by which Vicksburg 
was captured and the Confederacy perma- 
nently severed on the line of the Missis- 
sippi river, Iowa troops took part in 
steadily inc easing numbers. In the in- 
vestment and siege of Vicksburg, the 
State was represented by thirty regiments 
and two batteries, in addition to which 
eight regiments and one battery were 
employed on the outposts of the besieg- 
ing army. The brilliancy of their exploits 
on the many fields where they served, 
won for them the highest meed of praise, 
both in military and civil circles. Mul- 
tiplied were the terms in which expres- 
sion was given to this sent meut, but these 
words of the journals of a neighboring 
State: '"The Iowa troops have been heroes 
among heroes," embody the spirit of all. 
In the veteran re-enlistment that dis- 
tinguished the closing month of 1863, 
above all other periods in the history of 
re-enlistment for the National armies, the 
Iowa three-years' men (who were rela- 
tively more numerous than those of any 
other State), were prompt to set the ex- 
ample of volunteering for another term 
of equal length, thereby adding mai.y 
thousands to the great army of those who 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



93 



give this renewed and practical assurance 
that the cause of the Union should not 
be left without defenders. 

In all the important movements of 1864 
and '65, by w hieh the confederacy was pen- 
etrated in every quarter, and its military 
power finally overthrown, the Iowa troops 
took pait. Their drum-beat was heard on 
the banks of every great river of the 
South, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande, 
and everywhere they rendered the same 
faithful devoted service, maintaining on 
all occasions their wonted reputation for 
valor in the field, and endurance on the 
march. 

Two Iowa 3-year cavaliy regiments were 
employed during their whole term of ser- 
vice in the operations that were in progress 
from 1863 to 1866 against the hostile In- 
dians of the Western plains. A portion 
of these men were among the last of the 
volunteer troops to be mustered out of ser- 
vice. The State also supplied a consider- 
able number of men to the navy, who took 
part in most of the naval operations pros- 
ecuted against the Confederate power on 
the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and the riv- 
ers of the West. 

The people of Iowa were early and con- 
stant workers in the sanitary field, and by 
their liberal gifts and personal efforts for 
the benefit of the soldiery, placed their 
State in the front rank of those who be- 
came distinguished for their exhibitions of 
patriotic beuevolence during the period 
covered by the war. Agents appointed by 
the governor were stationed at points con- 
venient for rendering assistance to the sick 
and needy soldiers of the State, while oth- 
ers were employed in visiting, from time 
to time, hospitals, camps and armies in the 



field, and doing whatever the circumstances 
rendered possible for the health and com- 
fort of such of the Iowa soldiery as might 
be found there. 

Charitable enterprises also found a ready 
support in Iowa. Some of the benevolent 
people of the State early conceived the 
idea of establishing a home for such of the 
children of deceased soldiers as might be 
left in destitute circumstances. This idea 
first took form in 1S63, and in the follow- 
ing year a home was opened at Farming- 
ton, VanBuren county, in a building leased 
for that purpose, and which soon became 
filled to its utmost capacity. The institu- 
tion received liberal donations from the 
general public, and also from the soldiers 
in the field. In 1865 it became necessary 
to provide increased accommodations for 
the large number of children who were 
seeking the benefits of its care. This was 
done by establishing a branch at Cedar 
Falls, in Black Hawk county, and by secur- 
ing, during the same year, for the use of 
the parent home, Camp Kinsman, near the 
city of Davenport This property, by act 
of Congress, was soon afterward donated 
to the institution. In 1866, in pursuance 
of a law enacted for that purpose, the Sol- 
diers' Orphans' Home (which then con- 
tained about 450 inmates), became a State 
institution, and thereafter the sums neces- 
sary for its support were appropriated from 
the State treasury. A second branch was 
established at Glenwood, Mills county. 
Convenient tracks were secured, and valu- 
able improvements made at all the different 
points. Schools were also established, and 
employments provided for such of the 
children as were of suitable age. In every 
way the provision made for these wards 



94 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



of the State has been such as to challenge 
the approval of every benevolent mind. 
The number of children who have been 
inmates of the home from its foundation 
to the present time is considerably more 
than 2,000. 

No bounty was paid by the State on 
account of the men she placed in the field. 
In some instances, toward the close of the 
war, bounty, to a comparatively small 
amount, was paid by cities and towns On 
only ore occasion, that of the call of July 
18, 1804, was a draft made in Iowa. This 
did not occur on account of her proper lia- 
bility, as established by previous rulings 
of the War Department, to supply men 
under that call, but grew out of the great 
necessity that there existed for raising 
men. The Government insisted on tem- 
porarily setting aside, in part, the former 
rule of settlements, and enforcing a draft 
in all cases where sub-districts in any of 
the States should be found deficient in 
their supply of men. In no instance was 
Iowa, as a whole, found to be indebted to 
the General Government for men, on a 
settlement of her quota accounts. 

Not satisfied with merely doing her duty 
under the law, Iowa, of her patriotic gen- 
erosity, did more than was required. The 
17th, 18th and 37th regiments of infantry, 
the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th regiments of cav- 
alry were all enrolled, not to meet any 
call from the General Government, but to 
enable citizens of the State to enlist un- 
der the banners of the Union, in excess of 
all demands which could lawfully be made. 

The State also contributed a large num- 
ber of men and many officers to regiments 
in Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, 
Wisconsin and Minnesota, and out of a 



population of less than 2,000 arms-bearing 
colored citizens, raised nearly a whole reg- 
iment of African troops. But besides the 
troops thus regularly enrolled within the 
State, and those who formed part of regi- 
ments in neighboring States, there were 
not a few of Iowa's citizens in the regular 
army, in the different staff departments of 
the volunteer army, and in commands to 
far distant States. 

Those, also, should be noticed who were 
called upon to protect the State and adjoin- 
ing States from raids, to preserve the inter- 
nal peace of the State, etc., in 1861, when 
Northern Missouri was overrun by preda- 
tory bands, and the loyal citizens were 
being driven from their homes by hun- 
dreds, and suffering in life, person and 
estate, the border Iowa yeomanry, unskilled 
in anything pertaining to war, responded 
to the Macedonian cry of their neighbors 
and speeded across the line to help them 
to the number of 1,500; they were armed 
with old fowling pieces and antiquated 
militia gear, but they proved effective, 
nevertheless, their hearts being in the right 
place. In the same year three expeditions 
were sent out to beat back the Jackson 
bushwhackers who were advancing on 
Iowa, driving out the Union people on 
their way. These expeditions numbered 
about 1,300 men, and performed valuable 
service in Missouri. 

On the northern border, during the 
same year, the Sioux City cavalry, ninety- 
three men, and Captain Tripp's company, 
about fifty men, were employed to protect 
the borders against the Indians. 

In 1862, under authority of the General 
Assembly, the Northern and Southern 
Border Brigades were organized — the one 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



95 



for the protection of the State against 
guerilla bands on the south along the entire 
border, the other to keep in check the dis- 
affected Indians intent on mischief in the 
northwest. There were five companies of 
the Northern Border Brigade, two hun- 
dred and fifty men, and ten companies of 
the Southern Border Brigade, seven hun- 
dred and ninety-four men, judiciously 
stationed at exposed points. For two 
years the State, at her own expense, sup- 
ported these organizations. There can be 
no doubt that this was a wise expenditure, 
considering the service done — that of stay- 
ing murder, rapine and arson, which were 
threatening to stalk through the State. 

Subsequently eight hundred militia in 
eleven companies were called out to sup- 
press the celebrated Talley treason in 
Keokuk county, and five hundred on ac- 
count of the disturbances in Poweshiek 
and Davies counties. 

At the beginning of the war, the popu- 
lation of Iowa included about 150,000 men 
presumably liable to render military ser 
vice. The State raised for general service 
thirty-nine regiments of infantry, nine 
regiments of cavalry, and four companies 
of artillery, composed of three years' men; 
one regiment of infantry, composed of 
three months' men, and four regiments 
and one batallion of infantry, composed of 
100 days' men. The original enlistments 
in these various organizations, including 
1,72V men raised by draft, numbered a 
little more than 69,000. The re-enlist- 
ments, including upward of 7,000 vete- 
rans, numbered very nearly 8,000. The 
enlistments in the regular army and navy, 
and organizations of other States, will, if 
added, raise the total to upward of 80,000. 



The number of men who, under special 
enlistments, and as militia, took part at 
different times in the operations on the 
exposed borders of the State, was probably 
as many as 5,000. 

As an inevitable result of war, many 
became prisoners, and suffered the cruel- 
ties of Libby, Audersonville and other 
"pens" in the South, which have become 
famous the world over, solely because of 
the incredible barbarities practiced in 
them. Considerable portions of the 8th, 
12th and 14th Regiments were captured, 
after hard fighting, at Sliiloh; the 16th 
was nearly all surrendered at Atlanta; the 
17th atTilton; the 19th at Sterling farm; 
the 36th at Mark's Mill. Many escaped 
heroically from rebel imprisonment, and 
the narratives of their sufferings would 
make many interesting volumes. 

Every loyal State of the Union had 
many women who devoted much time and 
great labor toward relieving the wants of 
our sick and wounded soldiery, but for 
Iowa can be claimed the honor of inaugu- 
rating the great charitable movement 
which was so successfully supported b/ 
the noble women of the North. Mrs. 
Harlan, wife of Hon. James Harlan, 
United States Senator, was the first woman 
of our country among those moving in 
high circles of society who personally 
visited the army and ministered to the 
wants of the suffering soldiery. In many 
of her visits to the army, Mrs. Harlan was 
accompanied by Mrs Joseph T. Fales, 
wife of the first State Auditor of Iowa. 
No words can describe the good done, the 
lives saved, and the deaths made easy by 
the host of noble women of Iowa, whose 
names it would take a volume to print. 



% 



9G 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Every county, every town, every neighbor- 
hood in the State had these true heroines, 
■whose praise can never be fully known, till 
the final rendering of all accounts of deeds 
done in the body. The contributions of 
the State to "sanitary fairs" during the 
war were enormous, amounting to many 
hundred thousand dollars. Highly suc- 
cessful fairs were held at Dubuque, Mus- 
catine, Burlington and Marshalltown, 
while all the towns contributed most gen- 
erously to fairs of a less general nature. 
All this must be added to the work of the 
many "Florence Nightingales" of Iowa, 
whose heroic sacrifices have won for them 
the undying gratitude of the nation. 

It is said, to the honor and credit of 
Iowa, that while many of the loyal States, 
o'der and larger in population and wealth, 
incurred heavy State debts for the purpose 
of fulfilling their obligations to the Gene- 
ral Government, Iowa, while she was fore- 
most in duty, while she promptly discharged 
all her obligations to her sister States aud 
the Union, found herself at the close of 
the war without any material additions to 
her pecuniary liabilities incurred before 
the war commenced. Upon final settle- 
ment after restoration of peace, her claims 
upon the Federal Government were found 
to be fully equal to the amount of her 
bond issued and sold during the war to 
provide the means for raising and equip- 
ping her troops sent into the field, and to 
meet the inevitable demands upon her 
treasury in consequence of the war. 

It was in view of these facts that Iowa 
had done more than her duty during the 
war, and that without incurring any con- 
siderable indebtedness, and that her troops 
had fought most gallantly on nearly every 



battle-field of the war, that the Newark 
Advertiser and other prominent Eastern 
journals called Iowa the "Model State of 
the Republic." 

In the following pages a brief account 
is given of each regiment, which was cred- 
ited to Iowa during the war. 

The First Regiment was organized 
under the President's first proclamation 
for volunteers for three months, with John 
Francis Bates, of Dubuque, as Colonel; 
William H. Merritt, of Cedar Rapids, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and A. B. Porter, of 
Mt. Pleasant, as Major. 

The regiment was mustered into the 
service of the United States May 14th, 
1861, at Keokuk. The different compa- 
nies were independent military organiza- 
tions before the war; and tendered their 
service before the breaking out of hostili- 
ties. The regiment was in quarters in 
Keokuk for two weeks, During this time 
they became proficient in the use of arms, 
and they learned something of practical 
camp life. June 13th, the regiment re- 
ceived orders to join General Lyon in 
Missouri. They immediately embarked 
on board a steamer, and by midnight were 
at Hannibal, Mo., where they slept on the 
floor of a large warehouse. They pro- 
ceeded without delay to the interior of the 
Suite, where Gen. Lyon had just defeated 
Gov. Jackson with his so-called State 
troops. Joining Lyon, they were soon 
given a taste of active service. For two 
months they were almost constantly on 
the march, and occasionally skirmished 
with the enemy. August 10th, a sharp 
battle was fought with the enemy at 
Wilson's Creek, when the gallant and 



^ 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



97 



noble Gen. Lyon was killed, and the regi- 
ment lost 10 killed and 50 wounded. 
After the battle the regiment proceeded to 
St. Louis, and their three months having 
expired, were mustered out August 25th, 
1861. The number of officers and men in 
this regiment were 959. Of these 13 were 
killed, 13 died, 141 were wounded, and 
three were missing. 

The Second Infantry was organized 
soon after the commencement of the war, 
with Samuel R. Curtis, of Keokuk, as 
Colonel; James M. Tuttle, of Keosauqua, 
as Lieutenant-Colonel; and M. M. Crocker, 
of DesMoines, as Major; and was mustered 
into the service of the United States, at 
Keokuk, in May, 1861. It participated in 
the following engagements: Fort Donel- 
son, Shiloh, advance on Corinth, Corinth, 
Little Bear Creek, Ala., Resaca, Ga., Rome 
Cross Roads, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Nickajack Creek, in front of Atlanta, Jan- 
uary 22, 1804, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, 
Eden Station, Little Ogeechee, Savannah, 
Columbia, Lynch's Creek and Bentonville; 
went with Sherman on his march to the 
sea, and through the Carolinas, home. 
This regiment was one of Iowa's most 
distinguished commands in the war. It 
was the first three years' regiment, and it 
left for the theatre of war even before the 
First Regiment, by a few hours. 

Its companies were enrolled during that 
first splendid enthusiasm which followed 
the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and 
they contained many men of talent and 
reputation. The regiment especially dis- 
tinguished itself in the capture of Fort 
Donelson, in entering which it was 
awarded the post of honor It was then 



that the unenthusiastic Gen. llalleck pro- 
nounced the Iowa Second the " bravest of 
the brave." The Second Veteran Infantry 
was formed by the consolidation of the 
battalions of the Second and Tbird Vet- 
eran Infantry, and was mustered out at 
Louisville, Ky., July 12, 1865. The total 
number of officers and men who inlisted 
in this regiment was 1,247. Of this num- 
ber during the war 65 were kil'ed, 134 
died, 330 were discharged, 268 were 
wounded, 14 were missing and 24 were 
captured. 

The Third Infantry was organized at 
about the same time as the Second, with 
Nelson G. Williams, of Dubuque county, 
as Colonel; John Scott, of Story county, 
Lieutenant-Colonel; William N. Stone, of 
Marian county, as Major, and was mustered 
into the United States service in June, 
1861, at Keokuk. The regiment was en- 
gaged at Blue Mills, Mo., Shiloh, Hatchie 
river, Matamoras, Vicksburg, Johnson, 
Miss., in the Meridian expedition at At- 
lanta, in Sherman's march to the sea, and 
through the Carolinas to Richmond and 
Washington. The regiment was veteran- 
ized and organized as a battalion in 1864, 
but before the officers received their com- 
missions the battalion bravely fought itself 
out of existence at the battle of Atlanta. 

The remnant was consolidated with the 
veterans of the Second, and the regiment 
was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 
12, 1864. The total number of officers 
and men in the regiment was 1,074. Of 
this number, during the war, 57 were 
killed, 133 died, 231 were discharged, 269 
were wounded, 10 were missing, 93 were 
captured a:id 19 were transferred. 



© i — 



My 



98 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



The Fourth Infantry was organized 
with G. M. Dodge, of Council Bluffs, as 
Colonel; John Galligan, of Davenport, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; Wm. R. English, of 
Glenwood, as Major. The regiment was 
engaged at Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, 
Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Look- 
out Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ring- 
gold, Resaca and Taylor's Ridge. It came 
home on veteran furlough February 26, 
]864; returned in April; was in the cam- 
paign against Atlanta, Sherman's march to 
the sea, and thence through the Carolinas 
to Washington, and home; was mustered 
out at Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1865. The 
total number of officers and men in this 
regiment was 1,184, of whom 01 were 
killed, 205 died, 299 were discharged, 338 
were wounded, 5 were missing, 44 were 
captured and 37 were transferred. 

The Fifth Infantry was organized 
with Wm. H. Worthington, of Keokuk, as 
Colonel; C. Z. Mathias, of Burlington, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; W. S. Robertson, of 
Columbus City, as Major, and was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States, 
at Burlington, July 15, 1861. The regi- 
ment was engaged at New Madrid, siege 
of Corinth, Iuka, Corinth, Champion Hills, 
siege of Vicksburg and Chickamauga. 
Went home on veteran furlough in April, 
1 864, the non-veterans went home in July, 
1 864, leaving 180 veterans, who were trans- 
ferred to the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. The 
Fifth Cavalry was mustered out at Nash- 
ville, Tenn., August 11, 1865. The regi- 
ment had done brave service, and amply 
deserves the high encomium passed upon 
it by the generals of the army. The total 
number of officers and men in the regi- 
ment was 1,037, of whom 65 were killed, 



126 died, 244 were discharged, 288 were 
wounded, 103 were oaptured, and 60 were 
transferred. 

The Sixth Infantry was organized 
with John A. McDowell, of Keokuk, as 
Colonel; Markoe Cummins, of Muscatine, 
as Lieutenant-Colonel; John M. Corse, of 
Burlington, as Major; and was mustered 
into the service of the United States July 
6, 1861, at Burlington. It was engaged at 
Shiloh, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Big 
Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Jackson, 
Black River Bridge, Jones' Ford, in Sher- 
man's march, then returned through the 
Carolinas. The regiment served with dis- 
tinction at the siege of Jackson, winning 
high praise from General Smith, command- 
ing. It marched through most of the 
Southern States, thousands of miles, and 
bore its share of fatigue with unflinching 
devotion to duty. The total number of 
officers and men in the regiment was 1,013, 
of vhom 109 were killed, 157 died, 265 
wer*. discharged, 355 were wounded, 3 were 
missing, and 8 were transferred. 

Thk Seventh Infantry was organized 
with J. G. Lauman, of Burlington, as Col- 
onel; Augustus Wentz, of Davenport, as 
Lieut.-Colouel; E. M. Rice, of Oskaloosa, 
as Major; and was mustered into the 
United States service at Burlington, July 
24, 1861. The regiment was engaged in 
the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort 
Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Cor- 
inth, Rome Cross Roads, Dallas, Big 
Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack 
Creek, siege of Atlanta, July 22d in front 
of Atlanta, Sherman's campaign co the 
ocean, through the Carolinas to Richmond, 
and thence to Louisville. Was mustered 



1^ 



Al 



a ^ 



?k*. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



99 



out at Louisville, Ky., July 12, 1865. The 
battle in which the Seventh did the most 
service was that of Belmont, in which it 
lost 227 in killed, wounded and missing. 
The regiment, by four years of faithful 
service, earned as honorable a name as can 
be found anywhere in the annals of our 
volunteer soldiery. The Seventh contained 
altogether 1,138 officers and men, and of 
these, during the war, 98 were killed, 178 
died, 291 discharged, 354 were wounded, 
and 29 were transferred. 



The Eighth Infantry was organized 
with Frederick Steel, of the regular army, 
as Colonel; James L. Gedds, of Vinton, 
as Lieutenant-Colonel; J. C. Ferguson, of 
Knoxville, as Major; and was mustered 
into the service of the United States Sep- 
tember 12, 1861, at Davenport, Iowa. The 
regiment was engaged in the following 
battles: Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jack- 
son and Spanish Fort. Was mustered out 
at Selma, Ala., April 20,1866. The Eighth 
fought nobly at Shiloh for ten hours, but 
was finally forced to surrender. Most of 
the command then suffered in rebel 
prisons for eight months, when they were 
paroled or released. A portion of the 
regiment was not surrendered, and it went 
into the famous "Union Brigade." The 
regiment was re-organized in 1863, and 
performed faithful service until mustered 
out in 1866. It was on duty in Alabama 
nearly a year after the collapse of the Re- 
bellion, and by the "Campaign of Mobile" 
earned as warm a reception as Iowa gave 
to any of her returning heroes. Of 1,027 
(fficers and men, 53 were killed, 187 died, 
314 were discharged, 288 were wounded, 



8 were missing, 394 were captured, and 
38 were transferred. 

The Ninth Infantry was organized 
with Wm. Vandever, of Dubuque, as Colo- 
nel; Frank G. Herron, of Dubuque, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; Wm. H. Coyle, of 
Decorah, as Major. The regiment was in 
the following engagements: Pea Ridge, 
Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, siege of 
Vicksburg, Ringgold, Dallas and Lookout 
Mountain. It also participated in the 
Atlanta campaign, Sherman's march to the 
sea, and the return home through North 
and South Carolina to Richmond. Was 
mustered out at Louisville, July 18, 1865. 
The Ninth Iowa was recruited and organ- 
ized by its first colonel, Wm. Vandever, 
who was, in 1862, made a Brigadier-Gene- 
ral. The regiment performed most bril- 
liant service during the whole war, and 
took a prominent part in the battle of 
Pea Ridge. It had marched more than 
4,000 miles, been transported by rail and 
steamer more than 6,000, and traversed 
every State by the Confederacy except 
Florida and Texas. The regiment brought 
home four flags, of which two were de- 
posited with the AdjutantrGeneral, one 
given to the State Historical Society, and 
one was kept by the regimental associa- 
tion, formed by them on being mustered 
out. Of 1,090 men and officers, 84 were 
killed, 275 died, 274 were discharged, 385 
were wounded, 1 was missing, 32 were 
captured, and 30 were transferred. 

The Tenth Infantry was organized 
with Nicholas Perczel, of Davenport, as 
Colonel; W. E. Small, of Iowa City, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; John C. Bennett, of 






v> 



100 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Polk county, as Major; and was mustered 
into the service of the United States at 
Iowa City, September 6, 1861. The regi- 
ment participated in the following engage- 
ments: Siege of Corinth, Iuka, Corinth, 
Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Cham- 
pion Hills, Vicksburg and Mission Ridge. 
Was mustered out August 15, 1865. 

The bloodiest battle in which the Tenth 
took a prominent part was that of Cham- 
pion Hills, in which it lost half its number 
in killed, wounded and missing. Many 
regiments, on coming home, gave to the 
State banners with the names on them of 
the principal battles in which they had 
been engaged. The Tenth gave up its 
colors with the simple inscription, "Tenth 
Iowa Veteran Volunteers;" and when a 
visitor to the State Department looks at 
this banner, torn and bloody with four 
years of hard service, he will think that 
"Tenth Iowa Veteran Volunteers" is as 
proud an inscription as flag ever unfurled 
to the breeze of heaven. Of 1,027 officers 
and men, 63 were killed, 170 died, 256 
were discharged, 277 were wounded, 17 
were captured, and 49 were transferred. 

The Eleventh Infantry was organ- 
izrd with A. M. Hare, of Muscatine, as 
Colonel; John C. Abercrombie as Lieu- 
l ;n ant-Colonel; Wm. Hall, of Davenport, 
a.s Major; and was mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States, at Davenport, 
in September and October, 1861. The 
regiment was engaged in the battle of 
Shiloh, siege of Corinth, battles of Cor- 
inth, Vicksburg, Atlanta campaign, and 
baltle of Atlanta. Was mustered out at 
Louisville, Ky., July 15, 1865. No regi- 
ment did better service in the war, and no 



regiment met with heartier welcome on its 
return home. Of 1,022 men, 58 were 
killed, 178 died, 158 were discharged, 234 
were wounded, 4 were missing, 63 were 
captured, and 42 were transferred. 

The Twelfth Infantry was recruited 
soon after the disaster at Bull Run, under 
a proclamation by President Lincoln call- 
ing for more volunteers. It was organized 
with J. J. Wood, of Maquoketa, as Colonel; 
John P. Coulter, of Cedar Rapids, as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel; Samuel D. Brodtbeck, of 
Dubuque, as Major; and was mustered into 
the service of the United States in October 
and November, 1861, the last company 
November 25. The regiment was engaged 
at Shiloh, Fort Donelson, siege of Vicks- 
burg, Tupelo, Mississippi, White River, 
Nashville and Spanish Fort. Was mus- 
tered out at Memphis, January 20, 1866. 
In the battle of Shiloh the Twelfth fought 
gallantly all day in company with the 
Eighth and Fourteenth, and at sunset sur- 
rendered. They endured a loathsome 
captivity in rebel prisons for eight months, 
when they were exchanged, and the regi- 
ment was re-organized. A few who were 
not captured at Shiloh performed ac ive 
service in the " Union Brigade," during 
these eight months. The newly equipped 
regiment immediately joined the army be- 
fore Vicksburg, and served actively the 
rest of the war. When the regiment vet- 
eranized, January 4, 1864, a larger propor- 
tion of men re-enlisted than in any other 
regiment from Iowa The following 
spring the regiment was home for a few 
weeks on veteran furlough After Lee's 
surrender the regiment was continued in 
the service in Alabama, on guard and gar- 



_rf 9 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



101 



rison duty for several months. Of 9SI 
officers and men, 33 were killed, 285 died, 
258 were discharged, 222 were wounded, 
404 were captured, and 23 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Thirteenth Infantry was or- 
ganized with M. M. Crocker, of DesMoines, 
as Colonel; M. M. Price, of Davenport, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; John Shane, of Vin- 
ton, as Major; and was mustered into the 
service of the United States, November 1, 
1861. The regiment was in the battle of 
Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Corinth, Kenesaw 
Mountain, siege of Vicksburg, campaign 
against Atlanta, Sherman's march to the 
sea, and through the Carolinas, home. 
Was mustered out at Louisville, July 21, 
1865. This regiment was especially fortu- 
nate in having such a commander as Col. 
Crocker. The men at first objected to 
drilling five or six hours every day, and 
other severe discipline; but afterward, in 
the battle of Shiloh and elsewhere, they 
had ample reason to be grateful for their 
drill under Col. Crocker. The Thirteenth 
did noble service in many important affairs 
of the war, and had the honor of being the 
first Union troops to enter Columbia, S. C, 
where the secession movement first began. 
Of a total of 989 officers and men, 68 were 
killed, 224 died, 270 were discharged, 313 
were wounded, 6 were missing, 88 were 
captured, and 34 were transferred. 

The Fourteenth Infantry was or- 
ganized in the fall of 1861, under the call 
of October 3. Before the regiment was 
organized, the first three companies raised, 
A, B and C, were ordered on garrison duty 
at Fort Randall, Dakota Territory, and re- 



mained ever afterward detached from the 
regiment. So that, although in form they 
were a part of the Fourteenth Iowa for 
some time, they were never under its com- 
manding officer. Afterward, these com- 
panies for a time were called the First 
Battalion of the 41st Infantry; but this 
regiment never being organized, they 
finally were attached to a cavalry regi- 
ment. The Fourteenth, therefore, had at 
first but seven companies. In June, 1863, 
the number of companies was raised to 10, 
and thus constituted for the first time a 
full regiment. The regiment was first 
organized with Wm.T. Shaw, of Anamosa, 
as Colonel; Edward W. Lucas, of Iowa 
City, as Lieutenant-Colonel; Hiram Leon- 
ard, of DesMoines county, as Major; and 
was mustered into the service of the United 
States at Davenport, in October, 1861. 
The regiment was in the battle of Fort 
Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Pleasant Hill, 
Meridian, Fort De Russey, Tupelo, Town 
Creek, Tallahatchie, Pilot Knob, Old 
Town, Yellow Bayou, and others. Was 
mustered out, except veterans and recruits, 
at Davenport, November 16, 1864. The 
regiment was nearly all captured at the 
battle of Shiloh, but was after a few 
months exchanged and reorganized. The 
Fourteenth did some of the hardest fight- 
ing that was done in the war. Of 840 
officers and men, 31 were killed, 148 died, 
191 were discharged, 186 were wounded, 1 
was missing, 269 were captured, and 23 
were transferred. 

The Fifteenth Infantry was organ- 
ized in the winter of 1861-2, with Hugh 
T. Reid, of Keokuk, as Colonel; William 
Dewey, of Freemont county, as Lieutenant- 



a ^. 



102 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Colonel; W. W. Belnap, of Keokuk, as 
Major; and was mustered into the service 
of the United States at Keokuk, March 19, 
1862. 

The regiment participated in the battle 
of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, battles of 
Corinth, Vicksburg, campaign against At- 
lanta, battle in front of Atlanta, in Sher- 
man's march to the sea, and through the 
Carolinas to Richmond, Washington and 
Louisville, where it was mustered out 
August 1, 1864. The regiment was most 
actively engaged at the siege of Atlanta, 
where it was under fire from the rebels 
for 81 days. The gallant Fifteenth will 
long be honored by the grateful people of 
Iowa for its faithful service of three years 
and a half in the heart of the rebellion. 
Of 1,196 men, 58 were killed, 277 died, 
306 were discharged, 416 were wounded, 
7 were missing, 83 were captured, and 27 
were transferred. 

The Sixteenth Infantry was organ- 
ized under the first call of 1861, and was 
at that time supposed to be the last Iowa 
would be called upon to furnish. But the 
war was only begun, and Iowa was des- 
tined to furnish more troops after the 
Sixteenth than before. As organized, the 
Sixteenth had Alexander Chambers for 
Colonel; A. H. Sanders, of Davenport, for 
Lieutenant-Colonel; and William Purcell, 
of Muscatine, for Major. It was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States 
at Davenport, December 10, 1861. 

The Sixteenth was in the battles of 
Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Iuka, Corinth, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, and 
the various battles around Atlanta; in 
Sherman's campaigns, and those in the 



Carolinas. Its first battle was the bloodiest 
of the war — Shiloh; and that they behaved 
so well under their first fire, showed that 
they were good men. After the battle of 
Shiloh, the "Iowa Brigade" was formed, 
of which the Sixteenth ever after formed a 
part. This "Iowa Brigade" was most 
highly praised by the Inspector-General of 
the Seventeenth Army Corps, who de- 
clared in his official report that he had 
never seen a finer looking body of men, in 
any respect. In the battle before Atlanta, 
the greater part of the regiment was cap- 
tured, and remained in captivity two 
months. The Sixteenth was mustered out 
July 19, 1865, at Louisville. Of its 819 
officers and men, 62 were killed, 255 died, 
211 were discharged, 311 were wounded, 
14 were missing, 257 were captured, and 
29 were transferred 

The Seventeenth Infantry was raised 
during the spring of 1862, and organized 
with John W. Rankin, of Keokuk, as 
Colonel; D. B. Hillis, of Keokuk, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; and Samuel M. Wise, 
of Mt. Pleasant, as Major. It was mus- 
tered into the service of the United 
States at Keokuk, April 16, 1862. 

The Seventeenth was in the siege of 
Corinth, the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Jack- 
son, Champion Hills, Fort Hill, siege of 
Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, and Tilton, 
Ga., where most of the regiment were 
made prisoners of war, October 13, 1804. 
The regiment won special commendation 
at the battle of Coriuth. Of its 956 mem- 
bers, 45 were killed, 121 died, 222 were 
discharged, 245 were wounded, 8 were 
missing, 278 were captured, and 28 were 
transferred. 



o]« 



i 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



103 



The Eighteenth Infantry, as well as 
the Seventeenth, was not recruited in re- 
sponse to any call of the President, but 
was a free gift from the people of Iowa. 
It was raised in the early summer of 1862, 
and was mustered into the service of the 
United States at Clinton, August 5, 6 and 
7, 1862, with John Edwards, of Chariton, 
as Colonel; T. Z. Cook, of Cedar Rapids, 
as Lieutenant-Colonel; Hugh J. Campbell, 
of Muscatine, as Major. It was engaged 
in the battles of Springfield, Moscow, 
Poison Spring, Ark., and others. Much of 
its time was spent in garrison duty, west 
of the Mississippi, and therefore it did not 
share in the brilliant honors of the great 
battles east of that river. Had oppor- 
tunity offered, no doubt they would have 
assaulted Vicksburg, or fought above the 
clouds on Lookout Mountain, as bravely 
as any troops in the Union. It was mus- 
tered out July 20, 1865, at Little Rock, 
Arkansas. Of 875 officers and men, 28 
were killed, 122 died, 233 were discharged, 
79 were wounded, 63 were captured, and 
15 were transferred. 

The Nineteenth Infantry was the 
first regiment organized under President 
Lincoln's call of July 2, 1862, made when 
the cause of the Union looked most 
gloomy. It was mustered into the United 
States service August 17, 186-, at Keokuk, 
with Benjamin Crabb, of Washington, as 
Colonel; Samuel McFarland, of Mt. Pleas- 
ant, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and Daniel 
Kent, of Ohio, as Major. 

The regiment served faithfully at Prai- 
rie Grove, Vicksburg, in the Tazoo river 
expedition, at Sterling Farm, and at Span- 
ish Fort. At Sterling Farm, September 



29, 1863, most of the regiment surrend- 
ered, after a hard fight. They were ex- 
changed July 22d of the following year, 
when they rejoined their regiment at New 
Orleans. The Nineteenth was mustered 
out at Mobile, Ala., July 18, 1865. Of 985 
men and officers, 58 were killed, 133 died, 
191 were discharged, 198 were wounded, 
216 were captured, and 43 were transferred. 

The Twentieth Infantry was the sec- 
ond of the twenty-two regiments raised in 
Iowa under the call of July 2, 1862. The 
regiment was raised within two counties, 
Linn and Scott, each of which contributed 
five companies, and which vied with each 
other in patriotism. Wm. McE. Dye, of 
Marion, Linn county, was commissioned 
Colonel; J. B. Leek, of Davenport, Lieut. - 
Colouel; and Wm. G. Thompson, of Ma- 
rion, Major. The muster-in took place at 
Clinton, August 25, 1862. The Twentieth 
fought at Prairie Grove and at Ft. Blakely. 
Though not engaged in prominent battles, 
it performed valuable garrison duties on 
the southern coast. It was on Mustang 
Island, off the coast of Texas, seven months. 
Was mustered out at Mobile, Ala., July 8, 
1865, arid on its return home received a 
royal welcome from Iowa's citizens. Of 
925 officers and men in the Twentieth, 9 
were killed, 144 died, 166 were discharged, 
52 were wounded, 13 were captured and 
39 were transferred. 

The Twenty- First Infantry was raised 
in August, 1862, with Samuel Merrill (ex- 
Governor of Iowa) as Colonel; Cornelius 
W. Dunlap, of Mitchell, as Lieut-Colonel; 
S. F. Van Anda, of Delhi, as Major; and 
was mustered into the service of the 



^ 



104 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



United States August '8, 20,22 and 23, 
except one company, which had been mus- 
tered in June The Twenty-first was en- 
gaged at Hartsville, Mo., Black River 
Bridge, Fort Beauregard, siege of Vicks- 
burg, and battles of Mobile and Fort 
Blakely. For nearly a year the regiment 
served in Missouri, where it distinguished 
itself by the well-fought battle of Harts- 
ville. Then it fought in Mississippi, in 
Louisiana, in Texas, in Louisiana again, in 
Arkansas, in Tennessee, in Louisiana once 
more, and in Alabama. In the battle of 
Fort Gib on, this and several other Iowa 
regiments were prominent. The TV enty- 
first was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., 
July 15, 1865. Of its 980 officers and men, 
39 were killed, 192 died, 159 were dis- 
charged, 161 were wounded, 2 were miss- 
ing, 21 were captured, and 56 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Twenty-Second Infantry was or- 
ganized in August, 1862, with Wm. M. 
Stone, of Knoxville (formerly Major of 
the Third Infantry, and since Governor of 
Iowa), as Colonel; John A. Garrett, of 
Newton, as Lieut. Colonel; Harvey Gra- 
ham, of Iowa City, as Major; and was mus- 
tered into the United States service at Iowa 
City, September 10, 1862. 

The Twenty-second served in many of 
the Southern States, and was engaged at 
Vicksburg, Tompson's Hills, in Sherman's 
campaign to Jackson, at Winchester, Fish- 
er's Hill, and Cedar Creek. The regiment 
particularly distinguished itself in an as- 
sault upon the enemy's works at Vicks- 
burg, and in the battle of Winchester, in 
the Shenandoah Valley, where it lost 109 
men. In the Vicksbnrg a=sault, the regi- 



ment lost 164 men. General Grant says 
in that assault, only Sergeant Griffith and 
11 privates (of the Twenty-second,) suc- 
ceeded in entering the fort. Of these, 
only the Sergeant and one man returned. 
Altogether, there were 30 Iowa regiments 
concerned in the siege of Vicksbuig. The 
regiment was mustered out at Savannah, 
Ga., July ?5, 1S05. Of 1,008 members, 58 
were killed, 182 died, 161 were discharged, 
267 were wounded, 84 were captured, and 
42 were transferred. 

Toe Twenty-Third Infantry was or- 
ganized with William Dewey, of Fremont 
county, as Colonel; W. H. Kinsman, of 
Council Bluffs, as Lieut.-Colonel; S. L. 
Glasgow, of Corydon, as Major; and was 
mustered into the service of the United 
States at DesMoines, September 19, 1862. 
The regiment was engaged at Vicksburg, 
Port Gibson, Black River, Champion Hills, 
Jackson, Milliken's Bend, and Ft. Blakely. 
The Twenty-third are the acknowledged 
heroes of the battle of Black River Bridge, 
and the equal sharers with other troops of 
the honors of many battle-fields At Black 
River but a few minutes were i sod in as- 
saulting and carrying the rebel works, but 
those few were fought with fearful loss to 
the Twenty-third Iowa. After the success- 
ful fight, in which the Twenty-first also 
took part, Gen. Lawler passed down the 
line and shook every man's hand, so great 
was his emotion. Gen. Grant called it a 
brilliant and daring movement. It was 
mustered out at Harrisburg, Texas. July 
26, 1865. Of its 961 officers and men, 41 
were killed, 233 died, 181 were discharged, 
135 were wounded, 3 were captured, and 42 
transferred. 



7|s 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



10d 



The Twenty-Fourth Infantry, called 
" The Iowa Temperance regiment," was 
raised by Eber C. Byarn, of Linn county, 
and consisted of men who were pledged to 
abstain from the use of liquor in any shape. 
Ebei C. Byarn, of Mt. Vernon, was Colonel; 
John Q. Wilds, of Mt Vernon, Lieutenant- 
Colonel; Ed. Wright, of Springdale, as 
Major. The regiment was mustered 
into the service of the United States at 
Muscatine, September 18, 1862. The regi- 
ment was engaged at Fort Gibson, Cham- 
pion Hills, General Banks' Red river ex- 
pedition, Winchester, Fisher's Hill and 
Cedar Creek. The battles in which the 
Twenty-fourth took the most prominent 
part were those of Sabine Cross Roads (in 
the Red river expedition) and Fisher's 
Hill. Of 979 men and officers, 56 were 
killed, 259 died, 205 were discharged, 260 
were wounded, 2 were missing, 76 were 
captured and 55 w T ere transferred. 

The Twenty-Fifth Infantry was or- 
ganized near the beautiful little city of 
Mt. Pleasant, with George A. Stone, of 
Mt. Pleasant, as Colonel; Fabian Bry- 
dolph as Lieutenant-Colonel; and Calom 
Taylor, of Bloomfield, as Major. Was 
mustered into the United States service, 
at Mt. Pleasant, September 27, 1862. The 
regiment was engaged at Arkansas Post, 
Vicksburg, Walnut Bluff, Chattanooga, 
Campain, Ringgold, Resaca, Dallas, Kena- 
saw Mountain, battles around Atlanta, 
Lovejoy Station, Jonesboro, Ships Gap, 
Bentonville and was with Sherman on his 
march through Georgia and the Carolinas, 
to Richmond and Washington. The cap- 
ture of Columbia, the capital of the chief 
disloyal State, was effected by Iowa troops, 



among which were those of the Twenty- 
fifth. The regiment was muster d out at 
Washington, D. C , June 6, 1805. Of 995 
men and officers, 39 were k lied, 223 died, 
140 were discharged, 183 were wounded, 4 
were missing, 18 were captured and 71 
were transferred. 

The Twenty-Sixth Infantry was or- 
ganized near the city of Clinton. Milo 
Smith, of Clinton, was Colonel; S. G. 
Magill, of Lyons, was Lieutenant-Colonel; 
Samuel Clark, of De Witt, was Major; and 
the regiment was mustered in at Clinton, 
in August of 1862. The regiment was 
engaged at Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, 
Snake Creek Gap, Ga., Resaca, Dallas, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Decatur, siege of At- 
lanta, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, Lovejoy 
Station, Ship's Gap, in Sherman's cam- 
paign to Savannah and home through the 
Carolinas. The regiment took part in 
many great battles, and did faithful service 
all through the war, after winning com- 
mendations from its Generals. On the re- 
turn home, the regimental flag was depos- 
ited with the State archives, inscribed in 
golden colors with the names of the battles 
and victories in which they had shared. 
It was mustered out of the service at 
Washington, D. C, June 6, 1865. Of 9 . 9 
men and officers, 44 were killed, 244 died, 
147 were discharged, 165 were wounded, 
27 were captured and 70 were transferred. 

The Twenty-Seventh Infantry was 
recruited in the northern part of Iowa, and 
was organized with James I. Gilbert, of 
Lansing, as Colonel; Jed. Lake, of Inde- 
pendence, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and G 
W. Howard, of Bradford, as Major. It 



t 1 Is" 



^ 



\ 



106 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



was mustered into the service of the Uni' ed 
States at Dubuque, October 3, 1862. 'I he 
Twenty-seventh was engaged at Little 
Rock, Ark., the battles of the Red river 
expedition, Fort De Russey, Pleasant Ili'l, 
Yellow Bayou, Tupelo, Old Town Creek 
and Fort Blakely. This regiment had 
varied experience in the matter of climate; 
for their first active service was in Minne- 
sota, while before the war was over they 
made a voyage on the gulf, from the 
Balize to Mobile Bay. After faithful ser- 
vice through the rest of the war, the regi- 
ment was mustered out August 8, 1865, at 
Clinton, Iowa. Of 940 officers and men, 
9 were killed, 183 died, 207 were dis- 
charged, 142 wounded, 6 were missing, 32 
were captured and 47 were transferred. 



The Twenty-Eighth Infantry was 
organized during the autumn of 1862, with 
the following officers: Wm. E. Miller, of 
Iowa City, Colon-el; John Connell, of To- 
ledo, Lieutenant-Colonel; and H.B Lynch, 
of Millersburg, as Major. The regiment 
was engaged at Port Gibson, Jackson and 
siege of Vicksburg; was in Bank's Red 
river expedition, and fought at Sabine 
Cross Roads, in the Shenandoah Valley, 
at Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar 
Creek. In this last the regiment was most 
prominently engaged. During its service 
it fought a dozen battles, and traveled well- 
nigh the entire circuit of the Confederacy. 
The Twenty-eighth was mustered out of 
the service at Savannah, Ga., July 31, 1865. 
Of its 956 officers and men, 56 were killed, 
111 died, 187 were discharged, 262 were 
wounded, 10 were missing, 93 were cap- 
tured and 44 were transferred. 



The Twenty -Ninth Infantry was or- 
ganized at Council Bluffs, and mustered 
into the service of the United States, 
December 1, 1862, with Thomas H. Ben- 
ton, Jr., of Council Bluffs, as Colonel; R. 
F. Patterson, of Keokuk, as Lieutenantr 
Colonel; and Charles B Shoemaker, of 
Clarinda, as Major. 

The Twenty-ninth was engaged at 
Helena, Arkansas Post, Terre Noir, and 
Spanish Fort. Though it was one of the 
best disciplined and bravest regiments in 
the war, it was long kept from participa- 
tion in active service by being stationed 
in Arkansas The regiment was mustered 
out at New Orleans, August 15, 1865. Of 
a total of 1,005 officers and men, 21 were 
killed, 268 died, 132 were discharged, 107 
were wounded, 1 was missing, 55 were 
captured and 37 were transferred. 

The Thirtieth Infantry was organ- 
ized in the summer of 1862, with Charles 
B. Abbott, of Louisa county, as Colonel; 
William M. G. Torrence, of Keokuk, as 
Lieut. -Colonel; Lauren Dewey,of Mt. Pleas- 
ant, as Major; was mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States at Keokuk, Sep- 
tember 23, 1862. The regiment was 
engaged at Arkansas Post, Yazoo City, 
Vicksburg, Cherokee, Ala., Chattanooga, 
Ringgold, Resacka, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Atlanta, Lovejoy Station, Jonesboro and 
Taylor's Ridge; accompanied Sherman in 
his campaign to Savannah and through the 
Carolinas to Richmond, and was in the 
grand review at Washington, D. C. The 
Thirtieth was in the thickest of the war, 
and came home loaded with honors, leav- 
ing its honored dead on a score of battle- 
fields. It was mustered out June 5, 1865. 



±=Az+ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



107 



Of 978 officers and men in this regiment, 
44 were killed, 264 died, 145 were dis- 
charged, 222 were wounded, 2 were miss- 
ing, 19 were captured, and 48 were trans- 
ferred. 

The Thirty-First Infantry was or- 
ganized in the summer of 1862, with 
William Smyth, of Marion, as Colonel; 
J. W. Jenkins, of Maquoketa, as Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel; and Ezekiel Cutler, of Ana- 
niosa, as Major. It was mustered into the 
service of the United States at Davenport, 
October 13, 1862. 

The Thirty-first was engaged at Chicka- 
saw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Raymond, 
Jackson, Black River, Vicksburg, Chero- 
kee, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, 
Ringgold, Taylor's Hills, Snake Creek 
Gap, Eesaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, 
Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta 
and Jonesboro; was in Sherman's cam- 
paign through Georgia and the Carolinas, 
and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., 
June 27, 1865. The regiment always did 
its part nob!y. It was received home with 
speeches, feasting, etc., but the people's 
joy was tempered with sadness, as the 
regiment had gone forth 1,000 strong, and 
returned with 370. But had not so many 
regiments returned with thinned ranks, the 
Rebellion had not been conquered — the 
Union had not been saved. Of 977 officers 
and men, 13 were killed, 279 died, 176 
were discharged, 85 were wounded, 13 
were captured, and 72 were transferred. 

The Thirty-Second Infantry was or- 
ganized in the fall of 1862, with John 
Scott, of Nevada, as Colonel; E. H. Mix, 
of Shell Rock, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and 



G. A Eberhart, of Waterloo, as Major. 
The regiment was mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States at Dubuque, 
October 5, 1862. The regiment was en- 
gaged at Fort De Russey, Pleasant Hill, 
Tupelo, Old Tower Creek, Nashville and 
other battles. For some time the regi- 
ment was separated, and the detachments 
in different fields, but at last they were all 
united, and the regiment served as a unit, 
It was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa- 
August 24, 1865. Of 925 officers and men 
59 were killed, 242 died, 174 were dis 
charged, 142 were wounded, 98 were cap 
tured, and 35 were transferred. 

The Thirty-Third Infantry was or- 
ganized in the fall of 1862, with Samuel 
A. Rice, a popular politician of Central 
Iowa, as Colonel; Cyrus H. Maskey, of 
Sigourney, as Lieutenant-Colonel; Hiram 
D. Gibson, of Knoxville, as Major; and 
was mustered into the service of the 
United States at Oskaloosa, October 1, 
1862 The regiment was engaged at Little 
Rock, Helena, Saline River, Spanish Fort 
and Yazoo Pass. The regiment worked 
to best advantage at the brilliant victory 
of Helena. It remained in Arkansas till 
the early part of 1865, when it moved 
south to take part in the closing scenes in 
Alabama. The Thirty-third was mustered 
out of service at New Orleans, July 17, 
1865. Of 985 men and officers, 26 we;e 
killed, 241 died, 145 were discharged, 177 
were wounded, 7 were mis-ing, 74 were 
captured, and 32 were transferred. 

The Thirty- Fourth Infantry was 
organized in the fall of 1862, with Ge rgu 
W. Clarke, of Indianola, as Colonel; W. 



1 - 



108 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



S. Dungan, of Chariton, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel; R. D. Kellogg, of Decatur, as 
Major; and was mustered into the service 
of the United States at Burlington, Octo- 
ber 15, 1862. 

The regiment was engaged at Ark insas 
Post, Fort Gaines and other places in 
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Ala- 
bama. January 1, 1865, the regiment was 
consolidaUd with the Thirty-eighth. Re- 
cruits from the Twenty-first and Twenty- 
third had been, on the muster-out of those 
regiments, transferred to the Thirty-fourth, 
and this regiment had a total of 1,131 offi- 
cers and men at its muster-out at Houston, [ 
Texas, August 15, 1865. Of 953 properly 
belonging to this regiment, 4 were killed, 
234 died, 314 were discharged, 16 were 
wounded, 4 were captured and 22 were 
transferred. The regiment traveled over 
15,000 miles in its service. 

The Thirty-Fifth Infantet was re- 
cruited in the summer of 1862, and mus- 
tered into the service of the United States, 
at Muscatine, September 18, with S. G. 
Hill, of Muscatine, as Colonel; James S. 
Rothrock, of Muscatine, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel, and Henry O'Conner, of Musca- 
tine, as Major. 

The regiment participated in the battles 
of Jackson, siege of Vicksburg, Bayou 
Rapids, Bayou de Glaze, Pleasant Hill, 
Old River Lake, Tupelo, Nashville and 
the Mobile campaign. The Thirty-fifth 
served bravely in a dozen battles, and 
traveled 10,000 miles. On its return home, 
it was greeted with a most hearty recep- 
tion, and a reunion of old soldiers. The 
regiment was mustered out at Davenport, 
August 10, 1865, and paid and disbanded 



at Muscatine six days later. Of 984 offi- 
cers and men, 38 were killed, 208 died, 192 
were discharged, 95 were wounded, 3 were 
missing, 15 were captured and 65 were 
transferred. 

The Thirty-Sixth Infantry was or- 
ganized in the summer of 1862, with 
Charles W. Kittredge, of Ottumwa, as 
Colonel; F. M. Drake, of Union ville, 
Appanoose county, as Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and T. C. Woodward, of Ottumwa, as 
Major. The regiment was mustered into 
the service of the United States, at Keo- 
kuk, October 4, 1862. 

The Thirty-sixth was engaged at Mark's 
Mills Ark., Elkins' Ford, Camden, Helena, 
Jenkins' Ferry and other places during the 
"Little Rock expedition." The regiment 
suffered greatly from sickness Before it 
was fully organized, even, small-pox and 
measels attacked the men, and the com- 
mand lost 100 men. Then it was obliged 
to encounter the malarial fiuences of Yazoo 
river and Helena. Before they recovered 
their vigor fully, more of them were forced 
to surrender to the rebels. The regiment 
was mustered out at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., 
August 24, 1865. Of 986 officers and men, 
35 were killed, 258 died, 191 were dis 
charged, 166 were wounded, 460 were cap- 
tured and 24 were transferred 

The Thirty-Seventh Infantry was 
generally known as the "Gray-beard Reg- 
iment." It was composed of men over 45 
years of age, and hence not subject to 
military service, but their patriotism in- 
duced them to enlist, and the services of 
the regiment were accepted by the Secre- 
tary of War. for post and garrison service. 



f 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



109 



It was organized with George W. Kincaid, 
of Mu catine, as Colonel; Geo. R. West, 
of Dubuque, as Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
Lyman Allen, of Iowa City, as Major. The 
muster-in took place at Muscatine, Decem- 
ber 15, 1!^G2. 

The regiment served at St. Louis in 
guard of military prisons, then on the line 
of the Pacific railway, then at Alton, 111. 
Here they remained guarding the rebel 
prisoners till January, 1864, when they 
moved to Rock Island to perform similar 
duties until June 5. Theyseived the next 
three months, in very hot weather, at 
Mimphis. Thence the command moved 
to Indianapolis. From here five companies 
went to Cincinnati, three to Columbus and 
two to Gallipolis, Ohio. At these posts 
they remained till May, 1865. This "Gray- 
b ard Regiment" was the only one of its 
kind in the war, and it received many 
favorable expressions from commanding 
officers under whom it served. It was 
mustered out Vay 24, lS6o, the day of the 
grand review at Washington. The Thirty- 
seven' h was the first Iowa three-years' 
regiment to come home, and was mustered 
out thus early by special request of General 
Willich, in whose brigade they were, in 
or er that they might save their crops, most 
of them being farmers. Of 914 officers 
and men, 3 were killed, 145 died, 359 were 
discharged, 2 were wounded, none were 
missing and none captured. 

TriK Thirty-Eighth Infantry was re- 
cruited in August, 86 , and mustered into 
the service of the United States at Du- 
buque, November 4, with D. II. Hughes, 
of Decorah, as Colonel; J O. Iludmitt, of 
W'aveily, as L'ent -Colonel; and Charles 



Chadwick, of West Union, as Major. 
The regiment participated in the siege 
of Vicksburg and Banks' Red River expe- 
dition, and was consolidated with the 
Thirty-fourth Infantry, January 1, 1865. 
Of all Iowa's regiments, the Thirty-eighth 
was most unfortunate in regard to sick- 
ness. It had not been in the service two 
years when more than 300 enlisted men 
and a cumber of officers had died of 
disease. Dining the same period 100 had 
been discharged for inability. There were 
long weary weeks when there were not 
enough well men to take care of the sick — 
not even enough to bury the dead. It was 
at last obliged to give up its own existence. 
Though the regiment had not had an op- 
portunity to achieve brilliant renown in 
the field, it did fulfill a no less honored 
destiny than many whose banners were 
covered with the names of battles. It did 
all that men could do — it gave itself up 
for the good of the service. Of its 910 
men, 1 was killed, 314 died, 120 were dis- 
charged, 2 were wounded and 14 were 
transferred. 



The Thirty-Ninth Intantry was or- 
ganized with H. J. B. Cummings, of Win- 
terset, as Colonel; James Redfield, of 
Redfield, Dallas county, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel; and J. M. Griffiths, of DesMoines, 
as Major. 

The regiment was engaged at Parker's 
Cross Roads, Tenn., Corinth, Allatoona 
Ga., Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta 
and was in Sherman's march to the sea 
and through the Carolinas to Richmond 
The regiment was one of the most distin 
guished in the field, and met with a royal 
welcome from the warm-hearted people 




H^ 3 ^ 



no 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



of Iowa, on its return home. It had pre- 
viously taken part in the grand review at 
Washington. It was mustered out at 
Washington, June 5, 1S65, and was dis- 
banded at Clinton, Iowa. Of its 933 officers 
and men, 41 were killed, 143 died, 123 
were discharged, 113 were wounded, 206 
were captured and 16 were transferred. 

The Fortieth Infantry was the high- 
est in numerical order of Iowa's three- 
year's regiments, but not the last to leave 
the State. Three or four other regimental 
organizations, too, were commenced, but 
not completed. Some 300 men were 
enlisted for the Forty-first, who united 
with the three companies of the Four- 
teenth, stationed at Fort Randall, Dakota 
Territory; another regiment, to be called 
the Forth-second, was attempted, with 
camp at Dubuque; and still another, at 
Ottumwa, was to be called the Forty- 
third. These attempts were unsuccessful 
in so far as the complete formation of an 
infantry regiment after the Fortieth was 
concerned. The Fortieth was organized 
at Iowa City, November 15, 1862, with 
John A. Garrett, of Newton, as Colonel; 
S. F. Cooper, of Grinnell, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel; and S. G. Smith, of Newton, as 
Major. 

The regiment participated in the siege 
of Vicksburg, Steele's expedition, Bank's 
Red River expedition, and the battle of 
Jenkins' Ferry. It was called the "Cop- 
perhead Regiment," by political partisans, 
but it bore its share of the fatigues of war 
in a patriotic way that might have been 
emulated by some of their political ene- 
mies The fact is, moreover, the regiment 
always gave a small Republican majority, 



though the contrary was believed for a 
time. The Fortieth was mustered out at 
Port Gibson, August 2, 1865. Of 900 offi- 
cers and men, 5 were killed, 196 dud, 
134 were discharged, 43 were wounded, 3 
were captured, and 26 were transferred. 

The Forty-First Infantry was never 
completed as an infantry regiment. It con- 
tained three companies Its infantry or- 
ganization was under the command of John 
Pattee, of Iowa City. Under authority 
from the War Department, these three 
companies became K, L and M of the Sev- 
enth Cavalry. 

The Forty - Fourth Infantry was 
raised in the summer of 1864. Generals 
Grant and Sherman being actively en- 
gaged with large armies against the enemy, 
the Governors of the Northwestern States 
proposed to the authorities of the War 
Department to send into the field a consid- 
erable number of troops for a short term 
of service, who might relieve others on 
guard and garrison duty at the rear, and 
thus be the means of adding largely to the 
force of drilled and disciplined men at the 
front. This proposition was, after a time, 
accepted, and the term of service was es- 
tablished at lcO days. Gov. Stone accord- 
ingly issued his proclamation calling for 
such troops, and the citizens responded 
with four regiments and one battalion. 
Because commissions had been issued to 
persons designated as officers of the Forty- 
first, Forty-second and Forty-third Regi- 
ments, which were never organized, how- 
ever, although considerable was done in 
the way of their formation, the number of 
the regiments of 100 days' men commenced 



" H 1 U 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Ill 



with Forty-four. This regiment was under 
the command of Colonel Stephen H Hen- 
derson, and was mustered in at Davenport, 
June 1, 1864. 

The regiment did garrison duty at 
Memphis and La Grange, Tenn., and was 
mustered out at Davenport, Sepl ember 15, 
1864 Of 867 officers and men in the 
Forty fourth, 1 was killed and 18 died 
There were no other casualties. 

The FoRTY-FiFTn Infantry was mus- 
tered in at Keokuk, May 25, 1864, with 
A.J. Bereman,of Mt. Pleasant, as Colonel; 
S. A. Moore, of Bloomfield, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel; and J. B. Hope, of Washington, 
as Major. This was the first of the 
regiments of 100 days' men organized; 
it even preceded the Forty-fourth. It 
performed garrison duty in Tennessee, 
and was mustered out at Keokuk, Septem- 
ber 16, 1864 Of 912 officers and men, 2 
were killed, 19 died, 1 wounded, and 2 
were transferred. 

The Forty-Sixth Infantry was organ- 
ized with D. B. Henderson, of Clermont, 
as Colonel; L. D. Duibin, of Tipton, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; and G. L. Tarbet as 
Major It was mustered in at Dubuque, 
June 10, 1864. 

The Forty-sixth performed garrison 
duty in Tennessee, and was mustered out 
at Davenport, September 23, 1864. Of its 
892 officers and men, 2 were killed, 24 
died, 1 was wounded, and 3 were captured. 

TnE Forty Seventh Tnfantry was 
mustered into the service of the United 
States at Davenport, June 1, 1864, with 
James P. Sanford, of Oskaloosa, as Colo- 



nel; John Williams, of Iowa City, as 
L ; eutenant-Colonel; and G. J. Wright, of 
Di s Moines, as Major. 

This regiment was stationed at the 
sickly place of Helena, Arkansas, where 
many succumbed to disease. Of 884 
officers and men, 1 was killed, 46 died, and 
1 was transferred. 

The Forty Eighth Infantry (Bat- 
talion) was mustered into the United 
States service at D.ivenport, July 13, 1864, 
with O. H. P. Scott, of Farmington, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel. The battalion served 
its time guarding rebel prisoners on Rock 
Island, in the Mississippi river, opposite 
Davenport. It was mustered out at Rock 
Island barracks, October 21, 1864. Of 340 
officers and men, 4 died and 4 were trans- 
ferred The services of these 100-days' men 
were of great value to the national cause. 
They were acknowledged by the President 
of the United States, in a special execu- 
tive order, returning his hearty thanks to 
officers and men. 

The First Cavalry* was organized in 
the spring of 1861, with Fritz Henry War- 
ren, of Burlington, as Colonel; Charles E. 
Mi SB of Keokuk, as Lieutenant-Colonel; 
E. W. Chamberlain, of Burlington, James 
O. Gower, of Iowa City, and W. M. G. 
Torrence, of Keokuk, as Majors. 

The regiment was engaged at Pleasant 
Hill, Mo, Rolla, New Lexington, Elkin's 
Ford, Little Rock, Bayou Metoe, Warrens- 
burg, Big Creek Bluffs, Antwineville, and 
Clear Creek. The regiment veteranized 
in the spring of 1864. It did not take the 
usual 30 days' furlough until May, for their 
services were needed in the field, and they 



-®pr 



,M * — - 



•k 



112 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



gillantly volunteered to remain. After 
tlie war was closed the First served in 
Texas, with Gen. Custer, until its muster- 
out, February 15, 1866. Of 1,478 officers 
and men, 43 were killed, 215 died, 207 
were discharged, 88 were wounded, 2 
were missing, 22 were captured, and 39 
were transferred. 

The Second Cavalry was organized 
with W. L. Elliott, a Captain in the third 
cavalry of the regular army, as Colonel; 
Edward Hatch, of Muscatine, as Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel; and N. P. Hepburn, of Mar- 
shalltown, D. E. Coon, of Mason City, 
and H. W. Love, of Iowa City, as Majors. 
The regiment was mustered in at Daven- 
port, September 1, 1861. 

The Second participated in the siege ol 
Corinth, the battles of Farmington, Boone- 
ville, Rienzi, luka, Corinth, Coffeeville, 
Palo Alto, Birmingham, Jac' son, Grenada, 
Colliervi'le, Moscow, Pontotoc. Tupelo, 
Old Town, Oxford and Nashville. The 
reiriment uerformed active and arduous 
service all through the war, and so often 
distinguished itself 'as to become well 
known throughout the nation. It was 
mustered out at Selma, Ala., September 
19, 1865. Of its 1,394 officers and men, 
41 were killed, 224 died, 147 were dis- 
charged, 173 were wounded, 10 were 
missing, 74 were captured and 42 were 
transferred. 

The Third Cavai ry was mustered in at 
Keokuk, August and September, 1861, 
with Cyrus Russey, of Bloomfield, as 
Colonel; H. H. Trimble, of Bloomfield, as 
Lieutenant-Colonel; and C. H. Perry, II . 
C. Caldwell and W. C. Drake, of Cory- 



don, as Majors. The Third was engaged 
at Pea Ridge, La Grange, Sycamore, near 
Little Rock, Columbus, Pole's Farm, Big 
Blue, Ripley, Cold water, Osage, Talla- 
hatchie, Moore's Mill, near Montevallo, 
near Independence, Pine Bluff, Bott's 
Farm, Gun Town, White's Station, Tupelo 
and Village Creek. The regiment was 
raised by Hon. Cyrus Bussey, who, in his 
call for volunteers, requested each man to 
bring with him a good cavalry horse to 
sell to the Government. In two weeks he 
had a thousand men well mounted, in the 
rendesvous at Keokuk. In order to still 
further hasten matters, Colonel Bussey 
personally contracted in Chicago for 
equipments. In this way the delay exper- 
ienced by other regiments in preparing for 
the field was entirely avoided. The regi- 
ment took an active part in many battles 
and raids, and always behaved with dis- 
tinguished gallantry. Was mustered oir 
at Atlanta, Ga., August 9, 1865. Of 1,360 
officers and men, 65 were killed, 251 died, 
311 were discharged, 166 were wounded 
1 was missing, 146 were captured and 34 
were transferred. 

The Fourth Cavalry was organized 
and mustered into the service of the 
United States at Mt. Pleasant, November 
21, 1861, with Asbury B. Porter, of Mt 
Pleasant, as Colonel; Thomas Drummond, 
of Vinton, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and S. 
D. Swan, of Mt. Pleasant, J. E. Jewett, of 
DesMoines, and G. A. Stone, of Mt. 
Pleasant, as Majors. The Fourth fought 
bravely, and lost men at every one of the 
following engagements: Gun Town, Miss., 
Helena, Bear Creek, Memphis, Town 
Creek, Columbus, Mechanicsburg, Little 



JL 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



113 



Blue river, Brownsville, Ripley, Black 
River Bridge, Grenada, Tupelo, Yazoo 
River, White River, Osage, Lock Creek, 
Okalona, and St. Francis River. The 
Fourth was one of the bravest and most 
successful regiments in the field, and 
its services were of the utmost value to 
the Union arms. It was mustered out 
at Atlanta, Ga,. August 10, 1865. Of 
1,227 officers and men, 44 were killed, 
207 died, 241 were discharged, 119 were 
wounded, 3 were missing, 94 were cap- 
tured, and 35 were transferred. 

The Fifth Cavalby was but in part an 
Iowa regiment. The States of Minnesota 
and Missouri and the Territory of Ne- 
braska were largely represented; but as 
Iowa had the most, it was designated as an 
Iowa regiment. It was organized and 
mustered into the service at Omaha, with 
Wm. W. Lowe, of the regular army, as 
Colonel; M. T. Patrick, of Omaha, as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel; and Carl Schaefferde Bern- 
stein, a German baron, Wm. Kelsay and 
Alfred B. Brackett as Majors. This regi- 
ment was engaged at the second battle of 
Fort Donelson, Wartrace, Duck River 
Bridge, Sugar Creek, Newman, Camp Creek, 
Cumberland works, Tenn., Jonesboro, Ebe- 
nezer Church, Lockbridge's Mills, Pulaski 
and Cheraw. The gallant Fifth was in 
many situations requiring the greatest 
coolnes and courage, and always acquitted 
itself with high honor. At one time the 
regiment was surrounded by rebels, and 
the Colonel in charge of the brigade had 
escaped with two other regiments to the 
Union lines, reporting the Fifth all killed 
or captured. But the result was far from 
that. At the critical time the brave Major 



Young, afterward the Colonel of the regi- 
ment, thundered out in the still night air, 
"The Fifth Iowa is going straight through; 
let the brave follow!" Then came the 
single word of command, "Forward ! " and 
when they reached the rebel lines, 
"Charge 1 " Fifteen hundred troopers 
dashed at full speed over the bodies of 
the surprised rebels, and escaped to the 
Union lines with the loss of but 15 men. 
The regiment was finally mustered out at 
Nashville, Tenn, August 11, 1865. Of 
its 1,245 officers and men, 47 were killed, 
141 died, 224 were discharged, 56 were 
wounded, 217 were captured and 17 were 
transferred. 

The Sixth Cavalry was organized and 
mustered in at Davenport, January 31, 
1863, with D. S. Wilson, of Dubuque, as 
Colonel; S. M. Pollock, of Dubuque, as 
LieutenantrColonel, and T. H. Shepherd, 
of Iowa City, E. P. TenBroeck, of Clin- 
ton, and A. E. House, of Delhi, as Majors 

This regiment was employed on the 
frontier against the Indians, and did excel- 
lent service. Their principal engagement 
was the battle of White Stone Hill, in 
which they severely punished a band of 
hostiles. The Sixth was mustered out at 
Sioux City, October 17, 1865. Of 1,125 
officers and men, 19 were killed, 72 died, 
89 were discharged, 19 were wounded and 
7 were transferred. 

The Seventh Cavalbt was organized 
and mustered into the service at Daven- 
port, April 27, 1863, with S. W. Summers, 
of Otturawa, as Colonel; John Pattee, of 
Iowa City, as Lieutenant-Colonel, and H. 
H. Heath and G. M. O'Brien, of Dubuque, 
and John S. Wood, of Ottumwa, as Majors 



*F 



114 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



This regiment also served against the 
Indians in the West. It fought bravely 
in many battles, and won the lasting grati- 
tude of the people of the West. It was 
mustered out at Leavenworth, Kan., May 
17, 1866, except Companies K, L and M, 
which were mustered out at, Sioux City, 
June 22, 1866. Of its 562 officers and 
men, 47 were killed, 101 died, 252 were 
discharged, 8 were wounded and 9 were 
transferred. 

The Eighth Cavalry was recruited by 
Lieutenant Dorr, of the Twelfth Infantry. 
As tlie result of his energy, 2,000 were 
soon enlisted for the Eighth. Some 300 
were rejected, 450 were turned over to the 
Ninth Cavalry and about 75 to the Fourth 
Battery. The Eighth was organized with 
Joseph B. Dorr, of Dubuque, as Colonel; 
H. G. Barner, of Sidney, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel; John J. Bowen, of Hopkinton; 
J. D. Thompson, of Eldora, and A. J. 
Price, of Guttenberg, as Majors; and was 
mustered into the United States service, 
at Davenport, September 30, 1863. 

This regiment served gallantly in guard- 
ing Sherman's communications, and at the 
battles of Lost Mountain, Lovejoy's Sta- 
tion, Newman and Nashville. It partici- 
pated in Stoneman's cavalry raid round 
Atlanta, and Wilson's raid through Ala- 
bama. After the close of hostilities and 
before the muster-out, Col. Dorr died of 
disease. He was much beloved by his 
command, and highly respected at home, 
where he had been an able editor. The 
Eighth was mustered out at Macon, Ga., 
August 13, 1865. Of its 1,234 officers and 
men, 30 were killed, 106 died, 67 were dis- 



charged, 87 were wounded, 2 were missing, 
259 were captured and 22 were transferred. 

The Ninth Cavalry was the last three 
years' regiment recruited in Iowa. It was 
organized and mustered into the service of 
the United States, at Davenport, Novem- 
ber 30, 1863, with M. M. Trumbull, of 
Cedar Falls, as Colonel; J. P. Knight, 
of Mitchell, as Lieutenant-Colonel; E. T. 
Ensign, of DesMoines, Willis Drummond, 
of McGregor, and William Haddock, of 
Waterloo, as Majors. 

The regiment performed heavy scoutr 
ing, guard and garrison duties in Ar- 
kansas, for the small part of the war after 
it was organized. It was mustered out 
at Little Eock, Ark., February 28, 1866. 
Of its 1,178 officers and men, 6 were 
killed, 178 died, 64 were discharged, 15 
were wounded, 1 was captured and 11 
were transferred. 

The Fi-rst Battery of Light Artil- 
lery was enrolled in the counties of Wa- 
pello, DesMoines, Dubuque, Jefferson, 
Black Hawk and others, and was mustered 
into the service at Burlington, August 17, 
1861, with C. H. Fletcher, of Burlington, 
as Captain ; was engaged at Pea Ridge, 
Port Gibson, in the Atlanta campaign, at 
Chickasaw Bayou, Lookout Mountain, etc.; 
was mustered out at Davenport, July 5, 
1865. Of 149 members, 7 were killed, 55 
died, 35 were discharged, 31 were wounded 
and 3 transferred. 

The Second Battery was enrolled in 
the counties of Dallas, Polk, Harrison, 
Fremont and Pottawatamie, and mustered 
in at Council Bluffs, and at St. Louis, Aug- 



-•J? 



At+ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



115 



ust 8 and 31, 1861, with Nelson I. Spoor, 
of Council Bluffs, as Captain. The bat- 
tery was engaged at Farmington, Corinth, 
and other places Was mustered out at 
Davenport, August 7, 1865. Of a total of 
123 officers and men, 1 was killed, 30 died, 
16 were discharged, 15 were wounded, 1 
was captured, and 6 were transferred. 

The Third Battery was enrolled in 
the counties of Dubuque, Black Hawk, 
Butler and Floyd, and was mustered into 
the service at Dubuque, in September, 
1861, with M. M. Hayden, of Dubuque, as 
Captain. The battery was engaged at Pea 
Ridge and other important battles. Was 
mustered out at Davenport, October 23, 
1865. Of 142 officers and men, 3 were 
killed, 34 died, 28 were discharged, and 18 
were wounded. 

The Fourth Battery was enrolled in 
Mahaska, Henry, Mills and Fremont coun- 
ties, and was mustered in at Davenport, 
November 23, 1863. This battery was on 
duty most of the time in Louisiana, but 
did not serve in any important battles. 
Was mustered out at Davenport, July 14, 
1865. Of 162 officers and men, 6 died, 11 
were discharged, and 1 was transferred. 

The Iowa Regiment of Colored Troops 
was organized and mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States, October 23, 1863. 
John G. Hudson, Captain Company B, 
Thirty-third Missouri, was Colonel; M. F. 
Collins, of Keokuk, was Lieut.-Colonel; 
and J. L. Murphy, of Keokuk, was Major. 
This regiment was afterward the Sixtieth 
Regiment of United States Colored Troops. 
It was not called upon to fight, but it per- 



formed valuable guard and garrison duties 
at St. Louis and elsewhere South. 

The Northern Border Brigade was 
organized by the State of Iowa to protect 
the Northwestern frontier. James A. Saw- 
yer, of Sioux City, was elected Colonel. 
It consisted of five companies, all enlisted 
from the northwestern counties. 

The Southern Border Brigade was 
organized by the State for the purpose of 
protecting the southern border of the State, 
and was organized in the counties on the 
border of Missouri. It consisted of seven 
companies in three battalions. 

PROMOTIONS. 

The following promotions were made by 
the United States Government from Iowa 
regiments : 

major-generals. 

Samuel R. Curtis, Brigadier-General, ftv m 
March 21, 1862. 

Frederick Steele, Brigadier-General, from No- 
vember 29, 1862. 

Frank J. Herron, Brigadier-General, from No- 
vember 29, 1862. 

Grenvillo M. Dodge, Brigadier-General, from 
June 7, 1864. 

BRTGADrER-GENERALS. 

Samuel R. Curtis, Colonel 2d Infantry, from 
May 17, 1861. 

Frederick Steele, Colonel 8th Infantry, from 
February 6, 1862. 

Jacob G. Lanman, Colonel 7th Infantry, from 
March 81, 1862. 

Grenville M. Dodge, Colonel 4th Infantry, 
from Much 3t, 18S2. 

James M. Tuttle, Colonel 2d Infantry, from 
June 9, 1862. 



^ 



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A 


O 4. 


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. 1 


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le* 


" SI 




1 ^ 


1 


1 1 6 HISTORY 


OF IOWA. 






Washington L. Elliot, Colonel 2d Cavalry, 
from June 11, 1862. 


Edward Hatch, Brigadier- General, from De- 
cember 15, 1864. 






Fitz Henry Warren, Colonel 1st Cavalry, from 
July 6, 1862. 


William W. Belknap, Brigadier-General, from 
March 13, 1865. 






Frank J. Herron, Lieut. -Colonel 9th Infantry, 


W. L. Elliott, Brigadier General, from March 






from July 30, 1962. 


13, 1865. 






Charles L. Matthies, Colonel 5th Infantry, 
from November 29, 1862. 


Wm. Vandever, Brigadier-General, from June 
7, 1865. 






William Vandever, Colonel 9th Infantry, from 

November 29, 1862. 

Marcellus M. Crocker, Colonel 13th Infantry, 


BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERALS. 






from November 29, 1862. 
Hugh T. Reid, Colonel 15th Infantry, from 


Wm. T. Clark, A.A.G., late of 13th Infantry, 
from July 22, 1864. 






March 13, 1863. 
Samuel A. Rice, Colonel 33d Infantry, from 


Edward F. Winslow, Colonel 4th Cavalry, from 
December 12, 1864. 






August 4, 1863. 

John M. Corse, Colonel 6th Infantry, from 

August 11, 1863. 

Cyrus Bussey, Colonel 3d Cavalry, from Jan- 


S. G. Hill, Colonel 35th Infantry, from Decem- 
ber 15, 1864. 

Thos. H. Benton, Colonel 29th Infantry, from 
December 15, 1864. 






uary 5, 1864. 
Edward Hatch, Colonel 2d Cavalry, from April 


Samuel S. Glasgow, Colonel 23d Infantry, from 
December 19, 1864. 






27, 1864. 
Elliott W. Rice, Colonel 7th Infantry, from 


Clark R. Weaver, Colonel 17th Infantry, from 
February 9, 1865. 






June 20, 1864. 
Wm. W. Belknap, Colonel 5th Infantry, from 


Geo. A. Stone, Colonel 25th Infantry, from 
March 13, 1865. 






July 30, 1864. 

J ,hn Edwards, Colonel 18th Infantry, from 
September 26, 1864. 

James A. Williamson, Colonel 4th Infantry, 


Francis M. Drake, Lieut-Colonel 36th Infant- 
ry, from February 22, 1865. 

Datus E. Coon, Colonel 2d Cavalry, from 
March 8, 1865. 






from January 13, 1864. 
James I. Gilbert, Colonel 27th Infantry, from 


George W. Clark, Colonel 34th Infantry, from 
March 13, 1865. 






February 9, 1865. 
Thomas J. McKean, from November 21, 1861. 


Herman H. Heath, Colonel 7th Cavalry, from 
March 13, 1865. 






BREVET MAJOR-GENERALS. 


J. M. Hedrick, Colonel 15th Infantry, from 
March 13, 1865. 




J 


John M. Corse, Brigadier-General, from Octo- 
ber 5, 1864. 


W. W. Lowe, Colonel 5th Cavalry, from March 
3, 1865. 


L 


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At 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



117 



CHAPTER IX, 



BDTTCATIONAX STATE nTSTTTOTTOTTS. 



The people of Iowa have ever taken a 
deep interest in education, and in this 
direction no State in the Union can show 
a better record. The system of free pub- 
lic schools was planted by the early set- 
tlers, and it has expanded and improved 
until now it is one of the most complete, 
comprehensive and liberal in the country. 
In the lead-mining regions of the State, 
the first to be settled by the whites, the 
hardy pioneers provided the means for the 
education of their children even before 
they had comfortable dwellings for them- 
selves. School teachers were among the 
first immigrants to Iowa. Wherever a 
little settlement was made, the school 
house was the first thing undertaken by 
the settlers in a body, and the rude, primi- 
tive structures of the early time only dis- 
appeared when the communities increased 
in population and wealth, and were able to 
replace them with more commodious and 
comfortable buildings. Perhaps in no 
single instance has the magnificent pro- 
gress of the State of Iowa been more 
marked and rapid than in her common 
school system and in her school houses. 
Today the school houses which every- 
where dot the broad and fertile prairies of 
Iowa are unsurpassed by those of any 
other State in this great Union. More 
especially is this true in all her cities and 



villages, where liberal and lavish appro- 
priations have been voted by a generous 
people for the erection of large, commid-i- 
ous and elegant buildings, furnished with 
all the modern improvements, and costing 
from $10,000 to $60,000 each. The people 
of the State have expended more than 
$10,000,000 for the erection of public 
school buildings. 

The first school house within the limits 
of Iowa was a log cabin at Dubuque, built 
by J. L. Langworthy, and a few other 
miners, in the autumn of 1833. When it 
was completed, George Cabbage was em- 
ployed as teacher during the winter of 
1833-4, and thirty-five pupils attended his 
school. Barrett Whittemore taught the 
school term, with twenty-five pupils in at- 
tendance. Mrs. Caroline Dexter com- 
menced teaching in Dubuque in March, 
1836. She was the first female teacher 
there, and probably the first in Iowa. In 
1839, Thomas H. Benton, Jr., afterward 
for ten years Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, opened an English and classi- 
cal school in Dubuque. The first tax for 
the support of schools at Dubuque was 
levied in 1840. 

At Burlington, a commodious log school 
house, built in 1834, was among the first 
buildings erected. A Mr. Johnson taught 
the first school in the winter of 1834-5. 



tt 



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118 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



In Scott county, in the winter of 1835-6, 
Simon Crazin taught a four-months term 
of school in the house of J. B. Chaniberlin; 

In Muscatine county, the first school 
was taught by George Bumgardner, in the 
spring of 1837. In 1839 a log school 
house was erected in Muscatine, which 
served for a long time as school house, 
church and public hall. 

The first school in Davenport was taught 
in 1838. In Fairfield, Miss Clarissa Saw- 
yer, James F. Chambers and Mrs. Reed 
taught school in 1839. 

Johnson county was an entire wilder- 
ness when Iowa City was located as the 
capital of the Territory of Iowa, in May, 

1839. The first sale of lots took place 
August 18, 1839, and before January 1, 

1840, about twenty families had settled 
within the limits of the town. During 
the same year Mr. Jesse Beny opened a 
school in a small frame building he had 
erected on what is now College street. 

In Monroe county, the first settlement 
was made in 1843, by Mr. John R. Gray, 
about two miles from the present site of 
Eddyville; and in the summer of 1844 a 
log school house was built by Gray, Wm. 
V. Beedle, C. Renfro, Joseph McMullen 
and Willoughby Randolph, and the first 
school was opened by Miss Urania Adams. 
The building was occupied for school 
purposes for nearly ten years. 

About a year after the first cabin was 
built at Oskaloosa, a log school house was 
built, in which school was opened by 
Samuel W. Caldwell, in 1844. 

At Fort DesMoines, now the capital of 
the State, the first school was taught by 
Lewis Whitten, Clerk of the District 
Court, in the winter of 1846-'7, in one of 



the rooms on "Coon Row," built for 
barracks. 

The first school in Pottawattamie county 
was opened by George Green, a Mormon, 
at Council Point, prior to 1849; and until 
about 1854 nearly all the teachers in that 
vicinity were Mormons. 

The first school in Decorah was taught 
in 1855, by Cyrus C. Carpenter, since Gov- 
ernor of the State. In Crawford county 
the first school house was built in Mason's 
Grove, in 1856, and Morris McHenry first 
occupied it as teacher. 

During the first twenty years of the his- 
tory of Iowa, the log school house pre- 
vailed, and in 1861 there were 893 of these 
primitive structures in use for school pur- 
poses in the State. Since that time they 
have been gradually disappearing. In 
1865 there were 796; in 1870, 336; and in 
1875, 121. 

January 1, 1839, the Territorial Legisla- 
ture passed an act providing that " there 
shall be established a common school, or 
schools, in each of the counties in this 
Territory; which shall be open and free 
for ever£ class of white citizens between 
the ages of five and twenty-one years." 
The second section of the act provided that 
"the County Board shall, from time to 
time, form school districts in their respec- 
tive counties, whenever a petition may be 
presented for the purpose by a majority of 
the voters resident within such contem- 
plated district." These districts were 
governed by boards of trustees, usually of 
three persons; each district was required 
to maintain school at least three months 
in every year; and later, laws were enacted 
providing for county school taxes for the 
payment of teachers, and that whatever 



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M 



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>?•. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



119 



additional sum might be required should 
be assessed upon the parents sending, in 
proportion to the length of time sent. 

In 1846, the year of Iowa's admission as 
a State, there were 20,000 scholars, out of 
100,000 inhabitants. About 400 school 
districts had been organized. In 1850 
there was 1,200, and in 1857 the number 
had increased to 3,265. 

In March, 1858, upon the recommenda- 
tion of Hon. M. L. Fisher, then Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction, the Seventh 
General Assembly enacted that " each 
civil township is declared a school dis- 
trict," and provided that these should be 
divided into sub-districts. This law went 
into force March 20, 1858, and reduced 
the number of school districts from about 
3,500 to less than 900. This change of 
school organization resulted in a very 
material reduction of the expenditures for 
the compensation of district secretaries 
and treasurers. An effort was made for 
several years, from 1867 to 1872, to abolish 
the sub-district system. Mr. Kissell, 
Superintendent, recommended this in his 
report of January 1, 1872, and Governor 
Merrill forcibly endorsed his views in his 
annual message. But the Legislature of 
that year provided for the formation of 
independent districts from the sub-districts 
of district townships. 

The system of graded schools was 
inaugurated in 1849, and new schools, in 
whi'ch more than one teacher is employed, 
are universally graded. 

Teachers' institutes were organized 
early in the history of the State. The 
first official mention of them occurs in the 
annual report of Hon. Thomas H. Benton, 
Jr., made December 2, 1850, who said : "An 



institution of this character was organized 
a few years ago, composed of the teachers 
of the mineral regions of Illinois, Wiscon- 
sin and Iowa. An association of teachers 
has also been formed in the county of 
Henry, and an effort was made in October 
last to organize a regular institute in the 
county of Jones." At that time, although 
the beneficial influence of these institutes 
was. admitted, it was urged that the ex- 
penses of attending them was greater than 
teachers with limited compensation were 
able to bear. To obviate this objection, 
Mr. Benton recommended that " the sum 
of $150 should be appropriated annually 
for three years, to be drawn in installments 
of $50 by the Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, and expended for these insti- 
tutions." He proposed that three institutes 
should be held annually at points to be 
designated by the superintendent. 

The expense of this would be trifling, 
and all recognized the benefits to be 
derived; and yet no legislation was had 
until March, 1858, when an act was passed 
authorizing the holding of teachers' insti- 
tutes for periods not less than six working 
days, whenever not less than 30 teachers 
should desire. The superintendent was 
authorized to expend not exceeding $100 
for any one institute, to be paid out by the 
county superintendent, as the institute 
might direct, for teachers and lecturers, 
and $1,000 was appropriated to defray the 
expenses of these institutes. 

Mr. Fisher at once pushed the matter of 
holding institutes, and December 6, 1858, 
he reported to the Board of Education 
that institutes had been appointed in 20 
counties within the preceding six months, 
and more would have been held but the 






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120 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



appropriation had been exhausted. At the 
first session of the Board of Education, 
commencing December 6, 1858, a code of 
school laws was enacted, which retained 
the existing provisions for teachers' insti- 
tutes. 

In March, 1860, the General Assembly 
amended the act of the Board by appro- 
priating "a sum not exceeding $50 annually 
for one such institute, held as provided by 
law in each county." In 1865, the super- 
intendent, Mr. Faville, reported that "the 
provision made by the State for the benefit 
of teachers' institutes had never been so 
fully appreciated, both by the people and 
the teachers, as during the last two years." 

By an act approved March 19, 1874, 
normal institutes were established in each 
county, to be held annually by the county 
superintendents. This was regarded a very 
decided step in advance by Mr. Abernethy, 
and in 1876 the General Assembly estab- 
lished the first permanent State Normal 
School, at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk county, 
appropriating the building and property of 
the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that place 
for that purpose. This school is now "in 
the full tide of successful experiment." 

The present public school system is ad- 
mirably organized, and if the various offi- 
cers who are entrusted with educational 
interests of the commonwealth continue 
faithful and competent, should and will 
constantly improve. 

Funds for the support of public schools 
are derived in several ways. The 16th 
section of every congressional township 
was set apart by the General Government 
for school purposes, being one-thirty-sixth 
part of all the lands in the State. The 
minimum price of these lands was fixed at 



one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. 
Congress also made an additional donation 
to the State of 500,000 acres, and an ap- 
propriation of five per cent, on all the 
sales of public lands to the school fund. 
The State gives to this fund the proceeds 
of the sales of all lands which escheat to 
it; the proceeds of all fines for the viola- 
tion of the liquor and criminal laws. The 
money derived from these sources consti- 
tutes the permanent school fund of the 
State, which cannot be diverted to any 
other purpose. The penalties collected by 
the courts for fines and forfeitures go to 
the school fund in the counties where col- 
lected. The proceeds of the sale of these 
lands and the five per cent, fund go into the 
State treasury, and the State distributes 
these proceeds to the several counties accord- 
ing to their request, and the counties loan 
the money to individuals, for long terms, at 
eight per cent, interest, on security of land 
valued at three times the amount of the 
loan, exclusive of all buildings and im- 
provements thereon. The interest on 
these loans is paid into the State treasury, 
and becomes the available school fund of 
the State. The counties are responsible 
to the State for all money so loaned, and 
the State is likewise responsible to the 
school fund for all moneys transferred to 
the counties. The interest on these loans 
is apportioned by the State Auditor semi- 
annually to the several counties of the 
State, in proportion to the number of per- 
sons between the ages of five and twenty- 
one years. The counties also levy an 
annual tax for school purposes, which is 
apportioned to the several district townships 
in the same way. A district tax is also 
levied for the same purpose. The money 






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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



121 



arising from these several sources consti- 
tutes the support of the public schools, 
and is sufficient to enable every sub-district 
in the State to afford from six to nine 
months' school each year. 

The burden of direct taxation is thus 
lightened, and the efficiency of the schools 
increased. The taxes levied for the sup- 
port of the schools are self-imposed. Un- 
der the admirable school laws of the State, 
no taxes can be legally assessed or col- 
lected for the erection of school houses 
until they have been ordered by the elec- 
tion of a district at a school meeting 
legally called. The school houses of Iowa 
are the pride of the State and an honor to 
the people. If they have been built some- 
times at a prodigal expense, the tax-payers 
have no one to blame but themselves. 
The teachers' and contingent funds are 
determined by the Board of Directors, 
under certain legal instructions. These 
Boards are elected annually, except in the 
independent districts, in which the Board 
may be entirely changed every three years. 
The only exception to this mode of levy- 
ing taxes for support of schools is the 
county school tax, which is determined by 
the County Board of Supervisors. The 
tax is from one to three mills on the dol- 
lar; usually, however, but one. 

In 1881 there were in the State 4,339 
school districts, containing 11,244 schools, 
and employing 21,776 teachers. The 
average monthly pay of male teachers was 
$32.50, and of female teachers $27.25. 
There were 594,730 persons of school age, 
of whom 431,513 were enrolled in the 
public schools. The average cost of tuition 
for each pupil per month was $1.62. The 
expenditures for all school purposes was 



$5,129,819.49. The permanent school 
fund is now $3,547,123.82, on which the 
income for 1881 was $234,622.40. In each 
county a teachers' institute is held annu- 
ally, under the direction of the county 
superintendent, the State contributing 
annually $50 to each of these institutes. 

THE STATE TTNIVERSITY. 

By act of Congress, approved July 20, 
1840, the Secretary of the Treasury was 
authorized to "set apart and reserve from 
sale, out of any of the public lands within 
the Territory of Iowa not otherwise claimed 
or appropriated, a quantity of land not ex- 
ceeding two entire townships, for the use 
and support of a University within said 
Territory when it becomes a State." The 
first General Assembly, therefore, by act 
approved February 25, 1847, established 
the "State University of Iowa," at Iowa 
City, then the Capital of the State. The 
public buildings and other property at Iowa 
City, were appropriated to the University, 
but the legislative sessions and State offices 
were to be held in them until a permanent 
location for a Capital was made. 

The control and management of the 
University were committed to a board of 
fifteen trustees, to be appointed by the 
Legislature, and five were to be chosen 
every two years. The Superintendent of 
Public Instruction was made President of 
this Board. The organic act provided that 
the University should never he under the 
control of any religious denomination 
whatever; and that as soon as the revenue 
from the grant and donations should 
amount to $2,000 a year, the University 
should commence and continue the instruc- 
tion, free of charge, of fifty students annu- 



el — 



JJ£ 



122 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



ally. Of course the organization of the 
University at Iowa City was impracticable, 
so long as the seat of government was re- 
tained there. 

In January, 1849, two branches of the 
University anil three normal schools were 
established. The branches were located 
at Fairfield and Dubuque, and were placed 
upon an equal footing, in respect to funds 
and all other matters, with the University 
at Iowa City. At Fairfield, the Board of 
Directors organized and erected a building 
at a cost of $2,500. This was nearly de- 
stroyed by a hurricane the following year, 
but was rebuilt more substantially by the 
citizens of Fairfield. This branch never 
received any aid from the State, and, Jan- 
uary 24, 1853, at the request of the Board, 
the General Assembly terminated its rela- 
tion to the State. The branch at Dubuque 
had only a nominal existence. 

The normal schools were located at An- 
drew, Oskaloosa and Mt. Pleasant. Each 
was to be governed by a Board of seven 
Trustees, to be appointed by the Trustees 
of the University. Each was to receive 
$500 annually from the income of the Uni- 
versity fund, upon condition that they 
should educate eight common-school teach- 
ers, free of charge for tuition, and that the 
citizens should contribute an equal sum for 
the erection of the requisite buildings. 
The school at Andrew was organized No- 
vember 21, 1849, with Samuel Ray as 
Principal. A building was commenced, 
and over $1,000 expended on it, but it was 
never completed. The school at Oskaloosa 
was started in the court house, September 
13, 1852, under the charge of Prof G. M. 
Drake and wife. A two-story brick build- 
ing was completed in 1853, costing $2,473. 



The school at Mt. Pleasant was never or- 
ganized. Neither of these schools received 
any aid from the University fund, but in 
1857 the Legislature appropriated $1,000 
for each of the two schools, and repealed 
the laws authorizing the payment to them 
of money from the University fund. From 
that time they made no further effort to 
continue in operation. 

From 1847 to 1855, the Board of Trus- 
tees was kept full by regular elections by 
the Legislature, and the trustees held fre- 
quent meetings, but there was no actual 
organization of the University. In March, 
1855, it was partially opened for a term of 
16 weeks. July 16, 1855, Amos Dean, of 
Albany, N. Y , was elected President, but 
he never entered fully upon its duties. 
The University was again opened in Sep- 
tember, 1855, and continued in operation 
until June, 1856, under Professors John- 
son, Welton, Van Valkei burg and Griffin. 

The faculty was then re-organized, with 
some changes, and the University was 
again opened on the third Wednesday of 
September, 1856. There were 124 students 
(83 males and 41 females) in attendance 
during the years 1856-7, and the first regu- 
lar catalogue was published 

At a special meeting of the Board, Sep- 
tember 22, 1857, the honorary degree of 
Bachelor of Arts was conferred on D. 
Franklin Wells. This was the first degree 
conferred by the University. 

The new constitution, adopted in 1857, 
defi nitely fixed the Capital at DesMoines, 
the State University at Iowa City, and pro- 
vided that it should have no branches. In 
December of that year, the old capitol 
building was turned over to the Trustees 
of the University. In 1858, $10,000 were 



A 

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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



123 



appropriated for the erection of a board- 
ing hall. The Board closed the University 
April 27, 1858, on account of insufficient 
funds, and dismissed all the faculty except 
Chancellor Dean. At the same time a res- 
olution was passed excluding females. 
This was soon after reversed by the General 
Assembly. 

The University was re-opened Septem- 
ber 19, 1860, and from this date the real 
existence of the University dates. Mr. 
Dean had resigned before this, and Silas 
Totten, D.D.,LL.D., was elected President, 
at a salary of $2,000. August 19, 1862, he 
resigned, and was succeeded by Prof. Oli- 
ver M. Spencer. President Spencer was 
granted leave of absence for fifteen months 
to visit Europe. Prof. Nathan R. Leonard 
was elected President pro tern. President 
Spencer resigning, James Black, D. D., 
Vice-President of Washington and Jeffer- 
son College, Penn., was elected President. 
He entered upon his duties in September, 
1868. 

The Law Department was established in 
June, 1868, and, soon after, the Iowa Law 
School, at DesMoines, which had been in 
successful operation for three years, was 
transferred to Iowa City and merged in 
tbe department. 

The Medical Department was established 
in 1869. Since April 11, 1870, the gov- 
ernment of the University has been in the 
hands of a Board of Regents. 

Dr. Black resigned in 1870, to take 
effect December 1; and March 1, 1871, 
Rev. George Thatcher was elected Presi- 
dent. 

In June, 1874, the chair of military 
instruction was established, and Lieuten- 
ant A. D. Schenk, Second Artillery, U. S. 



A., was detailed by the President of the 
United States as Professor of Military 
Science and Tactics. 

In June, 1877, Dr. Thatcher's connection 
with the University was terminated, and 
C. W. Slagle was elected President.. He 
was succeeded in 1878 by J. L. Pickard, 
LL. D., who is the present incumbent. 

The University has gained a reputation 
as one of the leading institutions of the 
West, and this position will doubtless be 
maintained. The present educational 
corps consists of the following, besides 
President Pickard: in the Collegiate De- 
partment, nine professors and six in- 
structors, including the Professor of Mili- 
tary Science; in the Law Department, a 
chancellor, two professors and four lec- 
turers; in the Medical Department, eight 
professors and ten assistant professors and 
lecturers. 

No preparatory work is done in the 
University, but different high schools in 
the State, with approved courses of study, 
are admitted as preparatory departments 
of the University, whose graduates are ad- 
mitted without examination. Common 
schools, high schools and university are 
thus made one connected system. 

The present number of students in the 
Collegiate Department is: males, 163; 
females, 69; total, 232; in Law Depart- 
ment, 140; in Medical Department, 195. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

This is located at Cedar Falls, Black 
Hawk county, and was opened in 1876. 
The institution trains teachers for our 
schools, and is doing excellent, though 
limited, work. What is wanted is more 



ajV 



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124 



4. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



room and increased facilities of every 
kind. Other institutions of a similar kind 
should also be established throughout the 
State. 

STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 

The State Agricultural College and 
Farm were established by act of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, approved March 23, 1858. 
The farm was located in Story county, at 
Ames. In 1862 Congress granted to Iowa 
240,000 acres of land for the endowment 
of schools of agriculture and the mechani- 
cal arts. In 1864 the Assembly voted 
$20,000 for the erection of the college 
building. In 1866 $91,000 more were 
appropriated for the same purpose. The 
building was completed in 1868, and the 
institution was opened in the following 
year. The college is modeled to some 
extent after Michigan Agricultural Col- 
lege. 

Tuition is free to pupils from the State 
over sixteen years of age. Students are 
required to work on the model farm two 
and a half hours each day. The faculty is 
of a very high character, and the institu- 
tion one of the best of its kind. Sale of 
spirits, wine and beer as a beverage is for- 
bidden by law within three miles of the 
college. The current expenses of this 
institution are paid by the income from 
the permanent endowment. A. S. Welch, 
LL. D., is President, and is assisted by 
twelve professors and eight instructors. 
Whole number of students admitted, 2,600; 
present number, 240. The college farm 
consists of 860 acres, of which 400 are 
under cultivation. 

Besides the State University, State 
Agricultural College and State Normal 



School, ample provision for higher edu- 
cation has been made by the different 
religious denominations, assisted by local 
and individual munificence. There are, 
exclusive of State institutions, 23 universi- 
ties and colleges, 111 academies and other 
private schools. All these are in active 
operation, and most of them stand high. 
A list of the universities and colleges, and 
a brief notice of each, is herewith given: 

Amity College is located at College 
Springs, Page county. S. C. Marshall is 
President. There are 6 instructors and 
225 students. 

Burlington University is located at Bur- 
lington, Des Moines county. E. F Stearns 
is President of the faculty. There are 5 
instructors and 63 students. 

Gallanan College is located at Des 
Moines, Polk county. There are 14 in the 
faculty, of which C. R. Pomeroy is Presi- 
dent, and 183 students are enrolled. 

Central University is located at Pella, 
Marian county. It is an institution of the 
Baptist denomination. Rev. G. W. Gard- 
ner is President of the faculty, which 
numbers 7. There are 196 students. 

Coe College is located at Cedar Rapids, 
Linn county. S. Phelps is President. 
There are 10 in the faculty and 100 
students. 

Corvell College is located at Mt. Vernon, 
Linn county, and is un<ier the control of 
the M. E. Church. W. F. King is Presi- 
dent. There are 20 instructors and 400 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



125 



students. This college is one of the 
highest in character, and has a large atr 
tendance. 

Drake University is located at Des 
Moines, Polk county. G. T. Carpenter is 
President, and is ably assisted by 25 in- 
structors. There are 125 students. 

Griswold College is located at Daven- 
port, Scott County, and is under the control 
of the Episcopal Church. W. S. Perry is 
President. There are 7 instructors and 80 
students. 

Iowa College is located at Grinnell, Po- 
weshiek county. G. F. Magoun is Presi- 
dent. There are 14 instructors and 359 
students. The institution is one of the 
leading colleges in Iowa, and is perma- 
nently endowed. 

Iowa Wesleyan University is located at 
Mt. Pleasant, Henry county,. W. J. 
Spaulding is President. There are 6 in 
the faculty, and over 160 students in atr 
tendance. The University is under the 
auspices of the M. E. Church, and enjoys 
a high degree of prosperity. 

Luther College is situated in Decorah, 
Winneshiek county. L. Larson is Presi- 
dent of the faculty, which numbers 10. 
There are 165 students in attendance. 

Clin College is located at Olin, Jones 
county. C. L. Porter is President. 

Oskaloosa College is situated in Oska- 
loosa, Mahaska county. G. H. McLaugh- 
lin is President. The faculty numbers 5, 



and the students 190. 
very high. 



The college stands 



Penn College is situated in Oskaloosa, 
Mahaska county. B. Trueblood is Presi- 
dent of the faculty, which numbers 5. 
There are 175 students in attendance. 

Simpson Centenary College is located at 
Indiauola, Warren county. E. L. Parks is 
President. There are 9 instructors and 
150 students. 

Tabor College is located at Tabor, Fre- 
mont county. Wm. M. Brooks is Presi- 
dent. The college was modeled after 
Oberlin college, in Ohio. The faculty 
consists of 6, and there are 109 students. 

Upper Iowa University is located at 
Fayette, Fayette county, and is under the 
control of the M. E. Church. Rev. J. W. 
Bissell is President. There are 11 instruc- 
tors and 850 students. This University 
stands very high among the educational 
institutions of the State. 

University of DesMoines, at DesMoines, 
has 5 instructors and 80 students. 

Whittier College was established at 
Salem, Henry county, by the Friends. J. 
W. Coltrane is President. There are 4 
instructors and 105 students. 

Riverside Institute. — This school is 
located at Lyons, on a beautiful elevation 
overlooking the Mississippi river. Rev. 
W. T. Currie is the Principal of this 
Academy. 



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126 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE. 

By an act of the Legislature of Iowa, 
approved January 24, 18.35, the Iowa Insti- 
tute for the Deaf and Dumb was estab- 
lished at Iowa City. 

In 1866 a great effort was made to re- 
move the Institute to DesMoines; but it 
was finally permanently located at Council 
Bluffs, and the school opened in a rented 
building. In 1868 Commissioners were to 
locate a site, and superintend the erection 
of new building, for which the Legisla- 
ture appropriated $125,000. The Com- 
missioners selected 90 acres of land two 
miles south of the city. 

In October, 1870, the main building and 
one wing were completed and occupied. 
In February, 1877, fire destroyed the main 
building and east wing, and during the 
summer following a tornado blew off the 
roof of the new west wing and the walls 
were partially demolished. About 150 
pupils were in attendance at the time of 
the fire. After that, half of the class were 
dismissed, and the number of pupils re- 
duced to 70. 

The present officers are: B. F. Clayton, 
President, Macedonia, term expires in 
1886; A Rogers, Secretary, term expires 
1884; John H. Stubenranch, term expires 
in 1884. The county superintendent of 
schools annually reports all persons of 
school age that are deaf and dumb; also 
those too deaf to acquire learning in the 
common schools. The cost per pupil is 
$28 per quarter, and is paid by the parents 
or guardian; but when unable to do so, the 
expense is borne by the respective county. 
The regular appropriation is $11,000 per 
annum, drawn quarterly. Parents and 



guardians are allowed to clothe their 
children. 

The whole number admitted to the 
Institution is 621. Present number, 221. 
Last biennial appropriation, $27,839. 

COLLEGE FOE THE BLIND. 

The first person to agitate the subject of 
an Institute for the Blind was Prof. Sam- 
uel Bacon, himself blind, who, in 1852, 
established a school of instruction at 
Keokuk. The next year the Institute was 
adopted by the State, and moved to Iowa 
City, by act of the Legislature, approved 
January 18, 1853, and opened for the re- 
ception of pupils, April 4, 1853 During 
the first term 23 pupils were admitted. 
Prof. Bacon, the Principal, made bis first 
report in 1854, and suggested that the 
name be changed from "Asylum for the 
Blind " (which was the name first adopted) 
to that of " Institution for the Instruction 
of the Blind." This change was made in 
1855, and the Legislature made an annual 
appropriation of $55 per quarter for each 
pupil; afterward this appropriation was 
changed to $3,000 per annum. 

Prof. Bacon was a fine scholar, an eco- 
nomical manager, and in every way adapted 
to his position. During his administration 
the institution was, in a great measure, 
self-supporting by the sale of articles 
manufactured by the blind pupils. There 
was also a charge of $25 as an admission 
fee for each pupil. Prof. Bacon founded 
the Blind Asylum at Jacksonville, Illinois. 

In 1858 the citizens of Vinton, Benton 
eounty, donated a quarter section of land 
and $5,000 for the establishment of the 
asylum at that place. On the 8th of May, 



>.£L 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



127 



that same year, the trustees met at Vinton 
and made arrangements for securing the 
donation, and adopted a plan for the erec- 
tion of a suitable building. In 1860 the 
contract for enclosing was let to Messrs. 
Finkbine and Lovelace, for $10,420. In 
August, 1862, the goods and furniture were 
removed from Iowa City to Vinton, and in 
the fall of the same year the school was 
opened with 24 pupils. 

The institution has been built at a vast 
expenditure of money, much greater than 
it seemed to require for the number of 
occupants. The Legislative Committee, 
who visited the college in 1878, expressed 
their astonishment at this utter disregard 
of the fitness of things. They could not 
understand why $282,000 should have been 
expended for a massive building for the 
accommodation of only 130 people, costing 
the State over $5,000 a year to heat it, and 
about $500 a year for each pupil. 

The present officers are: Robert Car- 
others, Superintendent; T. F. McCune, 
Assistant Superintendent; Trustees: Jacob 
Springer, President; M. H. Westbrook, 
J. F. White, C. O. Harrington, W. H. 
Leavitt, S. H. Watson. Whole number of 
occupants, 436. Present number, males, 
36; females, 50, Salary of superintendent, 
$1,200; assistant, $700; trustees, $4.00 per 
day and mileage. Annual appropriation, 
$8,000, and $128 per year allowed for each 
pupil. Annual meeting of trustees in June. 
Biennial appropriation in 1880, $3,000. 

IOWA HOSPITAL FOB THB INSANB. 

The Iowa Hospital for the Insane was 
established by an act of the Legislature, 
approved January 24, 1855. Gov. Grimes, 



Edward Johnson, of Lee county, and Chas. 
S.Blake, of Henry county, were appointed 
to locate the institution and superintend 
the erection of the building; $4,425 were 
appropriated by the Legislature for the 
site, and $500,000 for the building. The 
commissioners located the institution at 
Mount Pleasant, Henry county, and a plan 
of the building was drawn by Dr. Bell, of 
Massachusetts. The building was designed 
to accommodate 300 patients, and in Octo- 
ber work commenced, superintended by 
Henry Winslow. The Legislature had 
appropriated $258,555.67 before it was 
completed. One hundred patients were 
admitted within three months. In April, 
1876, a portion of the building was de- 
stroyed by fire From the opening of the 
Hospital to the close of October, 1877, 
there were admitted 8,684 patients. Of 
these, 1,141 recovered, 505 were improved, 
589 were discharged unimproved, and 1 
died. During this period 1,384 of the pa- 
tients were females. 

The trustees are elected by the Legisla- 
ture, and all officers are chosen by the 
trustees. Superintendents are chosen for 
six years. Dr. Ranney was first chosen in 
1865; salary, $2,000 annual. Whole number 
of patients admitted, 4,598; present num- 
ber males, 298; present number females, 
235. Trustees paid $5 per day and mile- 
age, not to exceed 80 days each year. 
Annual meeting, first Wednesday in Octo- 
ber; quarterly, January, April and Sep- 
tember. 

Present officers are: Mark Ranney, M. 
D, Superintendent; H.M.Bassett, M.D., 
J. P. Brubaker, M.D., and Max Witte, 
M.D., assistant physicians. 



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128 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



HOSPITAL. FOB THE INSANE, AT INDEPEND- 
ENCE. 

The Legislature of 1867-8 adopted meas- 
ures providing for an additional hospital for 
the insane, and an appropriation of $125,- 
000 was made for that purpose. Maturin 
L. Fisher, of Clayton county, E. G. Mor- 
gan, of Webster county, and Albert Clark, 
of Buchanan county, were appointed com- 
missioners to locate and superintend the 
erection of a building. These commis- 
sioners commenced their labors June 8, 
1 868, at Independence. They were author- 
ized to select the most desirable location, 
of not less than 320 acres, within two 
miles of the city of Independence, that 
might be offered by the citizens free of 
charge. They finally selected a site on the 
west side of the Wapsipinicon river, about 
a mile from its banks, and about the same 
distance from Independence. The contract 
for building was awarded to David Arm 
strong, of Dubuque, for $88,114. It was 
signed November 7, 1868, and work was 
immediately commenced. George Josse- 
lyn was appointed superintendent of the 
work. The first meeting of the trustees 
was called in July, 1872. At the Septem- 
ber meeting, Albert Reynolds, M. D., was 
elected Superintendent of the Hospital; 
George Josselyn, Steward, and Mrs. Anna 
B. Josselyn, Matron. 

The Hospital opened May 1,1873. Whole 
number of patients admitted, 2,000; pres- 
ent number (1882), 533; males, 290; fe- 
males, 243. Biennial appropriation (1880), 
$35,300. 

The present officers are: G. H. Hill, 
Superintendent; term expires in 1882; 
salary, $1,600. H. G. Brainard, M. D., 



Assistant Superintendent; salary, $1,000. 
Noyes Appleman, Steward; salary, $900. 
Mrs. Lucy M. Gray, Matron; salary, $600. 

soldiers' orphans' bomb. 

This institution is located at Davenport, 
Scott county, and was originated by Mrs. 
Annie Wittenmeyer, during the late rebel- 
lion. This noble woman called a conven- 
tion at Muscatine, September 7, 1863, for 
the purpose of devising means for the 
education and support of the orphan chil- 
dren of Iowa, whose fathers lost their lives 
in defending their country's honor. The 
public interest in the movement was so 
great that all parts of the State were 
largely represented, and an association was 
organized, called the Iowa State Orphan 
Asylum. The first meeting of the trus- 
tees was held February 14, 1864, at Des 
Moines, when Gov. Kirkwood suggested 
that a home for disabled soldiers should be 
connected with the Asylum, and arrange- 
ments were made for raising funds. At 
the next meeting, in Davenport, the fol- 
lowing month, a committee was appointed, 
of which Mr. Howell, of Keokuk, was 
chairman, to lease a suitable building, 
solicit donations, and procure suitable 
furniture. This committee secured a large 
brick building in Lawrence, VanBuren 
county, and engaged Mr. Fuller, of Mount 
Pleasant, as Steward. The work of prepa- 
ration was conducted so vigorously that 
July 13, following, the executive commit- 
tee announced that they were ready to 
receive children. Within three weeks 21 
were admitted, and in a little more than 
six months the soldiers' orphans admitted 
numbered 70. 






■ * 4 * 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



129 



Miss M. Elliott, of Washington, was 
appointed the first Matron, but she resigned 
the following February, and was succeeded 
by Mrs. E G Piatt, of Fremont county. 

The Home was sustained by voluntary 
contributions, until 1866, when it was 
taken charge of by the State. The Leg- 
islature appropriated $10 per month for 
each orphan actually supported, and pro- 
vided for the establishment of three 
homes. The one in Cedar Falls was organ- 
ized in 1865; an old hotel building was 
fitted up for it, and by the following Jan- 
uary there were 96 inmates. In October, 
1869, the Home was removed to a large 
brick building about two miles west of 
Cedar Falls, and was very prosperous for 
several years; but in 1876 the Legislature 
devoted this building to the State Normal 
School. The same year the Legislature 
also devoted the buildings and grounds of 
the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, at Glenwood, 
Mills county, to an Institution for the Sup- 
port of Feeble-Minded Children. It also 
provided for the removal of the soldiers' 
orphans at Glenwood and Cedar Falls 
Homes to the institution located at Daven- 
port. 

The present officers are: S. W. Pierce, 
Superintendent; Mrs. F.W.Pierce, Matron. 
Whole number admitted, 1,525; present 
number, males, 79; females, 90. The 18th 
Grand Army Corps appropriated $2,000 to 
build eight cottager school house and other 
buildings; these have been completed, and 
the home will, when finished, accommo- 
date 200 children. Superintendent's sal- 
ary, $1,200 per annum. Trustees are 
elected for two vears. 



ASYLUM FOE FEEBLE-MINDED CHILDREN. 

An act of the General Assembly, ap- 
proved March 17, 1878, provided for the 
establishment of an asylum for feeble- 
minded children at Glenwood, Mills 
county; and the buildings and grounds of 
the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at that place 
were taken for this purpose. The asylum 
was placed under the management of three 
trustees, one of whom should be a resident 
of Mills County. 

The grounds to be used were found to 
be in a very dilapidated condition, and 
thorough changes were deemed necessary. 
The institution was opened September 1, 
1876, and the first pupil admitted Septem- 
ber 4. By November, 1877, the number 
of pupils had increased to 87. The whole 
number admitted has been 257. Present 
inmates number 200. 

PENAL INSTITUTIONS. 

The first penal institution • was estab- 
lished by an act of the Territorial Legisla- 
ture, approved January 25, 1839. This 
act authorized the Governor to draw the 
sum of $20,000, appropriated by an act of 
Congress in 1838, for public buildings in 
the Territory of Iowa. It provided for a 
Board of Directors, consisting of three 
persons, to be elected by the Legislature, 
who should superintend the building of' 
a penitentiary to be located within a mile 
of the public square, in the town of Fort 
Madison, county of Lee, provided that the 
latter deeded a suitable tract of land for 
the purpose, alao a spring or stream of 
water for the use of the penitentiary. 

The first directors were John S. David 
and John Claypole. They were given the 
power of appointing the warden, the latter 



<3 )L_ 



d=^. 



130 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



to appoint his own assistants. The citizens 
of Fort Madison executed a deed of 10 
acres of land for the building, and Amos 
Ladd was appointed superintendent June 
5, 1839. The work was soon entered upon, 
and the main building and warden's house 
were completed in the fall of 1841. It 
continued to meet with additions and im- 
provements until the arrangements were 
all completed according to the design of 
the directors. The estimated cost of the 
building was $55,933.90, and was designed 
of sufficient capacity to accommodate 138 
convicts. 

Iowa has adopted the enlightened policy 
of humane treatment of prisoners, and 
utilizes their labor for their own support. 
Their labor is let out to contractors, who 
pay the State a stipulated sum therefor, 
the latter furnishing shops, tools, ma- 
chinery, etc., and the supervision of the 
convicts. 

The present officers of the prison are: 
E. C. McMillen, Warden, elected 1878 and 
1880; Hiel Hale, Deputy Warden; W. C. 
Gunn, Chaplain; A. W. Hoffmeister, 
Physician; M. T. Butterfield, Clerk. 

The whole number of convicts admitted 
up to the present time (1882) is 3,387. 
Number of males in 1881, 350; females, 
3; number of guards, 33. The Warden 
is chosen biennially by the Legislature, 
and receives a salary of $2,000 per annum. 

ANAMOSA PENITENTIARY. 

In 1872 the first steps toward the erec- 
tion of a prison at Anamosa, Jones county, 
were taken, and by an act of the General 
Assembly, approved April 23, this year, 
William Ure, Foster L. Downing and Mar- 
tin Heisey were appointed commissioners 



to construct and control prison buildings. 
They met on the 4th of June, following, 
and selected a site donated by the citizens 
of Anamosa. The plan, drawings and 
specifications were furnished by L. W. 
Foster & Co., of DesMoines, and work on 
the building was commenced September 
28, 1872.. In 1873, 20 convicts were trans- 
ferred from the Fort Madison prison to 
Anamosa. 

The officers of the Anamosa prison are: 
A. E. Martin, Warden; L. B. Peet, Deputy 
Warden; Mrs. A. C. Merrill, Chaplain; L. 
J. Adair, Physician; T. P. Parsons, Clerk. 
The whole number admitted since it was 
opened is 816. Number of males in 1882, 
133; females, 2. Salaries of officers the 
same as those of the Fort Madison peni- 
tentiary. 

boys' reform school. 

By act approved March 31, 1868, the 
General Assembly established a reform 
school at Salem, Henry county, and pro- 
vided for a Board of Trustees, to consist 
of one person from each Congressional 
District. The trustees immediately leased 
the property of the Iowa Manual Labor 
Institute, and October 1 following, the 
school received its first inmate. The law 
at first provided for the admission of 
children of both sexes under 18 years of 
age. The trustees were directed to organ- 
ize a separate school for girls. 

In 1872 the school was permanently 
located at Eldora, Hardin county, and 
$45,000 were appropriated for the neces- 
sary buildings. 

In 1876 the law was so amended that 
only children over 7 and under 16 years of 
age were admitted. 



«l[j 
*?[* 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



131 



The children are taught the elements of 
education, in particular the useful branches, 
and are also trained in some regular course 
of labor, as is best suited to their age, dis- 
position and capacity. They are kept 
until they arrive at majority, unless bound 
out to some responsible party, which 
relieves the State of their care. Occasion- 
ally they are discharged before the age of 
21, for good conduct. 

The institution is managed by five trus- 
tees, elected by the Legislature. Whole 
number of boys admitted, 818. There are 
204 inmates at present, and also 63 in the 
girls' department, at Michellville. The 
biennial appropriation for 1880 was 
$16,900. 

STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

By act of the General Assembly ap- 
proved January 28, 1857, a State Historical 
Society was provided for in connection 
with the University. At the commence- 
ment, an appropriation of $250 was made, 
to be expended in collecting and preserv- 
ing a library of books, pamphlets, papers, 
paintings and other materials illustrative 
of the history of Iowa. There was appro- 
priated the sum of $500 per annum to 
maintain this Society. The management 
consists of a board of 18 curators, nine 
appointed by the Governor and nine 
elected by vote of the Society. 

The State Historical Society has pub- 
lished a series of very valuable collections, 
including history, biography, sketches, 
reminiscences, etc., with quite a large 
number of finely engraved portraits of 
prominent and early settlers, under the 
title of "Annals of Iowa." 



STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

This Society is conducted under the 
auspices of the State, and is one of the 
greatest promoters of the welfare of the 
people under the management of the State 
government. It should receive more pe- 
cuniary assistance than it does. The 
Society holds an annual fair, which has 
occurred at Des Moines since 1878. At its 
meetings subjects are discussed of the 
highest interest and value, and these pro- 
ceedings are published at the expense of 
the State. 

The officers are a President, Vice-Presi- 
dent, Secretary, and Treasurer and five 
Directors. The last hold office for two 
years, and the other officers one year. 

FISH HATCHING-HOUSE. 

This was established in 1874, and has 
for its object the supplying of rivers and 
lakes with valuable fish. The General 
Assembly first appropriated the sum of 
$3,000. Three fish commissioners were 
appointed, and the State is divided into 
three districts, one for each commissioner. 
The Hatching-House was erected near 
Anamosa, Jones county, and is conducted 
in the same manner as similar houses in 
other States. Since 1876 there has been 
but one commissioner, B. F. Shaw. Mr. 
Shaw is enthusiastic in his work, and has 
distributed hundreds of thousands of 
small fish of various kinds in the rivers 
and lakes of Iowa. The 16th General 
Assembly passed an act in 1878 prohibiting 
the catching of any kind of fish except 
brook trout from March until June of each 
year. 



^ 



¥ 



132 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



CHAPTER X. 



POLITICAL. 



The Territory of Iowa was organized in 
1838, and the following Territorial officers 
were appointed by President VanBuren: 
Governor, Robert Lucas, of Ohio; Secre- 
tary of the Territory, William B. Conway; 
Chief Justice, Charles Mason, of Burling- 
ton; Associate Justices, Thomas S. Wilson, 
of Dubuque, and Joseph Williams, of 
Pennsylvania; Attorney-General, M. Van 
Allen, of New York; Marshal, Francis 
Gehon, of Dubuque. 

The first election was for members of 
the Territorial Legislature and a delegate 
to Congress. The Democracy controlled 
the Legislature by a large majority. The 
vote on Delegate was as follows : 

Wm. W. Chapman, Dem 1,490 

Peter H. Engle, Dem 1,454 

B. F. Wallace, Whig 913 

David Rorer, De:r. 605 

Mr. Talliafero 30 

The election of 1839 was for members 
of the Second Territorial Legislature, and 
created little interest. 

In 1840, the year of the "hard cider 
campaign," the interest was awakened, and 
both parties put in nomination candidates 
for Delegate to Congress. There was also 
an election for Constitutional Convention, 
which was defeated. The vote on Dele- 
gate was as follows: 



A. C. Dodge, Dem 4,009—515 

Alfred Rich, Whig 3,494 

Mr. Churchman 92 

The Whigs held a convention in 1841, 
at Davenport, on the 5th day of May, and 
adopted the following platform : 

Whereas, It has pleased the Governor of the 
Universe, by one of those inscruinble acts the 
righteousness of which no man may question, 
to take from the American people their beloved 
Chief Magistrate, William Henry Harrison, and 
transfer him from this to another, and, we trust, 
to a better world; therefore, 

Resolved, That we sincerely mourn over and 
deplort the loss of one whose services in every 
di-partment of society have been so pre-emi- 
nently useful. As a citizen, he was beloved for 
his rectitude and benevolence; as a soldier, dis- 
tinguished for his bravery and success; as a 
statesman, his ability, purity and patriotism 
were remarkable; as a Christian, he was humble 
and pious. In short, his whole character was 
made up of traits seldom to be found in men 
occupying the place in society he filled, and is 
worthy f imitation by all those who love their 
country. 

Retained, As a token of our sorrow on this 
providential bereavement, we will wear the 
usual badge of mourning thirty days; and that 
we concur with President Tyler on recommend- 
ing to the people of the United States that the 
14th of May be observed as a day of fastiug and 
prayer. 

Resolved, That we have full confidence in the 
ability and current political sentiments of John 



0- 



^ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



133 



Tyler, who, by the voice of the people and the 
Providence of God, now fills the Executivo 
Chair of the United States. 

Resolved, That we recognize in John Cham- 
bers, the gentleman lately appointed to the Ex- 
ecutive Chair of Iowa, a sterling Democratic 
Whig; one whose early life is honorably identi- 
fied with the history of our late war with Great 
Britain; and whose uniform devotion U> the best 
interests of our country affords us a sure guar- 
anty of his usefulness in this Territory. 

Alfred Rich was again nominated for 
Delegate to Congress. 

The Democrats held their convention 
June 7, at Iowa City, and passed the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

Whereas, The Federalists, or self-styled 
Whigs of Iowa, flushed with their recent victory 
in the Presidential contest, and secure in the 
enjoyment of power, are laboring zealously and 
perseveringly to effect a revolution in the polit- 
ical character of the Territory, to accomplish 
which all their united energies wiil be brought 
into action at the next general election; and, 

Whereas, The Democracy here, as well as 
elsewhere, believing the principles of their party 
to be based upon the immutable and eternal doc- 
trines of right and justice, feel it to be their 
duty to maintain and assert them upon all prop- 
er occasions — in the hoiir of defeat as when tri- 
umphant; and, 

Whereas, By union and harmony, exertion 
and activity, we can administer a rebuke to the 
arrogant spirit of Federalism, at our next gen- 
eral election, which, while it will exhibit Iowa 
to the Democracy of the Union in the most en- 
viable light, will also demonstrate to the enemies 
of our principles the futility and hopelessness 
of their efforts to obtain the ascendency; there- 
fore, 

Resolved, That it is the duty of every Democrat 
of Iowa, no matter what may be his station in 
life, to be watchful, vigilant and active in main- 
taining the ascendency of his party in the Ter- 
ritory; and it is earnestly urged upon all that 



they lay aside local questions and sectional fc cl- 
ings, and unite heart and hand in exterminating 
their common enemy, Federalism, from the 
Territory. 

Resolved, That Iowa, In defiance of the efforts 
of the National administration to throw around 
her the shackles of Federalism, is, and will con- 
tinue to be, Democratic to the core; and she 
spurns, with a proper indignation, the attempt 
of those in power to enslave her, by sending 
her rulers freni abroad, whose chief recom- 
mendation is, that they have not only been 
noisy, but brawling, clamorous politicians. 

Resolved, That in the appointment of David 
Webster to be Secretary of the State, we see the 
destinies of our beloved country committed to 
the hands of a man who, during the late war 
with Great Britain, pursued a course to which 
the epithet oi "moral treason" was justly ap- 
plied at the time. In the gloomiest period of 
the war, Mr. Webster was found acting, upon 
all occasions, in opposition to every war meas- 
ure brought forward by the friends of the 
country, and the journals of Congress and 
speeches of Mr. Webster clearly established the 
fact that, though not a member, he connived at 
and leagued in with the traitorous Hartford Con- 
vention. 

Resolved, That the recent astounding and 
extraordinary disclosures made by the stock- 
holders of the United States Bank, with regard 
to the mismanagement, fraud and corruption of 
that wholesale swindling institution, prove the 
correctness of the course of the Democracy of 
the Nation in refusing to grant it a new charter, 
and redounds greatly to the sagacity, honesty 
and Roman firmness of our late venerable and 
iron-nerved President, Andrew Jackson. 

Resolved. That the distribution of the public 
lands is a measure not only fraught with evil, 
on the grounds of its illegality, but that, were it 
carried into effect, would greatly prejudice the 
rights and interests of the new States and Ter- 
ritories. 

Resolved, That a permanent prospective pre- 
emption law is the only effectual means of 
securing to the hardy pioneer his home, — the 



f 



134 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



result of his enterprise and toil, which alone 
has brought our lovely and cultivated plains 
from the rude hand of nature to their present 
high state of cultivation. 

Resolved, That in Thomas H. Benton, the 
bold and fearless leader of the Democracy of 
our country, on this as well as all the matters of 
western policy, we behold the poor man's true 
and firmest friend, in whom, as the advocate of 
their interests and rights, they have the highest 
confidence, and on whom they can rely for sup- 
port and protection in the enjoyment of rights 
and privileges which it has ever been the policy 
of the Federalists to divest them of. 

Resolved, That Democracy is based upon the 
principles of equal rights and justice to all men; 
that to deprive man of the privileges bestowed 
upon him by the laws of nature and his country, 
without yielding him a just equivalent, is to 
take from him all that renders lite worthy his 
possession — independence of action; such we 
believe to be the effect of the recent order of the 
present Chief Magistrate. 

Resolved, That we respect all, of whatever 
station, who boldly and fearlessly advocate our 
rights and secure us in the free enjoyment of 
the same, while we heartily despise and con- 
demn those, come from whence they may, who 
are leagued with our enemies in their efforts to 
wrest from us our homes and sacred altars. 

Resolved, That it is the characteristic doctrine 
of Democracy to secure to all the enjoyment of 
rights and privileges inalienable to freemen, 
and that the proscription of foreigners by the 
Federalists is a contracted effort to secure to 
themselves the inestimable privileges of free- 
dom and free government, and thus cut jff a 
large portion of the human family from rights 
which the charter of our liberties declare are 
granted to all. 

Gen. A. C. Dodge was placed in nom- 
ination, and elected by the following vote: 

A. C. Dodge, Dem 4,828—513 

Alfred Kich, Whig 4,315 

No platforms were adopted by the par- 
ties in 1842; neither was there in 1843. 



William H. Wallace was nominated by 
the Whigs and A. C. Dodge by the Dem- 
ocrats for Delegate to Congress. The 
vote stood: 

A. C. Dodge, Dem 6,084—1,272 

William Wallace, Whig 4,812 

On the 9th day of January, 1844, the 
Whigs met in convention, at Iowa City, 
and without making nominations adopted 
the following platform: 

Resolved, That ublic meetings for the free in- 
terchange of feelings and opinions on the part 
of the American people, in regard to important 
measures, are interwoven with our political insti- 
tutions, and necessary to the perpetuity of our 
national liberty. 

Resolaed, That it is the duty of all patriots 
to keep a watchful eye upon their rulers, and 
to resist at the threshold every inroad to cor- 
ruption; that we deprecate the prostitution of 
the patronage of the President and of the dif- 
ferent officers of the Government to the services 
of a party and the practice of offering the offices 
of honor and profit as a reward for political 
treachery; that we believe this exercise of; ower 
to be eminently dangerous to the political integ- 
rity and patriotism of the < ountry, and that a 
limitation to one Presidential term would, in a 
great degree, arrest the progress of corruption 
and political profligacy. 

Resolved, That inasmuch as the States, in the 
formation of the constitution, surrendered to tl e 
General Government exclusive control of all the 
sources of incidental revenue and reserved to 
themselves the right of taxation alone as a 
source of revenue to meet their individual 
wants; justice, reason, and common honesty 
require that the General Government should 
X>rovide an incidental revenue equal to all the 
wants of the Government, without resorting to 
the proceeds of the public lands or the odious 
and oppressive measure of direct taxation as 
contended for by the so-called Democratic 
party. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



135 



Resolved, That we regard the proceeds of the 
sales of public lands as the legitimate property 
of the States, and as only a trust fund in the 
hands of the General Government, and that the 
trust should te executed without further delay 
by a distribution of the same among the States 
and Territories; that this measure is especially a 
debt of justice at this time, when many of the 
States are groaning with taxation and almost 
driven to bankruptcy by an accumulation of 
debts, which have resulted in a great measure 
from the ruinous policy of the so-called Demo- 
cratic party. 

Resolved, That we deprecate experiments in 
legislation where the result is uncertain and un- 
ascertainable, and that while we should avoid 
the errors of the past, we should cling with 
unflinching tenacity to those institutions which 
have successfully stood the test of experiment, 
and have received the sanction and support of 
the framers of the constitution. 

Resolved, That we deem the establishment of 
a national currency of certain value and every- 
where received, as indispensably necessary to 
the greatest degree of national prosperity; that 
the international commerce of this widely ex- 
tended country is greatly retarded and heavily 
burdened with taxation by the want of a com- 
mon medium of exchange, and that it is the 
constitutional duty of the General Government 
to removo all impediments to its successful pros- 
ecution, and to foster and encourage the internal 
commerce and enterprise, the interchange of 
commodities among the States, not only by a 
reasonable system of internal improvements of 
a general character, but also by furnishing to 
the nation a currency of equal value in all parts 
of its wide-spread domain, and that the exper- 
ience of the past fully proves that this end has 
been accomplished by a national bank, can be 
again accomplished by a national bank, and in 
no way so safely and so certainly as by the 
agency of a well regulated national bank. 

Resolved, That a tariff which will afford a rev- 
enue adequate to all the wants of the General 
Government, and at the same time protect the 
agricultural and mechanical industry of the 
American people, is a measure necessary to 
secure the prosperity of the country, and 



warmly advocated by the Whig party of thi3 
Territory. 

Resolved, That although we have no right to 
vote at the approaching Presidential election, 
yet we look forward to the exertions of our 
friends of the States for the elevation of Henry 
Clay to the Chief Magistracy of the Union with 
intense interest and assurance of our most 
ardent wishes for their success. 

Resolved, That governments should be admin- 
istered so as to produce the greatest good to the 
greatest number, and that this is true Democracy; 
that the self-styled Democratic party, by the 
policy they have pursued for the last ten years 
in their efforts to destroy the prosperity of our 
farmers and mechanics by rejecting a tariff for 
revenue and protection, by destroying the best 
currency ever possessed in any nation, by seek- 
ing to deprive us of all currency except gold 
and silver, in refusing to the indebted States 
relief by paying to them their proportion of the 
proceeds of the public lands, in their continued 
uniform and violent opposition to all measures 
calculated to advance the national and individ- 
ual prosperity, by means of the encouragement 
of commerce and internal improvements, by a 
narrow and selfish policy in converting the ex- 
ecutive power into an engine of party, by their 
federal and aristocratic exertions to maintain 
the veto power, and consolidate all the powers 
of Government in one leader, thereby rendering 
the administration of the Government a mere 
machine of party, in their repeated efforts to 
undermine and destroy the constitution and 
laws of Congress, by openly disregarding the 
rights secured by those laws, in their demoraliz- 
ing efforts to induce the States to disregard their 
honor and repudiate their debts, in their open 
violation of private rights, by repealing charters 
and violating the obligation of contract; in short, 
by their whole policy and principles which, in a 
time of peace, and abundant crops, and with the 
smiles of heaven, have reduced this wealthy, 
proud and prosperous nation to actual bank- 
ruptcy, national and individual, they have for- 
feited the name of Democrats, and as a party 
are no longer to be trusted with the reins of 
power. 



19 



*J« i^. 



136 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



The Democrats adopted no platform in 
1844. 

The Legislature on the 12th of February, 
1844, passed another act submitting the 
question of a constitutional convention to 
the people, which was carried. A consti- 
tution was framed by this convention, and 
Congress passed an act providing for the 
admission of Iowa as a State; but curtail- 
ing the northern and western boundaries. 
At an election held in April, 1845, the 
people rejected the constitution. The 
August election, 1845, was for Delegate to 
Congress. Ralph P. Lowe secured the 
Whig nomination, while A. C. Dodge was 
nominated for re-election by the Demo- 
crats. The vote stood: 

A.C.Dodge, Dcm 7,513—831 

R. P. Lowe, Whig, 6,681 

In April, 1876, delegates were chosen to 
a second constitutional convention, which 
met at Iowa City, May 4, 1846. The con- 
stitution framed by this body was accepted 
by the people in August, Congress having 
repealed the obnoxious features respecting 
boundaries, giving Iowa the territory to 
which it was justly entitled. 

After the adoption of this constitution, 
the Whigs met in convention at Iowa 
City, September 25, and nominated the 
following State ticket: Governor, Thos. 
McKnight; Secretary of State, James H. 
Cowles; Auditor of State, Eastiu Morris; 
Treasurer of State, Egbert T. Smith. The 
following platform was adopted: 

Resolved, That, considering it our duty, as 
Whigs, to effect a thorough organization of our 
party, and, by use of all honorable means, faith- 
fully and diligently strive to ensure the success 
of our political principles in the State of Iowa. 



Resolved, That we, as Whigs, do proudly and 
unhesitatingly proclaim to the world the follow- 
ing distinctive and leading principles; that we, 
as a party, avow and advocate, and which, if 
carried out, we honestly believe will restore our 
beloved country to its prosperity, and its insti- 
tutions to their pristine purity: 

1. A sound national currency, regulated by 
the will and authority of the people. 

2. A tariff that shall afford sufficient revenue 
to the national treasury and just protection to 
American labor. 

8. More perfect restraints upi'n executive 
power, especially upon the exercise of the vet<.. 

4. An equitable distribution of the proceeds 
of the sales of the pullic lands among all the 
States. 

5. One Presidential term. 

6. Expenditure of the surplus revenue in 
national improvements that will embrace the 
great rivers, lakes, and main arteries of com- 
munication throughout our country, thus secur- 
ing the most efficient means of defense in war 
and commercial intercourse in peace. 

Resolved, That the re-enactment of the thrice 
condemned sub-treasury, which will have the 
effect of drawing all coin from circulation and 
locking it up in the vaults and safes of the Gen- 
eral Government, the passage of McKay's Br-tish 
tariff bill discriminating in favor of foreign and 
against American labor, and striking a blow, 
intended to be fatal, to home market for Ameri- 
can agricultural productions, and the executive 
veto of the river and harbor bill which paralyzes 
the western farmer's hope of just facilities for 
transporting his surr-lus products to a market, 
and cripples the enegies of commerce in every 
division of the Union, should consign the present 
administration to a condemnation so deep that 
the hand of political resurrection could never 
reach it. 

Resolved, That we hold these truths to be self- 
evident, that the fortv-ninth degree of north 
lntitude is not fifty-four degrees, forty minutes; 
that James K. Polk's late letter was a deception 
and falsehood of a character so base as none but 
the most dishonorable mind would have resorted 
to; that McKay's tariff is not a judicious revenue 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



137 



tariff affording incidental protect to American 
industry; that the annexation of Texas is not 
a peaceful acquisition; that lamp-black and 
rags, though called treasury notes and drawn on 
a bankrupt treasury, are not the constitutional 
currency, and that locofocoism is not Democ- 
racy. 

Resolved, That we believe the American sys- 
tem of Henry Clay, as exemplified in the tariff 
of 1842, is essential to the independence and 
happiness of the producing classes of the United 
States; that in its protection of home protec- 
tions it nerves the arm of the farmer and makes 
glad the hearts of the mechanic and manufac- 
turer by ensuring them a constant and satisfac- 
tory remuneration for their toils, and that it is 
found by the test of experience to be the only 
permanent check on the excessive importations 
of former years, which have been the principal 
cause of hard times, repudiation, bankruptcy, 
and dishonor. 

Resolved, That we regard the adoption of the 
constitution at the recent election, by reason of 
the highly illiberal character of some of its pro- 
visions, as an event not calculated to promote 
the future welfare and prosperity of the State of 
Iowa, aud that it is our imperative duty to pro- 
cure its speedy amendment. 

Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to use our 
utmost exertions to keep up a thorough organi- 
zation of the Whig party in Iowa; and although 
our opponents claim erronerusly, as we believe, 
to possess an advantage in numbers and depend 
upon ignorance, prejudice and credulty for suc- 
cess, yet, having a superiority in the principles 
we profess, we have implicit confidence in the 
dawning of a brighter day, when the clouds and 
darkness of locofocoism will be dispelled by the 
cheering rays and invigorating influence of 
truth and knowledge. 

On motion, it was 

Resolved, That we recommend to the support 
of the people of Iowa, at the coming election, 
the ticket nominated by this convention; that 
we believe the candidates to be good men, and 
that the members of this convention, in behalf 
of those for whom they act, pledge to them a 
cordial and zealous support. 



The Democratic Convention was held 
September 24, which nominated the fol- 
lowing ticket: Governor, Ansel Briggs; 
Secretary of State, E. Cutler, Jr.; Auditor 
of State, J. T. Fales; Treasurer, Morgan 
Reno. 

The following platform was adopted: 

Resolved, That the conduct of James K. Polk, 
since he has been President of the United States, 
and particularly during the last session of Con- 
gress, has been that of an unwavering and un- 
flinching Democrat; that Young Hickory has 
proved himself to be a true scion of Old Hick- 
ory; and we tender to him and his coadjutors in 
the executive department the gratitude of the 
people of the State of Iowa. 

Resolved, That the recent session of Congress 
has been one of the greatest importance to the 
people of these United States, since the time of 
Mr. Jefferson, and we confidently regard the 
acts passed by it, particularly the passage of 
the Independent Treasury Bill, the settlement 
of the Oregon question (though the people of 
Iowa would have preferred 54, 40), and the re- 
peal of the odious tariff act of 1842, as destined 
to advance the welfare, promote the interest, 
and add to the peace and harmony not only of 
our people, but of the civilized world. 

Resolved, That the repeal of the unjust, un- 
equal and fraudulent tariff act of 1842, at the 
recent session of Congress, deserves the highest 
praise from the people of Iowa, and entitles 
those members of Congress who voted for it 
to the lasting gratitude of all good citizens; 
that by its minimum and specific duties — by its 
unequal and unjust protection of the captaiists 
and moneyed institutions, and by its casting the 
burden of taxation upon the laboring masses, 
and exempting the uper ten thousand, it was 
absolutely a federal tariff, based on the doc- 
trines of the great God-like Belshazzer of Massa- 
chusetts, viz' "Let the Government take care 
of the rich, and the rich take care of the poor"; 
that the conduct of the Vice-President of the 
United States, upon that great question of the 
age, entitles him to the highest place in the con- 
fidence of the Democracy of the United States. 



"via 



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138 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Resolved, That all modes of raising revenue 
for the support of Government are taxes upon 
the capital, labor and industry of the country; 
and that it is the duty of a good government to 
impose its taxes in such a manner as to bear 
equally on all classes of society; and that any 
government which, in levying duties for raising 
revenue, impresses burdens on any one class of 
society, to build up others, though republican in 
form, is tyrauical in deed, ceases to be a just 
government, and is unworthy of the confidence 
or support of a free people. 

Resolved, That the separation of the public 
moneys from the banking institutions of the 
country, in the passage of the Independent 
Treasury Bill, meets the approbation of this 
Convention, and the recent vote of the people 
of this Slate, adopting the Constitution, is a de- 
cisive indication of public sentiment against all 
bunking institutions of whatever name, nature 
or description. 

Resolved, That the repeated unjust aggression 
of the Mexican people and Mexican Government 
have long since called for redress, and the spirit 
which has discouraged, opposed and denounced 
the war which our Government is now carrying 
on against Mexico, is the same spirit which op- 
posed the formation of a Republican Govern- 
ment, opposed Jefferson and denounced the last 
war with Great Britain, and now, as they did 
then, from a federal fountain. 

Resolved, That General Taylor and our little 
army have won for themselves the everlasting 
gratitude of the country, for which they will 
never, like Scott, he exposed to a shot in their 
rear from Washington or any other part of the 
country. 

Resolved, That we repudiate the idea of party 
without principles; that Democracy has certain 
fixed and unalterable principles, among which 
are equal rights and equal protection to all, un- 
limited rights of suffnige to every freeman, no 
property qualifications or religious tests, sov- 
ereignty of the people, subjection of the Legis- 
lature to the will of the people, obedience to the 
instructions of constituents, or resignation, and 
restriction of all exclusive privileges to corpo- 
rations to a level with individual rights. 



Resolved, That henceforth, as a political party, 
we are determined to know nothing but Democ- 
racy, and that we will support men only for 
their principles. Our motto will be: Less leg- 
islation, few laws, strict obedience, short ses- 
sions, light taxes, and no State debt. 

The vote on Governor was as follows: 

Ansel Briggs, Dem 7,626—247 

Thomas McKnight, Whig 7,379 

The office of State Superintendent of 
Public Instruction having been vacated, it 
was provided in the act that an election 
should be held the first Monday in April, 
1847, for the purpose of filling the office. 
The Whigs placed James Harlan in nomi- 
nation, and the Democrats, Charles Mason. 
Harlan was elected by a majority of 413 
out of a total vote of 15,663. 

By act approved February 24, 1847, the 
Legislature created a Board of Public 
Works for the improvement of DesMoines 
river, and provided for the election of a 
President, Secretary and Treasurer of such 
on the first Monday in August. The 
Democrats in State convention at Iowa 
City, June 11, placed the following ticket 
in the field: President of Board, H. W. 
Sample; Secretary, Charles Corkery; Treas- 
urer, Paul Bratton. The following plat- 
form was adopted: 

Whereas, Our country is at present engaged 
in an expensive and sanguinary war, forced 
upon her against her will, and canied on to 
repel aggravated and repeated instances of in- 
sult and injustice; and, 

Whereas, There are those among us, native- 
born Americans, who maintain that Mexico is 
in the right and the United States in the wrong 
in this war; and, 

Whereas, The public mind is, at the present 
time, agitated by other great questions of na- 
tional policy, in relation to which it is proper 
that the Democracy of Iowa should speak out 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



139 



through their representatives here assembled; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That we indignantly repel the charge 
made by the Whig press and the Whig leaders, 
that the war is one of aggression and conquest. 
The United States, we fearlessly assert, have 
for years submitted to treatment at the hands of 
Mexico which, by any European government, 
would have been regarded as a good cause of 
war, and which our own government would 
have made cause of quarrel with any transat- 
lantic power. 

Resolved, That we triumphantly point to the 
repeated efforts made by our government, since 
the commencement of the war, to re-open nego- 
tiations with Mexico with a view of putting an 
end to hostilities as evidence of the pacific 
motives by which it is actuated, and we rely 
upon this testimony for the justification of our 
government in the eyes of the civilized world. 
We also point, with the highest satisfaction, to 
the humane and Christian like manner in which 
the war has been conductod on our part, show- 
ing, as it does, that the United States have 
throughout acted upon principle in every respect 
worthy of the enlightened and civilized age in 
which we live. 

Resolved, That we have the most unlimited 
confidence in the ability and statesman-like 
qualities of President Polk; that the measures 
of his administration, standing, as they have 
done, the test of time, have our most, cordial 
approbation;- that in the prosecution of the war 
with Mexico, he and the several members of his 
cabinet have evinced the most signal energy and 
capacity; that the brilliant success of our arms 
at every point, and the fact that in the short 
space of one year more than one-half of Mexico 
has been overcome by our troops, and is now in 
our possession, furnishes a refutation of the 
assertion sometimes heard from the Whigs, that 
the war has been inefficiently conducted, and 
that the country has the amplest cause to con- 
gratulate itself that, great and important as the 
crisis is, it has men at the head of affairs fully 
equal to the emergency. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the American 
people are due to Major-Generals Scott and 



Taylor, their officers and men, for their courage, 
bravery and endurance; that in the victories they 
have achieved, they have shed imperishable 
honor upon their country's flag at the same time 
that they have won for themselves, one and all, 
chaplets of imperishable renown. 

Resolved, That in the demand which now ex- 
ists in the countries of the old world for Ameri- 
can provisions, we have an illustration of the 
incalculable benefits which are sure to result to 
the United Stales, and particularly to the great 
West, from reciprocal interchange of commo- 
dities; that the agriculturists of Iowa have sen- 
sibly partaken of the benefits resulting from 
this liberal system of policy, and in the name of 
the Democratic party of Iowa, we tender to 
President Polk and the Democratic members of 
Congress our thanks for the enactment of a 
tariff, which is likely to have the effect of caus- 
ing foreign countries to still further abolish their 
restrictions upon American grain and American 
provisions. 

Resolved, That the evidence to be found in the 
fact that, within the last three months, the enor- 
mous sum of fifty-five millions of dollars has 
been offered to be loaned to the Government at 
a premium, is a pruud vindication of the finan- 
cial ability of the Government, at the same time 
that it rebukes with merited severity the croak- 
ing of those who, at the commencement of the 
war, predicted that the treasury would be beg- 
gared in less than a year, with no means of re- 
plenishing it. 

Resolved, That we approve of the conduct of 
the Democratic members of our first State Legis- 
lature. Under the peculiar circumstances by 
which they were surrounded, their conduct was 
such as became them, and is sustained by the 
entire Democracy of the State. 

Resolved, That the Democratic party have ever 
regarded education as the only means of pre- 
serving and perpetuating our republican institu- 
tions; that it is now and ever has been solicitous 
for its extension throughout the whole length 
and breadth of our land; and that it is one of 
the chief objects of the Democratic party of this 
State to establish such a system of free schools 
as will enable every child within its borders to 






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140 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



qualify himself to perform all the duties devolv- 
ing upon a citizen of this favored country. 

Resolved, That we pledge ourselves collectively 
to support the nominees of this convention; that 
in our respective counties we will spare no 
efforts to promote their success; that we will 
permit no selfish consideration, no sectional feel- 
ings, to influence us, but, rallying under the 
banner of the good old cause, the cause of De- 
mocracy, we will march on to victory, triumph- 
ant victory t 

The Whigs nominated for President of 
the Board, Geo. Wilson; Secretary, Madi- 
son Dagger; Treasurer, Pierre B Fagan. 
Sample was elected over Wilson by 510 
majority, out of a total vote of 16,250. 

The Whigs of Iowa were first in the 
field in 1848, meeting in convention May 
11th, at Iowa City. They nominated for 
Secretary of State J.M. Coleman; Auditor, 
M. Morley; Treasurer, Robert Holmes. 
The following platform was adopted : 

The Government of the United States is based 
upon and exists only by the consent of the peo- 
ple; and, 

Whereas, It is the duty as well as the rights 
of the citizens of the United States to meet in 
their primary capacity, whenever their judg- 
ment may dictate, to examine into the affairs of 
the Government; and, 

Whereas, This right carries with it the power 
to approve the conduct of their public servants, 
whenever approval is merited by faithfulness 
and integrity, so it equally confers the duty of 
exposing imbecility, selfishness and corruption, 
when they exist in the administration of the Re- 
public, and of denouncing those who, disregard- 
ing the example and admonitions of the Fathers 
of the Republic, are abandoning the true prin- 
ciples on which our civil institutions are found- 
ed, and proclaiming and carrying out measures 
that cannot but prove detrimental to the har- 
mony and best interests of the Union, and may 
eventuate in the overthrow of our present Re- 
publican form of government; therefore, 



Resolved, By the Whigs of Iowa, through their 
Representatives in State Convention assembled, 
that the Government of the United States is a 
limited Government, divided into three depart- 
ments, each having its appr. liate sphere, and 
separate and* well-defined duties to perform; 
that it is necessary to the stability and perpetu- 
ity of our institutions, that the Executive, Leg- 
islative and Judicial Departments should be 
kept distinct, and confined to their legitimate 
duties; and that any encroach) ient, by one de- 
partment, upon either of the others, is a viola- 
tion of the spirit and letter of the constitution, 
and should call down the severest reprehension 
of the American people. 

Resolced, That the admonition of a late Presi- 
dent of the United States, "Keep your eye upon 
the President," should especially recommend 
itself to all the people in times like the present; 
tnat the Government can only be kept pure by 
the constant watchfulness of the people and the 
expression of their loudest censure, when spec- 
ulation and corruptk n is detected. 

Resolved, That entertaining these opinions, we 
have no hesitation in declaring that the eleva- 
tion of James K. Polk to the Presidential office 
was a sad mishap to the American Government; 
and that his administration, by its total aban- 
donment of the principles of true Republican- 
ism, as taught by Washington, Jefferson and 
Madison; by its encroachments on the national 
constitution, and its entire disregard of the will 
of the people, as expressed through their Rep- 
resentatives in Congress; by its denunciations 
of its own constituents, its futile attempt to 
misrepresent facts and conceal the truth, its 
endeavors to prostrate the industrial energies of 
the people and discriminate iu favor of the man- 
ufactures and machinery of Europe, its violation 
of its own much lauded system of finance, the 
sub treasury, thereby furnishing the people with 
promise to pay its officers with gold and silver; 
by its war, commenced without the assent of 
the war-making power, against a weak and dis- 
tracted sister Republic, while at the same time, 
it ignobly and cowardly crouched before 
the lion of England, and took back its own asser- 
tions; its public debt of one hundred millions 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



141 



rind its sacrifice of human life; its veto of meas- 
ures lhat met the approval of every former Pres- 
ident; and, worse than all, by its infamous at- 
tempt to rob of their well-earned laurels, won on 
the tented field, in the heart of the enemy's 
country, those who commanded the armies of 
the Republic, and bring them into unmerited 
disgrace before the American people, — by this 
aggregation of misdeeds, has signalized itself 
as the worst, most selfish and corrupt adminis- 
tration the United States ever had. 

Resolved, That, while we concede that it is the 
duty of every citizen to support his country 
when engant d in a conflict with a foreign power, 
yet we equally insist that it is the duty of the 
people to bold their public servants to a strict 
accountability, and honestly to condemn what- 
ever their judgment cannot approve; that we 
indiguantly hurl back the imputation of James 
K. Polk and his parasites, that the Whig party 
of the Unk n are wanting in love of country, 
and deficient in its defense, and in evidence of 
the patriotism of the Whig party, we proudly 
point to the commanding generals, the distin- 
guished officers and the brave soldiers who, in 
our army in Mexico, have shed luster upon them- 
se'ves and renown upon the flag of their country. 

Resolved, That, believing the war terminated, 
our convictions require us to declare that the 
war with Mexico was a war brought on by the 
Executive, wiihoutthe approbation of the war- 
iiiaking power, that had the same prudence 
which governed the administration in its inter- 
course with Great Britain, relative to the settle- 
ment of the Oregon question, exercised toward 
Mexico, a nation whose internal dissensions and 
weakness demanded our forbearance, the war 
wjuld have been averted, and the boundaries 
between the two nations amicably and satisfac- 
torily settled. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of the applica- 
tion of the principle contained in the Wilmot 
proviso (so called), to all territory to be incor- 
porated iuto this Union, and are utterly opposed 
to the further extension of slave territory. 

■Resolved, That our opposition to the sub-treas- 
uiy and the tariff of 1845 has not been dimin- 



ished by the evidence furnished us of their oper- 
ations; that they are twin measures, calculated 
and designed to depress the free labor of the 
country, for the benefit of a minority of the 
people— the oie operating to lessen the price of 
labor, and bring down the wages of freemen, 
and the other throwing open our ports for the 
introduction of the productions of the pauper 
labor of Europe, thereby crippling our own man- 
ufacturers and compelling them either to sacri- 
fice their laborers or close their business; that 
the one has failed as a disturbing system of the 
Government, the administration having been 
compelled to resort to banks and paper in 
making their payments, and the other, as a rev- 
enue measure, has proved entirely inadequate to 
the support of the ordinary expenses of the Gov- 
ernment; that the one, by withdrawing from 
circulation, and shutting up in its vaults a large 
amount of specie, and the other, by overstock- 
ing the market with foreign goods, have largely 
contributed towards, if they have not entirely 
produced, the present financial difficulties; and 
that we cannot but foresee that the country will 
soon be visited, if these measures are continued, 
with a commercial revulsion as great and disas- 
trous as that of 1837. 

Resolved, That the profession of the adminis- 
tration of James K. Polk, that it is in favor of, 
and devoted to, an exclusively metallic currency, 
while it is issuing millions u. on millions of 
paper money, in shape of treasury notes, irre- 
deemable in specie, is an insult to the American 
people, and deserves the unqualified denuncia- 
tion of every lover of truth and honesty. 

Resolved, That the great West, whose popula- 
tion and commerce are rapidly increasing, bear- 
ing, as it does, its full proportion of the public 
burdens, is entitled to some consideration at the 
hands of the General Government, and to some 
participation in the Union; that the Mississippi 
river is to the whole Mississippi Valley what the 
Atlantic is to the Eastern and the lakes are to 
the Northern States; that if it is constitutional 
to clear and improve any harbors in the latter, 
it is equally constitutional to do the same in the 
former; that the River and Harbor Bill of the 
last session of Congress contained only appro- 



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142 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



priations for work that had met the approval of 
Jackson and VanQurrn; that the veto of that 
measure by the Executive was a high-handed 
usurpation upon the rights of the people and 
their representatives, uncalled for and unneces- 
sary, and that, by that act, James K. Polk 
proved himself false to the principles of his pre- 
decessors, and hostile to the future growth and 
best interests of the West. 

Resolved, That in view of the misrule, venality 
and infractions of the Constitution which have 
characterized the present administration, we 
deem the approaching Presidential election one 
of the most important that Las occurred since 
the organization of the Government; that it is 
necessary to the preservation of the institutions 
bequeathed to us by our fathers, that there 
should be a change of rulers as well as a change 
of measures; that, animated by a sincere desire 
to promote the welfare and honor of our coun- 
try, we have determined to buckle on our armor 
and enlist for the war; and, in the language of 
one who never faltered in his devotion to his 
country, we call upon every Whig in Iowa to 
"Arouse ! Awake ! Shake off the dew-drops that 
glitter on your garments !" and, in company 
with your brethren throughout the Union, "Once 
more march forth to battle and to victory I" 

Resolved, That, although the Whig party of 
Iowa has expressed a preference for General 
Taylor as the Whig candidate for President, yet 
they deem it due to themselves to declare that 
they commit the whole subject into the hands of 
the Whig National Convention, and whoever 
may be the nominee of that body for President, 
the Whigs of Iowa will give him a cordial sup- 
port. 

Resolved, That locofocoism in Iowa has proved 
itself a faction, "held together by the coercive 
power of public plunder," and devoid alike of 
generosity and principle; that, under cover of 
an assumed love of law and order, it has under- 
taken and cast from office a citizen chosen by a 
large majority of the popular voice, while, at the 
same time, it is represented in Congress by men 
elected without the shadow of law; that in foist- 
ing into the halls of Legislature, men who had 
no right there, for the purpose of carrying out 



their own selfish designs, they were guilty of a 
clear violation of constitutional law, and of 
usurpation upon the rights of the people; and 
that the Whig members of the Legislature, by 
refusing to go into the election of Senators and 
Supreme Judges, while those individuals exer- 
cised the functions of Representatives, truly 
reflected the will of their constituents, and de- 
serve the thanks of every friend of good gov- 
ernment. 

Resolved, That we most cordially commend to 
the support of the people of Iowa the ticket 
placed in nomination by this convention, of 
State officers a:.d electors of President and Vice 
President; that they are citizens distinguished 
for their ability, integrity, patriotism and cor- 
rect moral deportment; and that we pledge to 
this ticket a full, hearty and zealous co-opera- 
tion in the ensuing canvass, with the confident 
assurance that if every Whig does his "duty, his 
.whole duty, and nothing short of his duty," at 
the ballot-box, they will receive from the people 
of Iowa a majority of their suffrages. 

Resolved, That we are watching with deep in- 
terest the recent movements in Europe, indica- 
ting as they do, the spread of popular liberty, 
and the determination on the part of the masses 
to throw off the fetters of despotism and kingly 
rule; that we joyfully admit into the brother- 
hood of republicanism the new republic of 
France, trusting that an all-wise Providence 
will guide and watch over the destinies of the 
new government and establish it on a permanent 
basis; and that to the masses of the other na- 
tions of Europe, who are now struggling to be 
free, we tender our warmest sympathies, and 
bid them a heartfelt God-speed in their efforts to 
obtain a recognition of their rights and liberties. 

The Democrats placed the following 
ticket in nomination at a State convention 
held June 1st, at Iowa City: Secretary of 
State, Josiah H. Bonney; Auditor, Joseph 
T. Fales; Treasurer, Morgan Reno. The 
official vote showed Bonney to be elected 
Secretary of State by 1,212 majority, out 
of a total of 23,522. 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



143 



The campaign of 1849 was opened by 
the Democrats, who met in convention at 
Iowa City, and nominated William Patter- 
son, President of Board of Public Works; 
for Secretary, Jesse Williams; Treasurer, 
George Gillaspie. The platform adopted 
by the convention was as follows: 

Resolved, That, in view of the large interest at 
stake in the judicious and vigorous prosecution 
of the public works on the DesMoines river, and 
in view also of the efforts on foot by the Whig 
party to obtain the control and direction of the 
same, by means of a .Whig Board of Public 
Works, it is important that the Democracy of 
the State should take immediate and energetic 
steps toward a thorough and complete organiza- 
tion of the party, and be ready on the day of 
the election to secure to themselves, by a tri- 
umphant majority, the choice of the officers; 
and that, while we cordially and unreservedly 
recommend the nominees of this convention to 
the confidence and support of the people, we 
should also take occasion to admonish our 
friends, that in union there is strength, and in 
vigilance, success. 

Resolved, That this convention has received, 
with feelings of profound grief, the intelligence 
of the death of that pure patriot and able states- 
man, James K. Polk, late President of the United 
States; and that for his eminent and distinguished 
services to his country, for his faithfulness to 
principle, and for his purity of private life, his 
memory will ever live in the cherished recollec- 
tions of the Democracy of the nation, by none 
more honored than the people of this State. 

Resolved, That we recur with pride to the tri- 
umphant success, the splendid achievements, 
and the imperishable renown of the late admin- 
istration; and that, while we point to these as 
the glorious results of past labors, we should re- 
member that, as they were gained by a strict 
adherence to honest principles and the adoption 
of an honest policy, they can be sullied or im- 
paiied only by a base abandonment of them 
upon the altar of expediency, or by a disgrace- 
ful surrender in the form of coward silence. 



Resolved, That we still adhere as firmly as 
ever to the principles and measures which dic- 
tated and governed the course of the late admin- 
istration; and that we derive a high pleasure 
from the fact that a Democratic Senate is vouch- 
safed to us as an impassable barrier between the 
federal high tariff, bank and paper policy, hopes 
and designs of the present dynasty, and the gold 
and silver currency, and low tariff and inde- 
pendent treasury policy of the people. 

Resolved. That the administration of Gen. 
Taylor, a's far as it has proceeded npon its mis- 
sion, has unblushingiy falsified every promise 
and grossly violated every pledge given before 
the election by its nominal chief; that a party 
which can go before the country upon one set of 
issues, and immediately after its installation 
into power enter upon the practice of'auother 
set, is more than ever deserving of the reproba- 
tion of the world, and of the continued and 
uncompromising hostility of the Democratic 
party. 

Resolved, That General Taylor, for the part 
which he has played, or has been made to play 
in this d ; sgraceful game of deception, has dis- 
played a want of honest principle or weakness 
of mind and character, which equally disquali- 
fies him for the place he holds, and fully justi- 
fies the worst predictions ever made agains' his 
fitness for the Presidency; and that, although 
we may once have admired the soldier in the 
tented field, we are now reluctantly brought to 
condemn and to repudiate the cipher in the 
cabinet of the country. 

Resolved, That the removals in this State have 
been made without cause and in direct violation 
of the professions of General Taylor, before the 
election; and that the appointments which have 
followed have been made in equal violation of 
the same professions. 

Resolved, That the appointment of a bureau 
officer from this State, in the person of Fitz 
Henry Warren, is an act deserving the censure 
and undistinguished condemnation which it is 
receiving from a large majority of the Whigs of 
Iowa; and that his" retention in office, in the 
face of these open and emphatic expressions of 



.L 



144 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



public disgust, is well calculated to prepare the 
mind of every one to be surprised at nothing, in 
the way of moral turpitude, which may mark 
the future character of General Taylor's admin- 
istration. 

Resolved, That the Democrats who have been 
removed from office in this State by the federal 
and proscriptive administration now in power, 
retire from their respective posts without re- 
proach from government, and with the unim- 
paired confidence and respect of the Democracy 
of the State. 

Resolved, That we deprecate any separate and 
sectional organizations, in any portion of the 
country, having for their object the advocacy of 
an isolated point involving feeling, and not 
fact — pride, and not principle, as destructive to 
the peace and happiness of the people and dan- 
gerous to the stability of the Union. 

Resolved, That inasmuch as the Territories of 
New Mexico and California come to us free, and 
aio free now by law, it is our desire that they 
should remain forever free; but that until it is 
proposed to repeal the laws making the country 
free, and to erect others in their stead for the 
extension of slavery, we deem it inexpedient 
and improper to add to the further distraction 
of the public mind by demanding, in the name 
of the Wilmot Proviso, what is already amply 
secured by the laws of the land. 

The Whigs met in convention June 30, 
at Iowa City, where they nominated the 
following ticket: President of Board, 
Thomas J. McKean; Secretary, William 
M. Allison; Treasurer, Henry G. Stewart. 
The following platform was adopted: 

Resolved, That this convention has unlimited 
confidence in the integrity, ability and patriotism 
of the people's President, General Zachary Tay- 
lor. The illustrious services he has rendered 
his country in fortv years' devotion to her in- 
terests and her glory in the field, and the abun- 
dant evidence he has given since his inaugura- 
tion as Chief Magistrate of the Republic, of the 
possession of eminent administrative talents, 
afford a sure guaranty that his administration 



will be devoted to the highest and best interests 
of the country, the whole country, and nothing 
but the country. With such a leader, one who 
has successfully encountered every danger, 
whether in front, rear or rank, we may look with 
confidence to the speedy restoration of the 
country to her true Republican destiny. 

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meet- 
ing, the recent demonstration of public senti- 
ment inscribes on the list of executive duties, in 
characters too legible to be overlooked, the task 
of reform, and the correction of those abuses 
which have brought the patronage of the Federal 
Government into conflict with the freedom of 
election; and that as vacancies by death are 
few, by resignation none, the task of reform 
and the correction of those abuses can be accom- 
plished only by removal; and we regard the wail- 
ings of the locofoco press at the salutary and 
essential changes which the administration has 
seen proper to make, as involving a disregard 
of the important truth here referred to, and a 
contempt of the first principles of Democracy. 

Resolved, That the welfare and interests of the 
people of Iowa imperatively require an amend- 
ment to the State Constitution, by which the 
incubus, imposed in some of its provisions upon 
their resources and prosperity, shall be removed. 

Resolved, That the people have a right to 
demand that this question shall be submitted to 
them for their action, and in the judgment of 
this convention they will be recreant to their 
interests if they do not visit their condemnation 
upon a party that, with professions of Democ- 
racy perpetually upon its lips, has shown itself 
in practice to be destitute of the true principles 
of Democracy. 

Resolved, That the course of the dominant 
party of this State, in the late General Assem'ily, 
in its daring assaults upon the most sacred pro- 
vision of the constitution; in the outrage which 
it commit!, d against the great principles of civil 
and religious liberty, in depriving one of the 
counties of the State, as a punishment for the 
free exercise by its voters of the elective fran- 
chise of the rights of representation, in ex- 
cluding it from all the judicial distrieis of the 



if. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



145 



State, and in its flagitious attempt to destroy its 
organization altogether, and to excommunicate 
its inhabitants, indiscriminately, from the pro- 
tection of civil society; in its contemptuous 
refusal to allow the people of the State the priv- 
ilege of expressing their opinion on the subject 
of a convention to amend the State constitution; 
in its refusal to instruct the Senators in Con- 
gress from this State to favor the policy of the 
Wilmot Proviso, by excluding the institution of 
slavery from our newly acquired Territory; in 
its attempt to create new offices, not demanded 
by the public interest, as a sort of pension to 
partisan favorites — offices which would have im- 
posed new burdens in the shape of increased 
taxation without any corresponding benefit, — 
and in its reckless prodigality of the public 
money, should consign it to the perpetual con- 
demnation of a free people. 

Resolved, That we are opposed to the exten- 
sion of slavery into territory now free, and that 
we believe it to be the duty of the Federal Gov- 
ernment to relieve itself of the responsibility of 
that institution, wherever it has the constitu- 
tional authority so to do; and that the legislation 
necessary to effect those objects should be 
adopted. 

Resolved, That for the compliment paid to our 
State, in the appointment of one of our fellow- 
ciiizeus to the important office of Assistant 
Postmaster, the President is entitled to our 
thanks. 

Resolved, That we commend the ticket pre- 
sented by this convention to the people of this 
State for their cordial support. 

Patterson was elected President over 
McKean by a majority of 712 out of a total 
vote of 22,632. 

The Whigs met in convention May 15, 
1800, at Iowa City, and made the follow- 
ing nominations: Governor, James L 
Thompson; Secretary of State, Isaac Cook; 
Auditor of State, William H. Seevers; 
Treasurer of State, Evan Jay; Treasurer 
of Board of Public Works, James Nosier. 



The resolutions adopted were as follows: 
Resolved, That every day's experience vindi- 
cates the sentiment proclaimed by the Whig 
State Convention last year, that the welfare and 
interests of the people of Iowa imperatively 
require an amendment to the State constitution, 
by which the incubus imported in some of its 
provisions upon their resources and prosperity 
shall be removed. 

Resolved, That the people have a right to de- 
mand that this question shall be submitted to 
them for their action, and in the judgment of 
this convention they will be recreant to their 
interests if they do not so determine by their 
votes at the approaching election. 

Resolved, That we have undiminished confi- 
dence in the integrity, ability and patriotism of 
the people's President, General Z. Taylor, and 
in the wisdom of the policy by him recom- 
mended to Congress. 

Resolved, That the Whigs of the country owe 
it to themselves and the great principles they 
profess to cherish, to give the President a Con- 
gress disposed to co-operate with him in his 
patriotic purposes to serve the country, instead 
of pursuing a factious opposition to the bitter 
end. 

Resolved, That we cherish an ardent attach- 
ment to the union of the States, and a firm de- 
termination to adhere to it at all hazards and to 
the last extremity. 

Resolved, That we hail with the highest grati- 
fication the rising of a new State upon the 
borders of the Pacific, and that we are in favor 
of its immediate admission into the family of 
States upon no other conditions than those im- 
posed by the constitution of the United States, 
and untrammelled by any question of Territorial 
legislation. 

Resolved, That while we hold it to be the duty 
of all to be ready and willing to stand to and 
abide by the provisions of the constitution of the 
United States, we are nevertheless free to re- 
affirm, as we now do, the opinion heretofore ex- 
pressed by the Whig party in Iowa, that we are 
in favor of free men, free territory, and free 
States. 



9 

V 



146 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



Resolved, That the Surveyor General's office 
of Wisconsin and Iowa, under the control of 
the Democratic party, has been, and is, an 
engine of vast political power, and that its 
extensive patronage has been used to subserve 
the interest of that party. We, therefore, re- 
spectively and earnestly request of the President 
of Ihe United States the immediate removal of 
C:H. Booth, Esq. , the present incumbent, and 
the appointment of one who will not use the 
patronage of this office for political ends. 

Resolved, That we cordially recomnend the 
candidates nominated by this convention, for 
the various Slate offices to be filled at the next 
August election, to the confidence and support 
of the people of Iowa. 

The Democrats met at Iowa City June 
12, 1850, and nominated the following 
ticket: Governor, Stephen Hempstead; 
Secretary of Si ate, G. W. McCleary; 
Auditor, Wm. Pattee; Treasurer, Israel 
Keister; Treasurer Board Public Works, 
George Gillaspie. The following platform 
was adopted: 

Resolved, That the events of the past year, 
having served to demonstrate the soundness and 
wisdom of the resolutions adopted by the last 
Democratic State Convention, we re-assert and 
re-adopt them, as follows: 

Resolved, That we recur with pride to the tri- 
umphant success, the splendid achievements 
and the imperishable renown of the late admin- 
istration; and that, while we point to these as 
the glorious results of past labors, we should 
remember that, as they were gained by a strict 
adhcience to honest principles, and the adoption 
of an honest policy, they can be sullied or im- 
paired only by a base abandonment of them 
upon the altar of expediency, or by a disgrace- 
ful surrender in the form of a cowardly silence. 

Resolved, That we still adhere, as firmly as 
ever, to the principles and measures which dic- 
t itcd and governed the course of the late admin- 
istration; and that we derive a high pleasure 
from ihe fact that a Democratic Senate is vouch- 
tafed to us as an impassable barrier between the 



Federal high-tariff, bank and paper policy, hopes 
and designs of the present dynasty, and the gold 
and silver currency, low tariff and independent 
treasury policy of the people. 

Resolved, That the administration of General 
Taylor, as far as it has proceeded upon its mis- 
sion, has unblushiugly falsified every promise and 
grossly violated every pledge given before the 
election by its nominal chief; and that a party 
which can go before the country upon one set of 
issues, and immediately after its installation 
into power enter upon the practice of another 
set, is more than ever deserving of the reproba- 
tion of the world, and of the continued and un- 
compromising hostility of the Democratic party. 

Resolved, That General Taylor, for the part 
which he has played, or has been made to play, 
in this disgraceful game of deception, has dis- 
played a want of honest principle, or a weakness 
of mind and character, which equally disquali- 
fies him for the place he holds, and fully justifies 
the worst predictions ever made against his fit- 
ness for the Presidency; and that, although we 
may have once admired the soldier in the tented 
field, we are now reluctantly brought to con- 
demn and to repudiate the cipher in the Cabinet 
of the country. 

Resolved, That the removals in this State have 
been made without cause and in direct violation 
of the professions of General Taylor before the 
election; and that the appointments which have 
followed have been made in equal violation of 
the same professions. 

Resolved, That it is as gratifying to the pride 
as it is creditable to the patriotism of the Dem- 
ocrats of Iowa, that prominent statesmen of all 
parties, in seeking for a satisfactory adjustment 
of the difficulties which unfortunately exist be- 
tween the slave and non-slaveholding States, 
are found uniting, in main, on the policy of non- 
intervention; and while they arrogate to them- 
selves no right to question the course of other 
States on this subject, they point to the fact, 
with feelings of unmingled satisfaction, and 
they, in co-operating with those who are striving 
1 1 preserve the Union, are required to "tread 
no steps backward." 



e 
Vis 



T 



■ ^ < >]{ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



147 



Resolved, That, regarding the preservation of 
our happy form of government as paramount to 
all other considerations, and believing that the 
threatened danger may be averted, we approve 
of the bill recently introduced into the United 
Stales Senate by the Committee of Thirteen, 
generally known as the "Compromise Bill." 

Resolved, That, as this bill authorizes the im- 
mediate admission of California, organizes the 
Territories of New Mexico and Utah, provides 
for the settlement of the Texan boundary ques- 
tion, enforces the provisions of the constitution 
with regard to the reclamation of persons 
escaping from service, and abolishes the slave 
trade in the District of Columbia, we believe its 
adoption, as a whole, would be hailed as a peace- 
offering by an overwhelming majority of the 
people; nor is our confidence in the wisdom of 
the measure diminished by the fact that the 
ultraists of both extremes are found united in 
opposition to it, but rather increased. 

Resolved, That the late decision of Secretary 
Ewing, by which the State of Iowa has been 
robbed of nearly a million of acres of valuable 
land, and the improvement of her principal 
interior river, retarded, if not wholly destroyed, 
is an act which finds no justification in the pre- 
cedent or usages of the government; that it is a 
derogation of both the letter and spirit of the 
act of Congress making the donation, and that, 
in the name of the people of Iowa, we feel called 
upon to denounce it as illegal and unjust. 

Resolved, That this decision, taking away from 
the State, by a Whig administration, the greater 
portion of a valuable grant, made to it under a 
Democratic rule, the people of Iowa have suf- 
fered a wrong which, while they have no alterna- 
tive but submission, they cannot but feel most 
deeply and sensibly that the administration at 
Washington is not less responsible for the deci- 
sion than those who defend it; and that it is the 
duty of the Democracy to arraign them at the 
bar of public opinion at the approaching election 
for aiding and abetting in crippling the energies 
of our young and expanding commonwealth. 

Resolved, that President Taylor's Cabinet have, 
in the recent Galphtn swindle and other specula- 
tions of the same kind, proven to the world that 



their promises of retrenchments and reform in 
the administration of the government were made 
to deceive the people, and not with the intention 
of being kept. 

Resolved, That the present Governor, Secre- 
tary of State, Auditor and Treasurer, whose terms 
of office are about to expire, each and all of them, 
by the honest, efficient and imparti tl discharge 
of their duties, deserve the cordial approbation 
of the people of the State of Iowa. 

Resolved, That we confidently present the 
nominees of the convention to the voters of the 
State of Iowa for their support; and that we, 
ourselves, will individually use all honorable 
means to secure theii election. 

The official vote on Governor was as fol- 
lows: 

Stephen Hempstead, Dem 13,133 2,083 

James L. Thompson, Whig 11,403 

William Penn Clark 575 

In 1851, for Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, the Democrats nominated 
Thomas II. Benton, while the Whigs sup- 
ported William G. Woodward, an Inde- 
pendent candidate. Benton was elected 
by a majority of 1,351. 

In 1852 the Whigs were early in the 
field, meeting in convention at Iowa City, 
February 26, and placing in nomination 
the following ticket: Secretary of State, 
J. W. Jenkins; Auditor of State, Asbury 
Porter; Treasurer of State, Hosea B. 
Horn. The following platform was 
adopted: 

Resolved, That we most cordially approve of 
the administration of President Fillmore, and 
have the fullest confidence in the executive 
officers of our government, and that the admin- 
istration of our foreign and domestic affairs 
deseives our highest admiration and firmest 
support; and we have the assurance that under 
such an administration our republic will always 
be safe. 



^ 



} 



& 



143 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Resolved, That our warmest gratitude is due 
to those of whatsoever political party, who 
have, for the last two years, battled for the 
union of these States, and that we now regard 
the question out of which our apprehension of 
disunion arose as settled now and forever. 

Resolved, That we rejoice to see our Demo- 
cratic fellow-citizens in the Western States 
occupying a part of our political platform, es- 
pecially that relating to currency, to the im- 
provement of rivers and harbors by appropria- 
tions from the national treasury, and a revision 
of the tariff of 18-16. 

Resolved, That, as by alone following the 
advice of the illustrious Father of our Country 
for three-quarters of a century, our nation is 
1 rosperous and happy, we are still for adhering 
to that which teaches us to be at peace with all 
nations, and to form entangling alliances with 
none. 

Resolved, That the delegates to the National 
Convention be left free to act according to their 
own judgment, when they meet their brethren 
in the Natiocal Convention, to nominate candi- 
dates for President and Vice-President of the 
United States, according to the lights that there 
may be presented, and so to act as to harmonize 
conflicliug claims and interests, and to maintain 
the integrity of the Whig party and the ascend- 
ancy of Whig principles. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this con- 
vention that, a convention to revise the constitu- 
tion of the States should be called at as early a 
day as is practicable; and, with a view to the 
advancement of this object, it is hereby recom- 
mended to State and local candidates in every 
part of the State to make this issue distinctly 
and strongly before the people. 

Resolved, That this convention request the 
executive committee of the State, and of each 
county and of each district composed of several 
counties, to effect a complete and efficient or- 
ganization of the Whig party in their respective 
counties and districts. 

The Democratic convention met May 
28tb, at Iowa city, and nominated the fol- 



lowing ticket: Secretary of State, Geo. 
W. McCleary; Auditor, William Pattee; 
Treasurer, M. L. Morris. The following 
platform was adopted: 

Resolved, That paramount to all questions of a 
party or sectional nature, we are in favor of 
"The Union now and forever." 

Resolved, That to carefully regard the rights 
of States, is the only possible way to strengthen 
and perpetuate our glorious confederacy. 

Resolved, That a strict construction of the 
Constitution of the United States is the only 
safeguard for the rights of the States, and that 
we fully recognize the doctrine of the Virginia 
and Kentui ky resolutions of 1798 and 1799 and 
the Baltimore platform of 1844. 

Resolved, That we are opposed to a national 
bank, a high protective tariff and all measures 
and monopolies of a like nature, and are in 
favor of the independent treasury and tariff of 
1836. 

Resolved, That we are opposed to a wasteful, 
extravagant and corrupt system of internal im- 
provements; but hold that improvements of a 
national character may properly be made with 
the nation's money, and that, in justice, the 
general government, as a great landholder in the 
States, should contribute of her large domain to 
those public enterprises by which her interests 
are secured and promoted and the value of that 
domain enhanced. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of the " com- 
promise" as a final settlement of the question 
which has so long agitated the country upon the 
subject of domestic slavery. 

Resolved, That we are opposed to " nullifica- 
tion" of every kind, whether in the legislature 
of Vermont, 'ir in the latitude of South Carolina, 
and are in favor of a faithful execution of laws 
of Congress until they are repealed, or declared 
inoperative by the proper tribunals of the 
country. 

Resolved, That our adopted citizens well 
deserve the political blessings which are now 
extended to them by the existing natural iza- 



@ i- 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



149 



tion laws passed by our Democratic forefathers, 
and we are opposed to any alteration of them 
sought for by native "Americanism." 

Resolved, That we are opposed to the nomi- 
nation of a candidate for the Presidency upon 
the naked idea i if availability, but are in favor 
of a candidate whose principles are known to be 
national and in conformity to the time-honored 
tenets of the Democratic party. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of the nominee 
of the Baltimore convention, as our candidate 
for the Presidency, and to such nominee we 
pledge our hearty and individual support. 

In regard to State policy — 

Resolved, That we heartily concur in the great 
principles of judicial and financial reform which 
are agitating the civilized world, and which have 
to some extent been recognized by the adoption 
of our revised code; but at the same time repro- 
bate many of the provisions as destructive of 
the great ends sought after, and earnestly recom- 
mend a thorough revision of all obnoxious fea- 
tures. 

The official vote for Secretary of State 
was as follows: 

George G.HcCleary, Dem 16,884—1,857 

J.W. Kenkins, Whig 15,027 

In 1853 the Democrats inaugurated the 
campaign by nominating David C. Cloud 
for Attorney General, and adopting the 
following resolutions: 

Resolved, That the delegates this day in con- 
vention assembled, congratulate the Democracy 
of the Union, upon the emphatic verdict of the 
people in favor of Democratic principles, as ex- 
pressed in the election of Franklin Pierce and 
Wm. R. King, to the Presidency and Vice-Pres- 
idency of this Republic. 

Resolved, That we recognize as principles car- 
dinal in the Democratic faith: "The election of 
all officers by the people." "The limits of State 
indebtedness." "Equal taxation" — compelling 
the property of the rich, invested in stock, to 
bear its proportion of the public burthen of con- 



tribution to the taxes of the State. The restraint 
of the legislutive power — confining it to the 
legitimate subject of general legislation, and the 
crowning glory of repeal, which secures the 
people sovereign from ever becoming slaves to 
any law or charter passed by their servants. 

Resolved, That a wise political economy de- 
mands a more liberal system of disposing of the 
public lands, and that the prosperity of the 
country, and the happiness of individuals would 
be eminently promoted by the passage of a law 
giving the public domain in limited quantities 
to actual settlers at a price covering the cost of 
survey and other necessary expenses. 

Resolved, That no species of industry should 
be fostered to the injury of another, that no 
class of men should be taxed directly or indi- 
rectly for the benefit of another; that every de- 
scription of industry should stand or fall on its 
own merits, and that commerce should be unfet- 
tered, and, like the air, free. 

Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa adhere 
to the known and long-established doctrines of 
the party relative to the currency. 

Resolved, That to the Democratic, Republican, 
State and federal institutions, resting on univer- 
sal suffrage and universal eligibility to office, do 
these United States owe their unexampled pros- 
perity among nations, and that it is our duty to 
sympathize with every.people struggling against 
tyrants for freedom. 

Mr. Walker introduced the following 
resolutions, which, on motion, were adopt- 
ed : 

Resolved, That the present Commissioner of 
the DesMoines Improvement, General V. P. Van 
Antwerp, by the fidelity, energy and ability with 
which he has discharged the duties of his respon- 
sible position, is entitled to the highest esteem 
and gratitude of the people of this State. 

Resolved, That to his faithful and judicious 
eflorts we are indebted to the final grant by the 
general government of the fund for the Des 
Moines River Improvement, sufficient and ample 
to ensure a completion of the work, and develop 
the resources of the DesMoines Valley. 



^ 



150 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Resolved, That in prosecuting the negotiations 
for the State, he has displayed unsurpassed per- 
severance, industry and discretion against the 
most trying discouiagements and embarassments, 
and that he has not only faithfully improved 
every opportunity to advance the interests of 
his trust, but has signalized his term of service 
by measures which will identify his name with 
the successful completion of the public works. 

Resolved, Therefore, that in his voluntary re- 
tirement from the office which he has so ably filled, 
we hereby tender to him, in convention of the 
Democracy of the State, the endorsement, "Well 
done, good and faithful servant." 

The Whigs made no nomination, but 
supported Samuel A. Rice for the office of 
Attorney-General. Cloud was elected over 
Rice by 7,564. 

In 1854 the Democrats convened on the 
9th of January, at Iowa City, placed the 
following ticket in the field, and adopted a 
platform: Governor, Curtis Bates; Secre- 
tary of State, Geo. W. McCleary; Auditor 
of State, Joseph L. Sharp; Treasurer of 
State, Martin L. Morris; Attorney-General, 
David C. Cloud; Supt. of Public Instruc- 
tion, Jas. D. Eads. The following is the 
platform : 

Resolved, That we, the delegates of the various 
counties of Iowa, in State Democratic Conven- 
tion assembled, do hereby reaffirm and pledge 
ourselves to the principles of the Baltimore Na- 
tional Convention of 1852, and that we hold and 
cons der them as constituting the true platform 
of the Democratic platform, and as fundamental 
and essential with all true Democrats. 

Resolved, That we look upon ourselves as 
members of the real National Democratic party, 
a party radically identical in all parts of the 
Union; and that we have no sectional views to 
gratify, no selfish designs to accomplish, but 
are wholly devoted to the Union, harmony and 
success of the cause; we therefore repudiate all 
disaffection on sectional or personal grounds, 
and denounce all bickering among ourselves 



and most earnestly recommend "union, har- 
mony, concession and compromise," as a nucleus 
for universal observance. 

Resolved, That we have increased confidence 
in the talents, and in the integrity and patriotism 
of Eranklin Pierce, that his administration of 
the government have been distinguished by 
wisdom, firmness and unwavering adherence to 
its sound Democratic principles; that he has 
fully redeemed the pledges given to the Ameri- 
can people, previous to his election. 

Resolved, That we regard the right of instruc- 
tion as the sheet anchor, the main pillar oi our 
freedom; and that we are determined never to 
surrender it, but to the last stand by and defend 
it, convinced, as we thoroughly are, that it is 
only by frequent and rigid exercise of this in- 
valuable privilege that the Democratic character 
of this government can be preserved, and we 
believe the agent who disobeys to be unworthy 
the confidence of his constituents, and that he 
ought to resign his seat. 

Resolved, That the liberal principles embodied 
by Jefferson in the Declaration c f Independence, 
and sanctioned in the constitution, which makes 
ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the 
oppressed of every nation, have ever been cardi- 
nal principles in the Democratic faith, and 
every attempt to abridge the privilege of becom- 
ing citizens and the owners of soil among us, 
ought to be resisted with the same spirit which 
swept the alien and sedition laws from our 
statute books. 

Resolved, That in the recent development of 
the grand political truth of the sovereignty of 
the people, and their capacity and power of 
self-government, we feel that a high and sacred 
duty is devolved with increased responsibility 
upon the Democratic party of this country as 
the party of the people, to sustain and advance 
among us constitutional "liberty, equality and 
fraternity," by continuing to resist all monopo- 
lies and exclusive legislation for the benefit of 
the few, at the expense of the many, and by 
vigilant and constant adherence to those prin- 
ciples and compromises and strong to uphold 
the Union as it was, the Union as it is, and the 









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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



151 



Union as it should be, in the full expansion of 
the energies and capacity of this great and pro- 
gressive people. 

Resolved, That we look upon the speedy or- 
ganization of Nebraska Territory as a highly 
important object, and that its northern boundary 
should coincide, or nearly so, with the latitude 
of the northern boundary of Iowa. 

Resolved, That we hereby pledge ourselves to 
abide the decision of this convention, and to 
use all honorable means to secure the election 
of the nominees. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this con- 
vention be published in all the Democratic 
papers in the State, and copies be sent to the 
President, heads of departments, and to our 
Representatives in Congress. 

The Whigs met at Iowa City, February 
22, and nominated the following ticket: 
Governor, James W. Grimes; Secretary of 
State, Simeon Winters; Auditor of State, 
Andrew Jackson Stephens; Treasurer, 
Eliphalet Price; Attorney-General, James 
W. Sennett. The following is the plat- 
form: 

Resolved, That an experience of seven years 
under our present constitution has demonstrated 
that that instrument is not suited to the politi- 
cal, the agricultural and commercial wants of 
the State or the Spirit of the age; that the wants 
of the people demand a constitution making 
liberal provisions for the promotion of works of 
internal improvement, and providing, also, for 
a well regulated system of banking, which will 
relieve the people of this State from the onerous 
and oppressive burden they now suffer in the 
shape of indirect taxation paid to the banks of 
others States, whose money is in circulation 
among us. 

Resolved, That, in common with the Whig 
party throughout the Union, we recognize the 
binding force and obligation of the act of Con- 
gress of 1820, known as the Missouri Compro- 
mise, and we view the same as a compact 
between the North and South, mutually binding 



and obligatory, and as a final settlement of the 
question of slavery within the geographical 
limits to which it applies. 

Resolved, That we most unqualifiedly and 
emphatically disapprove of the efforts now being 
made in Congress to legislate slavery into the 
free Territory of Nebraska, and we do most 
heartily recommend to our Senators and Repre- 
sentatives in Congress to oppose by all honor- 
able means the passage of the Nebraska Bill, as 
reported by Senator Douglas, of Illinois; and 
that we cannot otherwise look upon the pretense 
by Mr. Douglas and his aiders and abettors, that 
"the 8th section of the Missouri Compromise is 
suppressed by the acts of 1850," than as a propo- 
sition totally unreasonable and absurd on its 
face, conceived it bad faith and prompted by 
an ignoble ana most unworthy ambition for 
party and personal political preferment; and 
that we do, as citizens of the West and the free 
State of Iowa, most earnestly desire to see an 
immediate organization of Nebraska Territory, 
without any infringement of the solemn compact 
of 1820, commonly called the Missouri Compro- 
mise. 

Resolved, That, as Whigs and citizens of the 
great valley of the Mississippi, we are heartily 
in favor of that well regulated Whig policy of 
liberal appropriations by the general govern- 
ment, for works of internal improvement of a 
national character, and that we view all navi- 
gable waters in the country, whether rivers or 
inland seas, as eminently national in their char- 
acter, and recommend to our Senators and 
Representatives in Congress to endeavor, by all 
honorable means, to procure appropriations for 
such purposes, and especially for the removal of 
obstructions to navigation in the Mississippi 
river. 

Resolved, That we view the proposition of 
Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, to effect 
an improvement by the levying of tonnage du- 
ties on the internal commerce of the country, as 
entirely inadequate to the accomplishment of 
such a purpose, and only calculated to impose 
heavy and unjust burdens on the people of the 
West, in the shape of indirect taxation, without 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



securing to them any of the proposed advan- 
tages. 

Resolved, That we unreservedly and cordially 
approve of the course and conduct of the Hon. 
John P. Cook, our Representative in Congress 
from the Second Congressional District, and we 
hereby pledge ourselves to sustain him in his 
able and independent course. 

WnEREAS, The object of our educational sys- 
tem was to place the means of a common school 
education within the reach of all; and 

Whereas, Under its present management 
more than one third of the proceeds of the fund 
set apart to cherish ani maintain that sys- 
tem is annually absorbed by its constitutional 
guardians, subjecting it to a loss, in the year 
1851, of $10,751.40 to pay the salaries and ex- 
penses of the Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion and Commissioners of the School Fund, and 
leaving only the sum of $20,600.11 to be dis- 
tributed among the public schools; and 

Whereas, The duties of said officers may all 
be discharged by other State and county officers, 
without any or with but a trifling expense to said 
fund; therefore, 

Resolved, That sound policy and enlightened 
philanthropy demand such legislation and 
amendment to our constitution as will preserve 
this fund inviolate to the purposes originally 
intended as an inheritance to our children and 
their posterity. 

Resolved, That we are in favor of a donation, 
by Congress, of public lands, in limited quanti- 
ties, to actual settlers. 

Resolved, That we believe the people of this 
State are prepared for, and their interests re- 
quire, the passage of a law prohibiting the man- 
ufacture and sale of ardent spirits within the 
State as a beverage. 

The official vote on Governor was as fol- 
lows: 

Jimes W. Grimes, Whig 23,025-1,823 

Curtis Bates, Dem 21,202 

The election of 1855 was for minor offi- 
cers. The Democrats met in convention, 



January 24, at the Capitol, and nominated 
the following ticket: Commissioner Des 
Moines River Improvement, O. D. Tisdale; 
Register DesMoines River Improvement, 
Wm. Dewey; Register Land Office, Stark 
H. Samuels. The following is the plat- 
form adopted: 

Whereas, It is in accordance with the Dem- 
ocratic party, to declare, from time to time, its 
views upon the various political principles that 
occupy the attention of the country; therefore, 

Resolved, That there has been a period in the 
history of our country, when we could with 
more confidence proclaim to the world our entire 
adherence to and approval of the old landmarks 
of the Democratic party. 

2. That the temporary success of our foes 
being a result of an abandonment of principles 
on their part, and of the aggression of discordant 
elements, brought together for mercenary ends, 
affords no grounds for alarm; but confident of 
the correctness of our principles, and of the in- 
tegrity of the masses, we appeal to the sober, 
second thought of the people with no fears as to 
the verdict they may render. 

8. That we declare our firm determination to 
sustain the principles recognized as correct, in 
reference to slavery agitation, to support the 
constitution faithfully, to carry out its provis- 
ions, and discountenance all incendiary move- 
ments that tend to the overthrow of our govern- 
ment, from whatever source they may originate. 

4. That the efforts being made to colonize 
free negroes in their native land, is a measure 
that commends itself to every philanthropist as 
being the only favorable plan for the ultimate 
accomplishment of the first wish of every friend 
of freedom. 

5. That we endorse, to the fullest extent, the 
compromise measure of 1850, believing those 
measures to be constitutional, just, and proper. 

6. That in changing his domicile from one 
portion of a republican government to another, 
man does not divest himself of his political, 
moral or natural rights, nor can he be deprived 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



153 



of them otherwise than as he has consented to 
constitutionally. 

7. That the liberal principles embodied by 
Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence, 
and sanctioned in the constitution, which makes 
ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the op- 
pressed of every nation, have ever been cardinal 
principles in the Democratic faith, and every at- 
tempt to abridge the right of becoming citizens 
and the owners of soil among us ought to be re- 
sisted with the same spirit that swept the alien 
and sedition laws from the statute books. 

8. That we adhere to the doctrine of an un- 
restrained religious liberty, as established by the 
constitution of the United States, and sustained 
by all Democratic administrations. 

The Whigs held their last State conven- 
tion at Iowa City, January 25, 1855, and, 
without resolutions, made the following 
nominations: Commissioner on DesMoines 
River Improvement, Wm. McKay; Regis- 
ter DesMoines River Improvement, J. C. 
Lock wood; Register Land Office, Anson 
Hart. 

The official vote for Commissioners was 
as follows: 

William McKay, Whig 24,743—4,737 

O. D. Tisdale, Dem , 20,006 

A vote was taken this year on the pro- 
hibition liquor law, with the following re- 
sult: 

For the law 25,555—2,910 

Against the law 22,645 

While the Whig party in this State ap- 
parently was in a well organized condition, 
throughout the Union it was undergoing a 
process of disintegration. In the South 
it was being absorbed by the American or 
Know Nothing party, and in the North by 
the newly organized Republican party, 
born out of the issues growing out of the 
slavery question. Representatives of the 
Republican party met in convention at 



Iowa City, February 22, 1856, and selected 
the following ticket: Secretary of State, 
Elijah Sells; Auditor, John Patten; Treas- 
urer, M. L. Morris; Attorney-General, S. 
A. Rice. The following platform was 
adopted at the same time and place. 

United in a common resolve to maintain right 
against wrong, and believing in the determina- 
tion of a virtuous and intelligent people to sus- 
tain justice, we declare — 

1. That governments are instituted among 
men to secure the inalienable rights of life, 
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

2. That the mission of the Republican party 
is to maintain the liberty of the press, the sov- 
ereignty of the State, and the perpetuity of the 
Union. 

3. That under the constitution, and by right, 
freedom is alone national. 

4. That the federal government, being one of 
limited powers, derived wholly from the consti- 
tution, its agents should construe these powers 
strictly, and never exercise a doubtful authority 
— always inexpedient and dangerous. 

5. If the plan is Jeffersonian, and the early 
policy of the government is carried out, the fed- 
eral government would relieve itself of all re- 
sponsibility for the existence of slavery, which 
Republicanism insists it should and means it 
shall do, and that regarding slavery in the State 
as a local institution, beyond our reach and above 
our authority, but recognizing it as of vital con- 
cern to every citizen in its relation to the nation, 
we well oppose its spread, and demand that all 
national territory shall be free. 

6. That the repeal of the Missouri Compro- 
mise, and the refusal of the slave power to abide 
by the principles on which that repeal was pro- 
fessedly based, make the national domain the 
battle ground between freedom and slavery; and 
while Republicans stand on a national basis, and 
will ever manifest and maintain a national spirit, 
they will shrink from no conflict and shirk no 
responsibility on this issue. 

7. That the slave power, the present national 
administration and its adherents, having violated 






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154 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



this policy, and the principles on which it is 
based, by a disregard of the law and its own 
profession, by encroachments upon the State 
and personal rights, and by breaking solemn 
covenants of the country, make the issue 
whether freedom shall be limited to the tree 
States, or slavery to the slave States, and make 
that issue absorbing and paramount. 

Resolved, That the firm, consistent, and 
patriotic course pursued by the Republican 
members of the present Congress, during the 
arduous protracted struggle for the speakership, 
meets with our cordial approval, and we recog- 
nize in Hon. N. P. Banks a statesman of mature 
abilities, a Republican of reliable character; and 
we hail his election as a proud triumph of those 
great principles of human liberty upon which 
the American government was founded. 

The Democratic convention met at Iowa 
City, June 26, 1856, and adopted a plat- 
form and made the following nominations: 
Secretary of State, Geo. Snyder; Auditor, 
Jas. Pollard; Treasurer, George Paul; At- 
torney-General, James Baker. The follow- 
ing is the platform: 

Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa receive 
with joy, and ratify with confidence, the nom- 
inations of James Buchanan and John G. Breck- 
enridge. 

2. That the platform of Democratic principles 
laid down by the Cincinnati convention meets 
our hearty concurrence, and that it is such a one 
as is worthy of the only National party in exist- 
ence. 

On motion of Col. Martin, of Scott, the 
following resolution was unanimously 
adopted: 

Resolved, That freedom and equal rights are 
the basis of Democracy, and that no measure or 
principle not embracing or recognizing these is 
any part or parcel of the Democratic creed; that 
Democracy is equality against privilege, freedom 
against aristocracy, liberty against licentious- 
ness, strict construction against latitudinanan 
inter-relations of the constitution, law and order 



against anarchy and violence, and the peace, har- 
mony, prosperity and perpetuity of our glorious 
Union to the end of time. 

The entire Republican ticket was elected. 
Sells, for Secretary of State, received 40,- 
687 votes and Snyder 32,920. 

There were three elections in 1857 — the 
first in April, for Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, Register of Land Office and 
DesMoines River Commissioner; the sec- 
ond in August, for the purpose of a vote 
on the new constitution; the third in Octo- 
ber, for Governor and Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor. The Democrats nominated the 
following ticket: Superintendent Public 
Instruction, Maturin L. Fisher; Register, 
Theodore S. Parvin; DesMoines River 
Commissioner, Gideon Bailey; Governor, 
Benj. M. Samuels; LieutenantrGovernor, 
Geo. Gillaspie. 

The Republicans nominated the follow- 
ing ticket: Superintendent Public In- 
struction, L. A. Bugbee; Register, W. H. 
Holmes; DesMoines River Commissioner, 
H. F. Manning; Governor, Ralph P.Lowe; 
Lieutenant-Governor, Oran Faville. 

The following Republican platform was 
adopted: 

United in a common resolve to maintain right 
against wrong, and believing in the determina- 
tion of a virtuous and intelligent people to sus- 
tain justice, we declare: 

1. That governments are instituted among 
men to secure the inalienable rights of life, lib- 
erty and the pursuit of happiness. 

i. That the mission of the Republican party 
is to maintain the liberties of the people, the 
sovereignty of the States and the perpetuity of 
the Union. 

3. That under the constitution, and by right, 
freedom alone is national. 

4. That the Federal Government being one 
of limited powers, derived wholly from the con- 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



155 



stitution, its agents should construe those powers 
strictly, and never exercise a doubtful authority, 
always inexpedient and dangerous. 

5. That if this Jeffersonism and early policy 
were carried out, the Federal Government would 
relieve itself of all responsibility for the exist- 
ence of slavery, which Republicanism insists it 
should, and means it shall do, and that regard- 
ing slavery in the States as a local institution, 
beyond our reach, and above our authority, but 
recognizing it as of vital concern to the nation, we 
still oppose its spread, and demand that all 
national territory shall be free. 

6. That the repeal of the Missouri compro- 
mise, and the refusal of the slave power to abide 
by the principle on which that repeal was pro- 
fessedly based, made the national domain the 
battle ground between freedom and slavery, and 
while Republicans stand on a national basis, and 
maintain a national spirit, they will shirk no 
responsibility on this issue. 

7. That the slave power — the present national 
administration and its adherents having violated 
this policy, and the principles on which it is 
based, by a disregard of law and its own pro- 
fessions, by an invasion of the State and per- 
sonal rights, and by breaking solemn covenants, 
has forced upon the country the issue whether 
freedom shall be limited to the free States or 
slavery to the slave States, and makes that issue 
absorbing and paramount. 

Resolved, That the recent opinion of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States, in the Dred 
Scott case, is the most alarming of those bold 
innovations upon the rights of the free States 
which have marked the administration of the 
government for years past, as sectional and 
disloyal to the spirit of our free institutions. 
We regard it as virtually revolutionizing the 
judicial action of the government, if tolerated; 
by giving to s'avery a national instead of a local 
character; opening free States and free Terri- 
tories for its diffusion; reducing to the condi- 
tion of chattels those who are recognized by the 
constitution as men, belying the sentiments of 
the Declaration of Independence, and casting 
reproach upon the action of those who, amid 



toil and peril, laid deep the formation of the 
Union. 

2. That the National Administration has 
brought disgrace upon the country by so long 
tolerating the demoralizing and heaven-defying 
practices of Brigham Young and his followers 
in Utah. The embarrassment experienced by 
the present administration in reaching and cor- 
recting the evil, is mainly attributed to the doc- 
trine embodied in the Kansas Nebraska Bill, 
and the retention of the U. S- soldiery in Kansas 
to overawe unoffending men, instead of sending 
them to Utah, where the authority of the gen- 
eral government is brazenly defied, is humili- 
ating evidence of perversion of the powers of 
the national government. 

3. That we invite the affiliation and co-opera- 
tion of freemen of all parties, however differing 
from us in other respects, in support of the 
principles herein declared, and believing that 
the spirit of our institutions as well as the con- 
stitution of our country, guarantee liberty of 
conscience and equality of rights among citi- 
zens, we oppose all legislation impairing their 
security. 

4. That we congratulate the people of Iowa 
upon the new constitution, for many reasons, 
but most of all in view of the fact that it enables 
them to provide for themselves a sound currency, 
and places the annual election in October instead 
of August, thus consulting the convenience of 
an agricultural population. 

5. That it is a deliberate conviction of this 
convention, that the next Legislature should 
provide a system of banking that will secure to 
the State a circulating medium, redeemable at all 
times, within its limits, in gold and silver; and 
we will support for State officers and the Legis- 
lature such, and such only, as are avowedly 
qualified favorable to this result. 

6. That the administration of Governor 
Grimes deserves and receives our warmest en- 
dorsement, and that the thanks of all who love 
the character and prosperity of the State, are 
due to him, as well as to the Legislature, for 
their efforts to bring to justice a dishonorable 
public servant, defeat speculation, and prevent 






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156 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



the squandering of the fund consecrated to the 
education of the children of the State. 

7. That in the nominees for Governor and 
Lieutanant-Governor we recognize men capable 
and honest, and every way worthy the support 
of the Republican party of this State. 

The Democrats adopted the following 

platform : 

As to national policy — 

1. That we have undiminished confidence in 
the present administration. That the policy 
adopted is eminently wise and proper, and 
should command the support and approval of 
every rational man. 

2. That the opposition to President Buchanan 
is now composed of the fire eaters, of the South 
and the Black Republicans of the North, who 
are vieing with each other in abusing the admin- 
istration and Democratic party. We therefore 
place them iu the same category, and brand 
them as a united opposition, and will treat 
them alike as factionists, disunionists and ene- 
mies of the Democracy and the country. 

8. That we will maintain and preserve the 
Constitution of the United States, with all its 
checks and balances, and that treaties made 
by the President and Senate, laws passed by 
Congress under the Constitution, and decisions 
made by the Supreme Court of the United 
States, are equally binding on the people, and 
must be maintained in order to preserve the 
country from anarchy, and that it is the duty of 
everv citizen to sustain these departments of 
government against the assaults of bigots, fanat- 
ics and traitors. 

As to State policy — 

1. That we will preserve and maintain the 
institutions of this State in a just relation and 
haimony toward the general government, and 
we repudiate and condemn any effort that ha9 
been made, or may be made, which asserts the 
right or remotely tends to bring our State into 
collision or conflict with the general government. 

2. That the conflict of the Black Republican 
party, acting through their Representatives iu 
passing a law authorizing the Negroes and In- 



dians to become witnesses against the citizens 
of this State, was an unjustifiable innovation 
upon the laws of the State, passed without ne- 
cessity, and the first step towards a system to 
equalize the black and white races. 

3. The late Constitutional Convention, com- 
posed of a large majority of Black Republican 
members, openly advocated the equality of the 
black and white people, and unanimously recom 
mended, through an appendage to the constitu- 
tion, that the word "white" be stricken from 
that instrument; we, therefore, feel free to 
charge upon that party the design and purpose 
of abolitionizing the people of this State, and 
placing the negro upon an equality with the 
white man. 

4. That the National Democracy of Iowa re- 
gard the new constitution just adopted by the 
people, in many of its features, as essentially 
anti-Democratic, unjust, and containing prin- 
ciples that tend to subvert the distinction be- 
tween the black and white races, and looking to 
equality between them. 

We, therefore, now proclaim open and undis- 
guised hostility to each and every action and 
part of said instrument which contains these ob- 
noxious provisions, and wc here raise the stand- 
ard of opposition aud reform, and call upon 
every true patriot in the State to carry these 
questions to the ballot-box, and to elect officers 
for government of the State who will take every 
honorable measure to reform and amend said 
constitution. 

5. That the laws of the last Legislature ap- 
portioning the State into Representative districts 
and the adoption of that law by the late Black 
Republican Constitutional Convention, by which 
the majority of the members of the General 
Assembly are given to a minority of the people, 
aud many thousands of our citizens are virtually 
disfranchised, was a tyrannical aud flagitious 
outrage, — a violation of every principle of a 
Republican Government, — and demands the 
severest rebuke from the people; that we recog- 
nize in these proceedings a manifest conspiracy 
against the rights of the majority, and a wanton 
violation of the principles of our Republican 
form of Government. 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



157 



6. That the refusal of tho late Constitutional 
Convention to allow the constitution to become 
the supreme law of the land, when sanctioned 
and adopted by a majority of the people, and 
postponing the taking effect of portions of the 
same for more than two years after its adoption, 
which was avowedly done to withhold political 
power from the people, and retain it in the hands 
of already condemned officers, is an insult and 
an outrage upon the people, and deserving our 
condemnation. 

7. That the Democracy of the State of Iowa 
take this method of expressing their gratitude 
and confidence in the Hon. George W. Jones, 
our Democratic Senator, and the Hon. A. Hall, 
late Democratic Representative, for their faith- 
ful adherence to Democratic principles, and 
their untiring vigilance for the welfare of our 
young and promising State. 

Fisher was elected Superintendent over 
Buzbee by 505 majority; Manning over 
Baily, for Commissioner, by 315; Lowe 
over Samuels, for Governor, by 2,149. 

The campaign of 1858 was opened by 
the Republicans, meeting in convention at 
Iowa City, June 17, and adopting the fol- 
lowing platform: 

Whereas, We, the representatives of the 
Republicans of Iowa, being again permitted to 
assemble in State Convention, deem this a fitting 
occasion to briefly express our views of national 
and State policy, and to affirm our adhesion to 
the principles of constitutional liberty, for 
which we have been long and earnestly con- 
tending. We believe this Republic specially 
ordained by the blood and treasure of our fore- 
fathers fur the free homes of the mechanic, the 
operative and the farmer, and we, their riescend- 
ents, are determined it shall be preserved and 
administered for our common welfare; and that 
the great problem of the ability of the people to 
govern themselves shall be clearly solved in the 
onward progress and prosperity of our Republi- 
can constitution; manifesting to the nations of 
this earth that the free spirit of this nation is 
unconquered and unconquerable; therefore, 



Resolved, That the principles laid down in the 
Philadelphia platform, adopted on June 17, 1856, 
are founded upon the Constitution of the United 
States, are consonant with the teachings of 
Christianity, and are most heartily endorsed by 
the convention. 

2. That in the contest now waging hetween 
freedom and slavery, our sympathies are wholly 
and strongly with the former— that we have no 
truce to offer, no mercy to ask, that with us the 
watchword is victory or death. 

8. That the effort made to extend the area of 
Blave territory on this continent, by the Demo- 
cratic party, is contrary to the spirit of the age 
and the genius of our institutions. 

4. That by the passage of the English swindle 
for the admission of Kansas into the Union 
under the infamous Lecompton Constitution, 
whereby an unjust discrimination is made in 
favor of slave and against free States in the 
amount of population required to form a State 
government, the so-called national Democracy 
have proven devotion to slavery extension, their 
opposition to the interests of free labor, and 
their total disregard of the popular will. 

5. That the new doctrine of the so-called 
Democratic party originated by Chief Justice 
Taney, in the Died Scott decision, and carry 
slavery into our national territory, has no foun- 
dation in the Federal Constitution, is at war 
with the verities of our history, civil and judi 
cial, and this is calculated to tolerate the en- 
slaving of our race in all the States. 

6. That we view with satisfaction the course 
of those who, without respect to party feeling, 
and uninfluenced by the threats and in scorn of 
the bribes and corrupting influences of the 
Buchanan administration, boldly, and as free- 
men fighting for freemen's rights, opposed with 
all their might the passage of the Lecompton 
Constitution and the English swindle through 
Congress, and we trust that among the people 
there will continue the same strong opposition 
to the encroachments of the slave power, which 
they have so gallantly manifested before the 
nation. 



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158 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



7. That we look forward hopefully to that 
good time, not far distant, when it shall be 
doomed legitimate, proper and constitutional 
for this government to extend its protecting care 
ovor free labor, the commerce and industrial 
interests of all the country, instead of bending 
its whole energies and treasure for the aggrand- 
izement of a slaveholding aristocracy in one 
section of the Union. 

8. That the corruption which stalks abroad 
at noonday, pervading every department of the 
National Government, the gross and shameless 
use of Presidential power and patronage to in- 
fluence the action of Congress, the astounding 
increase in national expenditures in a time of 
peace and universal financial embarrassment 
(involving, as it does, a debt of forty-five mil- 
lions of dollars, and an expenditure of nearly 
one hundred millions of dollars during a single 
financial year), bringing upon the government 
the burning disgrace of bankruptcy and threat- 
ening the onerous burthens of direct taxation, 
demand a solemn, earnest protest from us in 
behalf of the people of Iowa. 

9. That the mismanagement and reckless 
squandering of the school fund of the State by 
the late Seperintendent of Public Instruction, 
and the manner in which this sacred fund has 
been dealt with in many counties in the State, 
as developed by the investigation already insti- 
tuted, under a Republican State administration, 
demonstrates the wisdom of that thorough ac- 
countability and scrutiny provided for by the 
State Legislature. 

10. That we, as Republicans, pledge our- 
selves to use all honorable efforts to promote 
the administration of the State and general 
government with strict economy and a just 
regard to the growing interests of our State and 
Union. 

11. That our State should have that consider- 
ation from the general government to which her 
resources, power and future prospects entitle 
her, and that we will demand from the general 
government five per cent, of the proceeds of 
those lands hitherto entered with land warrants 
wiihin the State; the improvement of the navi- 
gation of our great inland seas, and such addi- 



tional grants of lands to aid the building of 
railroads through unoccupied portions of Iowa 
as will upbuild the population and wealth of our 
State and the general welfare of our common 
country. 

12. That the members of this convention 
heartily endorse the candidates nominated to- 
day for the various offices, and promise their 
united and zealous support in the ensuing cam- 
paign, and, if their labors can achieve it, a 
triumphant election. 

13. That the entire Republican- delegation in 
Congress are entitled to the gratitude of the 
nation for their able and zealous advocacy of 
true Republican principles; and that our imme- 
diate Representatives, Messrs. Harlan, Curtis 
and Davis, have the unqualified approbation of 
their constituents for the talented and efficient 
manner in which they have represented the 
State of Iowa, and especially for the earnest ".ud 
uncompromising opposition waged by them 
against the Lecompton English Bill bribe and 
other tyrannical abuses of the present adminis- 
tration. 

The following ticket was then nomi- 
nated: Secretary of State, Elijah Sells; 
Auditor of State, J. W. Cattell; State 
Treasurer, John W. Jones; Attorney-Gen- 
eral, S. A. Rice; Register of State Land 
Office, A. B. Miller; Com. of DesMoinea 
River Improvement, Wm. C. Drake. 

The Democrats met June 23 at Des 
Moines, nominated the following ticket 
and adopted a platform: Secretary of 
State, Samuel Douglas; Auditor of State, 
Theodore S. Parvin; Treasurer of State, 
Samuel H. Lorah; Attorney-General, Jas. 
S. Elwood; Commissioner DesMoines 
River Improvement, Charles Baldwin; 
Register of Land Office, James M. Reid. 
The following is the platform: 

The Democrats of Iowa, through representa- 
tives in State Convention assembled, proclaim 
their unalterable devotion and adhesion to the 
principles embodied in the resolutions following: 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



159 



Resolved, That we adopt, abide by, and will 
cherish and defend the platform of principles 
promulgated by the representatives of the De- 
mocracy of the nation, when assembled in 
national convention, at Cincinnati, in June, 
1856, believing, as we do, that the platform 
there laid down is broad and strong enough to 
uphold and sustain every true patriot, and with 
such only do we desire compinionship. 

2. That all attempts to engender sectional 
prejudice and animosities are pregnant with 
mischief, tend to hinder the progress and devel- 
opment of our country, and must, if persisted 
in, lead to the dismemberment of the union of 
the States and the destruction of the only free 
government of the world. 

3. That the rights of the people should be 
maintained alike against the encroachment of 
federal power, the zeal of blind partisanism and 
wiles of unscrupulous and demagogue politi- 
cians, and that the office of the Democratic 
party is to see these cardinal principals main- 
tained in their party. 

4. That the agitation of the slavery question 
tends to weaken the bonds of our union by de- 
stroying that confidence which should exist 
between the different States, and begetting sec- 
tional animosities, and that it is the duty of all 
true patriots to frown upon such attempts, and 
secure, by all honorable means, the discredit 
alike of the extremists of the South and North. 

5. That the decision of the judicial tribunals 
of the State and Federal Government should be 
respected, must be submitted to, obeyed and 
carried into effect; and that any attempt to set 
them at defiance is a step toward anarchy and 
confusion, tends to impair respect for the gov- 
ernment, and merits the unmeasured condensa- 
tion of all law abiding aud peaceably disposed 
citizens. 

6. That the outrages recently committed ou 
our shipping by officers of the British Govern- 
ment demands an immediate and unequivocal 
denial and apology; that now is an appropriate 
time to settle finally the question of the rights 
to visit and search vessels >n the seas, and in the 
event an apology is refused, the arrogant pre- 



tensions of European powers should try the 
"last resort" of nations, the cannon's mouth, 
and the world taught the lesson that our flag 
cannot be degraded, nor our nation insulted 
with impunity. 

V. That the administration of State affairs in 
Iowa for the last four years, under Republican 
rule, is of a character to warrant the most rigid 
investigation by the people, and that the expo- 
sure thus far of their speculations, fraud and 
extravagance calls for the denunciation of all 
honest men. 

8. That an empty treasury, extravagant ex- 
penditures, and the stifling of investigation into 
corruption, by Republican officials of Iowa, 
should be sufficient to arouse t-ix-payers to the 
enormous outrages perpetrated upon the people's 
treasury, and absolutely demand a change in 
the administration, that the guilty may be 
brought to punishment, and our State preserved 
from utter bankruptcy. 

9. That the Democracy of Iowa pledge to the 
people their earnest, persistent and unalterable 
purpose to reform the State government, and to 
bring to condign punishment whoever may be 
found guilty of criminal default in any of its 
departments. 

The Republicans carried the State by an 
average majority of 3,000. 

The Republicans were again first in the 
field for the State campaign of 1859. 
They met in convention, June 22, at Des 
Moines, and nominated the ■ following 
ticket: Governor, S. J. Kirkwood; Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, Nicholas J. Rusch; Su- 
preme Judges, Ralph P. Lowe, L. J. 
Stockton, Caleb Baldwin. The platform 
adopted was as follows: 

Possessing an abiding confidence in the intel- 
ligence and patriotism of the American people, 
an unwavering faith in their devotion to the 
eternal principles of liberty, as they came from 
the hand and heart of the fathers of the Repub- 
lic, and invoking the blessing of heaven upon 
our efforts to maintain them in their purity, we 



a fc^ 



^ 



160 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



commend them most cordially to the sympathy 
and support of the Republicans of Iowa and of 
the Nation. 

Resolved, That we entertain an abiding confi- 
dence in the cardinal doctrines contained in the 
Republican National platform of 1856, and re- 
affirming the same, we commend them anew to 
the discriminating consideration of the people. 

2. That the sum of nearly one hundred mil- 
lion dollars, supposed to be necessary to support 
the government under rule of the Africanized 
Democracy, is incompatible with just ideas of a 
simple, economical Republican government, and 
the issue of National shinplasters to meet such 
demand shows the hopeless financial degrada- 
tion of the present administration. 

3. That we condemn the principles advocated 
by the Democratic party — no prohibition of 
slavery in the Territories — and proclaim as our 
principles, no interference with liberty by the 
President, by Congress or by the federal court. 

4. We claim for citizens, native and natural- 
ized, liberty and conscience, equality of rights 
and the free exercise of the right of suffrage. 
We favor whatever legislation and administra- 
tive reform that may be necessary to protect 
these rights, and guard against their infringe- 
ment or abuse, and opp- se any abridgment 
whatever of the rights of naturalization now 
secured to emigrants, and all discrimination 
between naturalized citizens whatever, by the 
amendment of the State constitution or other- 
wise. And we cordially approve of the action 
taken by the Republican State Central Commit- 
tee in regard to the amendment proposed by the 
Massachusetts Legislature to its constitution. 

5. That the Republican party will forever 
oppose the demand of the Southern Democracy 
for the enactment of a slave code for the Terri- 
tories. 

6. That we look with horror upon the revival 
of the slave trade, and view with alarm the 
apathy and abortive attempts of administration 
and judiciary in arresting and bringing to trial 
and justice those who have recently been guilty 
of open infractions of those laws of our country 
which declare it piracy, and in sending such as 



have been arrested to places of trial where in- 
dictment was doubtful and acquittal certain; 
and while we will oppose, by every just means, 
the repeal of those laws, we will also insist upon 
their being hereafter faithfully executed and 
enforced, even though it involve the exercise of 
the full power of the federal government. 

7. That we are in favor of granting to actual 
settlers suitable portions of the public lands free 
of charge; and we do most unqualifiedly con- 
demn the course of the present slavery Democ- 
racy in Congress, in opposing and defeating, in 
the United States Senate, the Homestead bill, 
which was designed to secure free homes for 
free people, whether of native or of foreign 
birth. 

8. That the rights of citizens are equal, and 
they are equally entitled to protection at home 
and abroad, without regard to nativity or dura- 
tion of domicile; and that the late refusal by 
the federal government, as expressed in the late 
official communication of Lewis Cass, Secretary 
of State, to guarantee against arrest and deten- 
tion, abroad, of naturalized citizens, on the 
ground of their allegiance to foreign power, is a 
cowardly abandonment of the true and noble 
position hitherto occupied by our government. 

9. That we re-assert, as cardinal principles of 
Republicanism, the maintenance of a strict 
economy in public expenditures, and the prompt 
and faithful discharge by public officers of their 
public duties; and we congratulate the people 
of Iowa that the present State officers are honest 
and enjoy their confidence in the execution of 
their official duties. 

10. That while our State tax has been largely 
reduced, being less in 1858 than the preceding 
year, and less the present year than in 1858, the 
increasing county taxation is becoming so bur- 
densome as to call imperatively for reform in 
the system of county administration. 

The Democrats met at DesMoines, June 
23, adopted a platform, and placed the fol- 
lowing ticket in the field: Governor, A. C. 
Dodge; Lieutenant-Governor, L. W. Bar- 
hitt; Supreme Judges, Charles Mason, T. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



161 



S. Wilson, C.C. Cole. The following is 
the platform, as to National policy: 

WnEREAS, In view of the double relation in 
wh cb we stand toward the federal government 
on the one hand, and our own State on the other, 
we deem it expedient and proper, before enter- 
ing upon a contest which may, in no small de- 
gree, influence the character and destinies of 
both governments, to adopt and promulgate the 
following declaration of principles for the gov- 
ernment of our conduct: 

Resolved, That wc affirm the principles of the 
national Democratic platform of 1856, and re- 
assert the doctrines of non-intervention therein 
contained, as the ground upon which a national 
party can be maintained in these confederate 
States. 

2. That the organized Territories of the 
United States are only held in their Territorial 
condition until they attain a sufficient number 
of inhabitants to authorize their admission into 
the Union as States, and are justly entitled to 
self-government and the undisturbed regulation 
of their own domestic or local affairs, subject 
only to the constitution of the United States. 

3. That, inasmuch as the legislative power of 
the Territories extends undeniably to all right- 
ful subjects of legislation, no power can prevent 
them from passing such laws upon the subject 
of slavery as to them may seem proper, and 
whether such laws, when passed, be constitu- 
tional or not, can be finally determined, not by 
Congress, but by the Supreme Court ou appeal, 
from the decisions of the Territorial courts. 

4. That the Supreme Court of the United 
States, being under the constitulion, and an 
independent co-ordinate branch of the govern- 
ment, with a tenure of office which cannot be 
changed by the action of parties, through the 
instrumentality of Congress, we hold the Democ- 
racy entirely irresponsible for its doctrines, and 
in no case conclusively bound by the same, 
except so far as to inculcate obedience to its 
decisions while they continue in force. 

5. That without courts of justice, both State 
and national, respected by the people, and sus- 
tained in their proper functions by popular sen- 



timent, anarchy and violence become inevitable, 
and all rights of both person and property be- 
come insecure and worthless. 

6. That the action of the public authorities 
in some of the States, in attempting to set at 
defiance by State authority, decisions of the 
Suprmie Court and acts of Congress passed in 
accordance with the constitution, is, the very 
essence of nullification. 

7. That a tariff for revenue alone is the true 
policy of this country, but an incidental protec- 
tion is one of its legitimate consequences. The 
amount of duties levied should be limited to the 
necessary wants of the government, and they 
should be so apportioned as to fall as lightly as 
possible upon the people, by whom they are 
eventually to be paid. 

8. That it is a doctrine of the Democratic 
party that all naturalized citizens are entitled to 
the same protection, both at home and abroad, 
that is extended to the native born citizens, and 
that even a voluntary return of such citizens to 
the land of their birth, for a temporary purpose, 
does not place them beyond the range of that 
protection, but that our government is bound to 
shield them from injury and insult while there, 
at every hazard. 

9. That the expansion of our national domain 
is desirable whenever it shall be necessary for 
the safety, happiness and prosperity of the Re- 
public, and we will hail with pleasure the acqui- 
sition of the island of Cuba, whenever it can be 
effected with justice and in accordance with the 
wishes of the people thereof , and as a nation we 
can never assent to its appropriation by any of 
the powers of Europe, and will incur all the 
hazards of war to avert such a result. 

10. That the building of a railroad connecting 
our Atlantic and Pacific coasts, by grants of the 
public lands along the line thereof, or by any 
other constitutional means, will meet with the 
hearty approval of the Democracy of Iowa. 

11. That we are in favor of granting a home- 
stead of 160 acres of land by Congress to actual 
settlers, subject only to such restrictions as will 
exclude speculators from the benefits of such 
acts. • 



102 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



12. That we are in favor of an economical 
ail ministration of the federal government, and 
will lend our best efforts to those who advocate 
reform and retrenchmeiit in our national expen- 
ditures. 

13. That we are unconditionally opposed to 
the reopening of the African slave trade; that 
its revival would not only renew those cruelties 
which once provoked the indignation of the civ- 
il. zed world, but would entail a foul blot on our 
country's fair escutcheon. 

14. That we cordially tender to the Democ- 
racy of the Union an invitation to unite with us 
in maintaining our organization on principles 
indicated in the foregoing resolutions, and that 
we earnestly appeal to them to drop past differ- 
ences, and assemble again as a band of brothers 
underthe panoply of the constitution and Union. 

As to State policy — 

Resolved, That the burdens of taxation have 
increased and are increasing under the present 
administration of State affairs, and that a com- 
plete and thorough reform of existing abuses 
and expenditures is demanded by the highest 
interests of the people. 

2. That the Democracy cordially and sincerely 
invite emigrants to settle in the State, promising 
them all the protection and right they have en- 
joyed under the laws of Congress since the days 
of Jefferson; and that we earnestly deplore the 
acts of the Republican party in Massachusetts, 
and their attempts in New York, Connecticut 
and New Jersey, to confer upon the uncouth, 
semi-barbarian negro from the South the right 
of suffrage and office in one year, and requiriug 
for the same purpose of the naturalized citizens 
a residence of two years after naturalization, 
equivalent to an extension of the period fornat- 
uralizition to seven years, thus degrading the 
foreign white man below the negro and mulatto. 

3. That we are opposed to the policy inaugu- 
rated in this State by the Republican party, by 
which the immigration to this State of the Afri- 
can race is encouraged and promoted, thus 
bringing cheap negro labor into direct competi- 
tion with the labor of the white m;m, and rilling 

• our State with a class of population that can 



never become citizens thereof; and we are in 
favor of a change which shall discourage and 
prevent the settlement of that race among us. 

4 That, since the border States of Ohio, In- 
diana and Illinois exclude the free negroes of 
the South from their limits by stringent laws, 
Iowa will become the great receptacle of the 
worthless population of the slave-holding States, 
to the exclusion of an equal number of free 
white laborers, if the present Republican policy 
be persisted in. 

5. That such a policy leads necessaiily to the 
intermixing of black and white children in the 
common schools, or the necessity of dividing 
the common school fund to maintain separate 
and independent schools in every locality where 
free negroes reside. 

6. That the Democracy demand a total repeal 
of the provisions of our State constitution, and 
the law made in pursuance thereof, requiring 
negro children to be admitted into our common 
schools, or separate schools, to be supported out 
of the common school fund for their education. 

7 That the Maine liquor law is inconsistent 
with the spirit of a free people, and unjust and 
burdensome in its operations; it has vexed and 
harrassed the citizen, burdened thecouDties with 
expense and litigation, and proven wholly use- 
less in the suppression of intemperance. 

8. That we favor a total change in the present 
common school system, so as to give the people 
the full benefits of a common school education 
without the cumbersome machinery and enor- 
mous expense which the present system requires. 

The vote for Governor was as follows: 

L. J. Kirkwood, Rep. 56,506—2,964 

A. C. Dodge, Dem 53,542 

The campaign of 1860 was the most ex- 
citing one in the history of the State, and, 
next to that of 1840, the most exciting 
campaign in the history of the Govern- 
ment. Abraham Lincoln had been nomi- 
nated by the Republicans for the Presi- 
dency; Stephen A. Douglas by the North- 
ern wing of the Democracy; John C. 



:Lt 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



163 



Breckenridge by the Southern wing, and 
John Bell by the Union party. The Re- 
publicans of Iowa met in convention at 
Iowa City, May 23d, and selected the fol- 
lowing named candidates : Secretary of 
State, Elijah Sells; Auditor of State, J. 
W. Cattell; State Treasurer, Charles C. 
Nourse; Register of State Land Office, A. 
B. Miller. The platform adopted was 
short, and as follows : 

Resolved, That this convention approve and 
endorse the platform of principles laid down by 
the late Republican convention at Chicago, as 
the true and sound exposition of Republican 
doctrine, which we are prepared to advocate and 
defend. 

2. That, in reference to State policy, the Re- 
publican party of the State of Iowa are in favor 
of a rigid economy in the expenditures of the 
public money, and the holding of all public offi- 
cers to a strict accountability. 

3. That the Republicans of the State of Iowa 
in convention assembled, do hereby endorse the 
nominations made at the Chicago convention, of 
Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, for President, and 
Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, for Vice-President, 
and pledge to them the undivided support of 
the party of the State. 

4. That this convention have full confidence 
in the nominations made by it to-day, both for 
State and national officers, and we recommend 
them with entire unanimity to the support and 
confidence of the people of Iowa. 

The Democrats held their convention 
July 12, at DesMoines. Their ticket was 
as follows: Secretary of State, James M. 
Corse; Auditor of State, Geo. W. Max- 
field; Treasurer of State, John W. Ellis; 
Attorney-General, Wm McClintock; Reg- 
ister of Land Office, Patrick Robb. Their 
platform was as follows: 

Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa, by 
their delegates in the State convention assem- 
bled, do hereby most cordially endorse and 



approve of the Democratic National Convention, 
which convened at Charleston on the 23d day of 
April, and which concluded its labors at its 
adjourned session, in the city of Baltimore, on 
the 33d day of June, by the nomination of 
Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency. 

2. That this convention heartily endorses 
and approves the platform enumerated by said 
convention; and that we will give that platform 
and the nominees of the national Democracy for 
the Presidency and Vice-Presidencj', Douglas 
and Johnson, our most zealous and energetic 
support. 

3. That retaining unabated confidence in the 
intelligence, integrity and patriotism of the 
people, the Democracy of Iowa firmly adhere to 
the doctrine of non-intervention and popular 
sovereignty, laid down in the said platform, as 
presenting the only just and practicable solution 
of the question of domestic slavery. 

4. That the Iowa delegates to the National 
Democratic Convention are entitled to the 
thanks of their constituency for the able and 
faithful manner in which they discharged the 
duty entrusted to them, and that this convention 
heartily approves of their action in said body. 

5. That in view of the fact that efforts are 
being made in some of the States to form so- 
called union electoral tickets, pledged to vote 
for this or that candidate for the Presidency, as 
circumstances may subsequently determine, the 
Democracy of Iowa totally disapprove of all 
attempts to compromise the integrity of the 
Democratic party organization, by putting Dem- 
ocratic candidates for electors upon the same 
ticket with candidates who are not pledged to 
vote, if elected, for Douglas and Johnson, and 
for no other persons whomsoever. 

6. That we approve of a homestead law, giv- 
ing to every citizen of the United States a home 
for himself and family; and that this convention 
recommend to our Representatives in Congress 
to use their best efforts to procure the passage 
of a law for that purpose. 

7. That we cordially invite all conservative 
national men to fall into the Democratic ranks 
and help to crush the hydra-headed monster, 
Congressional Intervention. 



*Pv 



jy« 



164 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



8. That the dominant party, called Rcpubli 
can, during the brief period it has been in 
power, inflicted upon the people of Iowa a con- 
stitution and laws, the result of which has been 
the constant perplexity of the people, the crea- 
tion of an enormous, unconstitutional debt, and 
the imposition of taxes too grievous to be borne, 
thereby exhausting and using up the hard earn- 
ings of the industrious and the prudent — all of 
which call loudly for reform at the hands of the 
people. 

9. That it is high time there should be a 
change of men in power and policy in govern- 
ment; that the Legislature should pass more 
wholesome and stringent laws, by which men in 
official station occupying a .judicial capacity, 
either as directors and offiVers of banks or rail- 
road companies, shall be made personally liable 
for an improper use of the moneys of the people 
entrusted to their care and custody. 

10. That the Democratic party of the State 
of Iowa is committed to and pledges itself to 
carry out, so soon as it obtains the administra- 
tion of the affairs of the State, the following 
measures of State policy: 

1. A reduction of the enormous and unneces- 
sary expenses of the government, which have 
grown up under the administration, and through 
the corrupt partisan management of the so-called 
Republican party. 

2. A reduction of the appropriations of money 
for extraordinary purposes. 

3. A reduction of appropriations for chari- 
table institutions and purposes, to the neeessary 
requests of those classes of the unfortunate, for 
which it is the duty of the State to fully and 
liberally provide 

4 To reduce the excessive taxation which 
now burdens the people and consumes the hard 
eartiugs of the industiious and frugal. 

5. The construction of buildings for the use 
of our charitable institutions upon plans com- 
mensurate with the wants of those institutions 
and the ability of the State, without attempting 
to imitate the grandeur or magnificence of the 
public buildings erected for similar purposes in 
old and wealthy States or Governments. 



6. The early revision of the State constitu- 
tion, so as to free it from those features which 
render it justly obnoxious to the people. 

7. The amendment of our banking laws so 
as to throw reasonable restrictions upon the 
operations of the banks, and to secure the peo- 
ple against the frauds and swindling which, un- 
der existing laws, enacted by Republican legis- 
lators, in the interests of the banks, may be 
practiced by bank officers, of which the system 
has already furnished its fruits in two important 
cases. 

8. That we are in favor of removing the 
stocks or other securities, pledged for the prompt 
redemption of the issues of the banks, from the 
the custody and control of the Stale Bank to the 
custody of the Treasurer of the State. 

9. The increase of these securities to such an 
extent as will furnish ample protection to the 
people in using the issue of the banks, which is 
imperatively demanded, as the officers of the 
State Bank themselves admit that at the present 
time there is no real security for the redemption 
of the notes of the banks. 

10. The entire separation of the finances of 
the State from the banks, and a repeal of all 
laws authorizing either State or county officers 
to deposit public money with the branches of 
the State Bank, save at their own risk. 

Resolved, further, That the Democratic party 
is opposed to any and all attempts to create an 
enormous State debt, in violation of the consti- 
tution, for the purpose of promoting the schemes 
of plunder, of railroads or other speculators. 

2. That the system inaugurated by the Re- 
publican party of erecting unnecessary and use- 
less offices for the purpose of providing for the 
politically lame, halt or blind, and that we hold 
the revenues of the Government should be ap- 
plied strictly and economically to the legitimate 
wants of the Government. 

3. That while we are in favor of fostering 
popular education, until the means of liberal 
education be placed within the reach of every 
child in the State; that while we are in favoi of 
providing liberally and justly for all the benev 
olent institutions of the State, and for all classes 



-4 S 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



165 



of the unfortunate, which humanity demands 
shall be ; rotected and cared for, — we are op- 
posed to enormous appropriations of public 
money for uncalled-for purposes, or placing 
large sums of money in the hands of men, poli- 
ticians or unscrupulous persons, to be wasted in 
promoting private and political interests, instead 
of applying the same to the purpose for which 
the appropriations were made. « 

For Secretary of State the official vote 

was as follows : 

Elijah Sells, Rep 70,706—13,670 

J. M. Corse, Dem 67,036 

When the campaign of 1861 was inau- 
gurated the war for the Union was in 
progress. The Republicans met in con- 
vention, and placed in nomination Samuel 
J. Kirkwood for Governor; John R. 
Needham, for Lieutenant-Governor; Ralph 
P. Lowe, for Supreme Judge. The fol- 
lowing platform was adopted: 

1. Renewing our declarations of unalterable 
devotion to the constitution and Union of the 
States, to the doctrine of the Declaration of In- 
dt. ipendence, and to the law of submission to the 
will of the majority, constitutionally expressed, 
we again commend each and all of these corner- 
stones of our government to the unchanging 
affection of the people of Iowa. 

2. That this convention, in behalf of its own 
immediate constituency, of all patriotic citizens, 
acknowledges, with profound gratitude, the 
prompt dedication of life and fortune by our 
gallant volunteers, in response to the appeal 
made to a loyal people by a patriotic President, 
and in this action, creditable alike to the admin- 
istration and to the people, we witness a return 
of the noble spirit of the revolution. 

3. That the new doctrine of secession is a 
wicked abomination, as abhorrent to patriotism, 
as it is alien to the constitution, demoralizing in 
its principle, and destructive in its action, a dis- 
guise to treason, and an apology for traitors, the 
ruin of commerce, and the dissolution of political 
society, the mother of all political crimes and the 



sum of all villainies, and as such we utterly re- 
ject and hold it in absolute detestation. 

4. That government always means coercion 
when its lawful authority is resisted, and those 
who oppose " coercion," necessarily oppose gov- 
ernment itself, and deny to it the o: ly power by 
which it can be maintained. Anti-coere'on, 
therefore, is only another of their disguises of 
treason, by which they hope so to weaken the 
government at present as to overthrow it in ihe 
future, and we brand it as hypocrisy and repu- 
diate it. 

5. Having, by our first war of 1776, won our 
independence and established our glorious con- 
stitution and Union, and having, by our second 
war of 1812, maintained our national integiity 
against the most formidable of foreign foes, it 
now remains for us to establish that integiity 
for all years to come against internal foes, and 
in this third and last great trial of our country's 
history, in its struggle to maintain that system 
of government which has been the admiration 
of the world, whoever hesitates or falters should 
receive the execration of mankind, as he surely 
will the reproaches of posterity. 

6. The value of the constitution and the 
Union cannot be measured by dollars and cents, 
nor by the span of a human life, and there should 
be no limit to appropriations of men and money 
for their preservation, except the amount requi- 
site for certain success. We therefore cordially 
approve both the action of the President in call- 
ing for men and money, and the action of Con- 
gress in placing at his disposal more of both 
than he demanded, thus giviug assurance to the 
world of the unalterable determination of this 
government to perpetuate its existence as estab- 
lished by our fathers, to crush out the foulest 
rebellion known to history, and liberate the 
loyal people of the rebellious States from the 
odious despotism and terrorism which have 
wrenched from them the bk-ssings of peace and 
prosperity in the Union of the States, and we 
demand the prosecution of the war until the 
insults to our national llag and authority are 
avenged by the restoration everywhere of law 
and order, aDd the supremacy acknowledged 
on its own terms. 



166 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



7. In the State affairs we demand all the 
economy consistent with the public safety, and 
all the liberality required for the comfort and 
efficiency of our volunteers, and for the protec- 
tion of the State against invasion. To that end 
we approve the action of the General Assembly, 
at its special session, in making appropriations 
for war purposes. 

8. We heartily invite co-operation with us of 
men of all parties, whatever their former politi- 
cal ties, who adhere to these sentiments, and 
who unite in the patriotic support of the present 
loyal administration of the government. 

The Democrats nominated William H. 
Merritt for Governor; Maturia L Fisher, 
for Lieut.-Governor; James L. Elwood, for 
Supreme Judge. Their platform was as 
follows: 

The people of the State of Iowa who regard 
the constitution of the United States in its judi- 
cial relation to the States and people as inter- 
preted by the Supreme Court, and its political 
principles as enunciated from time to time by 
the Democratic party, and as applied by several 
successive administrations in carrying on the 
government of the United States, beiusc assem- 
bled by their delegates in convention, in the 
Capitol at DesMoines, on the 24th day of July, 
1861, do make and proclaim to their fellow citi- 
zens of the sister States of the Union, the follow- 
ing declaration: 

Whereas, In the vicissitudes which are inci- 
dent t all governments, to human safety, and to 
civiliza ion, the government and the people of 
the United States have become involved in a 
civil war, which threatens alike to be disastrous 
to the form of government which experience has 
proved to be the most conducive to the happi- 
ness of mankind, and to result in imposing upon 
the present and future generations onerous 
burdens, which it should be the duty of a gov- 
ernment having any regard for the well being of 
the people to avoid, it becomes the incumbent 
dutv upon the people for whose benefit alone 
government is instituted, and who, having the 
right to either alter or abolish it when it ceases 



to be administered for their happiness and pros- 
perity, have also the right to determine and 
direct how it shall be administered when they 
ficd it departing from the principles upon which 
it was founded, and to be precipitating into 
waste and ruin the fabric of civil society, instead 
of preserving the people in peace, promoting 
their prosperity, and securing their rights. 
Viewing, therefore, dispassionately, the present 
condition of our distracted country, and with 
the single purpose of making an effort to avert 
impending and other threatened calamities, and 
of restoring peace, founded upon that fraternal 
patriotism which gave birth to the American 
Union, and which preserved its integrity till the 
election of a President upon a principle which 
was hostile to the constitution of the United 
States and antagonistic to the vested right of 
the people of nearly half the States of the 
Union, do declare — 

1. That we regard the present condition of 
the country, the civil war in which the people 
are engaged, the effort to dismember the Union 
and all the concomitant evils which afflict us as 
a nation, as the legitimate result of the success- 
ful teaching of the doctrine and policy of the 
''irrepressible conflict;" a doctrine and a policy 
which arrayed northern sentiment in antagonism 
to the constitutional rights of the people of the 
slave States, and which proclaim an "irrepres- 
sible" and unceasing hostility to the domestic 
institutions of our brethren of the South. 

2. That, notwithstanding the provocation 
given to the people of the South by the mani- 
festation of hostility toward their institutions, 
by a majority of the people of the Norih, we 
unequivocally condemn the course they have 
pursued to obtain a redress of their grievances, 
believing, as we do, that, aided by the conserva- 
tive people of the Northern States, their griev- 
ances would have been redressed, and their 
rights and interests respected and secured in a 
constitutional manner and by constitutional 
means. 

3. That we are heartily opposed to the doc- 
trine of secession, a political heresy, unwar- 
ranted by the constitution, detrimental to the 






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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



167 



best interests of the whole country, and destruc- 
tive of the Union and that glorious heritage of 
liberty bequeathed to us by our fathers. 

4. That our obligations to the government, 
the duty we owe to posterity and the advance- 
ment of political freedom throughout the world, 
alike, command of us the preservation and per- 
petuity of our federal Union, and we hereby 
pledge the whole power of the Democratic party 
to every just and constitutional means to main- 
tain the same, whether its destruction be at- 
tempted bv the insidious teachings of the higher 
law doctrine of the Abolition Republican party, 
or by the open attacks of men in armed rebellion 
against it. 

5. That, as we were taught and admonished 
by the experience of every free people whose 
political existence was extinguished by the 
assumption of arbitrary power and the violation 
of fundamental principles, to resist the encroach- 
ment of executive prerogatives, we therefore 
emphatically and unequivocally condemn the 
assumption of unauthorized power by the Ex- 
ecutive of the United States, or by any other 
officers of the government. 

6. That our Union was formed in peace, and 
can never be perpetuated by force of arms, and 
that a republican government held together by 
the sword becomes a military despotism. 

7. That the Democratic party are in favor of 
a convention of the different States of the entire 
Union, as soon as the same can be properly hud, 
for such legislation as may secure equal and full 
rights to all sections of this Union, and a full 
representation of all the States, and a removal 
of the agitation of the question of slavery from 
the halls of Congress and the States of the 
Union. 

8. That we repudiate the modern heresy that 
the States of this confederacy never had an 
independent existence distinct from the federal 
government, and are indebted for their present 
position in the Union to that government, as a 
gross insult to the common sense of the country, 
and a shameless falsification of historical facts, 
unworthy of the source from whence it emin- 
ated, and unless promptly met with a stern re- 



buke on the part of the people, fraught with 
consequences fatal to the liberties of the country. 

9. That we are irreconcilably opposed to all 
paper money banking, as being a system of 
legalized swindliug, to be indulged in only by 
the designing capitalist, and are oppos d to 
every species of paper, except commercial pa- 
rser, for the transaction of business and trade, 
and in favor of a speedy return to a specie cur- 
rency; and, if for a time we must submit to the 
banking system, we recommend that the bank 
law be so amended as to make each stockholder 
individually liable (to t\e fill extent of his 
property not exempt from execution) for the 
debts of the bank, and to subject their corpora- 
tions to such restraints as to make them amen- 
able to law. 

10. That we are opposed to a tariff of duties 
upon imports, for the purpose of protection, as 
creating monopolies, and that, in the present 
crisis of affairs, when the laborer is poorly paid 
and the products of agriculture are almost 
worthless, it is the interest of the people that 
the present burdens imposed upon these articles 
which enter into the consumption of the poorer 
classes of our citizens be at once removed. 

The official vote for Governor was as 
follows: 

S. J. Kirkwook, Rep 69,853-16,608 

William H. Merritt, Dem 43,245 

The Democratic convention was held at 
the Capitol in 1862, and the following 
ticket nominated: Secretary of State, 
Richard H. Sylvester; Auditor, John 
Browne; Treasurer, Samuel H. Lorah; 
Attorney-General, Benton J. Hall; Regis- 
ter of Land Office, Fred. Gottschalk. The 
following is the platform adopted: 

1. That the constitution and the Union and 
the laws must be preserved and maintained in 
all their rightful supremacy, and that rebellion 
against them must be suppressed and put down; 
and that we are in favor of the employment of 
all constitutional means for that purpose, not 
merely by force of arms, but by such other 



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168 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



measures as common sense, reason and patriot- 
ism will readily suggest to the governing powers. 

2. That the true interests of the country, as 
well as the dictates of humanity, require no 
more war or acts of war should be prosecuted or 
done than are necessary and proper for the 
prompt and complete suppression of the rebel- 
lion. 

3. That the present war, as avowed by the 
President and Congress, and understood by the 
people, was commenced and prosecuted for the 
purpose of suppressing the rebellion, and pre- 
serving and vindicating the constitution of the 
Union and the laws, and for that purpose only. 

4. That the doctrines of the secessionists and 
of the abolitionists, as the latter are now repre- 
sented in Congress, are alike false to the consti- 
tution and irreconcilable with the unity and 
peace of the country, the first have already 
involved us in a cruel civil war, and the others 
(the abolitionists) will leave the country but 
little hope of the speedy restoration of Union or 
peace, unless the schemes of confiscation, eman- 
cipation, and other unconstitutional measures, 
which have been lately carried and attempted to 
be carried through Congress, be revoked by the 
people. 

5. That the doctrine of State necessity is 
unknown to our government or laws, but the 
constitution and the laws are sufficient for any 
emergency, and that the suppression of the free- 
dom of speech and the press, and the unlawful 
arrest of citizens, and the suspension of the writ 
of habeas corpus, in violation of the constitution 
in States where the civil authorities are unim- 
peded, is most dangerous to civil liberty, and 
should be resisted at the ballot-box by every 
freeman of the land. 

6. That this is a government of white men, 
and was established exclusively for the white 
race; that the negroes are not entitled to and 
ought not to be admitted to political or social 
equality with the white race, but that it is our 
duty to treat them with kindness and considera- 
tion, as an inferior and dependent race; that the 
right of the several States to determine the 
position and duties of the race is a sovereign 



right, and the pledges of the constitution require 
us, as loyal citizens, not to interfere therewith. 
That the party fanaticism or the crime, which- 
ever it may be called, that seeks to turn the 
slaves of the Southern States loose to overrun 
the North, and into competition with the white 
laboring classes, thus degrading their manhood 
by placing them on an equality with negroes in 
their occupation, is insulting to our race and 
meets our emphatic and unqualified condemna- 
tion. 

7. That the purchase of the slaves by the 
government, as proposed by the President, will 
impose an enormous and unendurable burden 
upon the present generation, and entail upon 
posterity grievous exactions. 

8. That Congress, in the enactment of the late 
tariff and tax bills, and the President by his 
avowal, have imposed unfair and unjust enact- 
ments upon the people at large, by discriminat- 
ing in these acts in favor of the comparatively 
wealthy, and against those who are least able to 
bear the burdens of taxation. 

9. That we recur with patriotic pride to the 
bravery and valor of the officers and soldiers of 
all the Iowa regiments exhibited in the struggle 
upon the many bloody fields in which they have 
been engaged; and that this convention, in be- 
half of the Democracy of this State, tenders to 
them a united testimony to their valor, and 
devotion to the constitution and the Union, and 
offer to the friends and families of those who 
have fallen upon the field, its sincere sympathy 
and condolence. 

10. That viewing the glories of the past and 
contemplating the realities of the present, we 
believe there is no hope in the future for the 
perpetuity of our government, but by preserving 
the constitution inviolate and in respecting it by 
both government and people as a sacred deposit 
of individual and State rights; in an economical 
and systematic administration of the govern- 
ment by which corruption will be prevented, 
extravagance restrained, expenditures reduced, 
and heavy taxation rendered unnecessary; in 
cultivating among the people that spirit of 
American fraternity which once knew no North, 



e 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



169 



no South, do East, no West, except as parts of 
one unbroken Union; in submitting questions 
which might arise hereafter, effecting the legal 
rights of States to the judicial tribunals and not 
to the executive or legislative branch of the 
government. 

And firmly believing in the efficiency of the 
principles herein enunciated, we implore the 
blessing of God upon our efforts to have them 
applied to the administration of the government, 
and we appeal to our fellow citizens who love 
the constitution and Union as it was before its 
harmony was disturbed by abolition fanaticism, 
and its bonds broken by rebellion. 

The Republicans met at DesMoines and 
nominated as follows: Secretary of State, 
James Wright; Auditor of State, Jona- 
than W. Cattell; Treasurer of State, Wm. 
H. Holmes; Attorney-General, Charles C. 
Nourse; Register of the State Land Office, 
Josiah A. Harvey. The platform adopted 
lead as follows: 

We, the delegates of the Republican party of 
Iowa, assembled to declare anew our political 
belief, and to select candidates for important 
official positions, present to the people the fol- 
lowing as our articles of faith: 

1 . That the constitution of the United States 
is the fundamental law of the land; that it was 
adopted by our fathers to establish justice and 
secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and 
their posterity; that in accordance with the 
forms prescribed by that instrument, and by the 
laws of Congress, Abraham Lincoln was elected 
by the voluntary suffrages of the people as the 
Chief Magistrate of the United States for the 
term of four years; that before he had taken 
the oath of office or exercised any of the powers 
with which he had been clothed, certain States 
of the Union passed ordinances of secession, 
assuming thereby to be no longer a part of, nor 
subject to the laws of, the United States; that 
soon afterward they organized a separate con- 
federation, proclaimed their independence of 
and hostility to the federal government, and 
from that time to the present have waged cause- 



less, merciless and barbarious warfare against 
the republic, to which they owe perpetual grati- 
tude and allegiance. 

2. That for the maintenance of the govern- 
ment, in this the hour of its peril, it is the duty 
of every citizen to devote time, labor, property, 
life; that we, as the representatives of an organ- 
ized association of citizens, publicly pledge all 
our energies and substance, should they be 
needed, for the governmental defense. 

3. That we have undiminished confidence in 
the President of the United States, that he is 
faithful to his pledges, is honest and determined 
in his purposes to crush the rebellion and main- 
tain the union of the States, and that we earn- 
estly endorse the action of our Representatives 
in Congress in aiding to pass laws for the aboli- 
tion of slavery in the District of Columbia; for 
the perpetuation of freedom in all the Territo- 
ries of the republic; for the confiscation of the 
property of rebels, and clothing the President 
with authority to use the slaves of traitors for 
all military purposes. 

4. That we abhor all sympathizers with seces- 
sion, who, to cover their treasonable sentiments, 
raise the cry of abolitionism; but that, on the 
contrary, we will honor any loyal citizen, what- 
ever may have been his former political associa- 
tions, who will sustain, with all his power, the 
struggle of Democratic Republicanism against 
traitorous aristocracy, North or South. 

5. That, extending a hearty welcome to those 
who are present with us in this convention who 
have left the so-called Democratic party, we in- 
vite all loyal citizens, regardless of former 
political associations, and who are in favor of 
giving the national administration their honest 
support, to co-operate with us, and we commend 
to all of such the patriotic words of the lamented 
Douglas, who said: "There is only two sides to 
this question. Every man must be for the 
United States or against it. There can be no 
neutrality in this war — only patriots or traitors." 

6. That we reiterate the demand for an eco- 
nomical administration of our national and State 
government, and for a punishment of fraudu- 
lent contractors and plunderers of the public 
treasury. 



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170 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



7. That the valor of our soldiers and sailors, 
and especially those of our own State, on every 
battlefield to which they have been called, has 
earned for them a lasting gratitude, and com- 
mended themselves and their families to our 
practical sympathy and aid. 

8. That the State of Iowa will promptly fur- 
nish her quota of troops called for by the recent 
proclamation of the President, and any addi- 
tional number which the public service may 
require. 

9. That the voluntary enlistment of our 
adopted citizens in the army and navy, and their 
tried valor on our battle-fields, have demon- 
strated the warmth of their patriotism and an 
appreciation of liberty and good government 
which have earned for them the proud name of 
American citizens and soldiers. 

10. That as citizens of a loyal State, whose 
patriotism, ' oth at home and upon foreign 
battle-fields, has spoken for itself, we earnestly 
appeal to the incumbents of the legislative and 
executive departments of the government, to use 
every legitimate means in their possession to 
crush the rebellion, and if, as a last measure for 
the preservation of the republic, it shall become 
necessary to blot out the institution of slavery 
from the soil of every State, we will say Amen, 
letting the consequences fall upon the wicked 
authurs of the war, and leaving the final issue 
with God. 

The official vote on Secretary of State 
was as follows: 

James Wright, Rep 66,014—15,205 

Richard H Sylvester, Dem 50,809 

In 1863 the Democrats met in conven- 
tion at DesMoines, and nominated Malurin 
L. Fisher for Governor. Mr. Fisher sub- 
sequently declining, Gen. James M. Tuttle 
was substituted; John F. Lumcombe was 
nominated for Lieutenant-Governor, and 
Charles Mason for Supreme Judge. The 
following was the platform adopted: 

In view of the circumstances that have brought 
us together, we hereby resolve: 



1. That the will of the people is the founda- 
tion of all free government. That to give effect 
to this will, free thought, free speech and free 
press are absolutely indispensable. Without 
free discussion there is no certainty of sound 
judgment; without sound judgment there can 
be no wise government. 

2. That it is an inherent and constitutional 
right of the people to discuss all measures of 
their government, and to approve or disapprove 
as to their best judgment seems right. That 
they have a like right to propose and advocate 
that policy which, in their judgment, is best, 
and to argue and vote against whatever policy 
seems to them to violate the constitution, to 
imperil their literties, or to be detrimental to 
their welfare. 

3. That these and all other rights guaranteed 
to them by the constitution are their rights in 
war as well as in times of peace, and of far more 
value and necessity in war than in peace: for in 
peace, liberty, security and property are seldom 
endangered; in war they are ever in peril. 

4. That we now say to all whom it may con- 
cern, not by way of threat, but calmly and 
firmly, that we will not surrender these rights, 
nor submit to their forcible violation. Wc will 
obey laws ourselves, and all others must obey 
them 

5. That there is a manifest difference between 
the administration of the government and the 
government itself. The government consists of 
the civic and political institutions created by 
the constitution, and to the people owe allegi- 
ance. That administrations are but agents of 
the people, subject to their approval or con- 
demnation, according to the merit or demerit of 
their acts. 

6. That we are opposed to the war for the 
purpose of carrying out the emancipation procla- 
mation of the President of the United States; 
and if the Federal administration expect a 
united North to attend its efforts to suppress a 
rebellion, it must not only come back to its 
object of the war, as set forth in the Crittenden 
resolution adopted by the House of Representa- 
tives in July, 1861, but it must, in its dealings 



*C <5~ 






HISTORY OF IOWA. 



1 V l 



with the people of the States, infringe upon no 
one single right guaranteed to the people by 
either the federal or State constitutions. 

7. That we declare our determined opposition 
to a system of emancipation by the State upon 
compensation to be made out of the treasury of 
the United States, as burdensome upon the 
people, unjust in its very n iture, and wholly 
without warrant of the constitution. 

8. That we declare that the power which has 
recently been assumed by the President, where- 
in, under the guise of military necessity, he has 
proclaimed and extended, or asserts the right to 
proclaim or extend, martial law over States 
where war does not exist, and has suspended the 
writ of habeas corpus, is unwarranted by the 
constitution, and its tendency is to subordinate 
the civil to the military authority, and subvert 
our free government. 

9. Tha: we deem it proper further to declare, 
that we, together with the loyal people of the 
State, would hail with delight any manifestation 
of a desire on the part of the seceded States to 
return to their allegiance to the government of 
the Union; and, in such event, we would cor- 
dially and earnestly co-operate with them in the 
restoration of peace and the procurement of 
su :h proper guarantees as would give security 
to all their interests and rights. 

10. That the soldiers composing our armies 
merit the warmest thanks of the nation. The 
country called, and nobly did they respond. 
Living, they shall know a nation's gratitude; 
wounded, a nation's care; and, dying, they shall 
live in our memory, and monuments shall be 
raised to teach posterity to honor the patriots 
and heroes who offered their lives at their 
country's altar. The widows and orphans shall 
be adopted by the nation, to be watched over 
and cared for as objects fully worthy of the 
nation's guardianship. 

11. That we will adhere to the constitution 
and the Union as the best, it may be the last, 
hope of popular freedom, and for all wrongs 
which may exist, will seek redress under the 
constitution and within the Union by the peace- 
ful but powerful agency of the suffrages of a 
free people. 



12. That we hail with pleasure and hope, 
manifestations of conservative sentiment among 
the people of the Northern States in their elec- 
tions, and regard the same as the earnest of a 
good purpose upon their part to co-operate with 
all citizens in giving security to the rights of 
every section, and maintaining the Union and 
constitution as they were ordained by the foun- 
ders of the republic. 

13. That we will earnestly support every 
constitutional measure tending to preserve the 
union of the States. No men have a greater 
interest in its preservation than we have. None 
desire it more; none who will make greater 
sacrifices or endure more than we will to accom- 
plish that end. We are, as we have ever been, 
the devoted friends of the constitution and the 
Union, and have no sympathy with the enemies 
of either. 

14. That the establishment of military gov- 
ernment over loyal States where war does not 
exist, to supersede the civil authorities and sup- 
press the freedom of speech and of the press, 
and to interfere with the elective franchise, is 
not only subversive of the constitution and the 
sovereignty of the States, but the actual inaugu- 
ration of revolution. 

15. That we denounce as libelers of the 
Democratic party and enemies of the country, 
the men who are engaged in representing the 
Democracy as wanting in sympathy with our 
gallant defenders. 

16. That we earnestly denounce the authors 
of those heresies, secessionism and abolitionism, 
which have culminated in an armed rebellion, 
desolated our country and brought sorrow to the 
heart of every person in this broad land. 

The Republicans met at DesMoines, 
June 1 7th, and adopted the following 
platform : 

We, a convention of representatives of the 
loyal people of the State of Iowa, assembled 
under the call of the Republican organization 
of the State, as an expiession of the views which 
shall govern our political action, do declare: 

1. That when our fathers formed our consti- 
tution, and founded thereon a republican form 



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172 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



of government, they intended to and did grant 
to that government full power to sustain its 
natural existence. 

2. That whenever the life of the Republic is 
endangered, either by invasion or rebellion, the 
constitution justifies the use of all necessary 
means known to civilized warfare in resisting 
invasion or suppressing rebellion. 

3. That we fully and heartily endorse the 
policy of the administration, and we will to the 
utmost continue to sustain the government in 
suppressing the rebellion, and to effect that 
object we pledge our fortunes and our lives. 

4. That the gratitude of a free people is due 
to our soldiers in the field, both native and 
foreign born, for that heroic valor by which 
they have honored us and sustained the flag of 
our country, and we "guarantee to them con- 
tinued encouragement and support. 

5. That we have witnessed with pride and 
admiration the bravery and heroism of Iowa 
soldiers, and we recognize in their brilliant ca- 
reer a history for the State of Iowa, second to 
that of no other State in the Union. 

6. That we approve of the action of the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the State, in enacting a law 
giving to our brave soldiers in the field an 
opportunity to vote at our elections, and we 
earnestly hope that no technicality may deprive 
them of their right. 

7. That this convention hereby tenders to 
Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood the cordial thanks of 
the loyal people of Iowa for the able, fearless, 
and patriotic discharge of his duties, during the 
two terms he held the office of Governor of the 
State. 

8. Finally, we declare that the preservation 
of the constitution and the Union is above and 
beyond all other interests, and that all questions 
of party, of life, and of properly, must be sub- 
ordinate thereto. 

At that convention the following ticket 
was nominated: Governor, William M. 
Stone; Lieutenant-Governor, Enoch W. 
Eastman; Judge of the Supreme Court, 
John F. Dillon. 



The official vote on Governor was as 
follows : 

W. M. Stone, Rep., 86,123—88, 174 

J. M. Tuttle, Dem 47,948 

The year 1864 brought with it another 
Presidential campaign. The Republicans 
placed in the field for re-election Abraham 
Lincoln, while the Democrats nominated 
General George B. McClellan. In Iowa 
the Democrats met in convention at Des 
Moines, June 16th, and placed in nomina- 
tion the following named, without adopt- 
ing resolutions: Secretary of State, John 
H. Wallace; Attorney-General, Charles A. 
Dunbar; Treasurer, J. B. Lash; Auditor, 
H. B. Hendershott; Register State Land 
Office, B. D. Holbrook; Supreme Jadge, 
Thomas M. Monroe. 

The Republicans held their convention 
July 7th, at DesMoines, when they nomi- 
nated the following ticket: Supreme Judge, 
C. C. Cole; Secretary of State, James 
Wright; Auditor of State, John A. Elliott; 
Treasurer, Wm. H. Holmes; Attorney- 
General, Isaac L. Allen; Register Land 
Office, J. A. Harvey. The platform 
adopted was as follows: 

Resolved, That we hereby ratify the nomina- 
tion of Abraham Lincoln for President, and 
Andrew Johnson for Vice - President of the 
United States, for the next term, and we pledge 
for them the electoral vote of Iowa, 

2. That we cordially approve and adopt the 
platform of resolutions presented by the National 
Union Convention at its recent session in Balti- 
more, and that we most heartily endorse the 
action of Congress in repealing all laws for the 
return of fugitive slaves and abolishing the 
inter-State coastwise slave trade. 

3. That the brave sons of Iowa who have 
gone forth to defend the cause of liberty and 
Union on the battle-fields of the South, and 






"FT 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



173 



whose heroic achievements have shed imperish- 
able glory on our State and nation, we offer our 
highest praises and our most fervent gratitude, 
and that our State government should continue 
to make liberal provisions for the protection 
and support of their families. 

4. That to the women of Iowa, whose patriotic 
labors have contributed so much moral and 
material aid and comfort to our sick and 
wounded soldiers, we tender our heartfelt 
thanks. 

A Peace Convention was held at Iowa 
City, August 24th, when the following res- 
olutions were adopted : 

Whereas, We believe that there is indispu- 
table evidence existing that the Union may be 
restored on the basis of the federal constitution; 
and, 

Whereas, We further believe that a vigorous 
prosecution of this abolition war means the 
speedy bringing about of a division of the Re- 
public; and being ourselves in favor of a restored 
Union, and against the acknowledgment of a 
Southern Confederacy, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the war uow being prosecuted by 
the Lincoln administration is unconstitutional 
and oppressive, and is the prolific source of a 
multitude of usurpations, tyrannies and corrup- 
tions, to which no people can long submit, with- 
out becoming permanently enslaved. 

a. That we are opposed to the further prose- 
cution of the war, believing that the Union can 
be preserved in its integrity by the President 
agreeing to an armistice, and by calling a 
national convention of sovereign States, to con- 
sider the terms upon which all the people may 
again live together in peace and harmony. 

3. That believing war to be disunion, and 
desiring to stop the further flow of precious 
blood for a purpose so wicked as disunion, we 
respectfully urge the President to postpone the 
draft loroOO.OOO men "to be driven like bullocks 
to the slaughter," until the result of an armistice 
and national convention of States is known. 

4. That in the coming election we will have 
a free ballot or a free figlu 



5. That should Abraham Lincoln owe his re- 
election to the electoral votes of the seceded 
States, under the application of the President's 
"one-tenth" system and military dictation, and 
should he attempt to execute the duties of the 
President by virtue of such an election, it will 
become the solemn mission of the people to 
depose the usurper, or else be worthy the slavish 
degradation, which submission under such cir- 
cumstances, would seem to be their just desert. 

6. That if the nominee of the Chicago con- 
vention is fairly elected, he must be inaugurated, 
let it cost what it may. 

7. That, in respect to the general relations 
which do and ought to exist between the federal 
and State governments, we approve and will ad- 
here to the principles in the Virginia and Ken- 
tucky resolutions of '98— to the interpretations 
thereof by Jefferson, Madison and Jackson — and 
to the resolutions passed by every Democratic' 
convention held in this country — to all of which 
special reference is here made, in utter condem- 
nation of the war, and of it3 incidents. 

8. That in respect to the new and disturbing 
elemeut of our times — negro equality — we shall 
maintain that the status of the inhabitants 
(black, white and mixed) of the States, wiihin 
their respective States (now souaht to be con- 
trolled by federal bayonets), is, and ought to be, 
an exclusively State regulation; that the African 
negro is not our equal in a political or social 
sense; and that every usurping attempt, by fed- 
eral force, so to declare him, will meet with our 
determined resistance. 

9. That the foregoing preamble and resolu- 
tions be tubmitted to our delegation to the Chi- 
cago convention, for their consideration. 

The official vote at the November elec- 
tion, on Secretary of State, was as follows: 

James Wright, Rep 90,033-40,090 

John H. Wallace, Dem 49,943 

The Republicans were the firstto meet in 
convention in 1865. They met at Des 
Moines June 14th, and selected the follow- 
ing ticket : Governor, Wm. M. Stone; 
Lieutenant-Governor, Benjamin F. Gue; 



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174 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Supt. of Public Instruction, Oran Fay ville; 
Supreme Judge, Geo. G. Wright. The 
platform adopted was as follows : 

Resolved, That the perpetuation of the federal 
Union, with all guarantees of Republican liberty 
which its founders contemplated, is the most 
sacred political duty of American citizenship. 

3. That, during the four years of war, inau- 
gurated by pro-slavery traitors, the great truth 
has been demonstrated, in devastation and 
death, that the nation cannot exist half 6lave 
and half free, and believing that political and 
religious freedom is the natural right of man- 
kind everywhere, we do most fervently pray, 
and shall most earnestly labor, for the ratifica- 
tion of that amendment to the fundamental law 
which provides for the abolition of slavery 
throughout all the States and Territories of the 
federal Union. 

3. That, to the end that the consequences of 
treason may be made so appalling that never 
again shall it be inaugurated upon the United 
States soil, we recommend the permanent dis- 
franchisement of leaders of the rebellion, civil 
and military; and that the late President of the 
so-called Confederate States of America, as the 
deepest embodiment of criminal barbarity, be 
brought to the speediest trial and swiftest execu- 
tion, regardless of the habiliments, under the 
immunities of which be sought, in the day of his 
calamity, to take refuge. 

4. That, with proper safeguards to the purity 
of the ballot-box, the elective franchise should 
be based upon loyalty to the constitution of the 
Union, recognizing and affirming equality of all 
men before the law. "Therefore, we are in favor 
of amending the constitution of our State by 
striking out the word 'white' in the article of 
refuge." 

5. That we extend to Andrew Johnson, in his 
assumption of Presidential responsibilities, our 
confidence and support, pledging for the patri- 
otic masses of Iowa a continuance of the same 
devotion to The federal flag which was promptly 
extended to his predecessors. 

6. That now the war is practically ended, and 
our brave citizen soldiery of Iowa may return to 



their homes and avocations of peace, we extend 
to them the grateful thanks of the people, and a 
welcome, such as only the patriotic and the 
brave are entitled to receive. 

7. That every man who voluntarily left his 
home in this State, before or during the rebellion, 
with a view to serve the cause of treason in the 
rebel army or navy, and also every man who left 
his State to avoid military service, due from him 
to the government, should be forever debarred 
by constitutional provision, from holding public 
office, and from the exercise of the rights of suf- 
frage in this State. 

8. That we approve the actions of our State 
executive in his hearty support of the general 
government, and we tender the thanks of this 
convention for the faithful administration oi his 
office. 

9. That we humbly return thanks to Almighty 
God for the deliverance of our State and nation 
from the further perils of war, and that we de- 
voutly recognize His hand in the great work 
which has been wrought in the last four years, 
for our people and for humanity. 

The next convention held this year was 
a "Soldiers' Convention," or, as the body 
termed itself, "The Union Anti-Negro Suf- 
frage Party," which convened at the Cap- 
itol August 23d, and adopted a platform 
and selected candidates for the various 
offices to be filled, as follows : Governor, 
Gen. Thos. H. Benton; Lieut.-Governor, 
Col. S. G. VanAuda; Supreme Judge, II. 
H. Trimble; Supt of Public Instruction, 
Capt J. W. Senate. The platform read as 
follows : 

We, the delegated representatives of the sol- 
diers and loyal citizens of Iowa, feeling pro- 
foundly grateful for the restoration of peace 
after four years of bloody war, have met to- 
gether, as free American citizens, to adopt such 
measures as in our judgment will most certainly 
tend to perpetuate our glorious union of States, 
and with the blessings of free institutions and 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



175 



the peace so happily restored, hereby adopt the 
following platform of principles, viz: 

1. We are in favor of the Monroe doctrine. 

2. We sustain the administration of Presi- 
dent Johnson, and especially endorse his recon- 
struction policy, and we pledge him our earnest 
and unqualified support. 

3. We are opposed to negro suffrage or to the 
striking of the word "white" out of the article 
on suffrage in our State constitution, and will 
support no candidate for office, either State or 
national, who is in favor of negro suffrage or of 
the equality of the white and black races. 

4. We are in favor of the amendment of the 
constitution of the United States, abolishing 
slavery and the ratification of the same by our 
next Legislature. 

5. That, inasmuch as we do not sufficiently 
know the sentiment of the people of the State 
in regard to the prohibitory liquor law, we deem 
it expedient to refer this matter to the different 
county conventions to take such action in the 
matter as by them is deemed proper, and to 
instruct their Senators and Representatives 
accordingly. 

6. We are in favor of the brave soldiers and 
marines who have faithfully served their coun- 
try in the army and navy of the United States, 
and especially of the crippled or disabled sol- 
diers, having the preference for all offices of 
profit, honor or trust, either by appointment or 
otherwise, where they are equally competent 
and qualified to discharge the duties of the 
office or the trust reposed. 

7. That we cherish with grateful remem- 
brance the memory of our dead soldiers, and 
ever will be ready and willing to lend ouraid, 
sympathy and protection to the crippled and 
disabled soldiers, and the widows and orphans 
of the war. 

The Democrats also held a convention, 
made no nominations, but adopted the fol- 
lowing platform: 

1. That we heartily rejoice in the suppres- 
sion of the great rebellion and the preservation 
of the Union, and give unfeigned thanks to 
Almighty God for the restoration of peace. 



2. In order that this peace may be permanent 
and its effects speedily and widely felt, we be- 
lieve it is the duty of every patriot to sustain 
cordially the present policy of President John- 
son in reconstructing the States recently in 
rebellion. 

8. That the establishment of a monarchy on 
the soil of this continent is in direct defiance of 
the Monroe doctrine — a doctrine accepted aud 
recognized by all true Americans; and it is the 
duty of the Government of the United States to 
see that the people of Mexico are freed from 
the oppression of foreign bayonets, and the 
republic restored. 

4. That we favor rigid economy in the 
national and State expenditures, and will insist 
on the reduction of the numberless horde of 
useless office-holders who feed like locusts on 
the hard earnings of the people. 

5. That we earnestly condemn the trial of 
American citizens for civil offenses by courts- 
martial and military courts, in States and dis- 
tricts where civil law is unimpeded in its opera- 
tions and in full force. 

6. That we are radically opposed to negro 
equality in all its phases, and accept the issue 
tendered by the late Republican convention of 
the 14th of June in making that doctrine the 
chief plank in its platform by proposing to 
strike the word "white" out of the article on 
suffrage in the constitution of Iowa. 

7. That the attacks on General Sherman, 
originating in the War Department at Washing- 
ton, and servilely copied and endorsed by many 
of the leading Republican papers of the State, 
are the offspring of envy and fanatacism, and 
will recoil with crushing force on the heads of 
his calumniators. 

8. That we feel a just pride in the progress 
of our army aud navy, and especially of the 
soldiers of Iowa, who, under Grant and Sher- 
man, have made a lasting and glorious record of 
their patient endurance of suffering, their ad- 
mirable discipline and indomitable valor. 

9. That we hail with joy the return of these 
brave men from the battlefield, and extend to 
them our grateful thanks for their services and 



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176 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



a hearty welcome to their homes, and believe 
that it is the duty, as it will be the pleasure, of 
their fellow-citizens to see that a due proportion 
of the civil honors and offices of the State shall 
be distributed among them, and the fostering 
care of the public extended to the widows and 
orphans of those who died in the service of their 
country. 

10. That the assassinatian of President Lin- 
coln was an act of unmitigated barbarism, and 
one that should be held in utter abhorance by 
every good citizen. 

The official vote for Governor is as fol- 
lows: 

"William M. Stone, Rep 70,445—16,375 

Thos. H. Benton, Anti-Negro Suf.54,070 

Questions growing out of reconstruction 
of Southern States afforded the issues for 
I860. The first convention in this State 
was held by the Republicans at the Capi- 
tol, June 20, where the following ticket 
was nominated: Secretary of State, Col. 
Ed. Wright; Treasurer, Maj. S. E. Rankin; 
Auditor, J. A. Elliott; Register of State 
Land Office, Col. C. C. Carpenter; Attor- 
ney-General, F. E. Russell; Reporter of 
Supreme Court, E. H. Stiles; Clerk of 
Supreme Court, Lieut. C. Linderman. A 
platform was adopted, which reads as 
follows: 

Resolved, That the first and highest duty of 
our free government is to secure to all its citi- 
zens, regardless of race, religion or color, 
equality before the law, equal protection from 
it, equal responsibility to it, and to all that have 
proved their loyalty by their acts, an equal 
voice in making it. 

2. That the reconstruction of the States 
lately in the rebellion belongs, through their 
representatives in Congress, to the people who 
have subdued the rebellion and preserved the 
nation, and not to the executive alone. 

3. That we heartily approve of the joint 
resolution lately passed by the Senate and House 



of Representatives in Congress assembled, pro- 
posing to the Legislature of the several States 
an additional article by way of amendment to 
the federal constitution, and we pledge the rati 
fication of that amendment by the Legislature 
of Iowa. 

4. That in the firm and manly adherence of 
the Union party in Congress to the above prin- 
ciples, we recognize new guarantys to the safety 
of the nation, and we pledge to Congress our 
continued and earnest support. 

5. That we are in favor of the enforcement 
of the Monroe doctrine, and that we extend to 
all people struggling to preserve nationality or 
to achieve liberty, our warmest support 

6. That we are in favor of the equalization of 
the bounties of soldiers who faithfully served 
their country in the war for the suppression of 
the rebellion. 

7. That we are in favor of the nomination 
and election to office of such persons as are 
known to possess honesty and capacity, and we 
unqualifiedly condemn dishonesty and careless- 
ness in every department of the public service. 

A conservative convention was called, 
which convened at DesMoines June 27, 
and nominated the following ticket: Sec- 
retary of State, Col. S. G. Van Anda; 
Treasurer, Gen. Poe A. Slone; Auditor of 
State, Capt. R. W. Cross; Attorney-Gen- 
eral, Capt. Webster Balinger; Supreme 
Court Reporter, Capt. J. W. Senate; Clerk, 
Lewis Kinney. The following platform 
was adopted: 

1. We hold that the constitution of the 
United States is the paladium of our liberties, 
and that any departure from its requirements by 
the legislative, executive or judicial departments 
of the government is subversive of the funda- 
mental principles of our republican institutions. 

2. Repudiating the radical doctrine of State 
rights and secession on the one hand, and the 
centralization and consolidation of federal 
authority on the other, as equally dangerous; 
and believing that no State can secede, and the 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



177 



war having been prosecuted on our part, as ex- 
pressly declared by Congress itself, to defend 
and maintain the supremacy of the constitution, 
and to preserve the Union inviolate, with all the 
dignity, equality and rights of the States unim- 
paired, the federal arms having been victorious, 
we hold that all the States are still in the Union, 
and entitled to equal rights under the constitu- 
tion, and that Congress has no power to exclude 
a State from the Union, to govern it as a terri- 
tory, or to deprive it of representation in the 
councils of the nation, when its representatives 
have been elected and qualified in accordance 
with the constitution and laws of tl.e land. 

3. While we fully concede to the federal 
government the power to enforce obedience to 
the constitution and laws enacted in conformity 
with it, and to punish those who resent its legiti- 
mate authority in the several States, we believe 
in the maintenance, inviolable, of the rights of 
the States, and especially of the right of each 
State to order and control its own domestic insti- 
tutions according to its own judgment, exclu- 
sively, as essential to that balance of power on 
which the perfection and endurance of our 
political institutions depend. 

4. We hold that each State has the right to 
prescribe the qualifications of its electors, and 
we are opposed to any alteration ef the State 
constitutions on the subject of suffrage. 

5. We consider the national debt a sacred 
obligation, and the honor and reservation of the 
government as irrevocably pledged for its liqui- 
dation; no obligation, incurred in any manner 
whatever in aid of the rebellion, should ever be 
assumed or paid. 

6. The nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude 
to our soldiers and sailors of the late war for the 
suppression of the rebellion; and in the bestowal 
of public patronage by election or appointment, 
preference should be given to those competent 
to perform duties required, and as a positive 
reward for their services, the government should 
give to each of those who have fallen in the ser- 
vice, or have been honorably discharged, or 
their legal representatives, one hundred and 
sixty acres of land; and justice to those who 



entered the service in the early port of the war 
demands that immediate provision should be 
made for the equalization of bounties. 

7. We cordially endorse the restoration policy 
of President Johnson as wise, patriotic, consti- 
tutional, and in harmony wiih the loyal senti- 
ment and purpose of the people in the suppres- 
sion of the rebellion, with the platform upon 
which he was elected, with the declared policy 
of the late President Lincoln, the action of 
Congress, and the pledges given during the war. 

8. We regard the action of Congress, in refus- 
ing to admit loyal representatives from the 
States recently in rebellion, as unwarranted by 
the constitution, and calculated to embarrass 
and complicate, rather than adjust, our national 
trouble. 

9. The ratification by the legislatures of ihe 
several States of the amendment, to the consti- 
tution of the United States, for the abolition of 
slavery, settles that question virtually, and 
meets our hearty approval. 

10. We are opposed to any further amend- 
ments to the constitution of the United States 
until all the States are represented in Congress, 
and have a vote in making the same. 

11. We are in favor of a strict adherence to 
the Monroe doctrine, and extend to all people 
struggling to preserve nationality and liberty 
our warmest sympathy. 

12. All officers entrusted with the manage- 
ment of funds should be held to a strict account- 
ability for the faithful application of the same, 
and in case of the defalcation or misuse of such 
funds, they should not be permitted to evade 
responsibility by implicating irresponsible agents 
selected by themselves. Any party that counte- 
nances such evasion becomes accessory to the 
crime. 

The Democratic convention assembled 
July 11th at DesMoines. No Democratic 
candidates were selected, save for two 
offices, the committee on nominations 
recommending that the convention nomi- 
nate candidates for Clerk and Reporter of 



f 



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173 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



the Supreme Court, and "that we recom- 
mend and will co-operate with the conser- 
vative element of the Republican party in 
their efforts to restore the Union and de- 
feat radical disunion ism, and for that 
purpose hereby agree to support their 
candidates." 

The convention named Capt. Albert 
Stoddard for Clerk of the Supreme Court, 
and Capt. Fred. Gottschalk for Reporter. 
The following resolutions were adopted: 

Resolved, That the Democracy of Iowa will 
adhere in the present and the future, as in the 
past, with unfaltering fidelity and firmness to 
the organization of the Democratic party, and to 
its ancient and well settled principles, as enunci- 
ated by Thomas Jefferson, the great apostle of 
American Democracy, and as acknowledged and 
accepted by the party from, the foundation of 
the government, and especially of equal taxa- 
tion and representation of all the States subject 
to taxation. 

8. That the one great question of the day is 
the immediate and unconditional restoration of 
all the States to the exercise of their rights 
within the federal Union under the constitution, 
and that we will cordially and actively support 
Andrew Johnson, President of the United 
States, in all necessary and proper means to 
carry out his policy as directed to that end, and 
especially in securing immediate representation 
in the Senate and House of Representatives, to 
the eleven States from which it is now unconsti- 
tutionally aud arbitrarily withheld. 

3. That for the purposes above set forth we 
will co-operate in public meeting, conventions 
and at the polls with all men without reference 
to past party position, who honestly, and by 
their acts and votes as well as by their profes- 
sion, support the President in his policy of res- 
toration as declared. 

4. That the exemption of United States 
bonds from tax is nothing else than exemption 
of rich men from tax, because they are rich, 
and they tax the poor man because he is poor. 



Hence, justice and equality require that said 
bonds should be taxed. 

5. That strict and impartial justice demands 
that the expenses of the general government as 
well as the State governments should be paid by 
the people according to their ability and not ac- 
cording to their necessities. Hence we are 
opposed now, as in the past, to the high tariff 
which tends to burden the producer for the ben- 
efit of the manufacturer. 

6. That the so-called Maine liquor law is in- 
consistent with the genius of a free people, and 
unjust and burdensome in its operations. It 
has vexed and harrassed the citizens, burdened 
the counties with expenses, and proved wholly 
useless in the suppression of intemperance. 
The opinion of this convention is that the same 
ought to be repealed. 

7. That the plunder of the State treasury, by 
Governor Stone and accomplices, calls for the 
condemnation of every honest man in the State, 
and if the radicals of the last Legislature had 
been true to the interests of the people, they 
would not have labored to save the criminals, 
hut would have piosecuted them to a speedy 
and condign punishment. 

8. That we are in favor of a prompt and 
effective enforcement of the Monroe doctrine, 
and we heartily sympathize with the people of 
every country struggling for their liberties. 

9. That we approve of the National Union 
Convention to be held at Philadelphia on the 
14th of next month; that we approve of the 
principles and policy set forth in the address of 
the Democratic members of Congress, urging the 
Democracy of the nation to unite with the 
objects of that convention. 

10. That the memory of the brave officers 
aud soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the 
Union during the recent rebellion, is embalmed 
in the hearts of the American people, ami that 
justice, as well as humanity, demands at the 
hands of the American people that the widows 
and orphans of those who died in the Union 
service shall be duly provided for by liberal 
pensions; that there shall be an equalization of 
bounty so that those who breasted the war at 



J hr 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



179 



the start shall share the equal pecuniary mu- 
nificence of those who entered the uriny at a 
later date. 

11. That we most cordially sympathize with 
the movement now being made by the friends 
of Ireland to obtain the independence of that 
glorious country from under the yoke of English 
tyranny, and that we bid them God speed in the 
noble work, and hope that the subject of the 
independence of Inland will continue to be agi- 
tated until the Emerald Isle shall stand out in 
full and bold relief on the map of the world as 
one of the independent nations of the earth. 

On Secretary of State the official vote 
was as follows: 

Ed. Wright, Rep 91,227—35,373 

G. G VanAnda, Dern 55,854 

In 1867 the Republicans met in conven- 
tion at DesMoines, June 19th. They 
nominated for Governor, Col. Saml. Mer- 
rill; Lieutenant-Governor, Col. Jno. Scott; 
Judge of Supreme Court, Hon. J. M. Beck; 
Attorney-General, Maj. Henry O'Connor; 
Superintendent Public Instruction, Prof. 
1). Franklin Wells. The following is the 
platform adopted by the convention: 

1. That we again proclaim it as a cardinal 
principle of our political faith that all men are 
equal before the law, and we are in favor of such 
amendments to the constitution of the State of 
Iowa as will secure the rights of the ballot, the 
protection of the law and equal rights to all 
men, irrespective of color, race or religion. 

2. That we approve of the military recon- 
struction acts passed by the 39th and 40th Con- 
gress. The illiberal construction by unfriendly 
officials depriving these acts of their energy and 
vitality, we demand that Congress assemble in 
July to carry out by additional enactments the 
true and original intent of said acts, the restora- 
tion of the rebel States upon a sure and loyal 
basis. 

3. That the promt trial and punishment, 
according to law, of the head of the late rebel- 
lion, for his infamous crimes, is imperatively 



demanded for the vindication of the constitu- 
tion and the laws, and for the proper punish- 
ment of the highest crimes, it is demanded by 
justice, honor and a proper regard for the pro- 
tection of American citizenship, and by a due 
regard for the welfare and future safety of the 
republic, and it is due not only to the dignity of 
the nation, but in justice to the loyal people who 
have been so heroic in tbcir devotion to the 
cause of the constitution, the Union and liberty, 
and to the soldiers of the Union who survive 
and the memory of the heroic dead. 

4. That we are in favor of the strictest 
economy in the expenditures of public money, 
and that we demand at the hands of all officials, 
both State and national, a faithful and rigidly 
honest administration of public affairs. 

5. That the Republican members of the Con- 
gress of the United States are entitled to the 
thanks of the nation for their firmness in resist- 
ing the conspiracy to turn over the control of 
the government to the hands of traitors and 
their allies, and defeating the purpose of a cor- 
rupt Executive, and thus sustaining the interests 
of liberty, in a great and dangerous crisis in our 
history. 

The Democracy were in convention July 
26th, and nominated the following ticket: 
Governor, Charles MaBon ; Lieutenant- 
Governor, D. M. Harris; Supreme Judge, 
J. H. Craig; Attorney-General, W. T. 
Baker; Superintendent Public Instruction, 
M. L. Fisher. The platform adopted by 
the convention was as follows: 

Resolved, That the maintenance, inviolate, of 
the rights of the States, especially the rights of 
each State to order and control its own institu- 
tions according to its own judgment exclusively, 
is esseutial to that balance of power on which 
the perfection and endurance of our political 
fabric depends. 

2. That we believe each State has the right 
to regulate the elective franchises for itself, and, 
as citizens of the State of Iowa, are opposed to 
striking the word "white" out of our State con- 
stitution. 



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180 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



3. That the existing tariff laws are unjust 
and heavily burdensome to the agricultural 
Stales, without being of a corresponding benefit 
to the government, and only of advantage to a 
few manufacturing States, and should be re- 
pealed or greatly modified. 

4 That all classes of property should pay a 
proportionate rate toward defraying the ex- 
penses of the government. We are therefore in 
favor of taxing government bonds the same as 
other property. 

5. That we are in favor of repealing the pres- 
ent liquor law of this State, and Iu favor of 
enacting a well regulated license law in lieu 
thereof. 

6. That we are in favor of an amendment to 
the constitution of our State giving to foreigners 
the elective franchise after they have declared 
their intention of becoming citizens of the United 
States, and have resided in the State one year. 

7. That we demand of our public officers in 
the State of Iowa and in the United States the 
strictest economy in order to reduce the present 
burdensome taxation, and we denounce in the 
severest terms the profligacy, corruption and 
knavery of our State officers and Congressmen. 

8. That the denial of representation to ten 
States in the Union, through odious military 
reconstruction, in violation to the constitution, 
should meet the unqualified oppostion of every 
good citizen. 

On Governor the official vote was as fol- 
lows: 

Samuel Merrill, Rep 90,200—27,240 

Charles Mason, Dem 62,960 

The year 1868 brought with it another 
Presidential campaign. Ulysses S. Grant 
wasthe Republican nominee for President, 
and Horatio Seymour that of the Demo- 
crats. In Iowa the campaign was opened 
by the Republicans, who nominated the 
following ticket : Secretary of State, Ed. 
Wright; Auditor of State, John A. Elli- 
ott; Treasurer of State, Maj. Samuel E. 



Rankin; Register of State Land Office, 
Col. C. C. Carpenter; Attorney-General, 
Major Henry O'Connor. The following 
platform was adopted : 

We, the delegates and representatives of the 
Republican party of Iowa, in convention assem- 
bled, do, for ourselves and party, resolve — 

1. That it is as important that the principles 
of the Republican party should control, in the 
administration of the State and nation now, and 
for the future, as at any time since that party's 
organization; and that the restoration to power, 
under any pretext or any form of party organi- 
zation of the men who would again apply the 
principles and policy of the pro-slavery party 
before and during the war, to the present and 
future administration of State and national 
affairs, would be an evil of the greatest magni- 
tude, and full of danger to the country. 

2. That, while we recognize the fact that the 
electors of Iowa are to act individually and 
directly upon the proposed amendment to the 
constitution of the State; and while we recog- 
nize that the principles embodied in said amend- 
ment are more sacred than party ties, and above 
all consideration of mere party policy, never- 
theless we deem it proper to again proclaim it 
as a cardinal principle of our political faith, that 
all men are equal before the law, and we are in 
favor of the proposed amendment of the consti- 
tution of the State of Iowa, which will secure 
the rights of the ballot, the protection of the 
law, and equal justice to all men irrespective of 
color, race or religion 

8. That we demand the strictest economy in 
the administration ot our State and national 
government. 

4. That we are in favor of the nomination of 
U. S. Grant as our candidate for President, and 
as a guarantee of his life and safety as well as 
that of the nation, our delegates are especially 
enjoined to secure, as our candidate for Vice- 
President, a Republican of unswerving fidelity 
and unimpeachable integrity. 

5. That the views, purposes and principles of 
the Republican organization of Iowa has ever 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



181 



been well defined, understood and sustained, arid 
we are resolved that the Republican standard 
shall never be lowered or compromised; that on 
the battle-field, at the polls, and in the councils 
of the nation, Iowa has ever been radically in 
earnest in fighting for and maintaining our lib 
erty, our Union, the rights of man and the honor 
and integrity of the nation; and that we expect 
and demand of the national convention to as- 
semble at Chicago on the 20th inst., an unequiv- 
ocal avowal of our principles, and upon such 
platform we propose to meet and overwhelm our 
political opponents. 

The Democracy met at DesMoines and 
made nominations as follows : Secretary 
of State, David Hammer, Register of Land 
Office, A. D. Anderson; Treasurer of State, 
L. McCarty; Auditor of State, H. Dun- 
lavey; Attorney-General, J. E. William- 
son. They also adopted the following res- 
olutions : 

Resolved, By the Democracy of Iowa, in con- 
vention assembled, that the reconstruction policy 
of Congress is unconstitutional and destructive 
of the spirit of American liberty, and, if carried 
out, will inevitably result in a permanent mili- 
tary despotism. 

2. That the present depressed condition of 
the country, with its prostrated business, para- 
lyzed industry, oppressive taxation and political 
anarchy, are the direct results of the unwise and 
unconstitutional legislation of the dominant 
party in Congress. 

8. That it is the avowed object of the Con- 
gressional policy to continue in power the most 
venal and corrupt political party that ever dis- 
honored any civilization; a policy vindictively 
enacted and mercilessly prosecuted, with the 
unconstitutional purpose of centralizing and 
perpetuating all the political power of the gov- 
ernment in the dominant radical party in Con- 
gress. 

4. That for the maintenance of the national 
credit, we pledge the honor of the Democracy of 
Iowa; but that we will unalterably oppose that 
policy which opposes to pay the rich man in 



gold and the poor man in depreciated currency; 
and that we believe that the currency which is 
good enough to pay the soldier, the widow and 
the orphan, is good enough for the bondholder; 
and that the bonds of the government, which 
are made payable on their face in "lawful 
money," popularly known as greenbacks, having 
been purchased with that kind of money, may 
be justly and honorably redeemed with the 
same; and it is the duty of the government to 
pay them off as rapidly as they become due, or 
the financial safety of the couDtry will permit. 

5. That the national bank system, organized 
in the interest of the bondholders, ought to be 
abolished, and the United States notes substi- 
tuted in lieu of a national bank currency, thus 
saving to the people, in interest alone, more than 
$18,000,000 annually; and until such system of 
banks shall be abolished, we demand that the 
shares of such banks in Iowa shall be subject to 
the same taxes, State and municipal, as other 
property of the State. 

6. That it is the duty of the United States to 
protect all citizens, whether native or natural- 
ized, in every right, at home and abroad, without 
the pretended claim of foreign nations to per- 
petuate allegiance. 

7. That we are in favor of the repeal of the 
prohibitory liquor law, and of the enactment of 
a judicious license law in its stead. 

8. That we are opposed to conferring the 
right of suffrage upon the negroes in Iowa, and 
we deny the right of the general government to 
interfere with the question of suffrage in any of 
the States of the Union. 

9. That the soldiers of Iowa, in the recent 
great revolution, exhibited a spirit of patriotism, 
courage and endurance, under great privation 
and sufferings, that have won for them the ad- 
miration of the nation, and entitle them to the 
kind recollection of their countrymen and the 
aid of a graceful government. 

10. That Hon. Geo. H. Pendleton, of Ohio, is 
the first choice of the Democracy of Iowa for 
President of the United States. 

On Secretary of State, the official vote 
stood as follows: 



T>PV 






182 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Ed. Wright, Rep 120,265-45,801 

David Hammer, Dem 74,464 

The Republicans, in 1869, re-nominated 
Samuel Merrill for Governor; . — Waldon 
for Lieutenant-Governor; John F. Dillon 
for Supreme Judge; A. S. Kissell for 
Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
They adopted the following resolutions: 

Resolved, That we heartily endorse the admin- 
istration of Governor Merrill as economical and 
honest, and that it deserves, as it has received, 
the hearty approval of the people of Iowa. 

2. That we unite upon a continuance of strict 
and close economy in all departments of our 
State government in behalf of the maintenance 
of the happy financial condition to which our 
State has attained under Republican rule. 

3. That the means now in the State treasury, 
and which may become available, ought to be 
issued for the purpose of defraying the neces- 
sary expenditures of the State government, 
economically administered, and for no other 
purpose; and no State taxes, or only the mini- 
mum absolutely required, should be levied or 
collected until such means are exhausted, to the 
end that the burden of taxation may be made as 
light as possible. 

4. That we rejoice in the glorious national 
victory of 1868, which has brought peace, happi- 
ness and prosperity to our nation; and we 
heartily endorse the administration of General 
Grant. 

6. That the public expenditures of the na- 
tional government should be reduced to the 
lowest sum which can be reached by a system of 
the most rigid economy; that no money should 
be taken from the national treasury for any 
work of internal improvements, or for the erec- 
tion of any public buildings not clearly neces- 
sary to be made or erected, until the national 
debt is paid or greatly reduced. That all the 
money that can be saved from the national 
revenue, honestly collected, should be applied 
to the reduction of the national debt, to the end 
that the people may be relieved of the burthen 
of taxation :;s rapidly as practicable. 



6. That we endorse and approve the policy 
which the present Secretary of the Treasury of 
the United States has pursued. 

The Democrats placed in nomination 
the following ticket: Governor, George 
Gillespie; Lieutenant-Governor, A. P. 
Richardson; Judge of the Supreme Court, 
W.F. Brannan; Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, Edward Jaeger. They, also, 
adopted as a platform the following: 

Whereas, Upon the eve of a political canvass, 
the time-honored usage of our party requires that 
a platform of principles be announced for the 
government of those who may be elected to of- 
fice; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Democratic party view with 
alarm the action of an unscrupulous majority in 
Congress, in its attempt to absorb the powers of 
the executive and judicial departments of the 
government, and to annihilate the rights and 
functions reserved to the State governments. 

2. That we favor a reform in the national 
banking system, looking to an ultimate abolition 
of that pernicious plan for the aggrandizement 
of the few at the expense of the many. 

3. That now, as in time past, we are opposed 
to a high protective tariff, and that we will use 
every effort to prevent and defeat that system of 
national legislation which will enrich a small 
class of manufacturers, at the expense of the 
great mass of producers and consumers, and that 
we are in favor of such reforms in our tariff system 
as shall promote commerce with every nation of 
the world. 

4. That the pretended trial, conviction and 
execution of persons not in the military or naval 
service of the United States, by military commis- 
sion, is in direct conflict with the constitution, 
and we denounce the same as unworthy of a free 
people, and disgraceful to the American govern- 
ment. 

5. That we demand no more, and will submit 
to nothing less than the settlement of the Ala- 
bama claims according to the recognized rules 
of international law, and that we declare it to be 



S k_ 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



183 



the duty of the government to protect every cit- 
izen, whether naturalized or native, in every right 
of liberty and property throughout the world, 
without the pretended claims of foreign nations 
to their allegiance. 

6. That we are in favor of, and insist on, an 
economical administration of the national and 
State governments, that the people may be as 
speedily as possible relieved from the load of 
taxation with which they are now oppressed, 
and that public officers should be held to a strict 
accountability to the people for their official 
acts. 

7. That a national debt is a national curse, 
and that while we favor the payment of the 
present indebtedness according to the strict let- 
ter of the contract, we would rather repudiate 
the same than see it made the means for the 
establishment of an empire upon the ruins of 
constitutional law and liberty. 

8. That in the opinion of this convention the 
so-called Maine liquor law, which now disgraces 
the statute books of the State of Iowa, ought to 
be repealed at the earliest possible moment. 

The campaign of 1870 was short, the 
first convention being held by the Demo 
crats at DesMoines, August 10. The 
nominations made were as follows: Sec- 
retary of State, Charles Doerr; Auditor of 
State, Wesley W. Garner; Treasurer of 
State, William C. James; Attorney-Gen- 
eral, H. M. Martin; Register of State Land 
Office, D. F. Ellsworth; Reporter of the 
Supreme Court, C. H. Bane; Clerk of the 
Supreme Court, William McLenan; Judge 
of the Supreme Court, long term, J. C. 
Knapp; Judge of the Supreme Court, to 
fill the vacancy occasioned by the resig- 
nation of Judge Dillon, P. Henry Smythe; 
Judge of the Supreme Court to fill the va- 
cancy occasioned by the resignation of 
Judge Wright, Reuben Noble. They 
adopted the following platform: 

The representatives of the Democracy of Iowa, 
coming together in a spirit of toleration and de- 



votion to the doctrines of representative govern- 
ment, and relying for final success upon public 
discussion and the intelligence and patriotism of 
the people, deem the present convention a fitting 
occasion to proclaim the following as the prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party of Iowa: 

Resolved, That the internal revenue system of 
the United States is unendurable in its oppres- 
sive exactions; that to impose burdens upon one 
class of citizens, or upon one branch of industry, 
to build up another, and to support an army of 
office-holders to enforce their collection, is an 
abuse of the taxing power, and that we are in 
favor of the collection of all taxes through State 
government. 

2. That we are opposed to the present unjust 
and unequal tariff system, and in favor of one 
which, while adapted to the purpose of raising 
the necessary revenue to provide for the liquida- 
tion of our national indebtedness, to meet the 
expenditures of an economical administration, 
will not oppress labor and build up monopolies. 

3. That we are in favor of such disposition 
of our public lands as will secure their occupa- 
tion by actual settlers, and prevent their absorp- 
tion by mammoth corporations. 

4. That we assert the right of the people by 
legislative enactment, to tax, regulate, and con- 
trol all moneyed corporations upon which extra- 
ordinary rights are conferred by charters. 

5. That we are opposed to any attempt to 
abridge the most full and free enjoyment of 
civil and religious liberty. 

6. That we cordially invite the electors of 
Iowa to co-operate with us in the support of the 
principles herein enunciated. 

The Republicans met one week later 
than the Democrats, and nominated for 
Supreme Judge, full term, C. C. Cole; Su- 
preme Judge, Dillon vacancy, W. E. Mil- 
ler; Supreme Judge, Wright vacancy, Jas. 
G. Day; Secretary of State, Ed. Wright; 
Auditor, John Russell; Treasurer, S. E. 
Kaiikin; Register of Land Office, Aaron 
Brown; Attorney-General, Henry O'Con- 
ner; Reporter of the Supreme Court, E. 



a i- 



184 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



H. Stiles; Clerk of Supreme Court, Chas. 
Linderman. The following are the reso- 
lutions adopted by the Republican conven- 
tion : 

Resolved, That we refer with pride to the his- 
tory of the Republican party, and congratulate 
the country upon its successful career. It has 
given to the poor man a homestead; it has abol- 
ished slavery, and established manhood suffrage; 
crushed treason, and given to us the Pacific rail- 
road; settled the doctrine of the right of expa- 
triation, maintained the honor, integrity and 
credit of our nation. It has vindicated the 
Monroe doctrine by preventing foreign powers 
from interfering with the government on this 
continent; and to perpetuate it in power is the 
only safe guaranty for peace and prosperity in 
the future. 

2. That we heartily endorse the honest, faith- 
ful, and economical adrninstration of General 
Grant, by which our national debt has become 
so largely reduced, and our national credit and 
honor so firmly maintained. 

3. That a tariff for revenue is indispensable, 
and should be so adjusted as not to become pre- 
judicial to the industrial interests of any class 
or section of the country, while securing to our 
home products fair competition with foreign 
capital and labor. 

4. That we are opposed to any system or 
plan of granting public lands to railroad or 
other corporations without ample provision 
being made to secure their speedy sale at 
moderate prices, and occupancy upon fair and 
liberal terms by any and all who desire to pur- 
chase and settle upon them. 

5. That we are in favor of an economical 
and judicious management of the affairs of the 
State, and with this view we endorse the present 
administration of the State government, and 
commend it to the favorable consideration of 
the people and to future adminstrations. 

6. That we are in favor of such legislation as 
will protect the people from the oppression of 
monopolies controlled by and in the interest of 
corporations. 



7. That while, as Americans, we feel in duty 
bound to preserve a strict neutrality in the con- 
test now waging in Europe, yet we cannot forget 
that in our late war the sympathies and material 
aid of the German states were freely given us, 
and we do not hesitate to declare our unqualified 
sympathy with the earnest efforts of the Germans 
to maintain and defend their national unity; and 
we condemn the course which the Democratic 
press of the country has been and is now pursu- 
ing in the support of a despotic, imperial dynasty, 
and a causeless war against a people desiring 
peace, and aspiring to perfect liberty. 

8. That the Republican party of Iowa wel- 
come to our shores all human beings of every 
nation, irrespective of race or color, voluntarily 
seeking a home in our midst; and all the rights 
and privileges which we, as citizens, demand for 
ourselves, we will freely accord to them. 

9. That we are in favor of amending our 
naturalization laws by striking out the word 
"white" from the same, wherever it occurs. 

The official vote on Secretary of State 
was as follows: 

Ed. Wright, Rep 101,938—11,433 

Charles Dorr, Dem..... 60,505 

In 1871 the Democrats were again first 
in the field, assembling in convention at 
DesMoines, June 14th, and nominated for 
Governor, J. C. Kuapp; Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, M. M. Ham; Supreme Judge, John 
F. Duncombe; Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, Edward M. Munn. They 
adopted the following platform: 

Resolved, That we recognize our binding obli- 
gation to the constitution of the United Slates, 
as it now exists, without reference to the means 
by which the same became the supreme law of 
the land. 

2. That we will faithfully support the consti- 
tution of the United States, as it now exists, and 
that we demand for it a strict construction so as 
to protect equally the rights of States and indi- 
viduals. 

3. That we cherish the American system of 
State and local governments, and that we 






Tv 



££■ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



is;. 



will forever defend the same against the central- 
ized federal power. 

4. That universal suffrage, having been estab- 
lished, should now be coupled with its twin 
measure, universal amnesty. 

5. That we denounce all riotous combinations 
aud conspiracies against law, and demand that 
the same be suppressed by the proper State 
authorities, and that the federal power ought not 
to intervene unless such intervention is de- 
manded by the State authorities. 

6. That the proposed annexation of the Do- 
minican republic meets with our earnest oppo- 
sition, partly on account of the character of the 
mongrel population, and that of their unfitness 
to become American citizens, but more especially 
on account of the corrupt motives in which that 
measure had its inception, and of the reprehen- 
sible meaus by which it was sought to be con- 
summated. 

7. That while we have a tariff on imports, it 
must be regulated with an eye single to revenue, 
and not with a view to what is called protection, 
•which is only another name for the legalized 
plundering of one industry to bestow favors 
upon another; and that the recent election to 
the United States Senate, by the Legislature of 
Iowa, of a man wholly and openly committed to 
a protective tariff, demonstrates that the party 
in power are in antagonism to the great agricul- 
tural interests of the State. 

8. That the profligate corruption and wanton 
extravagance which pervade every department of 
the federal government, the sacrifice of the inter- 
est of the laborer to aggrandize a handful of aris- 
tocrats, the wicked deprivation of the people of 
their rightful heritage to public lands, which have 
been made a gift to railroad and other monopo- 
lists, the payment of more than $20,000,000 prem- 
ium during the administration of President 
Grant on government bonds, payable at par, the 
maintenance, at an annual cost to the people of 
nearly $30,000,000, of an unconstitutional, op- 
pressive and extortionate system of banking, 
whereby money is made scarce and interest 
high, are abuses which call for wise and thor- 
ough remedies. 



9. That we are in favor of strict economy, of 
a large reduction in the expenditures of the 
federal and State governments, of civil service 
reform, of the collection of the internal revenue 
by State authorities and return to honest labor 
the myriads of tax-gatherers who inflict our land 
and eat up its substance, and of the speedy trial, 
conviction and punishment of the thieves who 
have stolen the taxes paid by the people. 

10. That it is a flagrant outrage on the rights of 
the free laborers and mechanics of Iowa, that 
the labor of penitentiary convicts should be 
brought into conflict with theirs, and that it is 
the duty of the next Legislature to enact such 
laws as will certainly and effectually protect 
them from such unjust and ruinous competition. 

11. That section 2, article 8, of the constitu 
tion of Iowa, which declares that "the property 
of all corporations for pecuniary profit shall be 
subject to taxation the same as that of individ- 
uals," should be rigidly and strictly enforced, 
and that by virtue thereof we demand that rail- 
roads and railroad property shall be taxed the 
same as the farmer and the mechanic ate taxed, 
and we affirm the right of the people, by legis- 
lative enactment, to regulate and control all cor- 
porations doing business within the borders of 
the State. 

12. That with the watchword of reform we 
confidently go to the country; that we believe 
the interests of the great body of the people are 
thesame; that without regard to the past political 
associations they are the friends of free govern- 
ment; that they are equally honest, brave and 
patriotic, and we appeal to them, as to our 
brothers and countrymen, to aid us to obtain 
relief from the grievous abuses which wrong 
and oppress every one except the wrong doers 
and oppressors themselves. 

The Republicans met at DesMoines, 
June 21st, and placed the following ticket 
in nomination: Governor, C. C. Carpen- 
ter; Lieutenant-Governor, H. C. Bulis; 
Judge of Supreme Court, J. G. Day; Su- 
perintendent Public Instruction, Alonzo 



> "^V 



1 



186 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



Abernethy. The platform adopted by the 
convention was as follows: 

Resolved, That we refer with pride to the his- 
tory of the Republican party, and congratulate 
the people of the country upon its successful 
career. It has given to the poor man a home- 
stead; it has abolished slavery aud established 
manhood suffrage; crushed treason, and given 
us a continental railway; settled the doctrine of 
the right of expatriation; maintained the honor, 
integrity and credit of the nation; has vindi- 
cated the Monroe doctrine by preventing foreign 
powers from interfering with the governments 
of this continent, and to perpetuate it in power 
is the only guaranty for peace and prosperity in 
the future. 

2. That we heartily congratulate the country 
upon the settlement of our vexed and dangerous 
controversies with the government of Great Brit- 
ain, and especially upon the just aud Christian 
spirit and manner in which these controversies 
have been settled. 

3. That while we favor a just and reasonable 
degree of protection to all branches of American 
industry against foreign competition, we are 
unalterably opposed to any system of legislation 
which favors one section of the country or de- 
partment of industrial enterprise at the expense 
of another, and therefore advocate such protec- 
tion only as a fairly adjusted revenue tariff will 
afford. 

4. That we are in favor of a uniform system 
of taxation, so that all property within the limits 
of the States, whether of individuals or corpo- 
rations, for pecuniary profit, shall bear its just 
share of the public burdens. 

5. That, believing that all corporations doing 
business within the limits of this State are right- 
fully subject to the control of the people, we are 
in favor of so providing, by proper legislative 
enactment, as to effectually prevent monopoly 
and extortion on the part of railroads and other 
corporations. 

6. That we are in favor of extending the 
blessings of civil and religious liberty to the 
human race everywhere, and therefore, when- 



ever it shall be made manifest that the people 
of San Domingo so desire annexation to the 
United States, for the purpose of enjoying the 
benefits which such relation would afford them, 
we shall favor the earnest and intelligent con- 
sideration of this question by the treaty-making 
power of the government. 

7. That, as agriculture is the basis of pros- 
perity of this State, we recognize its pre-emi- 
nent claims for support, by legislation or other- 
wise, as may be necessary to secure full devel- 
opment of our highly-favored State. 

8. That we are for such a modification of our 
revenue system as will, at as early a day as pos- 
sible, relieve the pressure of our internal reve- 
nue laws, and reduce, as far as praticable, the 
expenses of collecting the taxes. 

9. That we cordially approve and earnestly 
endorse the eminently wise, patriotic, and eco- 
nomical administration of President Grant, and 
heartily commend it to the favorable considera- 
tion of the country. 

10. That we are opposed to any system or 
plan of granting public lauds to railroads or 
other corporations without ample provision be- 
ing made for securing their speedy sale at a 
moderate price, and occupancy, upon fair and 
liberal terms, to any and all who desire to pur- 
chase and settle upon them. 

11. That we are in favor of an economical 
and judicious management of the affairs of the 
State, and, with this view, we endorse the 
present administration of the State govern- 
ment. 

The official vote on Governor was as 
follows: 

C. C. Carpenter, Rep 109,223-^1,029 

J. C. Knapp, Dem 68,199 

During Grant's first administration new 
issues were formed, and a new movement 
sprung up, known as the Leberal Republi- 
cans. This party placed in nomination 
Horace Greeley for President and B. Gratz 
Brown for Vice President. The Demo- 
crats, meeting in convention shortly after 



W 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



187 



the nomination of Greeley, ratified the 
nomination and adopted the Liberal Re- 
publican platform. The disaffection was 
so great among Democrats that Charles 
O'Connor was placed in nomination, as a 
regular Democrat, for the office of Presi- 
dent. Gen. Grant was re-nominated by 
the Republicans, with Henry Wilson for 
Vice-President. In Iowa the Democrats 
and Liberal Republicans met in convention 
August 1, 1872, at DesMoines, and agreed 
upon the following ticket, of which two 
candidates were Democrats and three 
Republicans: Secretary of State, Dr. 
E. A. Guilbert; Treasurer, M. S. Rohlfs; 
Auditor, J. P. Cassady; Attorney-General, 
A. G. Case; Register of State Land Office, 
Jacob Butler. The two conventions also 
adopted the following platform: 

Resolved, That we approve of and endorse the 
action of the late Democratic convention at 
Baltimore, in placing in nomination Horace 
Greeley for President and B. Gratz Brown for 
Vice-President, and we adopt its platform and 
principles. 

2. Th:it in the State ticket this day presented 
by the joint action of the Democratic and Liberal 
Slate conventions, we recognize citizens of in- 
tegrity, worth and ability, whose election would 
best subserve the interests of the State, and to 
whom we pledge our undivided and cordial 
support. 

The Republican convention met August 
21 and nominated, for Secretary of State, 
Josiah T.Young; Auditor, John Russell; 
Treasurer, Wm. Christy; Register of State 
Land Office, Aaron Brown; Attorney-Gen- 
eral, M. E. Cutts. The following platform 
was also adopted r 

The representatives of the Republican party 
of the State of Iowa, assembled in State conven 
tion on the 21st day of August, A. D. 1872, 
declare their unceasing faith in the principles 



and platform adopted by the National Republi- 
can convention at Philadelphia, on the 6th day 
of June. 1872, and with honest pride refer to the 
history of the party in this State and nation, and 
announces an abiding faith in its present integ- 
rity and future supremacy. Under the control 
of this organization, a gigantic rebellion has 
been crushed, four millions of slaves not only 
released from bondage, but elevated to all the 
rights and duties of citizenship; freedom of 
speech has been secured, the national credit 
sustained; the taxes reduced, and the commer- 
cial interests of the whole country nurtured and 
protected, producing a condition of individual 
and national prosperity heretofore unequaled. 
So marked, decisive and unmistakable has been 
the judgment of the people of this country that 
the maintenance of the principles of the Repub- 
lican party are the only true guaranty of national 
prosperity and national security throughout the 
country; that at last the Democratic party have 
nominally abandoned the principles which they 
have . heretofore maintained, and announced 
their adhesion to the principles of the Republi- 
can party, and are endeavoring to steal into 
power by nominating recent Republicans. But 
with full confidence of our glorious triumph in 
the present campaign, both in this State and the 
nation, we hereby reiterate and re affirm the great 
principles that have governed and controlled the 
Republican party in the past, and pledge to the 
people their maintenance in the future. 

Resolved, That the nomination of our present 
able, earnest and incorruptible Chief Magistrate, 
Ulysses S. Grant, for re-election to the Piesl- 
dency of the United States, and of Henry Wilson, 
of Massachusetts, for Vice-President, meets our 
unqualified and hearty approval. 

2. That we are in favor of the most rigid 
economy in the administration of the affairs of 
this State and the nation. 

3. That we are opposed to any legislation, 
State or national, that tends to unjustly dis- 
criminate between individual interest and that 
of corporations, believing that property, whether 
held by individuals or corporations, should b( ar 
their equal and just portion of the public bur- 
dens. 



<a i^ 



^v 



188 



HISTORY OP IOWA. 



4. That we are opposed to all further grants 
of land to railroad or other corporations, and the 
public domain which is the common heritage of 
the people of this country should be sacredly 
held by the government for the use and benefit 
of actual and bona fide settlers. 

6. That we hereby endorse the recommenda- 
tion of General Grant, that emigrants be pro- 
tected by national legislation, and that all efforts 
on the part of the government of the State or 
nation to encourage emigration from foreign 
countries meet our approval; and we hereby 
commend the labors of the officers of the State 
in their efforts to encourage and secure emigra- 
tion to this State. 

6. That we cordially endorse the nominations 
made by this convention, and pledge to the 
nominees our hearty, active and earnest support. 

A " straight " Democratic convention 
was held at DesMoines, September 8th, 
which adopted the following platform, 
and placed in nomination a ticket-: 

Resolved, That the coalition ef office hunters 
at Cincinnati and Baltimore, whereby Horace 
Greeley, a life- long, mischievous and unchanged 
Republican, was presented as Democratic candi- 
date for Presidency, merits the condemnation of 
every honest elector, and we repudiate the same 
on behalf of the unpurchasable Democracy of 
the State of Iowa. 

2. That, with Chas. O'Connor and the Louis- 
ville National Convention, we believe that 
Horace Greeley, above all other living Ameri- 
cans, is the recognized champion of the pernic- 
ious system of government. Intermeddling 
with those concerns of society which, under 
judicious laws of State enactment, should be 
left to individual action, and as such, he cannot 
consistently or safely receive the vote of any 
Democrat. 

3. With the Louisville convention, we also 
believe that the principles of the dual Republi- 
can party, one faction of which is led by Grant 
and the other by Greeley, are inimical to consti 
tutional free government, and hostile to the fun- 
damental basis of our union of co-ordinate self- 



governing States, and that the policies of said 
dual party are in practice demoralizing to the 
public service, oppressive upon the labor of the 
people, and subversive of the highest interests 
of the country. 

4. That we will act upon the advice of said 
convention, and for national regeneration will 
form political associations, independent of either 
branch of said dual party, and nominate and sup- 
port, in the approaching fall elections, State and 
district candidates who are in harmony with said 
convention, and who are opposed to all the prin- 
ciples, policies and practices of said dual party; 
that we heartily endorse all the proceedings of 
the Louisville national convention, and pledge 
to its nominees, Charles O'Connor and John 
Quincy Adams, our most cordial support. 

6. That the supposed availability of Horace 
Greeley, as a coalition candidate, upon which 
alone his name found any support, having 
already signally failed, it becomes the duty of 
the Baltimore delegates to formally withdraw 
from the lists a name which so manifestly fore- 
dooms the national Democratic party, with all 
its hopes and aspirations, to meritable and dis- 
honorable defeat. 

6. That the alacrity with which the Demo- 
cratic press of Iowa, with one honorable excep- 
tion, has championed the corrupt Greeley con- 
spiracy, presents the most scandalous defection 
in all our political history, amidst which the 
sturdy devotion to sound principle, exhibited by 
the Audubon county Sentinel and the Chicago 
Times, is especially gratifying, and we there- 
fore urge upon the Democracy of Iowa a deter- 
mined effort to give the Times and Sentinel an 
extensive circulation throughout the entire 
State, and such other reliable Democratic jour- 
nals as may be hereafter established. 

7. That it is the sentiment of this convention 
that we proceed to nominate a full O'Connor and 
Adams electoral ticket and substitute Demo- 
cratic names on the State ticket, Where Repub- 
licans have been placed in lieu thereof, and that 
we suggest that where Republicans have bten 
nominated for Congress by the so called Demo- 
crats and Liberals in the several Congressional 



I> 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



189 



districts, that Democrats in favor of the Louis- 
ville nominations be substituted in their stead 
by the several Congressional districts. 

The following State ticket was nomi- 
nated by the convention: Secretary of 
State, L. S. Parvin, who subsequently de- 
clined and Charles Baker was substituted; 
Treasurer, D. B. Beers; Auditor, J. P. 
Cassady; Attorney-General, A. G. Case; 
Register of Land Office, Dave Sheward. 
The following is the official vote on Sec- 
retary of State: 

J. T. Young, Rep 132,859—67,862 

E. A. Guilbert, Lib. andDem 74,497 

D. B. Beers, straight Dem 1,323 

The Republican State Convention for 
1873 met at DesMoines, June 25, and 
nominated, for Governor, C. C. Carpenter; 
Lieutenant - Governor, Joseph Dysart; 
Judge of Supreme Court, J. M. Beck; 
Supt. of Public Instruction, Alonzo Aber- 
nethy. The following platform was 
adopted: 

The Republicans of Iowa, in mass convention 
assembled, make this declaration of principles: 
We hold the Republican party to be a political 
organization of those American citizens who are 
opposed to slavery in all its forms; who believe 
that all men are entitled to the same political 
and civil rights; who believe that all laws, State 
and national, should be made and administered 
so as to secure to all citizens, wherever born or 
whatever their color, creed, condition or occu- 
pation, the same rights before the law; who 
believe in free schools, free opinion and universal 
education; who believe that American society 
and the American people should all be raised 
to the highest possible plane of liberty, honesty, 
purity, intelligence and morality, and that all 
laws should be made and the government con- 
stantly administered with this aim in view, and 
that no party has a right to support of the people 
which is not inspired with this purpose. Believ 
ing that the Republican party is still controlled 



by these principles, and that it is now, as it has 
been from its beginning, an organization of the 
best and purest political sentiment of the 
country, we, as Republicans, renew the expres- 
sion of our devotion to it, and our belief that we 
can secure through it the political reform and 
the just and necessary measures of legislation, 
and of relief from monopolies and other abuses 
of power which the country so much needs; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That, proud as we are of most of the 
past record of the Republican party, we yet 
insist that it shall not rely upon its past achieve- 
ments; it must be a party of the present and of 
progress; and as it has preserved the Union, 
freed the slave and protected him from the 
oppression of the slave-master, it will now be 
direlict to its spirit and its duty if it does not 
protect all our people from all forms of oppres- 
sion, whether of monopolies, centralized capital, 
or whatsoever kind the oppression may be. 

2. That we insist upon the right and duty of 
the State to control every franchise of whatever 
kind it grants; and while we do not wish that 
any injustice shall be done to the individual or 
corporation who invest capital in enterprises of 
this kind, we yet demand that no franchise shall 
be granted which is prejudicial to the public 
interests, or in which the rights and interests of 
the State and the people are not carefully and 
fully guarded. 

3. That the producing, commercial and in- 
dustrial interests of the country should have 
the best and cheapest modes of transportation 
possible; and while actual capital invested in 
such means of transit, whether by railroad or 
otherwise, should be permitted the right of 
reasonable remuneration, an abuse in their man- 
agement, excessive rates, oppressive discrimina- 
tions against localities, persons or interests, 
should be corrected by law, and we demand con- 
gressional and legislative enactments that will 
control and regulate the railroads of the coun- 
try, and give to the people fair rates of trans- 
portation, and protect them against existing 
abuses. 

4. That we heartily applaud the active meas- 
ures of the late Congress, in ferreting out and 



A& 

— — ► 



190 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



exposing corruption. We have seen, with pro- 
found regret, in the developments made thereby, 
evidences of political and official corruption, 
and the abuse of responsible positions by men 
of all political parties, to further personal ends, 
and we demand pure official conduct and the 
punishment of unfaithful public men, who, 
having betrayed the confidence freely extended 
to them, shall not be shielded from the disgrace 
of their acts by any partisanship of ours, and 
we denounce all credit mobilier transactions and 
all official misconduct of whatever form. 

5 That we believe that whenever a person 
holding any position of trust given him by 
the people, is guilty of fraud or embezzlement, 
he should be convicted and punished uuder the 
criminal laws of our land, in addition to the re- 
covery from him or his bondsmen of the amount 
so embezzled. 

6 That the act of the majority of the mem- 
bers of the last Congress, in passing what is 
known as the back-pay steal, by which they 
voted into their pockets thousands of dollars 
which did not belong to them, as well as the act 
of those who voted against the same and yet re- 
ceived the money, is most flagrantly improper 
and infamous, and should secure the political 
condemnation of all who were party to it; and 
we demand that the provisions of the said act 
by which the salaries were increased, shall be 
promptly and unconditionally repealed. 

7. That we sympathize with every movement 
to secure for agriculture and labor their due in- 
fluence, interests and rights, and the Republican 
party will be their ally in every just effort to at- 
tain that end. 

8. That we are desirous of political reform, 
and for honesty, economy an -' purity in all offi 
cial administration; that to secure this is the 
duty f every citizen; that to this end every 
good man should feel bound to participate in 
politics, and to make an end to bad men forcing 
their election by securing a party nomination, 
we declare it the duty of every Republican to 
oppose the election of a bad and incompetent 
candidate, whether he be a candidate upon our 
own or upon any other ticket. 



The question of monopolies began to 
agitate the people to a great extent at this 
time and the opposition to Republicans 
united under the name of anti-monopolists. 
An Anti-Molopolist convention was held at 
Des Moines, August 12th, and the follow- 
ing ticket nominated. Governor, Jacob 
G. Vale; Lieutenant-Governor, Fred. 
O'Donnell; Supreme Judge, B. J. Hall; 
Supt. of Public Instruction, D. M. Prindle. 
The following platform was adopted at 
this convention: 

Whereas, Political parties are formed to 
meet public emergencies; and when they have 
discharged the duty which called them into 
being, they may become the means of abuse as 
gross as those they were organized to reform; 
and, 

WnEttEAS, Both of the old political parties 
have discharged the obligations assumed at I heir 
organization, and being no longer potent as 
instruments for the reform of abuses which have 
grown up in them, therefore we deem it incon- 
sistent to attempt to accomplish a political reform 
by acting with and in such organization; there- 
fore, 

Resolved, That we, in free convention, do 
declare, as the basis of our future political 
action, — 

2. That all corporations are subject to legisla- 
tive control; that those created by Congress 
should be restricted and controlled by Congress, 
and that those under State laws should be sub- 
ject to the control respectively of the State 
creating them; that such legislative control 
should be in expressed abrogation of the theory 
of the inalienable nature of chartered rights, and 
that it should be at all times so used as to 
prevent the moneyed corporations from becom 
ing engines of oppression; that the properly of 
all corporations should be assessed by the same 
officers, and taxed at the same rate as the pro- 
perty of individuals; that the Legislature of Iowa 
should, by law, fix maximum rates of freight to 
be charged by the railroads of the State, leaving 
them free to compete below the rates. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



191 



3. That we favor such modification of our 
banking system as will extend its benefits to 
the whole people, and thus destroying all 
monopoly now enjoyed by a favored few. 

4. That we demand a general revision of the 
present tariff laws that shall give us free salt, 
iron, lumber, and cotton and woolen fabrics, and 
reduce the whole systemto a revenue basis only. 

5. That we will not knowingly nominate any 
bad man to office, nor give place to persistent 
seekers therefor, but will freely seek for our- 
selves competent officers — as heretofore, politi- 
cal leaders have sought office for themselves — 
and that we will nominate only those known to 
be faithful and in sympathy with these declara- 
tions, and will, at the polls, repudiate any candi- 
date known to be unfit or incompetent. 

G. Thai we demand the repeal of the back 
salary law, and the return to the United States 
treasury of all money received thereunder by 
members of the last Congress and of members 
of the present Congress. We demand a repeal 
of the law increasing salaries, and the fixing of a 
lower and more reasonable compensation for 
public officers, believing that until the public 
debt is paid and the public burden lightened, 
the salaries of our public servants should be 
more in proportion to the awards of labor in 
private life. 

7. That we are opposed to all future grants 
of land to railroads or other corporations, and 
' elieve that the public domain should beheld 
sacred to actual settlers; and are in favor of a 
law by which each honorably discharged soldier 
or his heirs may use such discharge in any 
government land-office in full payment for a 
quarter-section of unappropriated public lands. 

8. That public officers who betray their 
pledges or trust are unworthy of renewed con- 
fidence, and those who criminally trifle with the 
public funds must be punished as criminals, 
regardless of their previous influence or the 
political importance of their bondsmeu. 

9. That we are in favor of a strict construc- 
tion of our constitution by our Supreme and 
other courts, and are opposed to the exercise of 
the doubtful powers by judicial or other officers. 



10. That in the corrupt Tammany steal, the 
credit mobilier fraud, the congressional salary 
swindle and official embezzelements, and the 
hundreds of other combinations, steals, frauds, 
and swindles, by which Democratic and Repub- 
lican legislators, congressmen, and office-holders 
have enriched themselves, and defrauded the 
country and impoverished the people, we find 
the necessity' of independent action and the 
importance of united effort, and cordially invite 
men, of whatever calling, business, trade, or 
vocation, regardless of past political views, to 
join us in removing the evils that so seriously 
affect us all. 

The vote was light, and on Governor 
was as follows: 

C. C. Carpenter, Rep 105,132—24,112 

J. G. Vale, Anti-M 81,030 

An Anti-Monopoly convention was held 
at DesMoines, June 23, 1874, which nom- 
inated the following ticket and adopted 
the following platform: Secretary, David 
Morgan; Auditor, J. M. King; Treasurer, 
J. W. Basner; Attorney-General, J. H. 
Keatley; Clerk of Supreme Court, Geo.W. 
Ball; Reporter of Supreme Court, J. M. 
Weart. The following is the platform: 

Resolved, That we, the delegated representa- 
tives of the people of Iowa, favorable to the 
organization of an independent political party, 
laying aside past differences of opinion, and 
earnestly uniting in a common purpose to secure 
needful reforms in the administration of public 
affairs, cordially unite in submitting these decla- 
rations: 

1. That all political power is inherent in the 
people; that no government is worthy of pre- 
iou or should be upheld which does not 
derive its power from the consent of the gov- 
erned, by equal and just laws; that the inesti- 
mable right of life, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness should be secured to all men, without 
distinction of race, color or nativity; that the 
maintenance of these principles is essential to 
the prosperity of our republican institutions 



<S k_ 



192 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



and that to this end the federal constitution, 
with all its amendments, the rights of the States, 
and the union of the Slates must and shall be 
preserved. 

2. That the maintenance inviolate of the 
rights of the States, and especially of the right 
of each Stats to order and control its own 
domestic institutions according to its judg- 
ment exclusively, is essential to that bal- 
ance of power on which the perfection and 
endurance of our political fabric depends; 
and that we denounce as a criminal excess of 
constitutional power the policy of President 
Grant's administration in fostering the enormi- 
ties perpetrated in certain States of the Union 
in arbitrarily interfering with their local affairs, 
in sustaining therein the usurpations of aliens 
and irresponsible adventurers, whereby certain 
men have been illegally invested with official 
authority, and others deprived of their constitu- 
tional rights, oppressive laws enacted, burden- 
some taxation imposed, and immense and ficti- 
tious indebtedness created, resulting in the 
degradation of those States, and the general 
impoverishment of their people. 

3. That the conduct of the present adminis- 
tration, in its bold defiance of public sentiment 
and disregard of the common good, in its prodi- 
gality and wasteful extravagance, in the innum- 
erable frauds perpetrated under its authority, in 
its disgraceful partiality for and rewards of un- 
worthy favorites, in its reckless and unstable 
financial policy, and in its total incapacity to 
meet the vital questions of the day, and provide 
for the general welfare, stands without a paral- 
lel in our national history, and the highest con- 
siderations of duty require the American 
people, iu the exercise of their inherent sover- 
eignty, to correct these accumulating evils, and 
bring the government back to its ancient land- 
marks, patiotism and economy. 

4. That the faith and credit of the nation 
must be maintained inviolate; that the public 
debt, of whatever kind, should be paid in strict 
accordance with the law under which it was 
contracted; that an over issue of paper money 
b> ing at variance with the principles of a sound 
financial policy, the circulating medium should 



be based upon its redemption in specie at the 
earliest practicable day, and its convertibility 
into a specie equivalent at the will of the holder, 
and that, subject to these restrictions, it is the 
duty of Congress to so provide, by appropriate 
legislation, that the volume of our government 
currency shall at all times be adequate to the 
general business and commerce of the country, 
and equitably distributed among the several 
States. 

5. That tariffs and all other modes of taxa- 
tion should be imposed upon the basis of rev- 
enue alone, and be so adjusted as to yield the 
minimum amount required for the legitimate 
expenditure of the government, faithfully and 
economically administered, and that taxation to 
an extent necessary to the accumulation of a 
surplus revenue in the treasury, subjects the 
people to needless burdens and affords a temp- 
tation to extravagance and official corruption. 

6. That railroads and all other corporations 
for pecuniary profit should be rendered subser- 
vient to the public good; that we demand such 
constitutional and necessary legislation upon 
this subject, both State and national, as will 
effectually secure the industrial and producing 
interests of the country against all forms of 
corporate monopoly and extortion, and that the 
existing railroad legislation of this State should 
faithfully be enforced, until experience may 
have demonstrated the propriety and justice of 
its modification. 

7. That while demanding that railroads be 
subject to legislative control, we shall discoun- 
tenance any action on this subject calculated to 
retard the progress of railroad enterprise, or 
work injustice to those invaluable auxiliaries to 
comme'ce and civilization. 

8. That the limitation of the Presidency to 
one term, and the election of President, Vice 
President and United States Senators by a direct 
popular vote, and a thorough reform of our civil 
service to the end that capacity and fidelity be 
made theessential qualifications for election and 
appointment to office, are proposed reforms 
which meet our hearty endorsement. 

9. That we demand such a modification of 
the patent laws of the United States as shall 



4x 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



193 



destroy the monopoly now enjoyed by the man- 
ufacture of agricultural and other implements 
of industry. 

10. That the personal liberty and social rights 
of the citizens should not be abridged or con- 
trolled by legislative enactment, except in so 
far as may be necessary to promote the peace 
and welfare of society. 

11. That holding in grateful remembrance 
the soldiers and sailors who fought our- battles, 
and by whose heroism the nation was preserved, 
we insist that Congress shall equalize the boun- 
ties and grant to each one of them, or to his 
widow and children, a homestead of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land from the unappro- 
priated domain of the couutry. 

12. That we desire hereafter to be known as 
the Independent party of Iowa, and recognizing 
the individual conscience of the voter as para- 
mount to the claims of the . party, ask the co- 
operation of those only to whom this declaration 
of principles and the candidates nominated 
by this convention may commend themselves 
worthy. 

The Republican convention, which con- 
vened July 1st, at DesMoines, put in nom- 
ination for Secretary of State, Josiah T. 
Young; Treasurer of State, Wm. Christy; 
Auditor of State, Buren R. Sherman; Reg- 
ister of State Land Office, David Secoi; 
Attorney-General, M. C. Cutts; Judge of 
Supreme Court, E. J. Holmes; Reporter of 
Supreme Court, John S. Runnells. The 
following is the Republican platform: 

We, the representatives of the Republican 
parly of the State of Iowa, in convention assem- 
bled, do adopt the following platform of princi- 
ples: 

liesoloed. That as the policy of the Republi- 
can party in relation to finance, has afforded the 
people not only a safe, sound and popular cur- 
rency, of equal and uniform worth in every 
portion of our common country, but has like- 
wise greatly improved the credit of the country 
at home and abroad, we point, with pride to its 
record and accomplishments in this regard. And 



while re-affirming the policy announced by the 
party in the national conventions of 1868 and 
1872, and triumphantly endorsed by the people 
at the polls — a policy which, while contributing 
to the public credit has also enhanced the indi- 
vidual and collective prosperity of the American 
people — we favor such legislation as shall make 
national banking free to all, under just and 
equal laws, based upon the policy of specie re- 
sumption at such time as is consistent with the 
mat. rial and industrial interests of the country, 
to the end that the volume of currency may be 
regulated by the national laws of trade. 

2. That we re-affirm the declaration of the 
Republican national platform of 1872, in favor 
of the payment by the government of the United 
States of all its obligations in accordance with 
both the letter and the spirit of the laws under 
which such obligations were issued, and we de- 
clare that in the absence of any express provis- 
ion to the contrary, the obligations of the gov- 
ernment when issued and placed upon the mar- 
kets of the world, are payable in the world's 
currency, towit, specie. 

3. That under the constitution of the United 
States, Congress has power to regulate all "com- 
merce among the several States," whether carried 
on by railroads or other means, and in the exer- 
cise of that power Congress may, and should, so 
legis'ate as to prohibit, under suitable penalties, 
extortion, unjust discrimination, and other 
wrong and unjust conduct on the part of per- 
sons or corporations engaged in such commerce; 
and, by virtue of the same constitutional power, 
Congress may and should provide for the im- 
provement of our great natural water-ways. 

4. That the State has the power, and it is its 
duty, to provide by law for the regulation and 
control of railway transportation within its own 
limits, and we demand that the law of this 
State passed for this purpose at the last session 
of the General Assembly shall be upheld and 
enforced until it shall be superseded by other 
legislation, or held unconstitutional by the 
proper judicial tribunal. 

5. That we feel bound to provide all appro- 
priate legislation for the full and equal piotec- 



< * ^ j y* 



194 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



tion of all citizens, white or black, native or 
foreign born, iu the enjoyment of all the rights 
guaranteed by the constitution of the United 
States and the amendments thereto. 

6. That the $37,000,000 reduction in the 
estimated general government expenses for the 
coming fiscal year meets our hearty commenda- 
tion, and shows that the Republican party on 
questions of retrenchment and economy is carry- 
ing out in good faith its oft repeated pledges to 
the people. 

7. That we are in favor of an amendment to 
the constitution of the United States, providing 
for the election of President and Vice-President 
bv a direct vote of the people. 

8. That while inventors should be protected 
in their just riahts of property in their inven- 
tions, we demand such modifications of our 
patent laws as shall render the same more fair 
and equitable to consumers. 

9. That the faith of the Republican party is 
pledged to promote the best good of the civil 
service of the country, and that we, as Republi- 
cans of Iowa, demand that only honest and 
capable men be elected or appointed to office, 
and that we commend the position of the party 
in instituting investigations of corruption in 
office, sparing therein neither friends nor foes. 

10. That since the people may be intrusted 
with all questions of govermental reform, we 
favor the final submission to the people of the 
question of amending the constitution so as to 
extend the rights of suffrage to women, pursuant 
to action of 15th General Assembly. 

On Secretary of State the vote stood: 

J. T. Young, Rep 107,243—28,183 

David Morgan, Dem 79,060 

For the campaign of 1875 the Democrats, 
Liberal Republicans and Anti-Monopolists 
met at Des Moines, June 24th, and nom- 
inated a State ticket headed by Shepherd 
Lefler for Governor; Lieutenant-Governor, 
E. B. Woodward; Judge of Supreme Court, 
W. J. Knight; Supt. of Public Instruction, 



Isaiah Donane. The following platforn 
was then adopted: 

The Democrats, Liberal Republicans, and 
Anti Monopolists of the Stateof Iowa, in delegate 
convention assembled, declare, as a basis of per- 
manent organization and united action, the 
following principles: 

1. A firm adherence to the doctrine of politi- 
cal government, as taught by Jefferson, Madison, 
and other fathers of the republic. 

2. A strict adherence to the constitution in 
all measures involving constitutional power. 

3. The supremacy of the Republican govern- 
ment within the sphere and reservation of the 
local authority of the constitution as opposed to 
the concentration of all powers in a strong cen- 
tralized government. 

4. Absolute prohibition of military interfer- 
ence with the local State elections, and the 
peaceful assembling and organization of the 
State Legislatures, except in the manner clearly 
defined in the Constitution. 

5. Honesty in the administration of the 
public officers, and strict economy in the public 
expenditures. 

6. All officers to be held to a strict accounta- 
bility for the misuse of the public funds or for 
the prostitution of their powers for private use. 

7. The preservation of all the rights of every 
citizen, without regard to race or color. 

8. The reservation of the public lands for the 
benefit of actual settlers, and opposition to any 
further grants to corporate monopolies for any 
purpose. 

9. The restoration of the Presidential salary 
to $25,000. No third term. 

10. That we are in favor of the resumption of 
specie payment as soon as the same can be done 
without injury to the business interests of the 
country, and maintain a sufficient supply of 
national currency for business purposes; opposi- 
tion to present national banking law. 

11. A tariff on imports that will produce the 
largest amount of revenue, with the smallest 
amount of tax, and no imposition of duties for 



*4r 



X 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



i95 



the beiiefit of manufactures at the expense of 
agricultural interests. 

12. We are in favor of the repeal of the present 
prohibitory liquor law, and the enactment, of a 
practical license law, sirictly enforced, as the 
best guard against, and the safest solution of, 
the evils of intemperance, 

13. That we are opposed to all legislation that 
restricts any citizen in his individual or social 
rights and privileges. 

With this declaration of principle and policy, 
in the language of our brethren of Ohio, we 
arraign the leaders of the Republican party for 
their extravagant expenditure and profligate 
waste of the people's money, for their oppressive, 
unjust, aud defective system of finance and taxa- 
tion; for their continued tyranny and cruelty to 
the Southern States of the Union, and their 
squandering of public lands; their continuance 
of incompetent and corrupt men in the offices 
at home and abroad, and for their general 
mismanagement of the government, and we cor- 
di.dly invite all men, without regard to past 
party association, to co-operate with us in 
removing them from power, and in securing 
such an administration of public affairs as char- 
acterized the purer and better days of the 
republic. 

The Republican convention at Des- 
Moines placed in nomination for Governor, 
S. J. Kirkwood ; Lieutenant-Governor, 
Joshua G. Newbold; Judge of Supreme 
Court, Austin Adams ; Superintendent 
Public Instruction, Alonzo Abernethy. 
The convention also adopted the follow- 
ing platform: 

Resolved, That we declare it a cardinal prin- 
ciple of tbe Republican faith that the republic 
is a nation, one and indissoluble, within which 
the constitutional rights of the Slates and of the 
people to local self-government must be faith- 
lully maintained. 

2. That we favor the early attainment of cur- 
rency convertible with coin, and therefore 
advocate the gradual resumption of specie pay- 
ments by continuous and steady steps. 



3. That we favor a tariff for revenue, so 
adjusted as to encourage home industry. 

4. That the earnest efforts of the government 
to collect the revenue, prevent and punish 
frauds, have our unqualified approval. 

5. We are opposed to further grants of land 
to railroads or other corporations, but we de- 
mand a reservation of public domain for settle- 
meni under the homestead laws, and for other 
bona fide settlers. 

6 We demand such a revision of the patent 
laws as will relieve industry from the oppression 
of monopolies in their administration. 

7. That we cordially approve the policy of 
the present administration in the settlement of 
difficulties between our.-elves and other nations, 
by arbitration, instead of appealing to arms. 

8. The Republican party of Iowa is opposed 
to a third term. 

9. We demand that all railway and other cor- 
porations shall be held in fair and just subjection 
to the law-making power. 

10. We stand by free education, our public 
school system, taxation of all for its support, 
and no division of the school fund. 

11. That our national and State administra- 
tion of public affairs have our hearty support. 

12. We cordially invite all who are opposed 
to the restoration of the Democratic party to 
power, to forget all past political differences, and 
unite with the Republican party in maintaining 
the cause of true reform. 

13. The persistent and tyrannical efforts of 
the enemies of the Union, by murder and intim- 
idation of the enfranchised citizens, and the 
ostracisms and proscriptions of the white Repub- 
licans of the South, for the purpose of rendering 
null and void this amendment, merits the con- 
demnation of every honest man. 

14 That we heartily endorse the action of 
President Grant in enforcing the laws when 
called upon to do so by the proper authorities 
of the State. 

The Prohibitionists <>f the State met and 
nominated for Governor, Rev. John H. 



196 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Lozier, and adopted the following plat- 
form : 

Whereas, The traffic in and use of intoxi- 
cating liquors as a beverage, is the greatest evil 
of the present age; and, 

Whereas, The legal prohibition of said traffic 
and use of liquors is the prime duty of those 
who frame and execute laws for the public wel- 
fare; and, 

Whereas, The existing political parties, in 
their State platforms, have either ignored or re- 
pudiated the foregoing principles, the one de- 
claring for license, the other refusing to pass a 
resolution opposed to the repeal of the existing 
prohibitory law of our State; therefore, 

Resolved, That the temperance people of Iowa 
are, by this action of these political parties, 
forced to seek the promotion of their objects by 
such organizations and combinations as may 
prove most effective for the success of the tem- 
perance cause, without reference to previous 
political affiliation. 

2. That we most cordially approve the policy 
of the present administration in the settlement 
of difficulties between ourselves and other na- 
tions, by arbitration, instead of appealing to 
arms; and also the efforts now being made to 
codify the international laws so that a World's 
Peace Congress may be established before which 
all international difficulties may be adjusted, and 
thus "nations learn war no more." 

3. That the desecration of the Christian Sab- 
bath by public amusement, such as target-shoot- 
ing, dancing, theatrical performance, and kin- 
dad practices, together with ordinary business 
traffic, except by persons conscientiously ob- 
serving the seventh day of the week as a Sab- 
bath aay, augurs evil to the public morals, and 
that the laws of our State, touching Sabbath 
desecrations, should be rigidly enforced. 

4. That we are in favor of maintaining our 
free school system at the expense of the whole 
people, and without the division of our school 
fund with any sectarian organization whatever, 
and is favor of such legislation as will secure 
the education of all children within our Slate in 



the elementary branches of common school edu- 
cation. 

5. That the doctrine of professed political 
parties ought to be, is, and shall continue to be, 
powerless to control men bound by their convic- 
tions to the mountain of great moral principles, 
and we call upon all concerned in the promotion 
of public morals to promptly and earnestly re- 
buke the policy now inaugurated by such pro- 
fessed leaders, and to seek its overthrow. 

6. That we earnestly recommend that the 
temperance people of the several counties 
promptly form county organizations, looking to 
the election of such Representatives in our Leg- 
islature, and such officers as will enact and en- 
force laws for the promotion of the foregoing 
principles, leaving the question of calling a con- 
vention for the nomination of State officers and 
of furlher organizing to an executive committee 
to be elected by this convention. 

The vote on Governor was officially an- 
nounced as follows : 

S. J. Kirkwood, Rep 124,8r.5— 31,576 

S. Lefler, Bern 93,279 

J. H. Lozier, Pro 1,397 

The financial depression during the sec- 
ond administration of Grant was such as 
to influence the formation of a new party, 
known as the Greenback party, or, as it 
was styled in national convention, the Na- 
tional Greenback Labor party. Peter 
Cooper was the candidate of this party for 
the Presidency, while the Republicans 
nominated Rutherford B. Hayes, and the 
Democrats Samuel J. Tilden. The Green- 
back men of Iowa held a convention May 
10th, at DesMoines, and adopted the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

Whereas, Labor is the basis of all our wealth, 
and capital cannot be accumulated except as the 
product of industry, or human life, given out in 
the daily labor of the toiling millions; and, 

Whereas, Money is, in essence, only a certi- 
ficate of service rendered, and hence the solution 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



197 



of the financial question lies at the bottom of all 
true government, and is the paramount issue of 
the present campaign, in which the Democratic 
and Republican leaders have failed to take the 
side of the people; therefore, we, the citizens of 
Iowa, in mass convention assembled, do thus 
organize the Independent party of Iowa, and 
declare our faith in the following principles: 

1. That it is the duty of the government to 
establish a monetary system, based upon the 
faith and resources of the nation, in harmony 
with the genius of this government, and adapted 
to the demands of legitimate business. 

2. That we demand the immediate repeal of 
the specie resumption act of January 14, 1875, 
and that the circulating notes of our national 
and State banks, as well as tht local currency, 
be withdrawn from circulation, and their place 
supplied by a uniform national currency, issued 
direct from the government, the same to be 
made a legal tender for all public and private 
debts, duties on imports not excepted, and inter- 
changeable at the option of the holder for bonds 
bearing a rate of interest not to exceed 3.65 per 
cent, per annum. 

3. We demand that the present bonded debt 
of the country be refunded as speedily as pos- 
sible into registered interchangeable bonds that 
shall bear interest at a low rate, not exceeding 
3 65 per cent, per annum. 

4 We are in favor of the repeal of the act 
of March 18, 1869, making greenbacks payable in 
coin, and making 5-20 bonds perpetual or pay- 
able only in coin, and thus unjustly discrimin- 
ating in favor of the money interest. 

A Greenback State ticket was nominated 
at a convention held September 20th, and 
these additional resolutions were adopted: 

1. We are in favor of the adoption of the 
platform of the Indianapolis National Conven- 
tion. 

2. We recognize the rights of capital and its 
just protection; we condemn all special legisla- 
tion in its favor. 

3. We demand a reduction of official salaries, 
proportionate to the reduction of the profits on 
labor. 



4. We demand a remonetization of silver. 

5. We demand the equality of the soldiers' 
bounties. 

6. Wi' approve and endorse the nomination 
of Peter Cooper for President, and Samuel F. 
Cary for Vice President of the United States. 

The followiug is the ticket nominated: 
Secretary of State, A. Macready; Auditor 
of State, Leonard Brown; Treasurer of 
State, Geo. C Fry; Register State Land 
Office, Geo. M. Walker; Superintendent 
Pub. Instruction, Rev. J A.Nash; Supreme 
Judges, Charles Negus, Oliver R. Jones. 

The Republicans placed in nominal ion 
the following, at a convention held in Des 
Moines: Stcretary of State, Josiah T. 
Young; Auditor, Bur en R. Sherman, 
Treasurer, Geo. W. Bemis; Register of 
Land Office, David Seeor; Supreme Judges, 
W. II. Seevers, J. H. Rothrock; Attorney- 
General, J. F McJunkin; Superintendent 
Public Instruction, C. W. VonCoelln. At 
the same time they adopted as a platform 
the following: 

1. We are for maintaining the unity of the 
nation sacred and inviolable; for the just and 
equa'. rights of all men; for peace, harmony and 
brotl erhood throughout the nation; for men of 
unsullied honesly, and purity of character and 
public trust, and for the swift pursuit and un- 
aparing punishment of all dishonest officials, 
high or low. 

2. That we are in faver of, and we demand, 
a rigid economy in the administration of the 
government, both State and national. 

3. That we favor a currency convertible with 
coin, and therefore u'lvucate the gradual resump- 
tion of specie payment by continuous and speedy 
steps in that direction. 

4. That we demand that all railway and other 
corporations shall beheld in fair and just sub- 
jection to the lawmaking power. 

5. That we stand by free education, our 
school system, taxation of all for its support. 



<J 



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198 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



and no diversion of the school fund from the 
public schools. 

6. That we cordially invite Immigration from 
all civilized countries, guaranteeing to emigrants 
the same political privileges and social and re- 
ligious freedom we ourselves enjoy, and favor- 
ing a free and unsectarian system of common 
schools for their children with ours. 

7. That in James G. Blaine we recognize a 
pure Republican and patriot, and one well 
worthy to be chosen as the standard-bearer of 
the Republican party in the coming campaign. 

The Democrats, in convention at Des 
Moines, August 30th, adopted the follow- 
ing: 

Resolved, By the Liberal Democratic party of 
the State of Iowa, in convention assembled, that 
we adopt as our platform of principles the reso- 
lutions and declarations of the National Con- 
vention at St. Louis, and earnestly approve the 
serfliments of the eminent statesmen of the 
party, Hon. Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. 
Hendricks, so ably presented in their letters of 
acceptance of the nominations at said conven- 
tion. 

The following is the Democratic ticket: 
Secretary of State, J. H. Stubenrauch; 
Treasurer of State, W. Jones; Auditor of 
State, W. Growneweg; Register of State 
Land Office, H. C. Ridernour; Attorney- 
General, J. C. Cook; Judges of Supreme 
Court, W. I. Hayes, W. Graham. The 
vote on Secretary of State was as follows: 

J. T. Young, Rep 172,171 

J. H. Stubenrauch, Dem 112,115 

A. Macready, Gr 9,436 

Young's majority over all 50,620 

In the campaign of 1877 the Republi- 
cans met first in convention at Des 
Moines, June 28, where they nominated 
the following ticket: Governor, John H. 
Gear; Lieutenant - Governor, Frank T. 
Campbell; Supreme Judge, James G. Day; 



Supt. of Public Instruction, Carl W. Von 
Coelln. The following is the platform: 

Acting for the Republicans of Iowa, by its 
authority and its name, this convention declares: 

1. The United States of America is a nation, 
and not a league, by the combined workings of 
the national and State governments under their 
respective institutions. The rights of every 
citizen should be secured at home, and protected 
abroad, and the common welfare promoted. 
Any failure on the part of either national or 
State governments to use every possible consti- 
tutional power to afford ample protection to 
their citizens, both at home and abroad, is a 
criminal neglect of their highest duty. 

2. The Republican party has preserved the 
government in the commencement of the second 
century of the nation's existence, and its prin- 
ciples are embodied in the great truths spoken 
at its cradle — that all men are created as equals; 
that they are endowed by the Creator with cer- 
tain inalienable rights, among which are life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that for 
the attainment of these ends governments have 
been instituted among men deriving their justice 
from the consent of the governed, which con- 
sent is evidenced by a majority of the lawful 
suffrages of citizens, determined in the pursu- 
ance of the law. Until these truths are univers- 
ally recognized and carefully obeyed, the work 
of the Republican party is unfinished, and the 
Republican party of Iowa will stand by its colors 
and fight the good fight to the end. 

3. The permanent pacification of the southern 
section of the Union, and the complete protec- 
tion of all citizens in the free enjoyment of all 
their rights, is a duty to which the Republican 
party stands sacredly pledged. The power to 
provide for the enforcement of the principles 
embodied in the recent constitutional amend- 
ments, is vested by these amendments in the 
constitution of the United States, and we declare 
it to be the solemn duty of the legislative and 
executive departments of the government to 
put in immediate and vigorous exercise all their 
powers for removing any just causes of discon- 
tent on the part of any class, and for securing 



*js 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



to every American citizen complete liberty and 
exact equality in the exercise of the civil, politi- 
cal and public rights. To this end we impera- 
tively demand of Congress and the Chief Execu- 
tive a courage and fidelity to these duties which 
shall not falter until the results are placed 
beyond doubt or recall. 

4. That the public credit should be sacredly 
maintained, and all the obligations of the gov- 
ernmect honestly discharged; and that we favor 
the early attainment of a currency convertible 
with coin, and therefore advocate the gradual 
resumption of specie payments by continuous 
and steady steps in that direction. 

5. That the silver dollar having been a legal 
unit of value from the foundation of the federal 
government until 1873, the laws under which its 
coinage was suspended should be repealed at the 
earliest possible day, and silver made, with 
gold, a legal tender for the payment of all debts, 
both public and private. We also believe that 
the present volume of the currency should be 
maintained until the wants of trade and com- 
merce demand its further contraction. 

6. That the investment of capital in this 
State should be encouraged by wise and liberal 
legislation; but we condemn the policy of grant- 
ing subsidies at public expense, either to indi- 
viduals or corporations, for their private use. 

7. That we demand the most rigid economy 
in all departments of the government, and that 
taxation be limited to the actual wants of public 
expenditure. 

8. That we favor a wisely adjusted tariff for 
revenue. 

9. That we hold it to be a solemn obligation 
of the electors of Iowa to be earnest in securing 
the election to all positions of public trust of 
men of honesty and conscience; to administra- 
tive affairs, men who will faithfully administer 
the law; to legislative affairs, men who will 
represent, upon all questions, the best sentiment 
of the people, and who will labor earnestly for 
the enactment of suchvlaws as the best interests 
of society, temperance and good morals shall 
demand. 

10. That, we rejoice in the honorable name of 
Iowa, that we are proud of the State's achieve- 



ments, of the degree of purity with which its 
public affairs have been conducted, and the 
soundness of its credit at home and abroad. We 
pledge to do whatever may be done to preserve 
unsullied the State's reputation in these regards. 

The Greenbackers met at DesMoines, 
July 12, and nominated, for Governor, 
D. B. Stubbs; Lieutenant-Governor, A. 
Macready; Supreme Judge, John Porter; 
Supt. of Public Instruction, S. T. Ballard. 
The convention also adopted the following 
platform: 

Whereas, Throughout our entire country, 
labor, the creator of all wealth, is either unim- 
ployed or denied its just reward, and all produc- 
tive interests are paralyzed; and, 

Whereas, These results have been brought 
about by class legislation, and the mismanage- 
ment o/ Dur national finances; and, 

Whereas, After generations of experience, 
we are forced to believe that nothing further 
can be hoped for through the old political 
parties; therefore we make the following dec- 
laration of principles: 

1. We demand the unconditional repeal of 
the specie resumption act of January 14, 1875, 
and the abandonment of the present suicidal 
and destructive policy of contraction. 

2. We demand the abolition of national 
banks, and the issue of legal tender paper 
money, by the government, and made receiv- 
able for all dues, public and private. 

3. We demand the remonetization of the 
silver dollar, and making it a full legal tender 
for the payment of all coin bonds of the govern- 
ment and for all other debts, public and private. 

4. We demand the equitable taxation of all 
property, without favor or privilege. 

5. We commend every honest effort for the 
furtherance of civil service reform. 

6. We demand the repeal of all class legisla- 
tion and the enforcement of such wise and pro- 
gressive measures as shall secure equality of 
rights to all legitimate interests, and impartial 
justice to all persons. 



AK 



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200 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



7. We demand a reduction of offices and sal- 
aries, to the end that there be less taxation. 

8. We demand that the Independents of Iowa 
sustain and endorse the principles of railroad 
legislative control, as expressed by the highest 
judicial authority, not as enemies of public 
enterprises, but as friends of the whole country 
and of the people. 

9. We demand that all legal means be ex- 
hausted to eradicate the traffic in alcoholic 
beverages, and the abatement of the evil of 
intemperance. 

10. We are opposed to all further subsidies 
by either the State or general government, for 
any and all purposes, either to individuals or 
corporations. 

11. We invite the considerate judgment of 
our fellow citizens; of all political parties, upon 
these our principles and purposes, and solicit 
the co-operation of all men in the furtherance of 
them, as we do believe that upon their accept- 
ance or rejection by the people, the weal or woe 
of our beloved country depends. 

The Democracy met in convention this 
year at Marshalltown, and nominated the 
following ticket: Governor, John P. Irish; 
Lieutenant-Governor, W. C. James; Su- 
preme Judge, H. C. Boardman; Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction, G. D. Culli- 
son. They also resolved — 

1. The Democracy of the State of Iowa in 
convention assembled hereby declare in favor of 
a tariff for revenue, the only economic home 
rule, the supremacy of civil over military power, 
the separation of church and State, equality of 
all citizens before the law, opposition to the 
granting by the general government of subsidies 
to any corporation whatever; and we believe, 

2. The destruction of the industry of the 
country and the pauperism of labor are the in- 
evitable fruit of the vicious laws enacted by the 
Republican party. 

3. That as a means of relieving the distressed 
portions of the community, and removing the 
great stringency complained of in business cir- 



cles, we demand the immediate repeal of the 
specie resumptiou act. 

4. That we denounce as an outrage upon the 
rights of the people the enactment of the Re- 
publican measures demonetizing silver, and de- 
mand the passage of a law which shall restore to 
silver its monetary power. 

5. That we favor the retention of a green- 
back currency, and declare against any further 
contraction, and favor the substitution of green- 
backs for national bank bills. 

6. We congratulate the country upon the ac- 
ceptance by the present administration of the 
constitutional and pacific policy of local self- 
government in the States of the South, so lung 
advocated by the Democratic party, and which 
has brought peace and harmony to that section. 
And in regard to the future financial policy, in 
the language of our national platfoim adopted 
in the Kew York convention, in 1868, we urge, 

7. Payment of the public debts of the United 
States as rapidly as practicable, — all the money 
drawn from the people by taxation, except so 
much as is requisite for the necessities of the 
government, economically administered, being 
honestly applied to such payment when due. 

8. The equal taxation of every species of 
property according to its value. 

9. One currency for the government and the 
people, the laborer and the office holder, the 
pensioner and the soldier, the producer and the 
bondholder. 

10. The right of a State to regulate railroad 
corporations having been established by the 
higher court of the country, we now declare that 
this right must be exercised with due regard to 
justice, as there is no necessary antagonism be- 
tween the people and corporation, and the com- 
mon interests of both demand a speedy restora- 
tion of former friendly relations through just 
legislation on one side, and a cheerful submis- 
sion thereto on the other. 

11. Rights of capital and labor are equally 
sacred, and alike entitled to legal protection. 
They have no just cause of quarrel, and the 
proper relations to each other are adjustable by 



& 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



201 



national laws, and should not be tampered by 
legislative interference. 

12. That we favor a repeal of the present pro- 
hibitory liquor law of the State, and the enact- 
ment of a well-regulated license law instead, 
and all the money derived from license to go to 
the school fund of the State. 

A State Temperance or Prohibition con- 
vention assembled at Oskaloosa August 
30, and nominated Elias Jessup for Gov- 
ernor, and adopted, as a platform, the fol- 
lowing : 

Whereas, Intemperance is the enemy of all 
— the drinker, the seller, the financier, the states- 
man, the educator and the christian; therefore, 
be it 

Resolved, By the temperance people of the 
State of Iowa, that we hold these truths to be 
self-evident, and we do hereby declare them as 
the basis of our political action. 

2 We recognize intemperance as the great 
social, moral, financial and political evil of the 
present age; that it is not an incident of intelli- 
gence and refinement, but is one of the worst 
relics of barbarism; has produced the lowest and 
most degraded form of government; and there- 
fore should be overthrown by all republican 
governments. 

3. We claim that all men are endowed by 
their Creator with the inalienable right of free- 
dom from the destructive effects of intoxicating 
liquors, and the right to use all lawful and 
laudiable means to defend themselves and their 
neighbors against the traffic as a beverage within 
our State. 

4. That governments are instituted for the 
purpose of restraining and prohibiting the evil 
passions of men, and of promoting and protect- 
ing their best interests; and that, therefore, it 
is the duty of a government to use all its powers 
to make it as easy as possible for men to do 
right and as difficult as possible to do wrong. 

5. We believe that the prohibition <>f the 
traffic in intoxicating liquors is the only sound 
legislative theory upon w hich this vexed ques- 
tion can be solved and the nation saved from 
bankruptcy and demoralization. 



Therefore, we insist upon the maintenance 
and enforcement of our prohibitory law, and 
upon such amendments thereto as will place ale, 
wine, and beer under the same condemnation as 
other intoxicating liquors. 

6. That this great evil has long since assumed 
apolitical form, and can never be eliminated 
from politics until our legislatures and courts 
accomplish its entire overthrow and destruction. 

7. We hereby declare that, since we believe 
prohibition to be the only sound legislative 
policy, and since law is only brought to bear 
upon society through its officers, legislative, 
judicial, and executive, we therefore can and 
will support only those men who are known to 
be tried and true temperance prohibitory men. 

8. We believe that in the security of home 
rests the security of State; that women is by her 
very nature the acknowledged guardian of this 
sacred shrine; that intemperance is its greatest 
enemy; therefore we claim that the daughters of 
this commonwealth, as well as her sons, ought 
to be allowed to-say by their votes, what laws 
shall be made for the suppression of this evil, 
and what person shall execute the same. 

9. We believe the importation of intoxicat- 
ing liquors from foreign lands, and their protec- 
tion by the United States government, while in 
the hands of the importer, and inter-state com- 
merce in the same, cripple the power of State 
governments in enacting and enforcing such 
legislation as is and may be demanded by the 
people. 

The vote on Governor was as follows: 

JohnH. Gear, Rep 121,546 

D. P. Stubbs, Gr 38,228 

John P. Irish. Dem 79,353 

Elias Jessup, Temp 10,639 

Gear had a majority over Irish of 23,193, 
but the combined opposition vote was 
greater by 674. 

In 878 the Greenbackers held the first 
State convention, assembling at Des 
Moines April 10th, and nominated for 
Secretary of State, E. M. Farnsworth; 



w 



202 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Treasurer, M. L. Devlin; Auditor, G. V. 
Swearenger; Treasurer, M. Farrington; 
Attorney-General, General C. H. Jackson; 
Judge of Supreme Court, J.G. Knapp; Clerk 
of Supreme Court, Alex. Runyon; Reporter 
Supreme Court, Geo. W. Rutherford. They 
adopted the following platform: 

Whereas, Throughout our entire counlry the 
value of real estate is depreciated, industry para- 
lized, trade depressed, business income and 
wages reduced, unparalleled distress inflicted 
upon the poorer and middle ranks of our people, 
the land rilled with fraud, embezzlement, bank- 
rupcy, crime, suffering, pauperism, and starva- 
tion; and 

Whereas, This state of things has been 
brought about by legislation in the interest of 
and dictated by money lenders, bankers, and 
bondholders; and, 

Whereas, The limiting of the legal tender 
quality of greenbacks, the changing of currency 
bonds into coin bonds, the demonetizing of the 
silver dollar, the exempting X>f bonds from taxa- 
tion, the contraction of the circulating medium, 
the proposed forced resumption of specie pay- 
ments, and the prodigal waste of the public 
lands, were crimes against the people, and so 
far as possible the results of these criminal acts 
must be counteracted by judicious legislation. 

1. We demand the unconditional repeal of 
the specie resumption act of January 14th, 1875, 
and the abandonment of the present suicidal and 
destructive policy of contraction. 

2. We demand the abolition of national 
banks and the issue of a full legal tender paper 
money by the government, and receivable for 
all dues, public and private. 

3. We demand the remonetization of the 
silver dollar, making it a full legal tender for 
the payment of all coin bonds of the government, 
and for all other debts, public and private, and 
that the coinage of silver shall be placed on the 
same footing as that of the gold. 

4. Congress shall provide said money ade- 
quate to the full employment of labor, the equit- 



able distribution of its products and the require- 
ments of business. 

5. We demand that Congress shall not, under 
any circumstances, authorize the issuance of in- 
terest-bearing bonds of any kind or class. 

6. The adoption of an American monetary 
system, as proposed herein, will harmonize all 
differences in regard to tariff and federal taxa- 
tion, distribute equitably the joint earnings of 
capital and labor, secure to the producers of 
wealth the results of their labor and skill, mus- 
ter out of service the vast army of idlers, who, 
under the existing system, grow rich upon the 
earnings of others, that every man and woman 
may, by their own efforts, secure a competence, 
so that the overgrown fortunes and extreme 
poverty will be seldom found within the limits 
of our Republic. 

7. The Government should, by general enact- 
ment, encourage the development of our agri- 
cultural, mineral, mechanical, manufacturing 
and commercial resources, to the end that labor 
may be fully and profitably employed, but no 
monopolies should be legalized. 

8. The public lands are the common property 
of the whole people, and should not be sold to 
speculators, nor granted to railroads or other 
corporations, but should be donated to actual 
settlers in limited quantities. 

9. It is inconsistent with the genius and 
spirit of popular government that any species 
of private or corporate property should be ex- 
empt from bearing its just share of the public 
burdens. 

10. That, while the interests of the labor and 
producing classes throughout the nation are 
identical, North, South, East and West, and 
while it is an historic fact that the war of the 
rebellion was inaugurated in the interests of a 
class kindred to that which oppresses us, there- 
fore we declare that the Government of the 
United States shall never pay any part or por- 
tion of what is known as the confederate or rebel 
debt. 

11. We demand a constitutional amendment 
fixing the compensation of all State officers, in- 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



203 



s 



eluding members and employes of the General 
Assembly. 

12. We demand a general reduction of all 
county and court expenses, with a reduction of 
offices, to lessen oppressive taxes. 

13. We demand that all just and legal means 
shall be used for the evils of intemperance. 

14. We invite the considerate judgment of 
our fellow-citizens of all political parties upon 
these, our principles and purposes, and solicit 
the co-operation of all men in the furtherance of 
them, as we do believe that upon their accept- 
ance or rejection by the' people, the weal or woe 
of our beloved country depends. 

The Democrats assembled in convention 
June 7th, and nominated the following 
ticket . Secretary of State, T. O. Walker; 
Auditor, Col. Eiboeck; Treasurer, E. D. 
Fenn; Register of State Land Office, T. S. 
Bard well; Judge of Supreme Court, Judge 
J. C. Knapp; Clerk of Supreme Court, M. 
V. Gannon; Reporter of Supreme Court, 
J. B. Elliott; Attorney-General, John Gib- 
bons. The convention adopted the fol- 
lowing platform : 

We, the Democracy of Iowa, in convention 
assembled, congratulate the country upon the 
restoration of home rule to the South and the 
era of peace brought about in response to the 
demands of the national Democracy, and make 
this declaration of principles: 

1. In favor of a tariff for revenue only; honest 
and economical home rule; the supremacy of 
civil over military power; the separation of the 
church and State; the equality of all citizens 
before the law; opposition to granting by the 
general government of subsidies to any corpora- 
tion whatever. 

2. We believe the financial system of the 
Republican party has been one of favor to the 
moneyed monopolies, of unequal taxation, of 
exemptions of class, and of a remorseless con- 
traction that has destroyed every enterprise 
which gave employment to l.ibor, and therefore 
we denounce it, its measures and its men, as 



responsible for the financial distress, misery 
and want which now afflict the nation. 

3. Labor and capital have an equal demand 
upon and equal responsibility to the law. 

4. Public officials should be held to strict 
accountability, defaulters should be severely 
punished, and riot and disorder promptly sup- 
pressed. 

5. We deprecate the funding of our non-in- 
terest bearing debt, and insist that our bonded 
debt be refunded at a rate of interest not ex- 
ceeding four per cent. 

6. We favor an equal recognition of gold, 
silver and United States notes in the discharge 
ol public and private obligations, except where 
otherwise provided by contract, and to the end 
that the same be secured, we favor the uncon- 
ditional repeal of the resumption act, and the 
coinage of silver on equal conditions with gold. 
We oppose any further retirement of the United 
States notes now in circulation, and favor the 
substitution of United States treasury notes for 
national bank bills. 

7. We declare it as our opinion that it is the 
duty of the government to take immediate steps 
to improve our great Western rivers, and that 
the means provided should be commensurate 
with the importance and magnitude of the work. 

8. Thorough investigation into the election 
frauds of 1876 should be made, the frauds should 
be exposed, the truth vindicated, and the crimi- 
nals punished in accordance with law, wherever 
found. 

9 The management of our State institutions 
by Republican officials has been and is notori- 
ously corrupt, and a disgrace to the people; we 
therefore demand a thorough investigation of 
the same, and the punishment of all parties who 
have betrayed their trust. 

Resolved, That we accept and re-affirm the doc- 
trine of Mr. Tilden upon the war claims as a 
proper adjustment of the national policy con- 
cerning that class of claims upon the public 
treasury. 

The Republicans held their convention 
June 19, and nominated the following 



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204 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



ticket: Secretary of State, Capt. John 
A. T. Hull; Auditor, Maj. Buren R. 
Sherman; Treasurer, George W. Bemis; 
Register State Land Office, Lieut. James 
K. Powers; Judge of Supreme Court, Col. 
J. H. Rothrock. They also adopted the 
following platform: 

1. That the United States of America is a 
nation, not a league. By the combined work- 
ings of the national and State governments, 
under their respective constitutions, the right of 
every citizen should be secured at home and 
abroad, and the common welfare promoted. 
Any failure on the part of either the national or 
State governments to use every possible consti- 
tutional power to afford ample protection to 
their citizens, both at home and abroad, is a 
neglect of their highest duty. 

2. Against the assaults of traitors and rebels, 
the Republican party has preserved these gov- 
ernments, and they represent the great truths 
spoken to the world by the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, that "all men are created equal;" 
that they "are endowed by their Creator with 
certain inalienable rights, among which are life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that for 
the attainment of these ends, governments have 
been instituted among men, deriving just powers 
from the consent of the governed," which con- 
sent is evinced by a majority of the lawful 
suffrages of the citizens.determined in pursuance 
of law; and in order that this end may be justly 
and fully reached, the Republican party of Iowa 
demands that every qualified elector in every 
State, North and South, Democrat or Republi- 
can, white or black, shall be permitted, un lis- 
turbed by force and uuawed by fear, to vote at 
all elections at the place prescribed by law, and 
nowhere else, just once, and no more thau once; 
and that every vote so cast shall be honestly 
counted, and that every person chosen by such 
votes to any office shall be freely inducted into 
it, and effectively supported in the discharge of 
his duties; and every well informed person 
knows that with such freedom of elective action 
and honest administration as are herein de- 
manded, at least five of the Southern States are 



Republican by a large majority, and that they 
are now in the hands of the Democratic party, 
solely through force, fraud, intimidation, and 
failure to enforce the principles herein set 
forth. 

3. The permanent pacification of the southern 
section of the Union, and the complete protec- 
tion of all its citizens in all their civil, political, 
personal and property rights, is a duty to which 
the Republican party stands sacredly pledged. 
In order to redeem this pledge, it placed the 
recent amendments in the constitution of the 
United States, and upon the righteous basis of 
said amendments it will go forward in the work 
of pacification until peace shall come through 
right doing, and contentment through justice. 

4. The Democratic^ dogma of "home rule," 
which seeks to shut out from participation in 
the political affairs of the southern States all 
citizens who oppose the Democratic party and 
are not natives of said States, and i:. obedience 
to the spirit to which every man from the north, 
of republican sentiments, is termed a "carpet- 
bagger," is hereby denounced as the worst phase 
of State rights yet developed, and we demand 
for the people of Iowa absolute freedom to go 
whithersoever they may please within the limits 
of the nation, to utter their sentiments by speech 
or by press upon all subjects touching their 
interests, and all matters of public concern. 

5. That the armed conflict between the 
traitors and the rebels who sought to destroy the 
republic, and the patriots who defended it, was 
more than a trial of physical force between 
Greeks. It was astruggle of right against wrong, 
of a true civilization against a false one, of a 
good government against anarchy, of patriots 
against traitors, wherein the Republican party 
was the defender of right, the champion of a 
true civilization, the promoter of good govern- 
ment, and in whose ranks patriots marched 
against traitors; and who ever fails to regard 
the Republican party from this standpoint and 
in this light, fails to comprehend its character, 
its achievements, its purposes, and its duties, 
and whoever treats with the Democratic party 
from any other standpoint, manifests incapacity 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



205 



to understand palpable facts, and will be ober- 
whelmed with disaster. 

6. That the soldiers who fought the battles 
of the republic are entitled to special credit for 
the heroism which they displayed, for their 
unselfish devotion to liberty and order, and for 
the great fact that the war "turned out as it 
did;" and discredit, in like degree, attaches to 
the traitors and rebels who fought to destroy the 
nation. Whoever fails to appreciate these facts, 
is derelict in the duty he owes to the party. 

7. That the Republican parly is the party of 
order as opposed to all lawlessness in whatever 
quarter the same may arise, or in whatever form 
it may appear. 

8. That the wisdom of the financial policy of 
the Republican party is made manifest by its 
results. It has brought specie and paper practi- 
cally together months before the date fixed by 
law for t!.e resumption of specie payment by 
the government; it has given to all classes money 
of the same value; it has placed our nation on 
an equal footing with the other great nations of 
the world in all matters of financial concern; it 
has promoted the refunding of the national debt 
at a low rate of interest; it has maintained the 
national credit; and any change in this policy 
which tends to obstruct it in its work of reslor 
ing specie payment, whereby paper currency 
becomes absolutely as valuable as gold and 
silver standard coin; of reviving business, pro- 
moting industry, and maintaining the public 
credit, is hereby denounced as w'holly evil and 
injurious to the best interest of the country. 

9. That the oiganized raid on the treasury by 
the Southern Democratic members of Congress, 
for payment of hundreds of millions of dollars 
of rebel war claims, is an unparalleled impu- 
dence, and a present danger against the success 
of which the triumph of the Republican party 
is our only security. 

10. That we favor a wisely adjused tariff for 
revenue. 

11. In the matter of the faithful administra 
tiou of the public funds, the Republican parly 
challenges the closest scrutiny, and invites corn- 
pa lison with any and all other ageucies in pub- 



lic or private affairs. Notwithstanding the vast 
sums, amounting to thousands of millions of 
dollars, collected and distributed by Republican 
administration, the percentage of loss is less 
than can be shown by any other political party 
that lias ever been entiusled with the control of 
public affairs, or by individuals in their own 
private business. This shows that the charge 
of corruption made against the Republican 
party is as groundlessly impudent as was the 
attempt of the Southern Democracy to destroy 
the Union wantonly wicked and atrociously 
cruel. 

12. The title to the Presidential term was 
definitely and finally settled by the forty-fourth 
Congress, and any attempt to open it is danger- 
ous, illegal, and unconstitutional, and the 
Republican party of Iowa will resist all efforts 
not founded on the constitution and the existing 
laws to displace the present possessor of said 
title, and it is a source of sincere congratulation 
that the firm attitude assumed by the Republi- 
can party of the country in this regard forced a 
majority of the House of Representatives to 
disavow the real but covert purposes of the so- 
called Potter investigation. 

13. That the effotrs of the Democratic party in 
Congress to cripple and render inefficient the 
army and navy of the United States is most 
earnestly condemned, and all eflorts looking to a 
permanent reduction of the same, with a view to 
a future reorganization, whereby the offi. ial 
stations may be in whole or in part supplied by 
officers who engaged in rebellion against the 
nation, who hold to the doctrine of secession, 
and who acknowledge primary allegiance to a 
State, are hereby denounce** as dangerous to the 
peace of the country and »o the permanence of 
the Union. 

14. That it is not only the right, but the duty, 
of every good citizen at party caucus, in the 
party conventions, and at the polls, to use his 
best efforts to secure the nomination and elec- 
tion of good men to places of official trust, and 
we disapprove of all interference with the 
peifect freedom of action of any citizen in the 
exercise of said right and in the discharge of 
said dutv. 



206 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



15. That personal temperance is a most com- 
mendable virtue in a people, and the practical 
popular movement now active througout the 
State, for the promotion of temperance, has our 
most profound respect, sympathy, and approval. 

16. That we demand the most rigid economy 
in all departments of the public service, and 
rigid retrenchment in all public expenses in all 
possible directions, and the reduction of taxa- 
tion to the lowest limits consistent with efficient 
public service. In the direction of such economy 
and retrenchment, we heartly commend the 
action of the Republican legislature in reducing 
the expenses of the State in the sum of four hun- 
dred thousand dollars, and this example set by the 
State, should be followed in all other depart- 
ments of our government. 

17. That the Republican party of Iowa de- 
mands an honest, faithful and efficient discharge 
of duty by all officers, whether federal. State, 
county or municipal, and requires a full, fair, 
and impartial and searching investigation into 
the official conduct of all officials and the busi- 
ness of all officers, without regard to party or 
personal association, and whenever or wherever 
fraud and dishonesty are discovered, the Repub- 
licans of Iowa demand the prompt punishment 
of the guilty parlies. "Let no guilty man es- 
cape." 

A fusion ticket, composed of Green- 
backers and Democrats, was agreed on 
September 29th, as follows : Secretary of 
State, E. M. Farnsworth (Greenback er); 
Auditor, Jos. Eiboeck (Democrat); Treas- 
urer, M L. Devin (Greenbacker); Register 
of Land Office, M. Farrington (Green- 
backer); Judge of Supreme Court, Joseph 
C. Knapp (Democrat); Attorney-Geueral, 
John Gibbons (Democrat); Clerk of Su- 
preme Court, Alex. Runyon (Greenback- 
er); Reporter of Supreme Court, John B. 
Elliott (Democrat). On Secretary of State 
the vote was as follows : 

J. A. T. Hull, Rep 134,544 

E. M. Farnsworth, Fusion 125,087 



T. O. Walker, Dem 1,302 

Hull, overall 8,055 

The Democrats held a convention May 
21, 1879, at Council Bluffs, and nominated 
the following State ticket: Governor, H. 
H. Trimble; Lieutenant-Governor, J. Y. 
Yeoman s; Judge of Supreme Court, Reu- 
ben Noble; Supt. of Public Instruction, 
Erwin Baker. The platform adopted by 
the convention is here given : 

Resolved, That the Democratic party now, as 
in the past, insists that our liberties depend upon 
the strict construction and observance of the 
constitution of the United States and all its 
amendments. 

2. That the States and the general govern- 
ment should be sternly restrained to their respec- 
tive spheres, and to the exercise only of the 
powers granted and reserved by the constitution. 

3. That the policy of the Republican party, 
by which it inflates the importance of the States 
when necessary to cover the theft of the Presi 
dency, and in turn magnifies the functions of 
the general government to cover the coercion of 
the States iuto the endorsement of the partisan 
will of the fraudulent executive, is full of evil 
and fruitful of danger. 

4. That such a policy is intended to array 
section against section, the States against the 
general government, and it against the States in 
turn, for the purpose of destfoying the freedom 
of both, and teaching the people to look to a 
strong government as a shelter from the anarchy 
its advocates have planned. 

5. That evidences of these nefarious pur- 
poses is furnished by the present attitude of the 
Republican party, which is arrayed against a 
free ballot, on which depend all the liberties se- 
cured to us by the constitution. 

6. That we view with alarm the determina- 
tion of the Republican party, through the fraud- 
ulent executive, to deprive this republic of its 
army, so necessary to the defence of its froutier, 
and its protection from foreign and domestic 
enemies, by vetoing appropriations for the pny 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



207 



and support of our soldiers, unless they can be 
used to force voters to record the mere will of 
the executive. 

7. That we hail the Democratic Senators and 
Representatives in Congress as worthy the hero- 
ic lineage of American citizens, for standing 
firmly for the American idea in government as 
against the despotic theory from which our rev- 
olutionary fathers revolted, and we ask all lovers 
of liberty to join us and them in a protest against 
the change in our form of government proposed 
hy the Republican party, which will substitute 
the will of one man for that of the majority of 
all the people. 

8. That we are in favor of the substitution 
of United States treasury notes for national 
bank notes, and of the abolition of national 
banks as banks of issue; that the government of 
the United States issue the money for the people; 
and, further, that we favor a reduction of the 
bonded debt of the United States as fast as prac- 
ticable, and the application of the idle money in 
the treasury to that purpose. 

9. That we favor the free and unlimited coin- 
age of the silver dollar of 412>£ grains, and pro- 
viding certificates for silver bullion which may 
be deposited in the United Stales treasury, the 
same to be legal tender for all purposes. 

10. That we favor a tariff for revenue only. 

11. That we are in favor of economy in pub- 
lic expenditures, including reduction of salaries 
local and general, wherever they maybe deemed 
excessive; and also a reduction in the number of 
officials. 

12. That the Democratic party of Iowa is de- 
sirous of promoting temperance, and, being op- 
posed to free whisky, it is in f av ^r of a judicious 
license law. 

13. That we favor holding all public servants 
to a strict accountability, and their prompt and 
severe punishment for all thefts of public money 
and maladministration of public office. 

A Temperance convention was held at 
dar Rapids June 16th, and adopted the 
following platform : 



ffesi h-ed, "We recognize the traffic in intoxicat- 
ing liquors as the great moral, financial, social, 
and political evil of the present age; that it is 
one of the worst relics of barbarism; that it has 
always been the moving cause of crime, and is, 
therefore, subversive of our republican form of 
government, and should be overthrown. 

2. We believe that the prohibition of the 
traffic of intoxicating liquors is the only sound 
legislative theory upon which this vexed ques- 
tion can be solved and the nation saved from 
bankrupcy and demoralization; therefore, we 
insist upon the maintenance and enforcement of 
our prohibitory liquor law, and upon such 
amendments by the next Legislature of the State 
of Iowa as will place ale, wine, and beer under 
the same condemnation as other intoxicating 
liquors. 

3. We believe that in the security of home 
rests the security of the State; that woman is by 
her very nature the acknowledged guardian of 
this sacred shrine, and that intemperance is 
its greatest enemy, therefore we claim that the 
daughters of this commonwealth, as well as her 
sous, be allowed to say.jby their vote, what laws 
should be made for the suppression of this evil, 
and what persons shall execute the same. 

4. That the present movement inaugurated 
by the temperance organizations of the State to 
prohibit the manufacture and sale of alcoholic 
liquors, except for mechanical and medical pur- 
poses, including malt and wine liquors, meets 
our active support. 

5. That we, as the Prohibitionists of the 
State of Iowa, in view of the great questions of 
public interest effecting the perpetuity of our 
general government, which are now absorbing 
the thought and action of all our people, deem 
it inexpedient and unwise to nominate a State 
prohibitory ticket at the present time. 

A portion of the convention in favor of 
the nomination of a State ticket seceded, 
and nominated a State ticket, headed by 
G. T. Carpenter for Governor. Mr. Car- 
penter declining, D. R. Dungan was .substi- 
tuted. The rest of the ticket was composed 



^ 



- 13 



**fc 



•tu. 



208 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



as follows: Lieutenant-Governor, Ffank 
T. Campbell; Judge of the Supreme Court, 
J. M. Beck; Supt. of Public Instruction, 
J. A. Nash. 

The Greenbackers assembled at Des 
Moines May 28th, and nominated a ticket 
as follows: Governor, Daniel Campbell; 
Lieutenant-Governor, M. M. Moore; 'Su- 
preme Judge, M. H. Jones; Supt. of Pub- 
lic Instruciion, J. A.Nash. The follow- 
ing platform was adopted: 

Whereas, The sovereign and supreme power 
of the American Union is vested in the free will 
of the citizens thereof, who have an equal and 
unquestionable light to express that will as to 
them seems best adapted to secure the peace, 
perpetuate the liberty, and promote the pros- 
perity of each individual, as well as to enhance 
and protect the common welfare of our country; 
and, 

Whereas, This power has been delegated to 
unworthy servants, who have diverted it from 
its original purpose, whereby grievous wrongs 
have been perpetrated on the masses of the 
people, subjecting them to gross injustice, 
widespread poverty, untold privations, and 
business paralyzation; and, 

Whereas, These grievances have been greatly 
augumented by limiting the legal-tender quality 
of the greenbacks; by loaning the credit of the 
government to national bank corporations; by 
changing tiovernmenl bonds into coin bonds, 
and making the same exclusively payable in 
gold, by the conversion of a non-interest bearing 
circulating medium into an interest bearing 
government debt; by defrauding labor of employ- 
ment; by the ruinous shrinkage in the value of 
property; by the depression of business; by the 
willful restrictions placed upon the remonetiza- 
tion of the silver dollar; by the exemption of 
capital from its just share of the burden of taxa- 
tion; by the contraction of the greenback cur- 
rency; by the furced resumption of specie pay- 
ment; by the increase in the purchasing power 
of money, and its attendant hardshi, s on the 
debtor class; by declaring poverty a crime, and 



providing punishment therefor; by the criminal 
waste of the public domain, through enormous 
grants of land to railroad corporations; by 
oppressive taxation; by high rates of interest for 
the use of money; by exorbitant salaries and fees 
to public officers; by official corruption in the 
administration of public affairs; and, 

Whereas, A moneyed despotism has grown 
up in our land out of this state of affairs, which 
con trols the law-making power of our country, 
dictates judicial decisions, wields an undue 
influence over the chief executive of the nation 
— in the consideration of the laws passed for the 
benefit of the people, thus enabling the money 
power to carry on its schemes of public plunder, 
under and by which colossal fortunes have been 
gathered in the hands of the ambitious and un- 
crupulous men whose interests are at war with 
the interests of the people, hostile to popular 
government, and deaf to the demands of honest 
toil; therefore, we, the representatives of the 
Union Greenback Labor Party of Iowa, adopt 
the following as our platform of principles: 

1. The general government alone to issue 
money; the amount in circulation to be fixed by. 
a constitutional amendment upon a per capita 
basis; calling in of all United States bonds, and 
the payment of them in full legal-tender money. 

2. That the national banks, as banks of issue, 
must be abolished by law, and the legal tender 
greenback money of the government of the 
United States shall be substituted for their cir- 
culation. 

3. That we demand the unlimited coinage of 
the silver dollar of the present standard weight 
and fineness. 

4. That the American people owe a debt of 
gratitude to the Union soldiers that can never 
be fully paid, and in recognition of their patri- 
otic services we endorse the arrearages of pen- 
sions, and favor the passage of a bill providing 
for the equalization of bounties similar to the 
one vetoed by ex-President Grant. 

5. That we view with grave apprehension 
the continued oppression of the people by cor- 
porate powers; and while we execrate the inhu- 
man treatment of the Union soldiers in prison 



*¥ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



209 



pens of the South during the rebellion, we con- 
demn the violence of partisan spirit in the legisla- 
tive halls of Congress, which seeks to revive the 
dead issue of the past while conspiring against 
and deliberately refusing to provide measures of 
relief adequate to the living necessities of the 
present. 

6. That it is the right and duty of all qualified 
electors of any State in the Union to vote accord- 
ing to their conscientious convictions, and to 
have that vote honestly and fairly counted; and 
that any attempt to interfere with that right, 
either by threats of bands of armed men or the 
use of troops at the polls, or by fraud in con- 
ducting the election, or bribery in making out 
the returns, or by threats to dismiss from service, 
or any other means by which that right is 
abridged, is a crime that should be severely 
punished. 

7. That the office-holders of our country are 
the servants and not the masters of the people, 
and that these officers should be removed and 
punished to the full extent of the law whenever 
they betray the public trust confided to them; 
and we demand that all official fees and salaries, 
commencing with the President, should be re- 
duced from twenty-five to fifty per cent.; and 
we further demand the strictest economy in the 
administration of our courts of justice, and in 
all other federal and State officers. 

8. That we highly commend the moral re- 
form of men and the elevation of families by 
agencies of the temperance cause, and demand 
the use of all just and legal means for the sup- 
pression of the evils of intemperance. 

9. That all real estate be assessed to the 
owner, and the tax thereon be paid by him, pro- 
vided, that in case there is a mortgage or ven- 
dor's lien upon the land, and he pays the whole 
tax, that he may deduct, as payment on said 
lien, the pro rata share of the tax. 

10. That the revenue law of the State shall 
be amended so that the penalty or interest on 
the sale of delinquent taxes should not exceed 
the sum of ten per cent, per annum, and that the 
time of redemption shall be extended to a teim 
of five years. 



11. We favor the- repeal of the present rail- 
road commissioners' law, and the adoption of a 
suitable legislative action to reduce and equalize 
freight 

12. That the prison convict labor shall never 
come in competition with free labor, by the 
contract system, under any name. 

Resolved, That we approve the bold and inde- 
pendent stand taken by our Greenback repre- 
sentatives in Congress; and we especially endorse 
the conduct of Messrs. Weaver and Gillette in 
their conduct with the combined opposition of 
both old parties. 

2. That the nominees of this convention are 
the candidates of the Greenback party of Iowa, 
and in no case will we recognize the right of any 
person or persons to alter or change the ticket 
here nominated, except to fill vacancies occa- 
sioned by death, in which case the central com- 
mittee shall not place on the ticket the names 
of any person or persons who are identified with 
either of the old parties. 

The Republicans assembled at Des 
Moines, June 11, and nominated the fol- 
lowing ticket: Governor, John H. Gear; 
Lieutenant-Governor, Frank T. Campbell; 
Supreme Judge, J. M. Beck; Supt. of 
Public Instruction, C. W. Von Coelln. 
A platform was adopted as follows: 

1. That the United States of America is a 
nation, not a league. This is the doctrine of the 
constitution, confirmed by the result of the war 
of the rebellion. The Democratic party denies 
this, and opposes to it the doctrine of State 
rights, which includes the power of a State to 
dissolve its connection with the Union, therefore 
it is dangerous to the national life to trust it to 
the Democratic party. 

2. Upon the foregoing doctrine of nationality 
depends the power of the republic to protect its 
citizens in all other rights, both at home and 
abroad, and from its denial by the Democratic 
party have resulted the barbarous outrages per- 
petrated on citizens in all of the disturbed sec- 
tions of the Southern States, and redress can be 



210 



HISTOEY OF IOWA. 



had alone through the administration of public 
affairs in the several departments of the govern- 
ment by the Republican party. 

3. We denounce the attempt of the Demo- 
cratic party in Congress to render the federal 
elections insecure by the repeal of the election 
laws ef the United States as dangerous to a free 
and pure expression of the voice of the people 
through the ballot-box, and as tending to subject 
said elections to the dominations of the bull- 
dozing elements of the Southern States, and of 
repeaters and promoters of fraud in the city of 
New York and elsewhere, and the resistence 
made to the accomplishment of this result by 
the Republican Senators and Representotives in 
Congress, and by President Hayes in his veto 
messages, is accorded our profound commenda- 
tion. 

4. That we approve ol the financial policy of 
the Republican party, and refer with pride to its 
results. The Southern Democratic rebellion for 
the perpetuation of slavery and the enforcement 
of State rights forced an enormous interest- 
bearing debt upon the people, which, in August, 
1865, reached its highest point, and then 
amounted to $2,381,530,294.96, requiring an an- 
nual interest payment of $150,977,697.87. On 
the 1st of August next, when the Republican 
refunding operations will be completed, this 
Democratic debt will be reduced to $1,797,643,- 
700.00, with an annual interest charge of but 
$83,778,777.50, showing a reduction in the prin- 
cipal of $583,886,594.96, and of the annual 
interest charge of $57,203,619.37; and we declare 
this debt shall be honestly paid in honest money, 
and to this end are in favor of keeping our coin 
circulation at its largest practicable volume, and 
of maintaining our paper currency where the 
Republican party has placed it — at par with 
coin; and to the further end that the dollar 
earned by labor shall be worth as much as the 
dollar earned by capital. 

5. Concerning further financial legislation, 
we say, let us have peace, undisturbed by Con- 
gressional tinkering, that our business interests 
may ievive, investments of more idle capital be 
encouraged, commercial interests fostered, and 
the general welfape promoted. 



6. The profit arising from the coinage of gold 
and silver should inure to the benefits of the 
government, and not to the advantage of private 
owners of bullion, as this tends to diminish the 
burdens of the tax-payers, and no part of the 
tax-paying currency should be converted into 
the new tax-paying list. 

7. We favor a wisely-adjusted tariff for rev- 
enue. 

8. We demand a strict economy in the impo- 
sition of public taxes and expenditures of pub- 
lic money, and such just reduction and equali- 
zation of the salaries and fees of public officers 
as shall place them on an equality with like po- 
sitions in private employment. 

9. That we renew our expression of profound 
gratitude to the soldiers and sailors of the Union, 
and denounce the removal of employees of this 
class by the Democrats in Congress, and the ap- 
pointment, in their stead, of members of the 
Confederate army. 

10. That we re-affirm the position of the Re- 
publican party heretofore expressed upon the 
subject of temperance and prohibition. 

The vote on Governor was as follows : 

John H. Gear, Rep 157,571 

H. H. Trimble, Dem 85,056 

F. T. Campbell, Gr 45,438 

D. R. Dungan, Temp 3,258 

Gear.over all 23,828 

The campaign of 1880 was an exciting 
one. James A. Garfield was the Repub- 
lican candidate for the Presidency; Win- 
field S. Hancock, the Democratic; James 
B. Weaver, the Greenback; Neal Dow, the 
Prohibition. The Republicans of Iowa 
were first in the field this year, meeting in 
convention at DesMoines April 7*i, and 
nominating for Secretary of State, J. A. T. 
Hull; Treasurer, E. H. Conger; Auditor, 
W. V. Lucas; Attorney-General, Smith 
McPherson; Register of State Land Office, 
J. K. Powers. They also resolved — 

1. That we insist on the nomination of well- 
known Republicans of national reputation for 



4^ 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



211 



ability, purity and experience in public affairs, 
and adhesion to Republican princij les, for Pres- 
ident and Vice-President of the United States, 
by the National Republican Convention. 

2. That, as Republicans of Iowa, recognizing 
in the Hon. James Q. Blaine a man of tried in- 
tegrity, of uncompromising loyalty and patriot- 
ism, of commanding ability both as a leader and 
statesman, and a fearless advocate of the prin- 
ciples which have preserved the Union and given 
undying luster to the party of which he is the 
admired representative, we take pleasure in re- 
cording the fact that he is the preference of the 
Republicans of Iowa for the office of President 
of the United States. And while we pledge our- 
selves to support the nominee of the Chicago 
convention, we nevertheless declare it is our 
conviction that no other candidate will develop 
the enthusiasm or call out the number of votes 
that would be polled by the American people 
for James G. Blaine, as the standard-bearer of 
the Republican party in the national contest of 
1880. 

3. That the delegation of this convention to 
Chicago be instructed to cast the vote of Iowa 
as a unit; and that the delegation be further in- 
structed to use all honorable means to secure 
the nomination for President of the Hon. James 
G. Blaine. 

The Greenback party assembled in con- 
vention May 19th, at Des Moines and 
nominated Secretary of State, G. M. Wal- 
ker; Treasurer of State, Matthew FarriDg- 
ton; Auditor of State, G. V. Swearengen; 
Attorney-General, W. A. Spurrier; Register 
of State Land-Office, Thos. Hooker. The 
following is the platform adopted : 

We, the National Greenback Labor Party of 
Iowa, decide, as our first broad principle of 
f:uth, that that which is created is subservient 
to the power that created it. 

Resolved, That all currency, whether metallic 
or paper, necessary for use and convenience of 
the people, should be issued and controlled by 
the government, and not by or through the bank 
corporations of the country; and when so issued 



shall be a full legal tender for the payments of 
all debts, public and private. 

2. That so much of the interest bearing debt 
of the United States as shall become redeemable 
in the year 1881, or prior thereto, being in 
amonnt $782,000,000, shall not be refunded 
beyond the power of the government to call in 
said obligations and pay them at any time, but 
shall be paid as rapidly as possible, and accord- 
ing to contract. To enable the government to 
meet these obligations, the mints of the United 
States should be operated to their full capacity 
in the coinage of standard silver dollars, and 
such other coinage as the business of the country 
may require. 

3. That as the producing classes are now 
enslaved by interest-bearing debt, therefore we 
are unalterably opposed to all bonded indebted- 
ness. 

4. That the payment of the bond in coin, 
originally payable in lawful money, was a gift 
to the bond-holder, and the payment of the 
soldiers in paper, when by contract payable in 
coin, was and is an unjust discrimination in 
favor of the bondholder; therefore, we demand, 
in justice to the soldier, that he be paid accord- 
ing to contract. 

5. That we are opposed to the importation of 
Chinese semi-barbarous labor, regarding it as a 
paralyzing and degrading system, that will, 
unless checked, undermine American free labor 

6. That we demand the immediate passage 
by Congress of a law for the equalization of 
soldiers' bounties similar to the one vetoed by 
President Grant. 

7. That the right of suffrage, free press and 
speech, are the inalienable rights of every citi- 
zen of the United States. 

8. That we denounce the discrimination 
between government clerks and government 
laborers, the clerks working six hours and the 
laborers ten hours. 

9. That we are opposed to a large standing 
army, either national or State, in times of pro- 
found peace, eating out the substance of the 
people. 



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212 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



10. That we will continue to agitate the sub- 
ject of reform in this State, until official salaries 
shall bear a just proportion to the incomes of the 
people who pay them. 

11 . That the last Legislature of our State, in ' 
failing to pass the innocent purchaser bill, the 
bill to reduce court expenses, the bill to protect 
the destruction of sheep from the ravages of 
dogs, the bill to cut down our tax penalties, the 
bill to reduce the rate of interest, have neglected 
the best interests of the State, and ought to be 
turned out of power. 

12. That the State should not sell contract 
labor to compete with free labor. 

13. That as citizens of Iowa we feel proud of, 
and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Messrs. 
Weaver anu Gillette, for their noble and untir- 
ing efforts in the halls of Congress to secure the 
rights of the worthy toiling millions. 

14. That we, as the National Greenback Labor 
Party, know no North, no South, no East, no 
West. 

15. That all banks of issue and all monopolies 
must go, 

The Democrats met at Des Moines; Sep- 
tember 2d, and nominated a ticket as fol- 
lows : For Secretary of State, A. B. Keith; 
Treasurer, Martin Blim ; Auditor, Chas. I. 
Barker ; Attorney-General, C. A. Clark ; 
Register of State Land Office, C. A. 
Dougherty. They also resolved : 

1. We, the Democracy of Iowa, in delegate 
convention assembled, endorse the platform of 
the party adopted at Cincinnati, and pledge 
our earnest efforts in its behalf. 

2. The Democracy of Iowa are heartily in 
favor of the National nominees, Hancock and 
English, as they give a decided assurance of 
p-..re and more thoroughly careful administration 
of national affairs. 

3. We are in favor of a judicious license law, 
and condemn all efforts to legislate against 
those natural rights which do not trespass upon 
those belonging to the whole community, and 
we applaud the action of our representatives at 



DesMoines in the Eighteenth General Assembly 
for their manly and able opposition to the at- 
tempt at sumptuary legislation made by a Re- 
publican legislature. 

The vote for Secretary of State stood as 
follows: 

J. A. T. Hull, Rep 184, 166 

A. B. Keith, Dem 105,760 

G.M. Walker, Gr 32,780 

Scattering 422 

Hull over all 45, 204 

In the campaign of 1881, the first con- 
vention held was by the Democrats, at 
DesMoines, June 16. They nominated 
for Governor, L. G. Kinne; Lieutenant- 
Governor, J. M. Walker; Judge of Su- 
preme Court, H. B. Hendershott; Supt. of 
Public Instruction, W. H. Butler. The 
convention adopted the following plat- 
form: 

The Democratic party of Iowa, in convention 
assembled, re-affirm the national platforms of 
1876 and 1880, demand strict economy in all 
public expenditures, a strict accountability of 
all public servants, and declares — 

1. For tariff reform, ultimating in simpler 
revenue s3'stem, with commercial freedom as its 
issue. 

2. That we oppose all sumptuary laws, and 
the proposed prohibitory amendment to the 
constitution in all its steps and stages as the most 
offensive form of sumptuary regulation. 

3. That the great agricultural and producing 
interests of the country should be emancipated 
from the burdens of monopoly put upon them 
by Republican rule, and as a feature of such 
relief, for the cheapening of transportation by 
government appropriations for improvement of 
the Mississippi river, its navigable tributaries 
and other water-ways. 

4. That we execrate the constant official cor- 
ruption grown into Republican practice, and 
that the demand of our national platform for 
civil service reform is freshly emphasized by the 
immoral spectacle of Republican tactions dis- 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



213 



turbing the public peace, not by the agitation of 
great measures of statesmanship, but by a vulgar 
quarrel over the partition of public spoils, and a 
squabble for the opportunities of official theft. 

The Greenback convention was held at 
Marshalltown, June 2, and the following 
ticket nominated: Governor, D. M. Clark; 
Lieutenant-Governor, James M. Holland ; 
Supt. of Public Instruction, Mrs. A. M. 
Swain; Supreme Judge, W. W. William- 
son. The following platform was adopted 
by the convention : 

1. The right to make and issue money is a 
sovereign constitutional power to be maintained 
by the people for the common benefit. We de- 
mand the abolition of all banks of issue, and 
the substitution of full legal tender greenbacks 
in lieu of their notes. 

2. We oppose the refunding of the national 
debt or the issue of interest-bearing non-payable 
bonds upon any pretext, and demand the pay- 
ment and destruction of those outstanding at 
the earliest possible moment. 

3. We demand a gradual income tax, where- 
by capital shall bear a just share of the public 
burden. 

4. We regard the act substituting a railroad 
commission for laws governing freight rates in 
the State as a fraud secured by the railroad 
companies through a Republican legislature, and 
demand its repeal. While we favor liberal na- 
tional appropriations for the creation and im- 
provement of water-ways, we demand laws 
protecting the people of Iowa from discrimina- 
tion, pooling, watering of stock, drawbacks or 
rebates, and all unjust charges on the part of 
railroads, until such time as the people, who 
built most of these roads with land grants, 
taxes and subsidies, shall own and operate or 
fully control them. 

5. We demand a revision of our patent right 
laws, placing a fair limit upon the royalties of 
inventors, and protecting the people from injus- 
tice. 

6. We demand that all land grants forfeited 
by reason of the non-f ulflllment of conditions by 



railroad companies shall be at once reclaimed 
by the government, and henceforth that the 
public domain be reserved exclusively for 
homesteaders or actual settlers. 

7. We demand absolutely Democratic rules 
for the government of Congress and State legis- 
latures, placing all representatives of the people 
upon an equal footing, and taking from all com- 
mittees a veto power upon proposed legislation 

8. We denounce as most dangerous the re- 
strictions of the right of suffrage in mauy 
States, and its abolition in the District of Col- 
umbia, and demand equal political rights for all 
men and women. 

9. Believing that all questions affecting the 
public interest should be decided by the people, 
we favor the submission of the proposed consti- 
tutional amendment to the popular vote. 

10. We demand that all ballots in this State 
shall be of uniform size, color and material, and 
that each party having a State organization 
shall have one member on the election board of 
each township precinct. 

11. We favor the abolition of the electoral 
college, and the election of President, Vice- 
President and Senators of the United States by 
a direct vote of the people. 

12. In the furtherance of these ends, we ask 
the cooperation of all men and women, without 
regard to previous party affiliation or prejudice. 

The Republicans met at DesMoines, 
June 1, and nominated the following 
ticket: Governor, Buren R. Sherman; 
LieutenantrGovernor, Orlando H. Man- 
ning; Supt. of Public Instruction, John 
W. Akers; Judge of Supreme Court, 
Austin Adams. The convention also 
adopted the following platform: 

We, the representatives of the Republican 
party of Iowa, demand anew of the people of 
the State their fullest confidence and support, 
because of the faithfulness of the party, in the 
State and in the nation, to party pledges; be- 
cause of the marvelous devotion it has shown in 
support of the Union; because of its abhorrence 



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214 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



of slavery and polygamy, and of its successful 
efforts to crush the one, and of Its persistent 
struggle to get rid of the other, sure to go on to 
its final extirpation; because of its active inter- 
est in the relief of struggling and oppressed 
humanity everywhere; because of its determin- 
ation to abolish all inequalities of citizenship, to 
give all men of all races and nationalities in this 
land equality of civil and political rights; be- 
cause of its efforts to establish temperance, to 
educate the people and build up all moral forces; 
because it has been earnest in its efforts toward 
honest and economical government, and has 
been swift to correct abuses when it has discov- 
ered them; because it has steadily maintained 
the financial honor of the nation, is rapidly dis- 
charging its great war debt, and has made the 
recent financial history of the government the 
marvel of naticins; because it has protected the 
labor of the country, and built up its agricultu- 
ral and manufacturing interests, and promoted 
the means of internal commerce by judicial leg- 
islation; because it is positive and progressive, 
and will, in the future, as in the past, prove its 
capacity to grapple promptly and successfully 
with every emergency of the nation, and with 
every question affecting the people's interests; 
and, finally, because it will secure a complete 
and lasting unification of the country, entire 
peace and concord, upon the statute basis of 
free schools, free speech, a free press and a free 
ballot. 

In the spirit of the purpose that has redeemed 
former pledges and produced these results, the 
Republican party of Iowa resolves — 

1. We re-affirm the Republican national plat- 
form of 1880, and insist upon its enforcement in 
its relation to the several affairs of the nation, 
the States and the Territories, in order that 
sound policies shall prevail in the nation, and 
ample protection be afforded to its citizens in all 
of their rights of citizenship in the several 
States; and that the territories be made as abso- 
lutely free from the debasing presence and per- 
nicious influences of polygamy as the States 
now are of slavery. 

2. We congratulate this country upon the 
election of James A. Garfield, and the national 



adminstration upon the vigorous manner in 
which it has undertaken'to ferret out fraud and 
suppress extravagance in public expenditures, to 
secure the personal and commercial rights of 
our people abroad, to deal justly with the Indian 
wards of the government, and upon the con- 
spicuous success of its financial policy. 

8. That we are in hearty sympathy with the 
spirit of recent conventions for supplementing 
and improving the great water routes of the 
nation, and cordially endorse all measures which 
look toward a practical and judicious improve- 
ment of the magnificent water-ways which nature 
has afforded us for cheaply transporting the 
immense commerce of the States, and therefore 
developing the immense resources of the interior 
of our national domain. 

4. That we recognize railways as one of the 
most potent agencies in our national progress, 
but one which by reason of its relation to the 
people, must be kept subordinate to the interests 
of the people, and within the legislative control 
of Congress and the State. That in the spirit of 
its usefulness, it must be dealt with in fairness 
and without injustice. But we are in accord 
with the popular demand, that the unquestion- 
able legislative power shall be used to protect 
the people from any abuse and unjust exactions. 

5. That the plenary power of Congress over 
the subjectof patent, should be so exercised as to 
protect the people against the wrongs and abuses 
which have been developed and are practiced 
under the present system of laws relating to 
patent rights, and we ask our senators and repre- 
sentatives in Congress, to lend their best efforts 
to the accomplishment of this end. 

6. That the position attained in our com- 
merce by American meats and live animals, 
demand the enactment of effective legislation 
by both the nation and the States, for the sup- 
pression of such diseases as are calculated to 
interfere with this important feature of our 
foreign trade. 

7. That in pursuance of the uniform justice 
of the Republican party to observe the pledges 
and perform the promises made and given in its 
platform, we declare that the provisions in the 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



215 



platform of 1879, for the submission of 
the so-ealled prohibitory amendment of the con- 
stitution of Iowa, to a vote of the people at a 
special and non-partisan election should be 
enforced, in order that the good faith of the 
party may be maintained, and that the people 



in this government of the people, by the people, 
and for the people, may have an opportunity to 
express their wishes concerning the pending 
amendment, regardless of party affiliations, and 
with perfect freedom from all party restraint 
and influences. 



CHAPTER XI, 



TERRITORIAL AND STATE OFFICERS A RETROSPECT. 



In the limited space of this State his- 
tory, sketches of the various Territorial 
and State officers cannot be given, though 
they would be of great interest. It is 
thought best, however, to insert sketches 
of the three Territorial Governors. These 
have been prepared by Hon. Samuel Mur- 
dock, of Clayton county, a gentleman than 
-whom none are better qualified for the 
task. 

Robert Lucas. 

In the spring of 1832 the celebrated 
Inilian Chief, Black Hawk, in violation of 
the treaty of St. Louis in 1804, which he 
himself had ratified in 1816, and again 
partially ratified in 1831, started with his 
band, composing a part of the Sac and 
Fox Indians, ascended Rock River to a 
considerable distance, where he took up a 
strong military position. 

Gen. Atkinson, with a large number of 
United States troops and volunteers from 



the surrounding country, immediately pur- 
sued him, with the intention of forcing the 
cunning chief either to retire or give him 
battle. And in compliance with this reso- 
lution, he dispatched forward Major Still- 
man, with three or four hundred volunteers, 
to reconoitre the position of Black Hawk. 
But Stillman had before him a "Warrior 
tried;" a man who had been born and 
cradled upon the battle-field; one who had 
followed his father through many a hard- 
fought battle with the Cherokees; one 
who had stood shoulder to shoulder with 
Tecumseh at Brownstown and the Thames; 
one who, by experience, understood both 
the tactics of the white man and the 
Indian; one who had mingled in the strife 
and carnage of every desperate and bloody 
battle along the whole western border for 
nearly half a century before. As soon as 
he heard that Stillman was approaching 
his camp, he made preparations to meet 
him, and in doing this he planned and 
accomplished one of the greatest and most 



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216 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



skillful military stratagems known to 
modern times. 

Stillman, underrating the character of 
the man before him, rushed, with his 
whole force, into the very jaws of death; 
his troops were thrown into the worst 
kind of disorder, and fell around him dead 
and dying over the field. 

Bravely did Stillman attempt to rally 
his men and bring them into order, which 
he came very near doing; but the eagle 
eye of an old warrior was looking over 
that field, and just at the moment when 
the tide of battle seemed to hang in a 
balance, this brave old warrior puts him- 
self at the head of a chosen number of his 
gallant braves, and with a yell that sent a 
thrill through many a bold and daring 
heart, rushed to the charge, dealing death 
and destruction in his way. 

Stillman ordered his men to fall back, 
but all was now utter confusion, and the 
retreat became a perfect rout. Thus, sir, 
commenced the short and bloody "Black 
Hawk War," a war in which few laurels 
were won, and nothing found to admire 
save the daring bravery of the savage 
commander. It is not my purpose to fol- 
low it further; its history is a history of 
the most disgraceful outrages and vile 
treacheries on the part of the Americans; 
and but for the noble conduct of the gal- 
lant Dodge connected with it, ought to be 
blotted forever from the recollections of 
American history. 

The wa.r ended by the capture of "Black 
Hawk" through the treachery of the Win- 
nebagos; and a treaty was concluded 
with him on the 21st of September, 1832, 
at Rock Island, by which he ceded to the 
United States a large tr act of la nd, west 




of the Mississippi, which became known 
as the "Black Hawk Purchase." This 
war had its important effects in the his- 
tory of the Great West; it brought into 
notice the rich valley of the Rock river; 
it laid open to view the wealth and treas- 
ures locked up for past ages in the lead 
mines of Wisconsin; it opened to the view 
of the emigrant a rich and fertile valley, 
lying between the Mississippi on one side 
and the Missouri on the other; and long 
before the stipulations of the treaty of 
1832 could be carried out, thousands 
rushed pell mell into the new land, ming- 
ling savage and civilized life together. 

The National Legislature has never yet 
been able to keep up in making the neces- 
sary laws for their protection, with the 
great tide of civilization, as it rolls on- 
ward, year after year, upon the heels of 
retreating savages. 

On the 20th of April, 1836, Congress 
passed a law for the organization of the 
Territory of Wisconsin, by the provisions 
of which the northern boundary of Wis- 
consin extended west in a zigzag direction 
from a point opposite the main channel of 
Green Bay through Lake Superior, touch- 
ing the White Earth river, thence down 
said river to the main channel of the Mis- 
souri, thence down the Missouri to a point 
due west from the northwest corner of the 
State of Missouri, etc.; thus, you see, in- 
cluding within the bounds of Wisconsin 
all the lands and territory which now 
compose the great States of Iowa and 
Minnesota. It was soon evident that this 
arrangement could not last long; Young 
America had crossed the Mississippi, and 
had left a natural boundary behind him; 
stretching his eyes three hundred miles 



L> 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



217 



west, his vision rested upon another, and 
with this in view, he demanded a separa- 
tion, whicn no Congress at that time dared 
to refuse. 

On the 13th day of June, 1838, Congress 
passed an act organizing the Territory of 
Iowa into a separate and distinct govern- 
ment. This was the era of many a dar- 
ling project on the part of Young Amer- 
ica, which he has since carried out to per- 
fection and success; while at the same 
time it became the era of many a "bubble 
bursted" in the shape of fallen cities and 
deserted capitols. Cassville, below you, 
was once, in expectancy, a proud metropo- 
lis, and the seat of a more than Chinese 
Empire. The act took effect from and 
after the 3d day of July of that year, with 
all the requisites of a separate and inde- 
pendent existence. 

Robert Lucas, of Ohio, the person whose 
name heads this article, was appointed by 
Mr. VanBuren, her first Governor, in con- 
nection with Willian B. Conway, of Penn- 
sylvania, Secretary. 

Governor Lucas, at the time of his 
appointment, was quite an old man, and 
far advanced in the decline of life; he had 
spent his best days in the service of his 
country. His youth was spent amid the 
strife and storms of a cruel and desperate 
border war. He was engaged in almost 
every battle from the Huron to the Thames. 
He had mingled personally in almost 
every skirmish on the frontier during the 
war of 1812, and his history was full of 
romantic adventures, hair-breadth escapes, 
and bold and daring encounters. He had 
seen the Great West territory pass from 
a howling wilderness, and become the 
abode of millions of freemen who could 



cultivate their own vine and fig tree, wor- 
ship at their own shrine, with none to fear 
or make them afraid. He had seen Ohio 
a despondency, a tittle colony, struggling 
for existence, with almost her entire male 
population drafted for a border war, and 
he left her for Iowa, the third among a 
confederation of States, the greatest, the 
most powerful, and at the same time the 
most proud and glorious republic the 
world ever saw. 

He commenced his public career in 
Ohio in her infancy; he assisted, by his 
valor and courage, to drive back the mur- 
derous foe who hung upon the borders to 
glut his vengeance on the innocent child 
at its mother's breast. And not until the 
Indian had buried the tomahawk, and 
England had ceased to desolate her fron- 
tiers, did he quit his post and return to 
enjoy himself in the peaceful avocations 
of private life. He mingled in her halls 
and in her councils, and his name con- 
nected with almost every public act of that 
great State, which gave her prosperity and 
greatness; and as a tribute to his worth 
and a reward for his services, she conferred 
upon him, in his declining years, the office 
of Governor. 

It was soon after his term of office ex- 
pired in Ohio that he received from the 
President the Governorship of Iowa. 

It was during his term of office as Gov- 
ernor of Ohio that the dispute arose 
between that State and the territory of 
Michigan, in relation to their respective 
boundaries, which came very near plung- 
ing both of them into a cruel, desperate 
and fratricidal war. The matter was set- 
tled, finally, by giving Ohio all she claimed; 
and in order to keep the youngest child of 



s> "'y 



218 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



the Republic in these days from being 
naughty, she was given a strip of poor 
territory, two hundred and fifty miles 
from her, and north and west of the main 
channel of Green Bay. 

He commenced his career in Iowa with 
all the bouyancy of youth and better days, 
and looked forward with a great deal of 
interest to the day when he should see her 
a proud and noble State. 

Scarcely had he time to look around 
him and gather information, in his new 
field of labor, before he found himself 
involved in another question of boundry, 
between Iowa and the State of Missouri. 
Missouri had set up a claim to a strip of 
country about six miles wide extending 
along the south line of our whole State; 
and on this strip of land she had several 
times attempted to collect taxes and en- 
force her laws. 

The settlers resisted these claims of 
Missouri, and appealed to the Governor 
for protection. No sooner was their case 
made known to him than he resolved to 
call forth all the military force he could 
procure, and for this purpose he issued 
his proclamation. Hundreds responded 
to his call, and in a short time he had col- 
lected here and there through the territory 
a set of men who only wanted a nod from 
their commander, and they would have 
thrown themselves against odds into the 
very heart of Missouri. Gov. Boggs, of 
Missouri, had also called on his State for 
assistance, and he, too, was on his march 
with a desperate set of men to assert his 
claim. Had those two forces have met, 
nothing could have prevented a dreadful 
and fatal encounter. 



But wise councils prevailed, and the 
legislature of Iowa, to its everlasting 
credit, drew up and passed a preamble and 
resolutions requesting both Governors to 
suspend hostilities until the first day of 
July thereafter. These resolutions had 
the desired effect; military preparations 
were suspended by both parties, and an- 
other cruel and fratricidal war averted. 

The matter was afterwards submitted to 
Congress, where, through the influence of 
A. C. Dodge, with his uncle, Dr. Linn, 
who was at that time a Senator in Congress 
from Missouri; the matter was finally 
settled by giving to Iowa all she ever 
claimed. 

Thus ended the celebrated "Missouri 
war," a war whose history is full of fun 
and anecdote, a war which has since fur- 
nished the theme for many an idle, but 
interesting romance; and a war which will 
only be remembered in machine verse and 
burlesque song; for 

"Missouri shall many a day" 
"Tell of the bloody fray" 
"When the Hawbeyes and Pukies" 
"First met on her border." 

Governor Lucas never forgot the inci- 
dents of this war during his life; and long 
after the difficulties had passed away, he 
never could talk about it without flying 
into a passion at the conduct of Missouri. 
He cherished a holy hatred for the land of 
"Pukes" during his lifetime. 

Not long after the difficulties with Mis- 
souri were settled, he got into a desperate 
quarrel with the legislature, and for a time, 
everything about the capital wore a bel- 
ligerant aspect. It will be recollected 
that at that time the legislature was filled 
exclusively by young men; "mere boys," 



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HISTORY OF IOWA. 



219 



a^ it was said of them at the time, and a 
higher set of fellows than they were, 
could scarcely be found. They looked 
upon Iowa as their own and each of them 
looked himself as the future Senator, 
Governor, or chief justice of a future 
State, which he himself was at that time 
laboring to bring about; and the history of 
occurring events will show, that with a 
large number of them, their early antici- 
pations turned out to be true; and with 
those who are still in obscurity, but yet in 
the prime of life, a bright and happy future 
is still before them. The Governor was an 
old man, and, as they thought, tinctured 
somewhat with "Foggyism," and they did 
not hesitate to declare that he was here for 
the office, and for the office alone, and that 
as soon as his term expired, he would 
return again to Ohio, as all Governors of 
new Territories have generally done. 
What wonder, then, that between such 
elements, there should, in the course of 
events spring up a collision. 

The Governor attempted from time to 
time, to check these young law-makers in 
their public expenditures, and did not 
hesitate to call them a set of profiligates. 
In retaliation for these acts on the part of 
the Governor, the legislature appointed a 
committee, consistingof James W. Grimes, 
since United States Senator, Chauncy Swam 
who subsequently died at sea on his return 
from California, and Laurel Summers, 
afterwards United States Marshal for Iowa, 
to inquire into his power, and define his 
duties. This committee after due delibera- 
tion, gravely reported to the legislature, 
that the Governor had full power and 
authority to vote all acts of the legislature, 
of every kind, name and description, except 



acts for the appropriation of money, and 
then asked to be discharged from the fur- 
ther consideration of the subject. But 
the matter did not end here, for the legis- 
lature on the 16th of January, 1840, 
instructed their delegate to Congress, 
W. W. Chapman to use his influence in 
procuring a law, allowing the people to 
elect their own Governor, and provided in 
this resolution, that the Governor himself 
should circulate it. This resolution he 
took good care to approve, and actually 
sent copies of it to Washington city. 

He was removed from the office of 
Governor, after the 4th of March, 1831, 
and John Chambers, of Kentucky was 
appointed to succeed him. 

After his removal he returned to private 
life, and resided at Bloomington for a 
number of years. 

He returned to Ohio and ran for Con- 
gress, but was defeated, after which he 
again returned to Iowa, and if I mistake 
not, was a member of the first constitu- 
tional convention. 

Old age crept upon him at last, and he 
died a number of years ago, at Muscatine. 
He was always a Democrat of the Jack- 
sonian school, and throughout a long 
public life he was strictly and religiously 
honest. He was not a man of much talent, 
but his long public life had made him 
familiar with the whole routine of public 
affairs. 

With his intimate aquaintance with 
public men and public affairs, he could 
have written an admirable history of the 
Great Wests. But he has left nothiug 
behind him save his own acts. 



«<* I® 



220 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



In person, he was tall and slender, and 
in his younger days, capable of enduring 
great hardships. 

As her first Governor, and one of her 
truest and best friends, he will live on the 
pages of Iowa's history, when statues of 
marble and brass, shall have crumbled into 
dust. 



John Chambers. 

On the 4th day of March, 1841, William 
Henry Harrison was inaugurated President 
of the United States. He was carried into 
office through one of the most renowned 
and exciting political campaigns our coun- 
try has ever witnessed. 

During the administration" of Mr. Van 
Buren, his immediate predecessor, our 
country, and indeed the whole civilized 
world, was visited by one of those great 
commercial revulsions which seems peri- 
odically to take place in the affairs of man. 
Never before had our country witnessed 
and felt such a universal depression of all 
kinds of business, nor could the most gifted 
seer in commercial pursuits tell how or 
when this great commercial calamity would 
end, or be remedied. 

The people thought they could look back 
into the administration of General Jack- 
son, when the deposits were removed, as 
the primary cause of all the distress in 
every ramification of trade which followed 
during the administration of his successor, 
and in order, as they supposed, to apply a 
remedy, and restore confidence and secu- 
rity again to the country, demanded a 
change in the affairs of the government. 

For twelve years previous to 1840, the 
government had been in the hands of a 



party calling themselves "Jackson Demo- 
crats," and from their long tenure in office, 
many of them had come to the conclusion 
that they owned them in their own right, 
and that almost every office in the gift of 
the President was a life tenure. 

Acting upon this principle, many of these 
incumbents had become notoriously cor- 
rupt, and appropriated the money belong- 
ing to their respective offices to their own 
private and pecuniary profit. 

These things, added to the commercial 
distress I have mentioned, increased the 
popular clamor for a change, and General 
Harrison was triumphantly elected Presi- 
dent. And although the writer of this 
article heard him declare in a public 
speech that he would suffer his right hand 
to be cut off before he would remove a 
public officer for opinion sake alone, yet 
one of the first acts of his administration 
was the. removal of Robert Lucas from the 
Governorship of Iowa, and the appoint- 
ment of John Chambers, of Kentucky, to 
succeed him. 

He arrived in Iowa a short time after he 
had received his appointment, and imme- 
diately took possession of his office. 

He was a Whig, and of that Kentucky 
school of politics, in his day, which took 
rather a conservative view of public affairs. 
He was an old man, and had seen some 
service in his day. He was among the 
Kentucky volunteers on the frontier during 
the war of 1812, and distinguished him- 
self in several skirmishes with the Indians, 
and was looked upon as one of Kentucky's 
bravest men. Everything in Iowa was in 
the hands of the Democrats; they had, 
since the formation of the Territory, filled 
every office; they had controlled and di- 



^ 



»r** 



<2 k_ 



HISTORY OP IOWA. 



221 



rected its whole legislation; they had 
carved and cut every act to suit them- 
selves. So that when the new Governor 
arrived he found Iowa in the hands of a 
joint stock company, with the shares above 
par, and none to dispose of at any price. 

These same stockholders had been for 
several years accustomed to look upon his 
predecessor, although one of their own 
faith, with considerable distrust; and need 
we wonder that when a new man made his 
appearance among them, of opposite faith, 
that, for a time at least, he should receive 
the cold shoulder? 

He had been appointed for four years, 
and in all probability would remain his 
time out; but four years was an age, at 
that time, to those who in fact controlled 
the destinies of a future republic. 

A plan was therefore set on foot by those 
who owned the largest shares in the com- 
pany, to bring about a revolution, to change 
the form of government, to establish a 
State; and, in obedience to this plan, the 
legislature, on the 16th day of February, 
1842, provided that at the August election 
following, a vote should be taken for or 
against a convention to form a constitution 
for the State of Iowa. At this time the 
general government had paid all the ex- 
penses of the Territory, in hard money. 
At every session of eve/}' court, in every 
county throughout the whole Territory, the 
Judge, the District Attorney, and last, 
though not least, the United States Mar- 
shal, or one of his deputies, always ap- 
peared together. As soon as the court was 
over, and justice had been meted out with 
unsparing hand, the Marshal called up the 
Grand and Petit Juries, and the witnesses 
upon all criminal trials, cashed all their 



accounts in half dollars, and they went 
their own way over the broad prairies, 
whistling or singing that good old tune, 
"Uncle Sam is rich enough to give us all a farm." 

Taxes they did not feel, for there was no 
occasion to gather them, and I know of no 
happier State on earth than where man 
can live and enjoy all the sweets of unre- 
strained liberty, be assured of protection 
from aggression and wrong, his fields and 
gardens yielding a bounteous return for 
the slightest touch of the hoe and the 
spade, upon his own soil, with a cabin 
reared by his own hands, and "children 
who cluster like grapes at the door," with 
a table covered by the choicest viands, the 
latch-string never pulled in, and at the 
same time a government scattering broad- 
cast around him annually thousands of dol- 
lars in hard money, and asking nothing in 
return but good behavior. Such was the 
state of things in the Territory, at this 
time; and when the August election came, 
the people voted against a convention, and 
wisely concluded to remain a few years 
longer in a state of dependency, in order 
to enjoy, as long as possible, the benefits 
showered upon them by the general gov- 
ernment. 

During all this time the new Governor 
had Dot been idle. He had, previous to 
this, collected all the information he could 
in relation to the country. He had held a 
treaty with the Sac and Fox Indians, and 
had succeeded in making a purchase of 
all their lands lying west of the Blackhawk 
Purchase and extending west to the Mis- 
souri, and north to the "Neutral Ground." 
By this treaty Io.wa acquired jurisdiction 
to the Missouri on the west, and by an act 



iku 



222 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



of Congress a criminal jurisdiction to the 
British possessions on the north. 

Long before this treaty could be ratified 
at Washington, tens of thousands rushed 
pell-mell upon the "New Purchase," deter- 
mined to make themselves "claims," and 
stand by them to the last. Troops were 
sent to drive them off until the stipulations 
of the treaty could be carried out, and in 
order to give time to the Indians to re- 
move. 

But before the troops had time to re- 
move a few squatters in one portion, 
"claims" were made in their rear, adjoin- 
ing one another, at the rate of fifty miles 
a day. So great was the rush for "claims" 
that it was no uncommon thing for the in- 
habitants of an Indian village to wake up 
in the morning, and to their utter conster- 
nation and surprise, find a log cabin or 
"claim shanty" which had been erected in 
their town during the night, while upon 
the door, perhaps, with chalk or coal, the 
unmistakable pictures of the bowie-knife 
and revolver, indicating, as the Indians 
well knew, the desperate character of him 
who sleeps within, upon that pallet of 
leaves and grass. 

No troops could restrain them, and the 
officers gave up in despair, thus in a short 
time the Territory had received a large 
addition to her population. 

The friends of a State government 
thought they could now, after so large an 
increase of population as this new pur- 
chase had brought about, venture again 
upon their darling scheme. 

On the 12th day of February, 1844, the 
Legislature again provided that at the 
April election following a poll should be 
opened, and each elector interrogated "for 



or against a convention?" This time it 
was made a party measure, and to be 
"for a convention" was a true test of a 
man's Democracy. The plan succeeded 
admirably, even beyond the expectations 
of the "share-holders," and upon counting 
there was a small majority in favor of a 
convention. 

The delegates were elected at the Aug- 
ust election following, and the convention, 
consisting of seventy members, assembled 
at Iowa City on the first Monday in Octo- 
ber, 1844, and proceeded to'form a consti- 
tution. After a few weeks deliberation, 
they produced what they called a constitu- 
tion, but, upon inspection, it was found to 
be rather a rickety affair; it was, however, 
in accordance with the doctrine of "Popu- 
lar Sovereignty," submitted to the people 
for their rejection or approval, at the April 
election, in 1845. At the time of its form- 
ation, the convention, in defining the boun- 
daries of the future State, had included on 
the north nearly the whole of what is now 
the State of Minnesota. Congress had, 
however, in anticipation of our coming, 
and in order to meet us half way, passed 
an act admitting us into the Union, but at 
the same time curtailing our boundaries, 
both on the north and west, cutting us off 
from the Missouri entirely. This act ot 
Congress became known only a short time 
before the April election, and this fact, in 
connection with the unpopularity of the 
instrument itself, caused its defeat at the 
election which followed. 

The legislature had wisely provided, at 
the session which provided for a conven- 
tion, that in the event the constitution 
should be defeated, there should be an 
election for members of the legislature in 



24! 



u e> 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



223 



April, and that such legislature should 
assemble on the first Monday in May, 1845. 

The election was held accordingly, and 
the Legislature assembled at Iowa City at 
the time designated. 

Immediately after the organization, the 
Democrats called together a caucus, in 
which it was resolved to submit again the 
same constitution to another test; and, 
agreeable to this resolution, Shepard 
Leffler, of DeMoines, introduced into the 
Senate a bill for that purpose. This bill 
passed both Houses, and was submitted to 
Mr. Chambers for his approval. But he 
differed with the legislature in regard to 
their power to pass an act of that kind, 
and he returned it with his veto. The 
legislature, however, was too strong for 
him, and they passed the bill over his 
veto, and again submitted the constitution 
at the August election following. But the 
people by this time had got tired of the 
old thing. Copies of it had been handed 
from one to another until they were worn 
out; they believed the Governor was 
right in his veto; and the old man had the 
grand satisfaction in seeing his last public 
act in the territory triumphantly sustained 
by the people. It was again rejected by a 
large majority, and came very near defeat- 
ing General Dodge for Congress, who 
undertook to pack it and run against 
R. P. Lowe, the present Chief Justice of 
the State. 

Mr. Polk was inaugurated President of 
the United States on the 4th of March, 
1845, and a short time after the close of 
the session of May, 1845, he removed 
Mr. Chambers, and appointed James 
Clarke, of Burlington, to succeed him. 
This closed the publio career of John 



Chambers, second Governor of Iowa. A 
short time after his .removal by Mr. Polk, 
he returned to his home in Kentucky, 
where he soon after died. 

He was a large, heavy man, round 
shouldered, and had rather a stooping 
gait. His manners were reserved, and at 
first sight you would not care about ap- 
proaching him, but a little familiar ac- 
quaintance with him would make him a 
favorite. 

A half hour's conversation with him, 
and he was as pleasing as a child; and 
take him all in all, he was about the most 
perfect specimen of Kentucky gentleman 
that was ever my lot to fall in with. 

The longer he remained in Iowa, the 
more the people loved him. 

I bid him farewell for the last time on 
the steps of the Capitol at Iowa City, when 
he wept like a child. 

When he left Iowa for his own bright 
and sunny land, he left no enemies behind 
him. A noble hearted man, he fixed his 
name forever on the pages of our history, 
and he left us to mingle his dust in that 
land which gave him birth. So far as my 
acquaintance with him is concerned, I can 
truly say with Burns: 

"An honest man now lies at rest, 
One who on earth was truly blest; 
If there's another world, he lies in bliss, 
And if there's none, he's made the best of this." 



Jambs Clarke. 

Sometime in the antumn of the year 
1837, when the trees were in the yellow 
leaf, a printer boy of slender form and 
gentle appearance might have been seen 



-EpT" 



*<fc 



- ! — »- 



224 



HISTOKY OF IOWA. 



crossing the "Laurel Hills" of his own 
State. Behind him rolled the waters of 
the "Blue Juniata," on the banks of which 
he had. spent, in merry glee, his youthful 
days. He had heard and read of strange 
countries that lay far off towards the set- 
ting sun, through which broad rivers run, 
and spreading landscapes unfolded to 
human eyes the most rare and magnificent 
beauty. 

These things inspired his youthful mind 
with a spirit of wild adventure — "fields 
looked green far away" to his imagination, 
and be left the scenes of his early youth, 
severed the strong and loving ties that 
bound him to the land of his nativity, bid 
farewell to all that was dear to him on 
earth, and with his youthful gaze fixed upon 
that star which never sets, he launched 
forth into the wilds of Wisconsin, a 
stranger in a strange land, an adventurer 
seeking his own fortune, depending upon 
his own exertions, with no recommend 
save an honest countenance and genteel 
deportment. This young man was James 
Clark, who in after years became the able, 
talented and popular Governor of Iowa. 
He remained in Wisconsin, working at 
his trade as a printer, until after the or- 
ganization of the Territory of Iowa, when 
he removed to Burlington, where the first 
legislature of Iowa assembled. After the 
death of Mr. Conway, he was appointed, 
by Mr. Van Buren, Secretary of the Terri- 
tory, which office he filled with great 
credit to himself and satisfaction to the 
people. During the time he held this 
office he contributed, by his kind, gentle 
and amiable manner, to soften the feelings 
of hatred and distrust which, at one time ex- 
isted between leading men of the Territory. 



Whoever had business at his office found 
him a kind, gentle, quiet, amiable man, 
always ready and willing to do whatever 
was desired of him, regretting, at the same 
time, that he could do no more. No man 
ever labored harder in an office than he 
did, and it always seemed to me that his 
whole pride and ambition was to serve 
some one, and by so doing make himself 
nseful to his fellow man. 

During the time he was Secretary he 
underwent great labor, but notwithstand- 
ing the large amount of business he trans- 
acted, he still found time to write for the 
press, and contributed many valuable 
articles touching the future greatness of 
Iowa. 

After he retired from the office of Secre- 
tary, he returned again to the Printing 
office, and became the leading Editor of 
the Burlington Gazette. To the columns 
of this paper he devoted his whole ener- 
gies, and by so doing, made it the leading 
democrat paper of the territory; a position 
which he has held to this day? 
After the inauguration of Mr. Polk as 
President of the United States, in 1845, he 
removed Mr. Chambers, and appointed Mr 
Clarke to succeed him as Governor of Iowa. 
Previous to his appointment, he had been 
elected by the people of his county, a 
delegate to the first convention which 
assembled to form a constitution for the 
State of Iowa. In this convention he dis- 
tinguished himself, both for his talent and 
personal demeanor, and contributed to the 
pages, of that constitution, these great ele- 
mentary principles which lie at the founda- 
tion of human rights. 

And, although that constitution was 
defeated, he still had the satisfaction of 






•k 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



225 



seeing their spirit and meaning transferred 
to another, and still continued as the fun- 
damental law of our State. 

The first legislature, after he received 
his appointment of Governor, assembled at 
Iowa City on the first Monday of Decem- 
ber, 1845. His message to the legislature 
after its organization is a model of style 
and clearness. 

He set forth the importance of an early 
extinguishment of the Indian title to all 
the lands within the limits of Iowa, and 
urges the legislature to memorialize Con- 
gress to purchase a tract of land on the 
upper Mississippi for a future home for the 
Winnebagoes, and thus induce them to 
part with their title to a large tract of 
country known as the "neutral ground," 
a recommendation which the general 
government soon after acted upon and 
carried out. 

As soon as the "Blackhawk Purchase" 
had been surveyed, and it was discovered 
that it contained within its bounds large 
tracts which were supposed to contain 
valuable mineral, these tracts were reserved 
from market, and the government set itself 
up as a great landlord to lease out these 
lands at a stipulated rent. Mr Clarke soon 
saw the evil and injustice of such a system 
upon the inhabitants of Iowa, and he set 
himself at work to break it up; and it was 
through his influence and exertions that 
the land was afterwards thrown into 
market. 

There was not a barrier in the future 
greatness of Iowa that did not call forth 
his attention, and he had the grand satis- 
faction of seeing everything that he re- 
commended for the benefit, and prosperity 
of Iowa afterwards carried out, and carried 



out, too, precisely, as he had suggested and 
wished. He seemed to be aware that he 
would soon be called upon to pass over the 
government, over which he presided 
with so much skill and ability, into the 
hands of the real sovereigns of the soil, 
and he was determined that nothing should 
be left undone by him to retard her future 
greatness. 

On the 16th day of January, 1846, the 
legislature passed, once more, an act for 
the purpose of electing delegates to frame 
a constitution for the State of Iowa. 

This time the friends of a State govern- 
ment took it for granted that the people 
of the territory wanted a constitution, so 
the legislature provided that at the April 
election following the passage of this act, 
the people of the territory should elect 
delegates to a convention. Accordingly, 
at the April election delegates were elected, 
and the convention, agreeable to said act, 
consisting of thirty-two members, instead 
of seventy as in the previous convention, 
met at Iowa City on the first Monday of 
May, 1846, and after a session of eighteen 
days produced a constitution, which con- 
stitution was submitted immediately fol- 
lowing, and was adopted by them as their 
constitution for the State of Iowa, 

Thus you see that Iowa, from a colony, 
a dependency, a territory, jumped, in the 
short space of seven months, from the 
time the act above mentioned first passed, 
to that of a sovereign independent State. 

After the result was known, the Gover- 
nor issued his proclamation for a general 
election in November following, at which 
election Ansel Briggs, of Jackson county 
was elected Governor of the State. 






^J " — *- 



-^ '•' 



ii+ 



226 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



This proclamation was the last public 
act of James Clarke, for as soon as the new 
Governor was qualified, he turned over to 
him all the archives of his office, and 
returned once more' to the printing office, 
Again he scattered through Iowa his 
beautiful editorials through the columns of 
the Burlington Gazette, until the name and 
fame of Iowa became known throughout 
the length and breadth of the land. 

He appeared at the capitol at the first 
session of the State legislature under the 
new constitution, to which body he deli- 
vered an affecting and interesting farewell 
letter, then stood back quitely during the 
whole of the session, and gazed with indig- 
nation upon his countenance at the dread- 
ful strife, storms and bitterness which was 
manifested during the entire session. 

Never since the organization of the ter- 
ritory, had any man seen, or even dreamed 
of anything like it; every man seemed to 
look upon each other as being in his way 
to places of honor and profit, and it 
became a cut and thrust game. Both 
parties were without leaders, or if they 
had them, the leaders themselves stood in 
great need of being led. 

Neither done anything — neither party 
could do anything. When one party made 
a move it was instantly checkmated by the 
other. Speech after speech was made, 
each one declaring himself a patriot and a 
true lover of his country, ready at all 
times to bleed and die for her. No one 
could do anything for the reason that none 
of the rest would let him. Tkey ate, 
drank, grew fat, and returned to their 
seats, only to play the same game over 
again as on the previous day. They in- 
stituted a court for the trial of any offender 



who should attempt to bribe any one of 
their number; and whenever such a tribu- 
nal is constituted, there is always sure to 
be some one to try. 

Now and then during the session some 
poor devil was snatched up, arraigned and 
tried for indiscretely showing his money to 
some one of its members. But such trials 
only served to lionize the victims, and it 
looked to an outsider as if these scamps 
themselves had purposely committed these 
offenses in order to bring themselves into 
notice, and thereby claim themselves to be 
the victims of a cruel persecution. 

In vain did they meet in joint conven- 
tion for the purpose of electing Judges of 
the Supreme Court and Senators. Every 
vote, some anxious aspirant in the "lobby" 
would brighten up, thinking perhaps this 
time the lucky card would turn up; but, 
alas! for human hopes, he lacked just one 
vote of an election. 

Your humble servant was an idle and 
curious looker-on at most of the interest- 
ing scenes which took place at this seseion, 
and if it was not for the notes that he took 
at the time, he could hardly tell at this day 
whether these scenes were real, or whether 
they were the productions of an idle and 
troubled dream. 

They finally adjourned without electing 
either Judges or Senators, and the State 
toddled along very well, half State, half 
Territory. 

This was the last time, I believe, that 
Mr. Clarke ever appeared at the legisla- 
ture. He died soon after, at Burlington, 
with that horrible scourge, the cholera. 

This closed the earthly career of a just 
and noble man, cut off in the prime of life 
and in the midst of a useful career. 



*» 


« 4. 




k 


^ 






^ 


®1 

1 


HISTORY 


1 
OF IOWA. 22 7 






He was married to a sister of General 


Other Territorial Officer*. 






Dodge, and this fact being known at the 


Secretaries. 






time of his appointment as Governor, drew 


Wm. B. Conway, 1838, died 1839. 






upon the Dodge family the title of the 


James Clark, 1839-41 






"Royal Family." But whatever might 


0. H. W. Stull, 1811-3. 
Samuel J. Burr, 1843-5. 






have bean said in this respect, the appoint- 


Jesse Williams, 1845. 






ment was due to Mr. Clarke, nor could it 








have been bestowed upon a better man, or 


Auditor*. 






one more competent to fill it. 


Jesse Williams, 1840-43. 






He was the third and last Territorial 


William L. Gilbert, 1843-45. 






Governor of Iowa, and, like the other two 


Robert M. Secrest, 1845. 






who preceded him, as soon as he had passed 


Treasurer*. 






the offico into the hands of his successor, 


Thornton Baylie, 1839^0. 






he gently and calmly laid down and died. 


Morgan Reno, 1840. 






He was a tall, slender man, of a mild and 


Judge*. 
Charles Mason, Chief Justice, 1838. 






amiable disposition, and had quite a femi- 






nine look. He left a family behind to 


Joseph Williams, 1838. 






mourn his sad loss. His history is without 


Thomas S. Wilson, 1838. 






a stain or reproach, and throughout his 
whole life no man ever imputed ought 
against his character as a man and a citi- 


President* of Conned 
Jesse B. Brown, 1838-9. 
Stephen Hempstead, 1839-40. 






zen. 


M. Bainridge, 1840-1. 
J. W. Parker, 1841-2. 
John D. Elbert, 1843-3. 






I have thus given yon a few random 


Thomas Cox, 1843-4. 






sketches of the three Territorial Governors 


8. Clinton Hasting, 1845 






of Iowa, together with a few of the prin- 


Stephen Hempstead, 184."M1 






cipal events in the history of Iowa, con- 


Speakers of the flovs* 






nected with their administration. 


William H. Wallace, 1838-9 






Most of the incidents contained in these 


Edward Johnson. 1839-40. 






sketches I have given from memory alone, 


Thomas Cox, 1840-1. 






having been myself an eye-witness of, and 


Warner Lewis, 1841-2. 
James M. Morgan, 1843-3. 






personally cognizant of many of the facts. 


James P. Carleton, 18434. 






By these sketches you not only see the 


James M. Morgan, 1845. 






character and noble traits of the three 


George W. McLeary, 1845-6. 






good and wise men, but you see that under 


State Officers. 






their care and protection, a young and 


Governor*. 






thrifty State sprung into existence in the 
short spaoe of eight years from the time 


Ansel Briggs, 1846-50. 
Stephen Hempstead, 1850-54. 




i 


when the whole Territory was the home of 


James W. Grimes, 1854-58. 


f. 


1 


the savage. 


Ralph P. Lowe, 1858-60. 




4 




'y 


V 


<s> r- 


—T 5> 


• 



<8 W- 



i> 



228 HISTORY 


OF IOWA. 


Samuel J. Kirk wood, 1860-64. 


John W. Jones, 1859-63. 


William M. Stone, 1864-68. 


William H. Holmes, 1863-67. 


Samuel Morrill, 1868-72. 


Samuel E. Rankin. 1867-73. 


Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1872-76. 


William Christy, 1873-77. 


Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1876-77. 


George W. Bemis, 1877-81. 


J. Q. Newbolck 1877-78. 


Edwin H. Conger, 1881. 


John H. Gear, 1878-83. 
Buren R. Sherman, 1882. 


Attorney- General*. 


Lieutenant- Governor*. 


David C. Cloud, 1853-56. 
Samuel A. Rice, 1856-60. 


Oran Faville, 1858-60. 


Charles C. Nourse, 1860-64. 


Nicholas J. RuSch, 1860-62. 


Isaac L. Allen, 1865-66. 


John R. Needham. 1862-04. 


Frederick E. Bissell, 1866-67. 


Enoch W. Eastman, 1864-66. 


Henry O'Connor, 1867-72. 


Benjamin F. Gue, 1866-68. 


Marcena E. Cutts, 1872-76. 


John Scott, 1868-70. 


John F. McJunkin, 1877-81. 


M. M. Walden, 1870-72. 


Smith MePherson, 1881. 


H. C. Bulis, 1872-74. 




Joseph Dysart, 1874-76. 


Adjutant- General*. 


Joshua G. Newbold, 1876-78. 


Daniel S. Lee, 1851-55. 


Frank T. Campbell, 1878-82. 
Orlando H. Manning, 1882. 


George W. McLeary, 1855-57. 
Elijah Sells, 1857. 


This office was created by the new constitu- 


Jesse Bowen, 1857-61 


tion, September 8, 1859. 


Nathaniel Baker, 1861-77. 


Secretaries of State. 


John H. Luby, 1877-78. 
W. L. Alexander, 1878. 


Elisha Cutter, Jr., 1846-48. 




Joseph H. Bonney, 1848-50. 


Registers of the State Land Offic* 


George W. MeCleary, 1850-56. 


Anison Hart, 1855-57. 


Elijah Sells, 1856-63. 


Theodore S. Parvin, 1857-59. 


James Wright, 1863-67. 


Amos B. Miller, 1859-62. 


Ed. Wright, 1867-73. 


Edwin Mitchell, 1862-63. 


Josiah T. Young, 1873-79. 


Josiah A. Harvey, 1863-67. 


J. A. T. Hull, 1869. 


Cyrus C. Carpenter, 1867-71. 


Auditors of Stats. 
Joseph T. Fales, 1846-50. 
William Pattee, 1850-54. 


Aaron Brown, 1871-75. 
David Secor, 1875-79. 
J. K. Powers, 1879. 


Andrew J. Stephens, 1855-59. 
Jonathan W. Cattell, 1859-65. 
John A. Elliott, 1865-71. 
John Russell, 1871-75. 
Ruen R. Sherman, 1875-81. 
William V. Lucas, 1881. 


Superintendents of Public Instruction. 

James Harlan, 1847-48. 
Thos. H. Benton, Jr., 1848-54. 
James D. Eads, 1854-57. 
Joseph C. Stone, 1857. 
Maturin L. Fisher, 1857-58. 


Treasurers of Stat*. 


Oran Faville, 1864-67. 


Morgan Reno. 1846-50. 


D. Franklin Wells, 1867-68. 


Israel Kister, 1850-52. 


A. S. Kissell, 1868-72. 


Martin L. Morris, 185-3-59. 


Alonzo Abernethy, 1872-76. 












L 


■V 


8 Wj; 


j in 


w* 


"♦„ 








HISTORY 


OF IOWA. 229 


r 




Carl W. Van Ooelen, 1876-83. 


James Grant, 1852-54. 






John W. Akers, 1882. 


Reuben Noble, 1854-56. 






This office was created in 1847 and abolished 


Samuel McFarland, 1856-57. 






in 1858, and the duties then developed upon the 


Stephen B. Sheledy, 1857-59. 






secretary of the Board of Education; it was re- 


John Edwards, 1859-61. 






created March 23, 1864. 


Rush Clark, 1861-63. 
Jacob Butler, 1863-65. 






State Printers. 


Ed. Wright, 1865-S7. 






Garrett D. Palmer and George Paul, 1849-61 


John Russell, 1867-69. 






"William H. Merritt, 1851-33. 


Aylett R. Cotton, 1869-71. 






William A. Hornish, 1853. 


James Wilson, 1871-73. 






Den. A. Mahoney and Jos. B. Dorr, 1853-55. 


John H. Gear, 1873-77. 






Peter Moriarty, 1855-57. 


John Y. Stone, 1877-79. 






John Teesdale, 1857-61. 


Lore Alford, 1880-81. 






Francis W. Palmer, 1861-69. 


G. R. Struble, 1882. 






Frank M. Mills, 1869-71. 
G. W. Edwards, 1871-73. 


Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. 






Rich. P. Clarkson, 1873-79. 


Charles Mason, 1847. 






Frank M. Mills, 1879. 


Joseph Williams, 1847-48. 
8. Clinton Hastings. 1848-49. 






State Binder*. 


Joseph Williams, 1849-55. 






"William M. Coles, 1855-58. 
Frank M. Mills, 1858-67. 
James S. Carter, 1867-71. 
J. J. Smart, 1871-75. 
H. A. Perkins, 1875-79. 
Matt. Parrott, 1879. 


George G. Wright, 1855-60. 
Ralph P. Lowe, 1860-62. 
Caleb Baldwin, 1862-64. 
George G. Wright, 1864-66. 
Ralph T. Lowe, 1866-68. 
John F. Dillon, 1868-70. 
Chester C. Cole, 1870-71. 






Secretaries of Board of Education. 

T. H. Benton, jr., 1859-63. 
OraD Faville, 1863-64. 
This office waa abolished March 23, 1864. 


James G. Day, 1871-72. 
Joseph M. Beck, 1872-74. 
W. E. Miller, 1874-76. 
Chester C. Cole, 1876. 
"William H. Seevers, 1876-77. 






Presidents of the Senate. 
Thomas Baker, 1846-47. 
Thomas Hughes, 184748. 
John J. Selman, 1848-49. 
EnosLowe, 1849-51. 


James G. Day, 1877-78. 
James H. Rothroek, 1878-79. 
Joseph M. Beck, 1879-80. 
Austin Adams, 1880-82. 
William H. Seevers, 1882. 






W. E. Leffingwel!, 1851-53. 


Associate Justices. 






Maluriu L. Fisher, 1853-55. 


Joseph "Williams, held over from territorial 






W. W. Hamilton, 1855-57. 


government until a successor was appointed. 






Under the new constitution the Lieut. -Gover- 


Thomas S. Wilson, 1847. 






nor is President of the Senate. 


John F. Kinney, 1817-54. 






Speakers of the House. 


George Greene, 1847-55. 
Jonathan C. Hall, 1854-55. 






Jesse B. Brown, 1846-48. 


"William G. Woodward, 1855. 




\ 


Smiley H. Bonham, 1848-50. 


Norman W. Isbell, 1855-57. 


L 


) 


George Temple, 1850-52, 


Lacon D. Stockton, 1856-60. 


_5> 


4 i 


6 r- 






•c 


1 a 


r r 


' 






• 



230 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



Caleb Baldwin, 1860-64. 
Ralph P. Lowe, 1860. 
George G. Wright, 1860. 
John P. Dillion, 1864-70. 
Chester O. Cole, 1864-77. 
Joseph M. Beck, 1868. 
W. E. Miller, 1870. 
James G. Day, 1870. 

United States Senator*. 
Augustus C. Dodge, 1848-55. 
George W. Jones, 1848-59. 
James B. Howell, 1870. 
George G. Wright, 1871-77. 
James Harlan, 1855-65. 
James W. Grimes, 1859-69. 
Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1866. 
James Harlan, 1867-73. 
William B. Allison, 1873-79. 
Samuel J. Kirkwood, 1877-81. 
William B. Allison, 1879. 
James W. McDill, 1881. 

Members op House op Representatives. 

1846-47— S.Clinton Hastings, Shepherd Leffler. 

1847-49— Wm. Thompson, Shepherd Leffler. 

1849-51— Wm. Thompson, Dan. P. Miller, 
Shepherd Leffler. 

1851-53— B. Henn, Lincoln Clark. 

1853-55— Bernhart Henn, John P. Cook. 

1855-57— Aug. Hall, Jas. Thorington. 

1857-59— Samuel R. Curtis, Timothy Davis. 

1859-61— Samuel R. Curtis, Wm. Vandever. 

1861-63— Samuel R. Curtis, J. P. Wilson, Wm. 
Vandever. 

1803-65— James F. Wilson, Hiram Price, Wm. 
B. Allison, J. B. Grinnell, John A Kasson, 
Asahel W. Hubbard. 

1865-67— James P Wilson, Hiram Price, Wil- 
liam B. Allison, Josiah B. Grinnell, John A. 
Kasson, Asahel W. Hubbard. 

1867-69— James P. Wilson, Hiram Price, Wil- 
liam B. Allison, William Loughbridge, Grenville 
M. Dodge, Asahel W. Hubbard. 

1869-71— George W. McCrary, William Smyth 
(died September 80, 1870, and succeeded by 
Wm. P. Wolf), William B. Allison, William 
Loughbridge, Frank W. Palmer, Charles Pome- 
roy. 



1871-73— Geo. W. McCrary, Aylett R. Cotton, 
W. G. Donnan, Madison M. Walden, Frank W. 
Palmer, Jackson Orr. 

1873-75— Geo. W. McCrary, Aylett R. Cotton, 
W. G. Donnan, Henry O. Pratt, James Wilson, 
William Loughbridge, John A. Kasson. James 
W. McDill, Jackson Orr. 

1875-77— Geo. W. McCrary, John Q. Tufts, 
L. L. Ainsworth, Henry O. Pratt, James Wilson, 
Ezekiel S. Sampson, John A. Kasson, James W. 
McDill, Addison Oliver. 

1877-79— J. C. Stone, Hiram Price, T. W. Bur- 
dick, N. C. Deering, Rush Clark, E. S. Samp- 
son, H. J. B. Cummings, W. F. Sapp, Addison 
Oliver. 

1879-81— Moses A. McCoid, Hiram Price, 
Thomas Updegraff, N. C. Deering, Rush Clark 
(died in May, 1878, and succeeded by Wm. G. 
Thompson), J. B. Weaver, E. H. Gillette, W. F. 
Sapp, Cyrus C. Carpenter. 

1881-83— M. A. McCoid, S. S. Farwell, Thos. 
Updegraff, N. C. Deering, W. G. Thompson, 
M. E. Cutts, John A. Kasson, W. P. Hepburn, 
C. C. Carpenter. 

Present State Officers. 

Governor, Buren R. Sherman. 
Secretary, John A. T. Hull. 
Deputy Secretary, Wm. T. Hammond. 
Auditor, Wm. V. Lucas. 
Deputy Auditor, Rufus L Chase. 
Bookkeeper, L. E. Ayres. 
Treasurer, Edwin H. Conger. 
Deputy Treasurer, C. R. Chase. 
Register Land-office, Jas. K. Power*. 
Deputy Register, John M. Davis. 
Sup't Pub. Inst , John W. Akers. 
Printer, Frank M. Mills. 
Binder, Matt. Parrott. 
Adjutant- General, W. L. Alexander. 
Superintendent Weights and Measures, Prof. 
N. R. Leonard. 
Librarian, Mrs. S. B. Maxwell. 
Assistant Librarian, Jessie Maxwell. 

Stjphkue Court. 

Chief Justice— Wm. H. Seevers, Oskaloosa. 
Judges— James G. Day, Sidney. 

James H. Rothrock, Tipton. 

Joseph M. Beck, Fort Madison. 

Austin Adams, Dubuque. 
AtCy Gen.— Smith McPherson, Red Oak. 
Clerk — E. J. Homes, Des Moines. 
Reporter — John S. Qunnclls, Des Moines. 



IV 



fe^ 



HISTORY 



OF 



KOSSUTH COUNTY, 



IOWA. 



CHAPTER I 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE study of the annals of the past 
has, at all times and in all climes, 
claimed a large shave of the attention of 
the more intelligent of men. To the sage 
and scholar, poring over some vast and 
ponderous tome, dusty with age, and in 
an almost forgotten tongue, the new be- 
ginner with his short and comprehensive 
compilation, suited to his early years, 
each draw much pleasure from its peru- 
sal. Men, eminent in the domain of let- 
ters, have, however, divided history into 
several classes, the most prominent of 
which are, first, that which treats only of 
events; and the second, that which treats 
■ of men, the living actors in the world's 
great drama. The first of these is but the 



dry bones of a fossil age, reft of all life, 
and is at best but a synopsis of the more 
important actions that have crowded upon 
the stage of the past, a list of kings, rulers, 
dynasties, and their acts, to which the 
people play but a secondary part. The 
second treats of the people, of men in 
their broad humanity, and is an ever liv- 
ing reality, clothed in the flesh, and the 
story of their deeds, has, in its relation, 
all the fascination of romance, enchaining 
the reader to its pages until the volume 
is finished and laid down with a sigh. 
This form of history, warm and palpi- 
tating, as it is, with the busy lives of men, 
who, like ourselves, have lived and moved 
upon the world's broad surface, is the 



vl< 



232 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



model after which it has been the en- 
deavor to compile these pages. No nar- 
row attempt to paint with partisan pen, 
the workings or machinations of any 
party or creed, but setting out in broad 
and comprehensive detail the actions of 
those brave men and heroic women who, 
in the early stages of this county's exist- 
ence, played so well "their parts upon the 
mimic stage." Brave, hardy pioneers, 
who, departing from their parent roof -tree, 
plunged into the great wilderness west 
of the "Father of Waters," there' to carve 
out for themselves homes upon the prai- 
ries. Heroic women who, leaving the 
home and association of childhood, where 
surrounded with ease and comfort they 
had passed their youthful days, followed 
their husbands to this then desert spot, 
and cheered their weary hours and shared 
their joys and sorrows. Men and women 
who lived true lives while here on earth, 
and "departing left foot-prints in the sands 
of time" that cannot help but make the 
world brighter, richer and truer. 

The times move on apace, and these, 
the pioneers of Kossuth county, are al- 
ready passing away to their reward be- 
yond the "dark river," and it behooves 
the historian to hasten in his task that he 
may note down from the lips of those who 
remain the account of the trials, the 
labors, the joys of those early days, to 
preserve within the pages of history their 
deeds, so that when they have "gone before 
to that bright and better land," the annals 
of their times may be preserved. Here 
let us raise the monument of everlasting 
fame, and let History with her adaman- 
tine pen engrave their lives and actions 
upon her tablets, monuments that shall 



long outlast the bronze or stone that must 
ere long mark the resting places of them 
all. 

In casting a backward glance adown 
the "misty corridors of time," the think- 
ing mind cannot but wonder at the short- 
ness of the time that has elapsed since 
these now fruitful fields and busy towns 
were but the waste and grassy desert, 
roamed over only by savage beast or the 
Indian. Where now rises the beautiful 
town or village, then stood, perhaps, the 
lonely teepee of the savage; where is 
heard the hum of busy industry or the 
whir of machinery, then re-echoed only to 
the howl of prowling wolf, the hoot of 
night seeking owl, or the horrid whoop 
of fiendish savage. But man came, civil- 
ized man, and with the characteristic en- 
ergy of the Anglo Saxon race, made these 
waste places to blossom as the rose. The 
savage gave place to industry and thrift, 
and villages and farms began to dot the 
virgin surface of the county. 

But thirty years have passed since first 
the pristine sod was pressed by the foot 
of white settlers, and one can hardly help 
but look around and contrast the differ- 
ence between the then and now. The 
early pioneer, to reach this locality, was 
forced to make long journeys in his wagon 
or on horseback, over undulating prairie, 
through swamp and slough, with no road 
to guide nor make his way smooth. No 
bridges spanned the streams, and his only 
alternative was to make a long detour to 
find a ford, or swim the creek or river. 
Then when he had reached his destina- 
tion, he had his humble cot to raise by 
the unaided efforts of his own hands, that 
he and his, might be sheltered from the 




A 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



233 



elements. He was cut off, to a certain 
extent, from mail communication with 
the outside world; and when he had by 
infinite toil succeeded in raising his little 
crop, he had no handy means of disposing 
of it except by hauling to a far distant 
market. But now neat frame cottages 
adorn the land, and he sits in his easy 
chair surrounded by every comfort and 
luxury that he knew in his old home in 
the older States; the iron horse snorts at 
his front door, and he can receive his 
daily paper, yet damp from the press, and 
learn the current events in far off climes 
of a day ago. 

Then, when he came here the imple- 
ments of husbandry were rude and simple, 
and the helps to domestic labor almost 
entirely wanting; and now the self-binder 
and mower have taken the place of the 
scythe and cradle, the thresher that of the 
flail; and all kinds of machinery have 
supplanted the expenditure of manual 
strength. Enter the house and the sew- 
ing machine, the patent churn, the newly 
invented home creamery, and thousands 
of appliances are found to help the busy 



housewife do away with much of the 
drudgery of earlier days. The children 
of this generation, looking around them, 
can little realize the trials, the toils, the 
penury and pinching want endured by 
their parents in their pioneer days, and it 
is the pleasing task of the historian to 
draw the veil, that they may look back 
into the past, and view the noble deeds of 
their fathers and mothers in those pristine 
days. 

Some one has justly said that "a price- 
less boon would have been conferred upon 
posterity, had some kind hand sketched 
down in living letters the pictures and 
the daily lives of the hardy pioneers, led 
by that noble Winthrop, who settled on 
New England's rocky shore. Their per- 
sonal history, their every day customs, 
their principal characteristics, that we 
could know them as if we had lived among 
them." In this spirit these pages have 
been compiled, and the personal sketches 
of the old settlers, living or dead, so per- 
meate the whole mass as to give it the 
semblance of a living reality, that could 
not be attained under any other mode of 
treatment. 



J, 



234 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



-£* 



CHAPTER II 



EARLY HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT. 



Usually the task of finding out the first 
settlers of a county, that has passed its 
second decade, is a more difficult task 
than it looks to be upon the surface, but 
in the case of Kossuth county the com- 
piler has been saved great trouble. Much 
of the facts contained in this chapter have 
been gleaned from a series of sketches 
written by Hon. Ambrose A. Call, the pi- 
oneer par-excellence of the county, and 
from which we freely quote, by kind per- 
mission. A habit this gentleman has fol- 
lowed of jotting down the events of the 
day in a diary, makes any contribution he 
may make to a historical work doubly val- 
uable, and no better account of the early 
settlement of the county could be written. 
The territory embraced by Kossuth 
county was formerly occupied by the Sioux 
Indians, although there is no evidence of 
their having had any villages or cultivat- 
ing any land on the East Fork. The 
Winnebagoes occupied the country as far 
west as Clear Lake and Pilot Mound (in 
Hancock county) and the Sacs and Foxes, 
from the south as far up as the mouth of 
Boone river. The proximity of those 
tribes with whom the Sioux were con- 
stantly at war, doubtless made this locality 
an undesirable place for a permanent res- 
idence. It seems to have been their cus- 
tom to make annual raids in strong force 



| on the frontier settlers, robbing and pil- 
laging as they went. Before the post was 
established at Fort Dodge, they frequently 
went down as far as the rapids, and as far- 
east as Iowa river, and if they happened to 
meet a band of Winnebagoes or Sacs and 
Foxes, or a surveying party of whites in 
their territory, there was sure to be a mas- 
sacre, a fight or a foot race. To prevent 
these raids on the settlers, and also to keep 
peace between the three tribes of Indians, 
was the object of the government in es- 
tablishing a military post at Fort Dodge. 
Before the settlement of the county, there 
were no roads or trails passing through its 
territory. There were three trails running 
north and south, west of the Cedar, well 
known to the frontier settlers and trap- 
pers, one up the Boone river by Buffalo 
Grove to Mankato, Minnesota; one from 
Boonesboro by the way of Fort Dodge up 
the east side of the river^ crossing just 
above the forks and up the West Fork to 
Fort Ridgely; one from Sioux City up the 
Floyd, crossing to the East Fork of the 
Rock, to the Minnesota river. Prior to 
1854 two cabins had been built north of 
Fort Dodge in Iowa, one by Henry Lott 
near the mouth of Lott's creek, in Hum- 
boldt county, and the other by William 
Miller, six miles north of Fort Dodge, on 
the east side of the river. They were 



J£ 



HISTORY OP KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



235 



botli built and used for trading posts, 
while the soldiers were stationed at Fort 
Dodge. 

In March, 1853, Lott was robbed and 
driven out by the Indians, but be subse- 
quently returned with a fresh supply of 
whisky and tobacco, watched his oppor- 
tunity to get the perpetrators all drunk at 
once, when he succeeded in tomahawking 
six of their number, including the chief 
of the band. The bodies were carted 
four or five miles and dumped into Bloody 
Run, whence its name, after which exploit 
he packed up his goods, burned his cabin 
and left the country. Miller, on learning 
of this last enterprise of his rival and 
fearing a retaliation, abandoned his claim 
and fortified himself in the old barracks 
at Fort Dodge. On July 3, 1854, when 
Ambrose A. Call reached Homer, one of 
the most conspicuous objects of the town 
was the bead of the old chief stuck on a 
pole, which an enterprising trapper had 
fished out of the creek and brought down 
as a trophy. The part of Kossuth county 
south of the north line of township 95, was 
mostly surveyed in 1853-4. Col. Ellis 
and Capt. Leach were engaged in survey- 
ing the north part of 95, about the 1st of 
July, 1854, when their camp was robbed 
by the Indians and they were compelled 
to abandon the work. The camp was lo- 
cated on the northeast quarter of section 
15, township 95, l-ange 29, two miles south 
of Algona, near what is known as the Os- 
good House. From these parties the Call 
brothers at Fort Dodge,July 5, heard a des- 
cription of the country and an estimate of 
the amount of timber in what they called 
the big grove, and at once decided to make 
up a party and explore that locality. But 



this party was not a success. One man 
volunteered, William F. Smith, a school- 
master, with a rusty rifle, a covered wagon, 
a balky horse to put with the old pack 
horse, made up the outfit,with a small stock 
of provisions and a large amount of good 
advice. The party left Fort Dodge July 
1, and kept up the river on. the east side. 
About 4 o'clock in the afternoon the driv- 
er discovered Indians, dead ahead, two, 
yes, three, four, five, eight of them alto- 
gether, several miles away. A consulta- 
tion was held, a vote taken, and the de- 
cision announced that the party should go 
right ahead and interview them, but they 
had disappeared — probably laid down in 
the grass, possibly gone back over the hill. 
Every member of the party was on the 
alert, revolvers examined, powder picked 
into the tube of the old gun, and prepara- 
tion made for war, when the advance 
guard shouted back that he could "lick a 
whole tribe of them Injuns," which was 
literally true, for at the sound of his voice 
they took flight. The second night out, 
July 9, camp was made on the southeast 
quarter of section 12, township 95, range 
29, near D. W. King's residence. 

A very remarkable phenomenon was 
witnessed by this party, the evening of 
the 1st of July, one that seldom occurs 
except on the arid plains in the center of 
the great continent. A most beautiful 
mirage — proper — appeared in the north- 
west just at sunset. The day had been 
very warm, with scarcely abreath of wind. 
A few cumulus clouds were visible above 
the horizon, when they noticed a peculiar 
appearance of the sky in the northwest, 
as of a shadow. A few minutes, however, 
brought to their view an exact duplicate 



230 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



of the bluffs and groves as defined against 
the horizon, inverted, and seemingly sus- 
pended in the air. At first the outlines 
were dim, but as the sun sank lower be- 
hind the bluffs, the picture developed un- 
til the lower edge was as perfect as 
the groves and hills themselves. They 
watched the phenomenon with intense in- 
terest until the picture faded in the twi- 
light. 

The next morning a careful reconnois- 
sance satisfied them that the Sioux who 
robbed the surveying party had gone in 
an easterly direction. They found one of 
their encampments, near where the Col- 
lege building now stands. Their fires 
had apparently just gone out. A few 
"teepee" poles were left, and three or four 
rude racks, upon which they had "jerked" 
their buffalo and elk meat. Says Mr. 
Call: "There had been a large band of 
them; we estimated their number at 100 
men, but* we afterward learned that our 
estimate was too low, as they went as far 
east as Lime creek, and created a great 
panic among the settlers as far south as 
Cedar Falls and Waterloo. The settlers 
first heard of their proximity from his dem- 
ocratic excellency, Gov. Hempstead, who 
was out beyond the settlements selecting 
a few choice pieces of land, and who only 
by hard running escaped capture. The 
governor promptly ordered out the State 
militia, to drive them back. Carriers 
were sent out, and volunteers to the num- 
ber of some 200 gathered and confronted 
the Indians on Lime creek. Both parties 
fortified and made faces at each other for 
several days. Finally an old trader by 
the name of Hewett volunteered to take 
a flag of truce into the Indian camp, and 



try to find out what they wanted of our 
governor. The Sioux, after becoming 
satisfied that there were no Winnebagoes 
in the ranks of the whites, agreed to turn 
back. In their retreat towards the upper 
Missouri, they crossed the Des Moines 
near the mouth of Buffalo Fork about the 
10th of August, fortunately not discover- 
ing our cabin. Our party, the 10th of 
July, passed over the town site of Algona, 
crossed the river just above Blackford's 
grove, and took dinner on section 15, at 
the camp where the surveyors were 
robbed. We then went down the river on 
the west side, crossing Four Mile creek, 
and striking well out on the prairie, 
struck the old trail at the ford above the 
forks, and reached Fort Dodge the second 
night. We had not yet decided whether 
there was anything in Kossuth county 
worth claiming, but on reaching Boons- 
boro, the writer hereof decided to return. 
A. C. Call was to return to Iowa City, 
and come back in four weeks. W. T. 
Smith had accompanied us as far as Coons- 
boro, on his way home to southern Ohio, 
but was persuaded to remain with me two 
months for $14 per month. I succeeded 
in purchasing, in that vicinity, a yoke of 
oxen and wagon, a few implements and 
tools, and a stock of provisions; also a 
a large-bored rifle. This last I bought of 
Judge McFarland, who afterwards be- 
came quite well-known through the me- 
dium of Harper's Drawer. 

"The Judge was a great buffalo hunter; 
in fact every kind of game suffered at his 
hands — especially poker. In returning 
from Hoonsboro, after leaving the old 
trail this side of Fort Dodge, the best 
natural route was selected for a road, as 



V 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



237 



this was our only outlet to settlements. 
The fords where we crossed the streams 
were worked so as to make them pass- 
able, and a small log hitched under the 
hind axle of the wagon, which dragged 
down the grass, made a trail which could 
be easily followed. 

We reached our camping ground on 
section 14, near the present residence of 
C. C. Chubb, July 26. The weather was 
very unfavorable, raining almost constant- 
ly for several days. We also suffered 
great annoyance from the mosquitoes. The 
first few days were spent in making out 
claims, after which we went to work 
building a cabin, 14x16 feet, but which 
was raised twelve logs high August 8. 
This cabin stood about twenty rods south- 
west of C. C. Chubb's house in Cresco." 
This was the first dwelling raised in the 
county of Kossuth. 

Early in the year 1854, Asa C. Call, 
wishing to make some investments in 
western lands and to lay out a town plat 
somewhere, began to look around for a 
suitable locality. It was his idea to get 
somewhere upon navigable waters, but a 
trip along the banks of the Mississippi 
demonstrated that the territory was al- 
ready occupied, and a visit to the upper 
lake region produced a similar impres- 
sion. He therefore determined to go north 
from Des Moines, along the river of that 
name, into the unexplored region of this 
State. In July, in company with his 
brother, Ambrose, he started out and 
came to Kossuth county. After a thor- 
ough looking over the territory, they went 
back, but with the intention of returning. 
Ambrose A. Call was the first to do so. 
Making his second and final visit to this 



county the same month, and on July 26, 
1854, camped on section 14, and raised 
their cabin as already mentioned. 

Thus the Call brothers are justly en- 
titled to the honor of being the first pio- 
neers of Kossuth county, and are yet the 
most prominent figures around which 
cluster the halo of many reminiscences of 
the past. During the fall of that same 
year, 1854, Malachi and W. G. Clark, 
William Hill and Levi Maxwell, settled 
in what is now Cresco. In this connection 
it would be well to mention that the wife 
of Asa C. Call was the first of that cour- 
ageous band of noble women who fol- 
lowed their husbands into this great 
wilderness, and was the first white woman 
whose feet trod the prairies of Kossuth 
county. 

In November, William II. Ingham, with 
D. E. Stein, came to Kossuth county, al 
though he did not make a claim until 
later. But on the arrival of A. L. Seeley 
in the latter part of January, they in com 
pauy built a cabin on Mr. Ingham's claim 
near the present residence of Mr. Rieb- 
hoff, in Portland township. 

During the winter, Richard Parrott and 
Lyman Craw took claims on the east side 
of the river, about three miles above 
Algona; also Henry Liuder, a live young 
Hoosier, claimed ''Linder's Grove," now 
"Paine's Grove," in Portland township. 
The creek took its name from him. 

About the latter part of the year 1854, 
there came to this locality, Charles Eas- 
ton, an Englishman, a man of years and 
well informed but curious in his ways, 
and to this day spoken of as an oddity. 

Christian Hackman also took a claim in 
what is now Cresco township. He, with a 



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238 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



party by the name of Daniel Hill, seem to 
close the number of the pioneers of that 
year. 

Mr. Call, in his sketcbes of the early 
settlement says : 

"The first winter was very mild and 
favorable for the settlers, who were fre- 
quently obliged to make long journeys 
with ox teams after supplies, camping out 
by the way. The coldest day of the win- 
ter was January 13, when the mercury 
weflt eighteen degrees below zero ; Janu- 
ary 22 it got down to twelve below ; on 
the 26th to nine below; and February 24 
to ten below, with but little snow." 

Early in the spring of 1855, Asa C. 
Call built a block house, (logs hewn on 
each side) near his present residence. 
This was the first house on the town site 
of Algona. Here he brought his young 
wife, and from this humble dwelling and 
this couple has grown the large and thriv- 
ing city of Algona, with its 2,000 inhabi- 
tants and teeming industries. 

Early in the spring of 1855, Solomon 
Hand and a Mr. Benson made claims in 
the county. 

The 1st of May, 1855, the pioneers of 
the Whitinsville colony arrived. These 
were James L. Paine, Francis C. Rist, Al- 
exander Brown, Sr., Alexander Brown, Jr., 
Barney Holland and Robert Brown. Paine 
and Rist took claims on section 12, Al- 
gona township. Mr. Brown bought out 
old Daniel Hill and took other lands 
adjoining, in Cresco, and Barney Holland 
and Robert Brown took up claims in the 
same vicinity. Both of these latter left 
the county after but a short stay, going 
back to Massachusetts. 



In March, J. W. Moore, accompanied 
by Jacob C. Cummins, arrived. Mr. 
Moore was a man of considerable means, 
and bought several timber claims, as well 
as an interest in the town site. These I 
believe were the first claims transferred 
for a consideration, although Mr. Cham- 
bers, a brother of ex-Gov. Chambers, of 
Muscatine, had previously offered Am- 
brose A. Call a yoke of oxen for his and his 
brother's claim on the town site, includ- 
ing the grove north of the town. 

Among the other settlers of 1 855 may 
be found the names of Jacob C. Wright, 
Reuben Purcell, Thomas and John Rob- 
inson, Benjamin Hensley, George Smith, 
August Zalten, L. L. Treat, Kendall 
Young, D. W. King, Lewis H. Smith, 
Corydon Craw, E. Lane and Hiram Wilt- 
fong. These all came in the spring and 
summer of that year. Mr. Wright bought 
out Solomon Hand ; Robinson and Hens- 
ley tookclaims adjoining; Purcell claimed 
what is known as Purcell Point ; Craw 
claimed on section 17, township 95, range 
28. The lower end of the county also 
received some settlers in 1855. The first 
after Michael and John Johnson were 
Harlow Miner, Solomon and G. W. Hand 
and Mr. Mayberry. Eber Stone settled 
near S. Bellows' present residence, the 
same year. In May, 1855, Mr. Carter, 
father of A. B. Carter, settled where he 
now lives on the West Fork, and was 
the first settler on that stream. 

In June, Dr. R. Cogley and John John- 
son bought claims, Cogley of Maxwell, 
(the Huntley place,) and Johnson of C. 
Easton, (the Fred Wilson place). Dr. 
Cogley was the first physician, a man of 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



239 



fine presence and good abilities, although 
a little eccentric in his habits. 

A. Zahlten sold out his claim near Da- 
kota, and bought the grove where he now 
lives. The 4th of July Lewis II. Smith 
struck the settlement ; he, with C. C. Car- 
penter, was finishing up the survey aban- 
doned by Leach and Ellis the previous 
summer. 

In July a large band of Indians came 
into the settlement ; they were jmpudent 
and troublesome, taking everything they 
could lay their hands on when they found 
a cabin with the occupant absent, or 
whenever they could intimidate by threats. 
In one or two instances a collision seemed 
inevitable, but was avoided by the In- 
dians backing down. A number of the 
settlers finally armed themselves and went 
into their camp, and ordered them off ; 
they promised to go at sunrise the next 
morning, which promise they faithfully 
kept, making a straight trail in a north- 
westerly direction. 

About 200 acres of prairie was broken 
in the county this summer, and sixty acres 
of sod corn raised by Asa C. Call, that 
produced about fifty bushels per acre of 
sound corn. 

E. Moll took claims in September, at 
the mouth of Buffalo Fork. 

In the fall of this year J. E. Blackford 
arrived and settled near the town of Al- 
gona. Richard Hodges, who came about 
the same date, located on the 8th of De- 
cember, on section 5, in what is now 
Sherman township. 

These parties were followed by a num- 
ber of others from Whitinsville, Mass.. 
among whom were Jason Richmond, 
Charles Osgood, Stephen Millen, Theodore 



Smith, John Hutchinson and Mr. Wood, 
Richmond and Holland bought out the 
Clarks, wdio moved to Irvington and be- 
came the owners of Benson's claim. Mr. 
Call, in speaking of these old settler's says: 

" Osgood bought out old Billy Hill, and 
this relieved us of his presence. About 
the middle of May, D. W. King, Preston, 
Smock, and Edward Putnam, struck the 
settlement. Mr. King took the claim 
where he now lives ; Putnam remained 
several years, making his home with W. 
II. Ingham, and officiating as chief cook. 
He is now cashier of the Merchant's Na- 
tional Bank, at Cedar Rapids. Smock 
and Preston left this locality soon after 
their settlement and their present where- 
abouts is unknown." 

James Hall and Thomas C. Covill were 
also arrivals of this year. Hall worked 
on the saw-mill put up by Judge Call, and 
is now engaged in cabinet making in Des 
Moines. Covill went away from the 
county shortly after his advent here and 
has passed out of view. 

During the summer of 1856, the popu- 
lation of the county nearly quadrupled. 
Among the more prominent arrivals were: 
Barnet and John Devine, Joseph Raney, 
Levi Parsons, L. Fox, Kinsey Carlon, G. 
C. Carlon, William Carter, D. W. and 
Matthew Sample, George Wheeler, Charles 
Harvey, Luther Bullis, G. S. Jones and 
his sons, George Blottenberger, John, 
Charles II., and Jesse Magoon, J. E. Stacy, 
Rev. Chauncy Taylor, John Heckart, 
Michael Reibhoff, J. G. Green, H. A. Hen- 
derson, Frank Harrison, Thomas White- 
head, Roderick M. Bessie, Robert Moore, 
William Carey, Horace Schenck, James 
Roan, Rev. D. S. McComb, Luther and 



T 



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240 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Sylvester S. Rist, Orange Winkler, C. 
Gray, Oliver Benschoter, George E. 
Lowe, Havens F. Watson, Joseph Thomp- 
son, William Green, O. W. Robinson, 
Jonathan Callender, George D. Wheeler, 
Eli Ferris, William B. Moore, Amos S. 
Collins, E. J. Rice, Gilbert W. Skinner, 
Amos Otes, George P. Taylor, James Cur- 
ran, and others. 

In this year of 1856, Mrs. Francis C. 
Rist, now the wife of Judge Smith, made 
the journey from Dubuque to Algona, to 
meet her husband. The roads were truly 
awful, the way long and dreary ; but sus- 
tained by warm affection she dared the 
trial. Truly such women as these deserve 
this place in history, among the pioneers 
of the new country. There were many of 
the trials that the men escaped, and in 
the person of this lady, history honors the 
noble wome*n pioneers of Kossuth county. 
The most of these pioneers thus briefly 
mentioned, and many who have been 
omitted, receive more lengthy notices fur- 
ther on, in the chapter of township history. 
The pioneer days of the county may by 
this time be said to be over, as many now 
flocked to this vicinity and the county 
settled up rapidly until the stringent times 
of 1857, and the breaking out of the rebel- 
lion stopped for a while the flow of emi- 
gration to Kossuth county, as it did all 
over the Union. 

Mr. Call, in his sketch of the first set- 
tlement, to which we are indebted for so 
much of this chapter, gives the following 
epitome of events as they looked to an 
eye-witness. We quote the article almost 
in its entirety, as it is the valuable contri- 
bution to historical research by one of the 



principal actors in the events of the time. 
He says: 

"The first formal meeting ever held in 
the county was for the purpose of organ- 
izing a claim club. This was held at the 
house of J. W. Moore early in the sum- 
mer of 1855. The meeting was organized 
by the election of Robert Cogley presi- 
dent, and Corydon Craw, secretary, who 
were also elected first officers of the club. 
A fee of $2 was charged for membership, 
with power to assess members as occasion 
might require. Each member was allowed 
to record a claim of 320 acres, the same 
being plainly marked out, in the peaceable 
possession of which the club undertook 
to protect him. Meetings were held 
monthly and new officers elected quarterly. 
The club was never called upon to use 
violence in protecting the claims of its 
members, and I believe but one case came 
before it for arbitration; but there is no 
doubt but the organization did much good 
as a prevention of trouble. It was kept 
up until the lands became subject to pre- 
emption under the United States law. 

"Prior to 1859 the elections for State 
and county officers were held in August, 
and township officers were elected in 
April. The settlers had determined to 
organize at the general election in August, 
and with that object in view got together 
and made up a county ticket which 
seemed to give general satisfaction. Up 
to this time there had been no town ri- 
valry, in fact no other town but Algona 
had been spoken of, and so far as the 
writer knows there had been no itching 
for political preferment. Speculation 
throughout the west was running high at 
that time, and Iowa had more than her 



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B 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



241 



share of it. Gold was abundant, and as 
is usually the case when money is plenty 
interest was high; 3 per cent, a month be- 
ing considered reasonable for short time 
accommodations, but 4 per cent, was 
more common. Uusually from 36 to 40 
per cent, was charged by the year, and at 
these high figures fortunes were made by 
borrowing money and entering lands. 
Men who had no capital whatever could, 
by making judicious selections of govern- 
ment land, borrow money to enter it, giv- 
ing the land itself for security, and before 
the end of the year more than double 
their money by selling. 

"Land and town lots was all the talk in 
the older portions of the State. Com- 
panies were organized and rings formed 
for the purpose of building up cities and 
making fortunes for the sanguine stock- 
holders. In this way Des Moines, Sioux 
City, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, 
Charles City, and other large towns were 
started, besides hundreds of others that 
proved failures and were abandoned by 
those who projected them. Of course 
large fish took the largest bait, the smaller 
ones having to content themselves with 
what was left and look out sharp that 
they themselves were not made bait of. 
Kossuth county and Calls' settlement had 
gained considerable notoriety, and was 
considered a good field for speculative 
operation. Consequently, just before the 
August election, a company was formed, 
with headquarters at Webster City, for 
the purpose of capturing the offices, get- 
ting the county seat and building a rival 
town. The active men in the company 
were: George and Cyrus Smith, Kendall 
Young and L. L. Treat, all good and dis- 



crete men with plenty of capital to back 
them. They came quietly into the settle- 
ment, selected their own site at Irvington 
named their town Irvington, after Wash- 
ington Irving. 

"Securing the friendship of the family 
of Clarkes, thus giving them five votes, 
made up their ticket by giving the best 
offices to men who might otherwise go 
with Algona, agreed to divide their lots 
liberally with those who worked with 
them, and as the writer was afterward 
told by one of the parties, received 
pledges from four more than a majority 
of all the voters of the county to vote the 
Irvington ticket. 

"With the assurance of success they re- 
tired, leaving the election in the hands of 
the people. So quietly was this work 
done that the Algona party were taken 
by surprise. They had not expected a 
contest and had made no preparation for 
it. A number of voters were out of the 
county, but feeling that the prestige of 
our town depended upon our electing an 
Algona ticket, every exertion was made to 
win the election. One man (Jacob Cum- 
mins) who had started for Cedar Falls 
was overtaken sixty miles away and 
brought back to vote. The writer sjjent 
two days in what is now Humboldt county 
chasing after voters who were out on the 
prairie elk hunting, and finally brought 
in two, Solomon Hand and Harlow Miner. 
The judges of election were sworn by 
John F. Duncombe, who came up from 
Fort Dodge on purpose. The election was 
hotly contested and won by the Algona 
party by a few votes. The officers elected 
were: Judge, Asa C. Call; county clerk, 
Robert Cogley; treasurer and recorder, 



-»Iv 



A< 



^ 



242 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



J. W. Moore; county surveyor, Lewis H. 
Smith. The vote was canvassed at Homer, 
the county seat of Webster county. 

"The weather remained very mild until 
about the 1 st of December, when con- 
siderable snow fell, followed by other 
storms and very cold weather; snow ac- 
cumulated to the depth of nearly two 
feet. Game of all kinds were very abund- 
ant, being driven into the timber by the 
severity of the weather. At the head of 
some of the small streams, where the old 
grass was unburned, buffalo and elk were 
corralled by the snow and remained 
nearly all winter living on the old grass. 
The timber was full of deer and wolves, 
a great many of which were killed. Bea- 
ver, otter, fisher and mink were numerous, 
but as we were not skillful trappers we 
got but few of them." 

At the time of the incoming of the first 
settlers but little, if anything, was known 
of the topography of that portion of Iowa 
lying west of the Cedar river and its afflu- 
ents, and north of Fort Dodge. But for 
all that, the Legislature of 1852 set off, 
bounded and named this tract of country, 
with the name, but not the same bound- 
aries it now bears. It then comprised 
sixteen townships and was twenty-four 
miles square. That part then lying north 
of Kossuth, was christened Bancroft 
county, after the great' historian of that 
name. In the Legislature of 1854-5, an 
organic act was passed, whereby, Kossuth, 
Bancroft and the north half of Humboldt 
counties were placed together and organ- 
ized under the name of Kossuth county, 
and temporarily attached to that of Web- 
ster county for judicial purposes. 



During the month of August, 1855, an 
election was held to perfect the organiza- 
tion and elect the first officers, as related 
by Mr. Call, and resulted in the choice of 
Asa C. Call for county judge; Robert 
Cogley, county clerk; J. W. Moore, treas- 
urer and recorder; Lewis H. Smith, coun- 
ty surveyor. These were the first officers 
of the new county of Kossuth. 

In 1857, the General Assembly of the 
State of Iowa, passed an act, chapter 147 
of the session ordinances of that Assembly, 
whereby, that part of Humboldt county, 
heretofore a part and parcel of Kossuth 
county, was detached and the latter was 
made the size that it at present has. At 
this same session, an act was passed which 
prohibited the constitution of any new 
county "having less area than 432 square 
miles, nor shall the territory of any organ- 
ized county be reduced below such limit, 
except the county of Worth and the coun- 
ties west of it along the northern border." 
In later years an abortive attempt was 
made to organize the twelve northern 
townships into a separate county, under 
the name of Crocker, an account of which 
may be found elsewhere. 

county's name. 
Kossuth county was named after Louis 
Kossuth, who has long been known as one 
of the world's most famous agitators, ora- 
tors and patriots. His learning and elo- 
quence have been admired on both sides 
of the ocean, and his heroic struggles for 
Hungary's independence has stirred the 
heart and called forth the sympathy of 
every lover of freedom. Four score years 
have rarely been allotted to public men 
who have worked so vigorously, suffered 
so many hardships, and lived as intensely 



t 



vT 



,fv 



^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



243 



as has Kossuth. He was emphatically the 
product of his times. Possessed of intel- 
lectual genius of a high order, and endowed 
with an indomitable energy, he would 
have been a man of mark in any country, 
but the sublimity of his patriotic devo- 
tion, the inspiration of his eloquence, and 
the rugged bravery of his character, could 
only have been developed and called out 
by the troubled times of his Nation's his- 
tory. Hungary made Kossuth. Kossuth 
spent his life in trying to make Hungary. 
No effort he could put forth, no sacrifice 
he could make, was too great for her, but 
he had no word or work for any other 
cause. Wendell Phillips, in his lecture on 
Toussant L'Overture, graphically appeals 
to "the eloquent Son of the Maygar" for 
some word of sympathy with the down- 
trodden negro, but is forced to the con- 
clusion that however much he may love 
freedom, Kossuth is deaf to all cries but 
those of Hungary. 

Louis Kossuth was born in Monok, Hun- 
gary, April 27, 1803. His family was of 
Slavic descent and noble rank, and his 
father gave him the advantages of a lib- 
eral education, including a course in law 
and philosophy, at the University of Pa- 
tak. He excelled as a scholar, particu- 
larly in his knowledge of history and the 
languages, speaking fluently the Maygar, 
Slavak, German, French and Latin, and 
later in life, the Italian and English. Af- 
ter leaving college Kossuth was'appointed 
an assessor of the Assembly of his native 
country, and joining the liberals in poli- 
tics he became very popular with the com- 
mon people. During 1832-6 Kossuth be- 
came, by proxy, a member of the Upper 
House of the Diet, and though its debates, 



of so much interest to Hungarian patriots, 
were forbidden publication, yet by Kos- 
suth's efforts they were circulated by 
means of manuscript newspapers. At the 
close of the Diet, Kossuth endeavored to 
publish a lithographic paper, but the gov- 
ernment prohibited its publication, and 
for persisting in his work he was seized 
in the night, tried for treason and sen- 
tenced to four years imprisonment. Gen- 
eral public indignation, and the prospect 
of foreign intervention, procured his re- 
lease before the time appointed. He then 
became editor of the Pesth Journal, en- 
tered the Legislature as leader.of the lib- 
erals, and kept up a vigorous agitation for 
local self-government. During the war 
for liberty, he was for some months gov- 
ernor of Hungary, but on the failure of 
the struggle he escaped to Turkey where 
he was protected by the Porte. In 1851 
he sailed from Turkey on the United 
States war vessel Mississippi, as the guest 
of our government. While in this coun- 
try Kossuth spoke in many of our leading 
citaes, enlisting sympathy for Hungary 
and urging the United States to join with 
England in preventing European inter- 
ference with her struggles for liberty. 
Returning to Europe, he engaged in lit- 
erary and scientific work, but all the time 
watching for any political complications 
that might justify Hungary in striking 
another blow for liberty. In 1867, on the 
reorganization of the Austro-Hungarian 
Empire, he was allowed to return to his 
native land, but he preferred to remain in 
Turin, condemning the compromise that 
had been made by his countrymen. Kos- 
suth in many respects resembled Gam- 
betta. Of like fiery disposition and im- 



244 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



passioned eloquence, they were equally 
effective on the platform or wielding the 
pen The latter lived to see the consum- 
mation of his hopes, in republican France; 

i • j> ,* _ ■_ ^C V* n.vs\ii» oar- 



.1 



14, in township 95, range 29, now in Cresco, 
and was finished in August, 1854. 

The first board building was erected by 
J. W. Moore, in Algona, for a store room 



r 



xnation of his hopes, in republican in am e, »• • buiu 

the former, after a lifetime of heroic ser- Th was 



f 



tlie iormci, «»» - 

vice, has seen Hungary liberahzed,but not 
enfranchized. 

HISTORICAL ITEMS. 

The first marriage in the county was 
that of William Moore to Sarah Wright, 
April 22,18.= 7. The license for this event 
was issued by Judge Call, and the knot 
matrimonial was tied by George D. 
Wheeler, justice of the peace. 

The first death in the county was that 
of a party by the name of Mahuren. This 
man, a minister or elder of the Christian 
Church, in the fall of 1854, came to the 
cabin of Ambrose A. Call, andbeingsick, 
staid there about two weeks, and at the 
end of that period died. 

The first birth in Kossuth was that of 
James and Joseph Crose, twin sons of 
Philip and Mary Crose, which occurred 
Aug. 28, 1855, in Irvington township. 
James is teaching school in Bancroft, and 
his brother is engaged in farming in 
Cresco township. Some dispute seems to 
have arrisen as to this fact; some claiming 
that Irving Clark, son of William G. 
Clark, was the first party born m this 
county, but upon investigation it appears 
that the latter party was born at Fort 
Dodge. 

The first saw-mill was raised at Irving- 
ton and commenced operations early in 
the summer of 1856. Judge Call started 
his mill at Algona a few weeks later. 

The first log house was built by Am- 
brose A. Call and W. T. Smith, on section 



boards. 

The first goods sold in the limits of 
Kossuth county are believed to have been 
a small stock of powder, whisky and 
like commodities peddled out by Charles 
Easton in 1854 or 1855. He had no store 
building but inhabited a tent from which 
he sold the goods. 

The first store and stock of goods was es- 
tablished at Algona, by Maj. W. W Wil- 
liams who was the guttler at Fort Dodge. 
During the summer of 1856, he sent up a 
small assortment of such goods as would 
retail well in a new country. These goods 
were in charge of William Koons, but he 
did not stay long as he was superceded 
by H F. Watson, who immediately built 
a new building for Hie accommodation of 

the stock. 

The first frame building erected _ in Al- 
gona was one built by Lewis H. Smith,dur- 
incr that eventful summer of 1856. 

The first citizen of the county to be- 
come naturalized was Christian Hackman 
who received his final papers upon the 
10th day of October, 1856. 

The first order or warrant for the pay- 
ment of money by the county, bore the 
date of April 22, 1857, and was issued to 
Lewis H. Smith for locating a road. 

The first newspaper, in the county of 
Kossuth, was the Algona Pioneer Press 
established in that town by Ambrose A. 
Call in September, 1861. This paper had 
an existence only of about two years, 
when it suspended. 



1 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



245 



The first frame school house in the 
county was erected in the year I860, on 
section 24, in township 96 north, range 29 

west. 



The first white woman whose feet trod 
the soil of Kossuth county was Mrs. Asa 
C. Call, in July, 1854. 

The first kerosene ever used in this 
county was brought here by Lewis H. 
Smith in 1859. A great deal of sport en- 
sued in the first attempt to use this oil, as 
he thought that the wick must be above 
the cone. 

The first bread made in the county, 
from wheat raised therein, was made by 
Mrs. H. A. Henderson in 1859. As this 
wheat was raised by her husband and was 
the first of Kossuth county growth, a fes- 
tive time was made of it and the neigh- 
bors were invited in to partake of the 
bread. 

The first sewing machine was brought 
to Kossuth county in January, i860, by 
Lewis H. Smith of Algona. 

The first threshing in Kossuth county 
was done by some parties from Boone 
river, for W. H. Ingham i n the fall of 
1859. This was done on section 20, town- 
ship 96, range 20. 



The pioneer piano of the county was 
brought to Algona, by Lewis H. Smitb.dur- 
ing the winter of 1865-6. 

The first bank in the county was opened 
by W. H. Ingham in January, 1867, at 
Algona, and the first draft or bill of ex- 
change was drawn on the 11th of January 
of that year. It was for $100 from James 
L. Paine to a minister of the gospel in 
Missouri. 

^ The first bank sign, that of Ingham & 
Smith, was painted by the junior partner, 
and is yet preserved among the relics of 
by-gone days. This was lettered in 1870 
Lewis H. Smith, besides being the first 
lawyer in the county, was the first to hang 
out a sign as notary public in 1857. 

The first window blinds ever placed 
upon a house in Kossuth county were the 
property of Capt. W. II. Ingham, who 
put them on his dwelling in 1860. 

The last elk seen in this county was 
killed during the month of November, 
1867, by a party of gentlemen in the 
Boone river near the east line of the 
county. The party consisted of the fol- 
lowing members: A. L. Seeley, A. Ken- 
nedy, Abraham Hill and J. G. Smith. The 
horns that ornamented this historic'ani- 
mal's head now decorate the court room in 
Algona. 



246 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III 



COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 



As has been already mentioned, the 
territory now comprising the county of 
Kossuth, was attached, with the nor 

half of Humboldt, to Webster county, but 
in 1855 an organization was effected, ami 
at the August election of that year, (foi 
prior to 1859 the general election was 
Lid in August,) the necessary officers 
were elected, and Kossuth county entered 
upon a separate existence. These firs 
officers were: Asa C. Call, county pdge, 
Robert Cogley, clerk of the court ; J.W. 
Moore, treasurer and recorder, and Lewis 
H. Smith, snrveyor. 

The records of this election have per- 
ished in the lapse of years, and no account 

exists that preserves in official form the 
num ber of votes polled. At the next 
election, however, whic* .occurred upon 
the 7th of April, 1856, George W. Hand 
deceived forty-two votes, all that were 
polled, for the office of school fund com- 
missioner ; Eber Stone, thirty-seven for 
the office of prosecuting attorney and 
Francis Brown thirty-seven for that ot 

CO in n t e hese early days the mode of govern 
ment of the county differed widely from 
what it is at the present. The execu Uve 
powers were vested in what was called 
Ihe "county court," which had the sam 

jurisdiction and powers as are now held 



by the county board of supervisors, the 
county auditor, the judge of the circuit 
court, especially those matters that relate to 
the probating of wills, etc., and of mar- 
riage licenses'. This court consisted of the 
judge, sheriff and clerk, but in the former 
resided all authority, and when the two 
latter acted at all, it was simply as assist- 
ants. As may be seen by this, the posi- 
tion of county judge was of primal im- 

P °The C first entry upon the minute book of 
the county judge bears date of March 1, 
1856, and is as follows : 

"Ordered by the county court of Kos- 
suth county, this day, That swine and 
sheep shall not be permitted to run at 
large, within said county, after the 1st of 
June A. D. 1856, and any such animals 
found so running at large after that date, 

ma y be taken up as trespassing animals 
The above regulation will be submitted 
to the voters of Kossuth county at the en- 
suing April election. Those in favor of 
the law to write on their ballot, For the 

hog law.' Those opposed, will write, 
'Against the hog law.' " 

The record then says that there were 
twenty-six votes in favor of, and eleven 
against the above proposed law. 

At this same term of court the county 

f Kossuth was divided into townships 



-. " 1>> 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



247 



as follows : All that part of the county 
lying south of the north line of congres- 
sional township 93, be denominated Hum- 
boldt township. (This is now part of the 
county of the same name.) And all that 
part of the county lying north of the 
same line to be called Algona towntehip. 

At the March term of the county court, 
1857, the county was re-divided into town- 
ships. At this time, that part of the 
county, now a part of Humboldt, was sep- 
arated from this, and the remaining ter- 
ritory was divided as follows: A town- 
ship with the following boundaries was 
formed, "beginning at the quarter post 
on the east line of section 7, township 95 
north, of range 27 west, of the 5th prin- 
cipal meridian, and running from thence 
due west along the center of sections 13, 
14, etc., to the middle of the channel of 
the east fork of the Des Moines river, and 
thence down the middle of said channel 
to the south line of township 94, and thence 
east along said line to the east line of the 
county, and thence along said county line 
to the place of beginning." This town- 
ship was christened Irvington. 

"All that part of the county lying north 
of a line beginning at the quarter post on 
the east line of section 13, township 95, 
range 27 west, and running due west to 
the quarter post on the west side of sec- 
tion 18, township 95, range 30," was set off 
into a civil township, and the name Al- 
gona given to it. 

The third township was called Cresco, 
and comprised all that part of the county 
lying west of the middle of the channel 
of the east fork of the Des Moines river, 
and south of the south line of Algona 
township. 



On the 15th of October, 1857, the county 
court made the first levy of taxes, which 
is recorded to be as follows : County fund, 
six mills on a dollar ; State fund, three 
mills ; school, one and one-half mills ; 
road, one and one-half mills ; poll tax, 
fifty cents; road poll, $2. 

But little of any general interest oc- 
curs in these earlier records, as most of 
the time of the court was taken up in 
auditing and paying the bills against the 
county, and other routine business. 

At the October term of the county 
court held in 1858, the first naturalization 
papers were issued to the foreign born 
residents of Kossuth county. 'J he first 
man to take the necessary oath, and re- 
ceive his papers, was John Hutchinson, 
a native of Ireland, and a subject of the 
Queen of England. The date of the 
record of this event is October 7. That 
ami the following days of the same term, 
papersof an equivalent nature were issued 
to August Zahlten, a native of Prussia; 
James Roan, of Scotland; Barnet Devine, 
James H. Thompson, Michael Fox and 
Joseph Thompson, natives of the Emerald 
Isle; George Frederick Scha'ad and Chris- 
tian Hackman, from Besse Darmstadt; 
and Michael Schmidt, a Hollander. All 
these are now remembered as among the 
"old settlers," and the day of their en- 
franchisement should be remembered as a 
bright era of their lives. 

On the 1st of January, 1861, a change 
took place in the mode of government of 
the county, in accordance with the laws of" 
the 8th General Assembly. The coun- 
ty judge, by that act, became of secondary 
consideration, and the board of county 
supervisors, consisting at that time of one 






2 






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248 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



member from each township, was created, 
and to which was delegated nearly all of 
the powers and functions of the county 
judge. The latter only retained jurisdic- 
tion in probate, and some other minor 
matters. The first board of supervisors 
of Kossuth county met at the office of the 
county judge, in Algona, on the 7th day 
of January, 1861. The following gentle- 
men presented themselves as the choice 
of their respective town ships for the office 
of supervisor, and presented their creden- 
tials: Ambrose A. Call, Algona; M. C. 
Lathrop, Cresco, and J. R. Armstrong, 
Irvington. 

After having qualified they took their 
seats and proceeded to perfect their or- 
ganization by the election of a chairman, 
and en a ballot being taken the choice fell 
upon Ambrose A. Call, who was conducted 
to the chair. 

1 he first business brought before the 
new board was the settling of the amount 
of the bond to be given by the clerk of 
the board, which was placed at $500. The 
members then drew lots to determine the 
length of the term for which each should 
hold his seat; M. C. Lathrop drew the 
ballot entitling him to his place for the 
"long term," or two years. 

There being no court house nor county 
offices, the board rented the office of L. 
H. Smith for use of the clerk of the 
board, and at the same time authorized 
the treasurer and recorder and probate 
judge to rent another office. Much of the 
regular routine business came up before 
this board in the way of paying claims 
and locating of roads, but nothing seems 
to have occurred of any historical impor- 
tance or of general interest, although a 



great deal of necessary business was trans- 
acted by the honorable board. 

The new board for the year 1862 met 
on the 6th of January, and consisted of 
the following gentlemen: Ambrose A. 
Call, Algona; J. R. Armstrong, Irving- 
ton, and Abiathar Hull, Cresco. Mr. Arm- 
strong was chosen chairman for the ensu- 
ing year. 

At the February session this board en- 
tered into a contract with Asa C. Call, a 
resident of the county, by which he 
agreed to act as the agent of Kossuth 
county in procuring for the said county 
the swamp and overflowed lands to which 
the said county was entitled, under certain 
acts of Congress and of the Genera! As- 
sembly of the State of Iowa. By this 
contract Mr. Call was made the duly ac- 
credited agent for the whole negotiation 
of the matter, and was to receive as com- 
pensation for his services one-fourth of 
all such lands recovered to the county. 

At the May term a resolution was passed 
to submit to the legal voters of the county 
an important question, as follows: 

"The undersigned makes to the county 
of Kossuth the following proposition, to 
wit: If the said county will give to the 
undersigned as a bonus 8,000 acres of the 
swamp lands of an average quality in said 
county, the undersigned will build within 
one mile of Algona, in said county, a 
grist-mill, to be propelled by water; 
which mill shall be built in a substantial 
manner, and shall have two run of bulirs, 
and all the fixtures necessary to make 
•rood flour. And the undersigned further 
agrees, if said county shall accept this 
proposition, to enter into an obligation, 
with good and ample security to said 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



249 



county, that said mill shall be in opera- 
tion within twelve months, and that it 
shall be run at the place designated for 
five years, and that the rate of toll to be 
taken at said mill shall not exceed one- 
seventh. [Signed] Samuel Reed. 

Abiather Hull." 

But owing to the withdrawal of Mr. 
Reed's name from the proposition, the 
board decided to annul the whole pro- 
ceeding, and, on the 9th day of June, did 
revoke the order for the special election, 
and the scheme died into obscurity. 

The county having made other use of 
the lands, Asa Call could not comply with 
the terms of the contract made by him, 
so did not procure the necessary patents 
endowing the county with the so-called 
swamp lands, but as the matter was other- 
wise settled the claim was made good and 
he was settled with by a committee, con- 
sisting of Lewis II. Smith and W. H. 
Ingham, appointed for that purpose. At 
the general election of 1862, a majority 
of the qualified electors of the county, 
voted in favor of the county entering into 
a contract with the American Emigration 
Company, whereby they turned all these 
swamp lands over to that corporation, in 
lieu of improvements that they would 
make and the aid it would give to emi- 
gration to this section of the State and 
various minor considerations. All deeds 
to be given by the company, to enclose a 
clause, binding the purchaser to make a 
bona fide settlement thereon within a 
limited period, which should be stipulated 
in the conveyance. 

The new board for 1863 met, for their 
first session, on the 5th of January, and 
consisted of the following gentlemen, who 



were all present and took their seats: 
Ambrose A. Call, Algona; J. R. Arm- 
strong, Irvington, and Benjamin Clark, 
Cresco. They immediately proceeded to 
effect an organization by electing Am- 
brose Call chairman for the ensuing year. 
A great mass of business was transacted 
during the year but none of it of general 
interest at this time except the various 
resolutions in favor of bounties to volun- 
teers, which may be found at length in 
the chapter devoted to "The War for the 
Union." 

The board of supervisors for the year 
1864 met, on the 4th of January, and the 
following gentlemen appeared and an- 
swered to their names: Addison Fisher, 
Irvington township; D. W. King, Algona 
township; Benjamin Clark, Cresco town- 
ship. 

After being duly sworn and inducted 
into office, Benjamin Clark was elected 
chairman for the year, and the organiza- 
tion was completed. A resolution was 
then introduced and adopted empowering 
the clerk to procure a plan and specifica- 
tions for building a court house, and sub- 
mit the same to the board at their next 
meeting. Nothing seems to have grown 
out of this at the time, but the seed thus 
early planted bore rich fruit in the full- 
ness of days, as a glance at the beautiful 
edifice of the county will prove. 

On the 3d of January, 1865, the new 
board met in regular session, and after 
taking the usual oath of office, the fol- 
lowing members took their seats: Addi- 
son Fisher, Irvington; D. W. King, Al- 
cona; and C. Hackman, Cresco. After 
electing Mr. Fisher as chairman for the 



D V 



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250 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



year, they proceeded to the transaction 
of the usual routine business. 

The board of supervisors for the year 
1866 was made up of the same members 
as the previous year. After the usual 
formalities, Mr. Fisher was again elected 
chairman. But little business was trans- 
acted by this board, except the usual rou- 
tine of auditing claims and road and 
bridge matters. However, during their 
administration, a contract was let to 
Samuel Reed to build a structure for the 
use of the county as a court house, which 
he erected in compliance with the terms 
of the contract, for the sum of $775. 
Upon the 15th of October, this same year, 
the following resolution was adopted by 
the board: 

Resolved, That, as the American Emi- 
grant Company have passed a resolution 
donating the sum of $5,000 to this county 
for school house purposes, that said sum 
of money, when received, shall be used 
for the erection of a seminary in the 
town of Algona, and for no other purpose. 
This seminary to be under the control of 
the board of supervisors, and to be con- 
sidered a county building. 

The board of supervisors for the admin- 
istration of the business of the county, 
for the year 1867, met on the 7th of Jan- 
uary, and consisted of the following mem- 
bers: Addison Fisher, Irvington; D. W. 
King, Algona; and Benjamin Clarke,- 
Cresco. 

After a proper qualification, the board 
proceeded to organize by the election of 
Addison Fisher as chairman for the year, 
and proceeded to the auditing of claims 
and locating of county roads. 



The board in 1868 was made up of 
Addison Fisher, Irvington; Benjamin 
Clarke, Cresco; and Abram Hill, Algona. 
Immediately after meeting, on the 6th 
of January, the new members were dis- 
qualified and taking their places, organ- 
ized for the year by the election of Addi- 
son Fisher as chairman. One of the first 
measures adopted was a resolution au- 
thorizing the board of supervisors to act as 
a committee of the whole in selecting a 
site and purchasing land for a poor farm 
for the use of the county. 

The board, for the year 1869, met for 
the first time on the 4th of January, of 
that year, and the following gentlemen 
appeared and were duly qualified: Addi- 
son Fisher, Irvington; Abram Hill, Al- 
gona; G. W. Olmsted, Cresco. 

Mr. Fisher was re-elected to fill the 
chair, and the board proceeded to assume 
the reins of government. Lewis H. Smith, 
late county judge and ex-officio county 
auditor, having handed in his resignation, 
the board appointed Marcus Robbins to 
fill the vacancy. It was also 

Resolved, That the territory embraced 
in the following congressional town- 
ships, to-wit: Townships 98, 99 and 100^ 
in range 29 west, of the fifth principal 
meridian, and townships 98, 99 and 100, 
in range 30 west, of the same meridian be 
formed into a new township called Green- 
wood, and that its boundaries shall be as 
above described. Also, at the October 
session, that portion of Kossuth county 
embraced in townships 96, 97, 98, 99 and 
100, range 28, were formed into a new 
civil township under the name of Port- 
land. That portion of the county em- 
braced in congressional townships 96 and 



^ 



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A 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



251 



97, ranges 29 and 30, was formed into a 
new township to be known as Darien. 
This latter township, however, never was 
organized under this name, as it did not 
seem to meet the views of all concerned. 

Jan. 3, 1870, was the day upon which 
met the new board of supervisors of the 
county. The following gentlemen pre- 
sented themselves, and after the usual 
formalities, took their seats: Daniel 
Rice, Algona; Albe Fife, Irvington; L. 
K. Garfield, Greenwood; and O. F. Hale, 
Cresco. 

After organizing by the election of 
Daniel Rice as chairman, the board pro- 
ceeded to the transaction of business. At 
the July session of this board the action 
taken in the creation of Darien township 
was rescinded, in answer to the petition 
of seventy-six of the legal voters thereof. 

The following year, 1871, Daniel Rice, 
D. H. Hutehins and Charles C. Chubb, 
constituted the board of supervisors, and 
after taking the usual oath and seating 
themselves, elected Mr. Rice chairman. 
This was at their first meeting, on the 2d 
of January. At the April session the 
county auditor was authorized, by resolu- 
tion of the board, to purchase fifty cords 
of building stone for the building of the 
basement of the new court house to be 
erected. About this time the north part 
of the county was organized into a sep- 
arate county and called Crocker county, 
but as it was contrary to law it was after- 
wards abandoned. But at the time, in 
April, 1871, a pretended board of super- 
visors, to quote the records of Kossuth 
county, made a demand that this county 
cease to assess, levy and collect taxes 
within their territory, but the government 



of Kossuth county paid no attention 
whatsoever, except to say that when they 
were satisfied that there was such a 
county as Crocker, with a de facto govern- 
ment, then they would listen to the re- 
monstrance. In June the honorable 
board passed a resolution, submitting to 
the qualified voters of the county the 
proposition that the bonds of the county 
be issued in the sum of -$25,000, upon 
which to borrow money to build a court 
house. These bonds were to bear an in- 
terest of ten per cent., payable annually, 
and the principal to be paid in install- 
ments of $3,000 each year, beginning 
with that of 1874. Also that a tax of five 
per cent, should be levied as a special 
tax upon the assessed property of the 
county to meet these bonds as they ma- 
tured. On the 5th of September, being 
then in session, the board appointed D. 
H. Hutehins and J. E. Blackford a com- 
mittee to draft plans and specifications 
for a county poor house, and to advertise 
for proposals to build the same. 

The board of supervisors, for the year 
1872, met for the first time at the court 
house in Algona, January 0, and consisted 
of Daniel Rice, who had been re-elected, 
D. H. Hutehins and C. C. Chubb. Mr. 
Rice was elected the presiding officer, 
after qualification. 

In 1873 the board consisted of D. Rice, 
D. H. Hutehins and R. I. Brayton, the 
latter the newly elected member, who, 
after being duly sworn, took his seat with 
his colleagues. Mr. Brayton was then 
called to the chair, temporarily, Mr. 
Hutehins, the third member, being absent 
at the time, and the board being organ- 
ized proceeded to the transaction of the 



f 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



-4+ 



business before them, which consisted 
mostly of locating roads, hearing petitions 
and paying claims against the county. 
At a later session Mr. Hutchins being 
present, was made chairman of the board 
for the ensuing year. The usual business 
coming up for settlement, the board 
proceeded to its consideration. At 
the June session the auditor was in- 
structed to sell the old court house to the 
highest bidder, and have it removed from 
its present site. 

The board for the year 1874 met upon 
the 5th of January, and consisted of the 
following gentlemen: D. Rice, R. I. 
Brayton, H.F.Watson, Leonard Ayers and 
M. Taylor. After having entered upon 
the duties of their positions by subscrib- 
ing to the usual formula, they completed 
their organization by the election of Mr. 
Rice as chairman for the concurrent year. 

The board of supervisors for the year 
1SV5 was composed as follows: H. F. 
Watson, R. I. Brayton, M. Taylor, D. 
Rice and L. Ayers. Mr. Taylor was 
elected chairman. 



The members of the board for the suc- 
ceeding years were as follows: 

1876.— H. F. Watson, chairman; M. 
Taylor, D. Rice, R. I. Brayton and Philip 
Dorweiler. 

1877. — D. Rice, chairman; R. I. Bray- 
ton, Philip Dorweiler, M. L. Bush and II. 
Schenck. 

1878. — R. I. Brayton, chairman; Philip 
Dorweiler, II. Schenck, M. L. Bush and 
E. S. Streater. 

1879. — Philip Dorweiler, chairman; M. 
L. Bush, H. Schenck, E. S. Streater and 
A. Rutherford. 

1880.— E. S. Streater, chairman; Philip 
Dorweiler, A. Rutherford, C. D. Pettibone 
and Isaac Sweigard. 

1881. — C. D. Pettibone, chairman; I. 
Sweigard, A. Rutherford, Philip Dorweiler 
and J. D. McDonald. 

1882.— C. D. Pettibone, chairman; J. 
D. McDonald, H. B. Butler, J. B. John- 
son and I. Sweigard. 

1883.— H. B. Butler, chairman; J. D. 
McDonald, J. B.Johnson, Norman Collar 
and George Boyle. 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



253 



CHAPTER IV 



OFFICIAL MATTERS. 



Grouped together in this chapter will 
be found the various matters gathered 
from the county records and other sources, 
and that fill no special place in history, 
but which left untold would mar the com- 
pleteness of the annals. 

POPULATION. 

In 1856, the first year that this county 
was mentioned in the census returns of 
the State, there were some 377 inhabitants 
credited to the whole county, as then con- 
stituted. In I860, with a less area, the 
population was 416. The number of in- 
habitants for the succeeding years are 
herewith presented, as compiled from 
the State census returns: 



1870 3.351 

1873 4,252 

1875 3,765 



1863 365 

1865 694 

1867 1,573 

1869 1,949 

By the census of 1880, the population 
was shown to be 6,178, of which 3, '238 were 
males and 2,940 were females. A large 
portion of the settlers of the county are 
American born, those of that nativity 
numbering 4,883, where the foreign ele- 
ment only foots up 1,295. 

MARRIAGE RECORD. 

Licenses have always been required in 
the State of Iowa before the nuptial knot 
could be tied, and the clerk of the court 
has always been the custodian of the 
hooks and has authority to issue the said 



permits, under certain restrictions. These 
records therefore have proved an invalu- 
able source from which to draw the ma- 
jority of the facts found here. 

The first license on the record books of 
Kossuth county was issued by Judge Call, 
under date of April 22, 1857, and author- 
ized the proper person to unite in the 
bonds of matrimony, William Moore and 
Sarah Wright. The ceremony was per- 
formed the same day, apparently, by 
George D. Wheeler, a justice of the peace. 
This was the first marriage within the 
limits of Kossuth county. 

The second license was issued on July 
21, 1857, by Judge Call, to Hurlbut W. 
Lake and Rachel W. Eggers. This couple 
were married the same day by "his honor 
the judge." 

Licenses were issued the same year to 
the following parties: Charles I. Harvey 
and Minerva Wright, October 15. They 
were married by Judge Lewis H. Smith, 
the same day. 

Thomas J. Foster and Jane Lane, Octo- 
ber 15, who were also united in mar- 
riage by the county judge. 

Lewis H. Smith and Abbie M. Rist, 
October 24. This couple were united un- 
der the sanction of the Church, in the per- 
son of Rev. Chauncey Taylor, and was the 






^ 



254 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



first rite matrimonial to be so solemnized 
by a clergyman in the county. 

Theodore J. Smith and Roxa Fleming, 
November 10. 

Roderick M. Bessie and Mary E. Lane, 
November 20. 

William D. Eaton and Nancy H. Kel- 
logg, December 20. The last three 
couples were all married on the day of 
the issuance of the licenses by the Rev. 
( 'liauncey Taylor. 

This comprises all the marriages for 
that year, nor did the number increase 
very materially the next year. In 1858 
there were the following candidates for 
matrimonial honors: 

August Zahlten and Mary Reibhoff, 
January 6. Married, the same day, by 
Lewis II. Smith, county judge. 

Amos Otis, Jr., and Almira E. Heck- 
art, March 24. Married the following day 
by J. E. Blackford, justice of the peace. 

William A. Wilson and Chloe S. Law- 
rence, May 16. Married, the same day, by 
Rev. D. S. McComb, a Presbyterian cler- 
gyman. 

James E. Hall and Susan Hall, July 1. 
Married at the same time by Judge Smith. 

George M. Wiltfong and Martha A. 
Clarke July IV. Married the same day 
by W. B. Moore, a justice of the peace. 

Sylvester S. Rist and Mary Ann Millen, 
August 31. Married by L. II. Smith, the 
county judge. 

Marcena Harriet and Caroline Latti- 
more, September 14; also united the 
same day, by Judge Smith. 

Swan Linquest and Hannah Peterson, 
Jan. 15, 1859. Married the same date by 
L. L. Treat, justice of the peace. 



J. R. Armstrong and Jane Fife, Jan. 

27, 1859. Married by Rev. O. A. Holmes. 
G. W. Mann and Laura M. Bellows, 

Aug. 25, 1859. Married by Rev. C. Taylor. 

J. E. Stacy and Harriet E. Taylor, 
April 12, 1860. United in wedlock by 
the Reverend father of the bride, Chaun- 
cey Taylor. 

George P. Steele and Mary S. Clark, 
April 12, 1860. Married by Rev. C. Taylor. 

Oscar Stevens and Jane Magoon, May 

28, 1860. 

Christian Hackman and Elizabeth Clark, 
May 24, I860. 

Andrew L. Seeley and Alice Benscho- 
ter, May 30, 1861. 

Richard Colburn and Elmira Heckart, 
May V, 1861. 

Elias N. Weaver and Polly Benschoter, 
Dec. 18, 1861. 

But this is sufficient. Many of the 
names will be recognized as those of early 
settlers, and of the parties who have been 
most prominently identified with the prog- 
ress and development of Kossuth county. 

Herewith is appended a table showing 

the number of marriages of each year, 

and calling the attention to the curious 

variation in their number, as the times 

were hard or easy. 

1857 

1858 

1859 

1860 

1861 

1862 

1863 

1864 

1865 

1866 

1867 

1868 

1869 

COURT HOUSE. 

Some sort of offices were provided for 
the county officials at the county seat of 



1870 

1871 


. 26 
32 






1873 


32 


1874 


35 


1876 


36 


1877 

1878 

1879 


46 

47 

54 


1880 

1881 

1882 


65 

71 

67 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



255 



Kossuth county, from the date of its or- 
ganization, but no regular courthouse was 
built for the use of the county until 1860. 
On the 26th of March of that year, a con- 
tract was entered into by and between 
the honorable board of supervisors and 
Samuel Reed, of Irvington, whereby the 
latter agreed to erect a building to be 
used by the county as a courthouse. This 
was a small frame building which an- 
swered its purpose but indifferently well 
until 1872, when the present building was 
erected. The building cost the county 
something like $800, and after the erec- 
tion of the new court house, was sold by 
order of the county board ; August Zahl- 
ten being the purchaser. This old court 
house becoming totally inadequate to the 
conveniences of the county, and besides 
offering no sort of protection to the 
records from fire, in 1871, the board of 
county supervisors submitted the proposi- 
tion to the qualified electors of Kossuth 
county, that they should issue the bonds 
of the county to raise the necessary 
money to erect a court house. At the Oc- 
tober election the people of the county, 
by a handsome majority, assented to bur- 
den themselves with the debt, and pro- 
ceedings were at once commenced, look- 
ing toward the erection of the present 
magnificent structure that beautifies the 
town. The members of the board of su- 
pervisors, thinking, no doubt, it was for 
the best interests of the county, did not 
let the whole contract for the building to 
some contractor who would have slighted 
the work, having no particular interest in 
it, but raised the edifice themselves, giv- 
ing work to home mechanics and labor- 
ers. The operation was commenced by 



letting a contract to C. F. Kyes for the 
excavation of the cellar. This contract 
was signed upon the £7th of April, 1872, 
and the price agreed upon was twelve and 
one-half cents per cubic yard, and the 
same was to be finished in twelve days 
from the date of the signing of the con- 
tract. Mr. Kyes completed the work in 
accordance with his terms of agreement. 
The next was to build the foundation and 
basement, and this was done out of native 
stone. There being no stratified rock nor 
quarry within the limits of this county, 
good building material was found by dig- 
ging through the soil into the underlying 
drift and taking out the boulders, and 
dressing them into shape. These are 
nearly all quartzose in make up, being in 
many cases, Lauren tian granite and gneiss, 
brought from the primeval beds, of which 
there exists none nearer than the north 
shore of Lake Huron, and being of a vol- 
canic nature, are comparatively indestruc- 
tible, make a firm foundation. On this 
was reared a beautiful and stately edifice 
in the Anglicized Tuscan style of architect- 
ure, that every inhabitant of the county 
feels a just pride in. 

The building is constructed of Milwau- 
kee brick and trimmed with cut stone, 
with a square roof, and a balcony or open 
belvedere in the center of it. On the 
northeast corner rises the beautiful square 
tower, characteristic of this style of archi- 
tecture, and a small ornamental one fin- 
ishes the opposite corner. 

Within, the building is finished in most 
excellent style, and with its high ceilings, 
perfect ventilation and commodious quar- 
ters, make it a pleasure to call upon the 
obliging servants of the people who have 



■*7|e 



ilit 



256 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



their offices therein. In the second story 
is the room used for the various courts 
that meet here for the administration of 
justice and law. This is one of the most 
magnificent rooms in proportion, in north- 
ern Iowa, and the whole building pro- 
claims to every one the cultured taste that 
dictated its erection. No wonder that all 
the citizens of the county are proud of it 
when it calls forth the highest encomiums 
of every casual visitor to the town. The 
cost of this superb structure was about 
$38,000, of which the following gives 
some of the most prominent items : 

Rough Stone $1,557.24 

Dressed Stone 1,621.74 

Red Brick 3.830.07 

White Brick 2,017.56 

Mason Work 5,21295 

Lumber 3, 987.76 

John Hiles' bills of doors and Bash, etc. 2, 576.56 

Teaming and common labor 1, 018 48 

Painting 62148 

Carpenter Work 2, 799.42 

Wages of foreman Booth 1, 226 00 

Tin Roofing 1,179.55 

Freight 1,327.48 

Hardware 1,237.65 

Blacksmithing 231.75 

Paid to architect M Mix 625, 00 

Lime, glass, etc 834.96 

Sand 130.00 

Miscellaneous 586.50 

Total $32,622.14 

Other items carried the amount up to 
the figures mentioned above. 

When the building was done charges of 
fraud were of course circulated, and it 
was claimed that D. II. Hatching, agent 
of the building committee of the board, 
had diverted funds, and other claims of 
like nature. They were wholly without 
foundation, as the following extract from 

— r- 



the minutes of the board will show. This 
was passed at the session held in July, 
1873 : 

"The majority report of the committee 
appointed to investigate court house mat- 
ters was presented, accepted and ordered 
to be spread upon the minutes of the pro- 
ceedings of the board of supervisors, 
which is accordingly done, and is in words 
and figures following, to-wit : 
To the Honorable, the Board of Super- 
pervisors : 

"The committee appointed by you to in- 
vestigate certain frauds alleged to have 
been perpetrated by certain individuals in 
connection with the building of the court 
house and certain bridges beg leave to 
submit the following report : 

"It is the opinion of your committee 
that the charges or rather insinuations 
were based seemingly upon a partial 
and superficial examination of the books 
and papers on file, and that the committee, 
after a careful examination of the same, 
can find no evidence of moneys misapplied 
or unaccounted for, and the tenor of the 
evidence taken has shown no disposition 
on the part of the board of supervisors 
or their agent, D. II. Ilutchins, to divert 
the funds of the county. 

"The cost of the building up to the 
present time is about $34,000. 

"The items let by contract to the low- 
est bidder were: The largest portion of the 
rough stone ; the dressed stone was let to 
the lowest bidder, and at twenty-five pet- 
cent, less than had formerly been paid in 
in the same town ; the red brick ; the 
mason work ; painting, with the excep- 
tion of some outside work, was let to the 
lowest bidder, and at about one-hall" the 



•&'- 



k. 



HISTORY OP KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



257 



common rates ; tin roofing to the lowest 
bidder. 

"The remaining items were not con- 
tracted for, some from their very nature, 
and others on account of other circum- 
stances involving a supposed loss to the 
county. After taking all the testimony 
produced before the committee, which is 
quite voluminous, and has occupied your 
committee for many days, we have care- 
fully examined the same and find nothing 
therein tending to the implication of the 
board of supervisors as a body, or D. II. 
Hutching, their agent, in any frauds or 
misapplication of the county funds. 

Samuel Reed, Ch'n, 
John Wallace, 
Albert Bush." 
civil townships. 
The thirteen civil townships into which 
Kossuth county is divided were organized 
upon the following dates: Algona, June, 
1856; Irvington, March, 1857; Cresco, 
March, 1S57; Greenwood, Jan. 5, 1869; 
Portland, October 1869; Wesley, June, 
1871; Lotts Creek, Feb. 3, 1873; Fenton, 
April 7, 1873; Ramsey, June 3,1879; Burt; 
Luverne, Sept. 4, 1882; Prairie, Sept. 27, 
1882; Sherman, Feb. 19, 1883. 

ITEMS OP INTEREST. 

Lands exclusive of town property in 

acres 553,568 

Total exemptions for trees planted. . . $134, 146 
Valuation after deducting exemptions 1,451,638 
The value of realty in the towns, cities 
and villages of the county according to 
the assessment of 1882, is as follows: 

Algona incorporated town $80,785 

Algona township 765 

Greenwood " 8,148 

Portland " 467 

Wesley " 1,979 

Lotts Creek " 3,911 

Irvington " 667 



Aggregate value in towns $96,722 



Total value of railroad property $199,476 

Total value of personal property 260,823 

Total valuation of the county. . $2,008,662 

LIVE STOCK. 

No. valuation 
Cattle assessed in the county. ..10,723 $82,524 

Horses " " 3,545 70,313 

Mules " " 113 2,926 

Sheep " " 1,592 1,522 

Swine *' " 3,969 4,297 

Total valuation of live stock $161,581 

The total tax levied in the county, in 
1882, was $76,087.70 

FINANCIAL. 

The following items show the growth 
in wealth and valuation in the county 
during the last decade. A full report of 
the valuation by years was not accessible, 
neither is it of much general interest. 
These are simply given to show the in- 
crease, as exhibited by the tax books of 
Kossuth county. 

1872. 

Value of land In county $1. 527, 237 

Value of personal property 118,996 

Value of railroad property 57. 600 

Total value $1,703,833 

1874. 

Value of lands $1,775,475 

Value of town property 131.651 

Value of personal property 73, 734 

Value of railroad property 42, 000 

Total value $2, 022, 850 

1877. 

Value of lands $1,633,577 

Value of lots 76,381 

Value of railroad property 44, 065 

Value of personal property. 152,715 

Total value $1,906,738 

1878. 

Total value of lands $1, 500, 361 

Value of town property 72,480 

Personal propeity 155,321 

Valuation of railroad property 41, 250 

Total value of county $1, 769. 412 



258 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



1879. 

Value of land in the county $1,366,255 

Value of town lots 78,228 

Value of railroad property 80, 652 

Personal property valued at 170, 873 

Total valuation of county $1, 696, 008 

1881. 

Value of lands $1,533,246 

Value of lots 88,596 

"Value of railroad property 183, 621 

Value of personalty 113,340 

Total valuation of county $1, 918, 803 

1882. 

Value of lands $1,590,608 

Value of town lots 96, 976 

Value of railroad property 261, 175 

Value of personal property 202, 740 

Total value of county $2, 151. 499 

treasurer's report. 

The last report of the county treasurer, 
S. S. Rist, made June 1, 1883, shows the 
following summary of cash on hand at 
that date in eacli several fund of the 
county treasury : 

State Fund $ 789.04 

County ' ' 5, 130.88 

Poor ■' 67.16 

Bridge " 3,963.47 

County School fund 287.40 

War and defense bond fund 1.02 

Court house bond fund 74 .47 

Insane fund 1,175.61 

Algona township funds 1,092.52 

Irvington " " 1,218 64 

Cresco " " 504.86 

Portland " " 677.25 

Greenwood " " 707.36 

Wei-ley " " 450.54 

Penton " " 249.74 

Lott's Creek " " 580.17 

AlgonaCity " " 1,213.11 

Ind. districtof Algona 764.16 

Ramsey township fund 303.92 



REGISTRY OF DEEDS. 

On consulting the records in the office 
of the county recorder, it is found that 
the first deed upon record is that of the 
dedication of the town plat of Irvington, 
and bears date of Sept. 19, 1856, and is 
signed by George Smith, Lyman L. Treat, 
and Kendall Young. The deed is ac- 
knowledged before L. II. Smith, a notary 
public, in and for Kossuth county, and by 
order of Asa C.'Call, county judge, was 
filed for record on the 27th day of Sep- 
tember 1856, at 9 o'clock a. m., by Chauncey 
Taylor, deputy recorder. 

There are now in use some twenty-five 
books of deed records, nineteen of real 
estate, and six of town lots. 

The first mortgage on record bears date 
of Aug. 27, 1855, and was given by the 
Des Moines Navigation & Railroad Com- 
pany, to secure the payment of bonds of 
that corporation. The first mortgage, 
however, given by a resident and citizen 
of Kossuth county was one signed by Asa 
C. Call, the same date, and in favor of 
Morrison & Drakes, of Sturgis, Mich., and 
was on certain material and machinery for 
a saw-mill purchased by the judge of that 
firm. The consideration was $750, and 
was satisfied at the maturity of the notes. 

There are now eleven books of mortgages 
of real estate in use by the recorder, run- 
ning from A to N, which latter letter des- 
ignates the volume in use at present. The 
chattel mortgages are recorded in some 
twelve books, in addition to this. 

A list is herewith given of the various 
town plats that have been recorded from 
time to time in the books of the county, 
with the date of the filing of each, and 
names of original proprietors : 



\ <2- 



^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



259 



Irvington, filed for record, Sept. 27, 
1856, by George Smith, L. L. Treat and 
Kendall Young. 

Algona, filed Dec. 2, 1856, by Asa C. 
Call. 

Ashuelot, filed July 30, 1858, by George 
Brizee. 

Cresco, filed September, 1S58, by Henry 
Kellogg. 

Call's addition to the town of Algona, 
filed Sept. 11, 187 1, by Asa C. and Am- 
brose A. Call, Henry and Anthony H. 
Durant, and John Heckart. 

Wesley, filed Oct. 10, 1873, by J. II. 
Merrill, of Clayton couuty. 

Whittemore, filed April 12, 1879, by W. 
II. Ingham and L. H. Smith. 

Whitman, filed Feb. 1, 1881, by West- 
ern Town Lot Company, owners. 

Luverne, filed March 23, 1881, by G. 
W. Hanna and B. B. Bliss, original pro- 
prietors. 



Burt, filed Sept. 19, 1881, by A. A. Call, 
D. A. Buell and the Western Town Lot 
Company. 

Bancroft, filed Sept. 3, 1881, by A. A 
Call and Western Town Lot Company. 

Irvington Station, filed Sept. 24, 18S1, 
by Western Town Lot Company. 

Ingham's addition to Algona, filed Nov. 
22, 1881, by W. H. Ingham. 

Call & Smarts addition to same, filed 
by A. C. Call, S. L. Witter and J. J. Smart, 
Aug. 4, 1882. 

Western Town Lot Company's addition 
to Bancroft, filed for record by that cor- 
poration Oct. 5, 1882. 

Call's third addition to Algona, filed 
Nov. 1, 1883, by Asa C. Call. 

Full details of each of these appear in 
their proper places in this volume. 

The whole number of record books in 
this office at the present is seventy-nine. 



VMa — 



i V 



t 

4l «- 



^ 



260 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER V . 



POLITICAL. 



Herewith is given the official canvass of 
the entire vote of the county, from the 
date of its organization until the present 
moment, with the exception of that of 
August, 1855, which is missing from the 
record books of the county. 

ELECTION. APRIL 7. 1856. 
School Fund Commissioner . 

George W. Hand 42 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Eber Stone W 

Coroner. 

Francis Brown 37 

ELECTION, AUGUST 4. 1886. 
Secretary of State. 

Elijah Sells 31— 18 

George Snyder 13 

State Auditor. 

John Pattie 30— 16 

James Pollard 13 

M. L. Morris 1 

State Treasurer. 

M.L.Morris 30— 17 

George Paul 13 

Attorney-General. 

SamuelA. Rice 30— 17 

James Baker 13 

Represent at iix in Congress. 

Timothy Davis 32— 19 

Shepherd Leffler 13 

Representative in Legislature. 

E. K. Gillett 30— 17 

W. C.Wilson 13 

State Senator. 

George A. Kellogg 13 

Clerk of the District Court. 

J.E. Stacy 43 

Prosecuting Attorney. 
Charles Osgood 43 



Coroner. 

Alexander Brown 43 

ELECTION, APRIL, 1857. 

State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

L. H. Bugbee 82— 72 

M. L. Fisher 10 

Commissioner of the Des Moines River Improvement. 

Edwin Manning 82— 72 

G.S.Bailey 10 

Register State Land. Office. 

William J. Holmes 82— 72 

Theodores. Parvin 10 

Sheriff . 

H.F.Watson 83— 75 

F. K. Davis .. 6 

Jacob Cummins 1 

H . A . Henderson 1 

Assessor. 

R.C.Shaw 88- 85 

Robert Moore 2 

C . Easton 1 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Joseph P. Sharp 86— 84 

Amos Otis 1 

•"Scattering" 1 

Coroner. 

Joseph Thompson 43— 3 

LutherBullis 38 

William Skinner 2 

SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE 20, 1857. 

For an east and west railroad 75— 16 

Against an east and west railroad 59 

Against a north and south railroad 57— 13 

For a north and south railroad 44 

AUGUST ELECTION, 1857. 
County Judge . 

Lewis H.Smith 100— 95 

Charles Easton 2 

Charles Osgood 1 

G. P. Taylor 1 

Jacob Cummins 1 



> "V 



-£+ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



2G1 



Treasurer and Recorder. 

H.F.Watson 89— 74 

C.Taylor 15 

Sheriff. 

O.W.Hobinson 97— 93 

G. C. Carlon 1 

F. K. Davis 1 

Jacob Cummins 1 

N.Cleveland 1 

County Surveyor. 

William H. Ingham 59— 21 

Jerome Bleakman 30 

George Smith 1 

L. H.Smith 1 

■ Coroner. 

Luther Bullis 101 

School Fund Commissioner. 

William B. Moore. 106 

On the New Constitution. 

For the new constitution 61— 40 

Against the new constitution 21 

On the proposition; "Shall the word white be stricken 
out of the article on the right of suffrage'/" 

"No" 51— 11 

"Yes" 40 

On the proposition to aid north and south railroad. 

For 75_ 55 

Against 20 

ELECTION, OCTOBER 13, 1857. 

Governor. 

Ralph P. Lowe 70— 25 

Benjamin M. Samuels 45 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Oran Faville 70— 25 

George Gillaspy 45 

Representative 13th Legislative District. 

C. C. Carpenter 65— 15 

John F. Duncombe 50 

ELECTION, APRIL, 1858. 

Superintendent of Common Schools. 

Rev. C. Taylor 48— 2 

D . W. Sample 43 

Badger Easton 3 

Against increase of salaries 56— 4 

For increase of salaries 52 

SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE, 1858. 

For a general Banking law 70— 42 

Against a general Banking law 24 

For a State Bank of Iowa 101— 99 

Against a State Bank of Iowa 2 

For an increase of salaries 72— 39 

Against an increase of salaries 33 



^ 



ELECTION OCTOBER 12, 1858. 
Secretary of State. 

Elijah Sells 72— 40 

Samuel Douglas 31 

E.Blackford 1 

State Auditor. 

J. W.Cattell 68— 31 

T. S. Parvin 36 

Dr. McCoy 1 

State Treasurer. 

J. W. Jones 73_ n 

Samuel L. Lorah 31 

O. Minkler x 

Attorney-General. 

Samuel A. Rice 72 29 

James L. Ellwood " 42 

Cummins i 

Register of State Land Office. 

A.B.Miller 69- 33 

James M. Reid 35 

M.Jones 1 

1 Commissioner Des Moines River Improvement. 

W.C.Drake 72— 39 

Charles Baldwin 32 

Ambrose Call 1 

Member of Congress, 2d District. 

William Vandever 72 39 

W. E. Lefflngwell 32 

A. Call 1 

Judge District Court, Mh Judicial District. 

Asbael W. Hubbard, 77— 50 

W. G. Wyatt 26 

Gottenburg 1 

District Attorney, ith District. 

Orlando C. Howe 83_ gg 

E. D. Thompson 20 

C. Gray 1 

Member Board of Education. 

Daniel E. Brainard 72— 40 

J.S.Cole 31 

Samuel Nixon 1 

Clerk of the District Court . 

J. E. Stacy 88— 80 

Charles Easton s 

Coroner . 

K. Carton 35— 24 

F. R. Jewell. 11 

County Surveyor. 

A. F. Willoughby 3 

SPECIAL ELECTION, APRIL 25, 1859. 
On the question of issuing Bonds. 

Against the bonds so 55 

For the bonds 25 



»M* 



262 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



ELECTION, OCTOBER 11, 1859. 
Governor. 

Samuel J. Kirkwooa 75 — 38 

Augustus C. Dodge 37 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Nicholas J. Rusch 76— 40 

Lysander W. Babbitt 36 

Judges of Supreme Court. 

Ralph P. Lowe 75— 38 

L.D.Stockton 74— 36 

Caleb Baldwin 76— 40 

Charles Mason 37 

Thomas 8. Wilson 38 

C.C.Cole 36 

State Senator, 32ci District. 

Luther L. Pease 68— 34 

J. F. Duncombe 44 

Representative from 61st Legislative District. 

John E. Blackford 96— 80 

F.M. Corey 16 

County Judge. 

J.E.Stacy 59— 10 

Lewis H. Smith 49 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

L.L. Treat 54— 4 

H.F. Watson 50 

Sheriff. 

O. Iiensehoter 87— 77 

G. W. Blottenberg 10 

County Superintendent. 

J. R. Armstrong- 72— 71 

H. Kellogg- 1 

Drainage Commissioner. 

H. Kellogg 102 

Surveyor. 

William L. Miller 80— 70 

C. Easton 5 

A. F. Willoughby 4 

W. H. Ingham 1 

Coroner. 

Luther Bullis 87— 86 

Judson Mason 1 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER 6, 1860. 

For President. 

Abraham Lincoln, Republican 64— 44 

Stephen A Douglas, Democrat .-. 20 

Secretary of State. 

Elijah Sells, Republican 63— 42 

John M. Corse, Democrat , 21 

State Auditor. 

J. W. Cattell, Republican 63— 42 

George W. Maxfield, Democrat 21 

State Treasurer. 

John W. Jones, Republican 63 — 42 

John W. Ellis, Democrat 21 



Judge of Supreme Court. 

George G. Wright, Republican 63— 42 

J. M. Ellwood, Democrat 21 

Representative in Congress— 2d District. 

William Vandever, Republican 61— 39 

B. M. Samuels, Democrat 22 

Clerk of District Court. 

F. McCoy 53— 21 

H.F. Watson 32 

Surveyor. 

L.H.Smith .. . 42— 38 

John Brown 3 

H. Kellogg 1 

Coroner. 

A.B.Mason 28— 5 

John W. Summers SI 

F. McCoy 3 

Calvin Heckart 3 

County Supervisors. 

A. A. Call, of Algona township 44— 43 

A. C. Call, of Algona township 1 

J. R. Armstrong, of Irvington township. . . 28 

M. C. Lathrop, of Cresco township 8— 7 

Henry Kellogg, of Cresco township 1 

SPECIAL ELECTION, MAY 6, 1861. 

On Proposition in Regard to Bridges. 

For bridges 57— 30 

Against bridges 27 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 8, 1861. 

Governor. 

Samuel J. Kirkwood, Republican 71— 66 

William H. Merritt, Democrat 3 

Benjamin M. Samuels, Democrat 2 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

John R. Needham, Republican. 72— 68 

J. W. Williams 2 

Lauren Dewey 2 

Judge, Supreme Court. 

Ralph P. Lowe 72— 68 

J. M. Elwood .... 3 

Kinsey Carlon 1 

Representative from 56th Legislative District . 

J.E.Blackford 72— 65 

H.N. Broekway 7 

Treasure?- and, Recorder. 

J.E.Stacy 72— 71 

M.Fox 1 

County Judge . 

D. S. McComb 70— 69 

E. Easton 1 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Horace Schenck 61— 59 

H. Kellogg 1 

A.Davidson 1 



A, 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



263 



County Superintendent. 

C.Taylor 

A.B.Mason 3 

J.R.Armstrong 1 

Sheriff. 

Oliver Benschoter 51— 

William Hofliens 36 

Coroner. 

John Summers 54— 

KinseyCarlon 

O. Minkler 1 

B. Divine 1 

Surveyor. 

L.H.Smith 57— 

E.W.Clark 1 

Supervisors . 

Ambrose A. Call, of Algona township 24— 

W.H.Ingham, of Algona township 17 

J. R. Armstrong, of Irvington township, .. 25— 

Ambrose Call, of Irvington township 1 

A. Hull, of Cresco township 9 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 14, 1862. 
Secretary of State. 

James Wright, Republican 50- 

Richard H. Sylvester, Democrat 19 

■ State Auditor. 

John W . Cattell, Republican 50- 

John Brown, Democrat 18 

State Treasurer. 

William H. Holmes, Republican 50 

Samuel L. Lirah, Democrat 16 

Attorney-General. 

Charles C. Nourse, Republican 51 

Benton J. Hall, Democrat 17 

Register State Land Office. 

Josiah H. Harvey, Republican 51. 

Frederick Gottschalk, Democrat 17 

Representative, Congress, 6th District. 

A. W. Hubbard, Republican 62 

John W. Duncombe, Democrat 6 

Judge District Court, Uh Judicial District . 

Isaac Pendleton 49 

John Currier 20 

Member Board of Education. 

William J. Wagoner 50- 

J.S.Cole 1 

Clerk of the District Court. 

James L. Paine 65 

County Judge. 

C.Taylor 5 

Kinsey Carlou 1 

J.E.Blackford 1 

Swamp Land Contract. 

For the contract 47 

Against the contract 9 



'— 65 



25 



13 



56 



I— 31 



'— 32 



'— 34 



:ii 



— 56 



— 3 



38 



Special Tax Levy. 

Against the levy 

For the levy 

County Supervisor, Cresco. 

Benjamin Clark 10 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 13, 1863. 

Governor. 

William Stone, Republican 

James M . Tuttle, Democrat 

Lieutencmt-Goueraor. 

Enoch W. Eastman, Republican 

John F. Duncombe, Democrat 

Judge of Supreme Court . 

John F. Dillon, Republican 

Charles Mason, Democrat 

State Senator, 43d. District. 

George W. Bassett 

C. E. Whiting 

Representative, 58th Legislative District 



62— 61 
1 



54— 39 
15 



55— 43 

12 



54— 39 
15 



57— 45 
12 



L. H. Smith 

Edward McKnight 

Treasurer and Recorder. 
J . E . Stacy 

Sheriff. 
Oliver Benschoter 

County Judge. 

Luther Rist 

Kinsey Carlon 

J. Carlon 

County Superintendent. 
M. D. Blanchard 

C. Taylor 

J . R Armstrong 

Surveyor. 

Jason Dunton 

L. H. Smith 

Benjamin Clark 

L.Smith 

Coroner. 

Luther Bullis 

Franklin McCoy 

Kinsey Carlon 

Horace Schenck . 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Horace Schenck 

Kinsey Carlon 

Rone 

Supervisor, Algona Township. 

D. W. King 

Supervisor, Irvington Township. 

Addison Fisher 

Samuel Reed 

SOLDIERS' VOTE. 
Treasurer and Recorder. 
J. E. Stacy 



39— 13 

27 



50- 
5 

1 

43- 
14 

2 



44 



27 



33— 21 



1 
1 

12 

12 

1 

37 

12— 

7 



d«z 



Aj- 



264 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Sheriff. 

O. Benschoter 3 

SPECIAL ELECTION, APKIL 25, 1864. 

On the Proposition to Build a Bridge in Irvington 

Township. 

For the bridge 41— 32 

Against the bridge 9 

GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8, 1864. 
For President. 

Abraham Lincoln, Republican 74— 60 

George B . McClcIlan, Democrat 14 

Judge Supreme Court. 

Chester Cole, Republican 74— 60 

Thomas M. Monroe, Democrat 14 

Secretary of State. 

John A. Elliott, Republican 74— 60 

E. C. Hendershott, Democrat 14 

State Treasurer. 

William H. Holmes, Republican 74— 60 

J. B. Lash, Democrat 1* 

Attorney-General. 

Isaac L. Allen, Republican 74 — 60 

Charles M. Dunbar, Democrat 14 

Register State Land Office. 

J. H. Harvey, Republican. 74— 60 

B. D. Holbrook, Democrat 14 

Representative in Congress, 6th District. 

A. W. Hubbard. Republican 74— 60 

L. Chapman, Democrat 14 

Clerk of District Court. 

James L. Paine 63 

Surveyor. 

Jason Dunton 14 

W. H. Ingham 12 

L.H.Smith 2 

Recorder. 

Jerome E. Stacy 61— 60 

Franklin McCoy ,. 1 

Supervisor, Cresco Township. 

C.Hackman 10— 5 

B.Clark 5 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 10, 1865. 
Governor. 

William M. Stone, Republican 138—126 

Thomas H. Benton, Jr., Democrat 12 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Benjamin F. Gue, Republican 139—127 

W. W.Hamilton, Democrat 12 

Judge Supreme Court. 

George C. Wright, Republican 40— 37 

George G. Wright 44 

George W. Wright 19 

H. H. Trimble, Democrat 12 

Oran Faville 26 



State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Oran Faville, Republican 110— 98 

I. W. Sennett, Democrat .' 12 

George C. Wright ■■ 26 

Representative, 58th Legislative District . 

Lemuel Dwelle, Republican 130 

County Judge. 

LutherRist 144—142 

JohnS. Love 2 

Treasurer. 

JeromeE. Stacy 91— 35 

W.H.Ingham 56 

Sheriff. 

Samuel Reed 74— 10 

Orange Minkler 64 

Surveyor. 

L.H.Smith 112- 96 

Jason Dunton 16 

Superintendent of Schools . 

C.Taylor 139-138 

John Reed 1 

Coroner. 

A. C. Call 26— 2 

Jerry Abbott 24 

Scattering 10 

Drainage Commissioner. 

KinseyCarlon 36— 22 

G. W. Paine 13 

J. Dunton 1 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 9, 1866. 
Secretary of State. 

Ed. Wright, Republican 149—144 

S. G. Van Anda, Democrat 6 

State Auditor. 

John A . Elliott, Republican 149— 144 

Robert W. Cross, Democrat 5 

State Treasurer. 

E.Rankin, Republican 149—144 

George A . Stone, Democrat 5 

Register, State Land Office . 

C. C. Carpenter, Republican 149-144 

Levi P. McKinne, Democrat 5 

Attorney General. 

F. E. Bissell, Republican 140— 144 

W. Ballinger, Democrat 5 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

C. Linderman, Republican 119— 144 

Fred C.ottschalk, Democrat 5 

Reporter of Supreme Court. 

E. H. Stiles, Republican 140—144 

Albert Stoddard, Democrat 5 

Representative in Congress, 6th District . 

A. W. Hubbard, Republican 140—144 

J . D. Thompson, Democrat 5 



I 9 

r 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



265 



Judge of District Court, Uh Judicial District. 

Henry Ford, Republican 149—144 

O. C. Treadway, Democrat 5 

District Attorney. 

Orson Rice, Republican 149—144 

P. D. Mickel, Democrat 5 

Clerk of the District Court. 

James L . Paine 89— 25 

L. M. Mack 47 

Marcus Robbing 17 

Recorder. 

Harvey M. Taft 83— 22 

John Reed 25 

Charles C. Chubb 35 

L. H. Smith 1 

County Judge. 

L.H.Smith 70— 47 

E. Crawford 20 

L.E.Smith 1 

Albert Calkins 1 

John Reed 1 

Surveyor. 

O.F.Hale 142 

Supervisor, Creseo Township. 

Benjamin Clarke 19 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 8, 1867. 

Governor. 

Samuel Merrill. Republican 217—204 

Charles Mason, Demoorat... . 13 

Lieutenant-GoV: rnor. 

John Scott. Republican 217—204 

D. M. Harris, Democrat 13 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, Republican 217—204 

J . H . Craig, Democrat 13 

Attorney-General. 

Henry O'Conner, Republican. 217—204 

W. T. Barker, Democrat 13 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

D. F. Wells, Republican 217—204 

Maturiu L. Fisher, Democrat 13 

Senator, 46th District. 

Theodore Hawley, Republican 213— 199 

C. C . Smeltzere, Democrat 14 

Representative, 59th Legislative District. 

C. W. Ten ny. Republican 183—145 

W. P. Rosecrans, Democrat 38 

County Judge. 

L.H.Smith 82 

James H . Warren 55 

J.C. Chapen 47 

H. F. Watson 7 

H. Durant 1 



Treasurer. 

J.E.Stacy 202—186 

A.S.Gardner 11 

A. D. Clarke 5 

Sheriff. 

John Pinkerton 215—211 

A. Hill 1 

Samuel Reed 1 

Ruf us Watson 1 

O. Minkler 1 

Superintendent of Schools. 

John Reed 215—209 

C. Taylor 3 

Scattering 3 

Surveyor. 

Henry Durant 174 — 132 

Jason Dunton 42 

GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 3, 1868. 
President. 

V. S. Grant, Republican 332^302 

Horatio Seymour, Democrat 30 

Representative in Congress, 0th District. 

Charles Pomeroy, Republican 333— 303 

Charles A. Russell, Democrat 30 

On the First Amendment. 

For 347—317 

Against 30 

On the Second Amendment. 

For 348—318 

Again6t 29 

On the Third Amendment. 

For 348—318 

Against 29 

On the Fourth Amendment. 

For 348—318 

Against 29 

On the Fifth Amendment. 

For 348—318 

Against 29 

Secretary of State. 

Ed. Wright, Republican 333— 303 

David Hammer, Democrat 30 

State Treasurer. 

S. E. Rankin, Republican 333— 303 

L. McCarty, Democrat 30 

State Auditor. 

John A. Elliott, Republican 333—303 

H. Dunlevy, Democrat 30 

Register of State Land Office. 

O. C. Carpenter 333—303 

A.D.Anderson 30 

Attorney General. 

Henry O'Conner, Republican 333— 303 

J. E. Williamson, Democrat 30 



<"jo~" 









2t)6 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



249- 1&3 



211 



285— 
1 
2 

21 

20 



Judge of Circuit Court, 2d Circuit 

Marcus Bobbins 

J. M. Snyder 69 

J. P. White 9 

James White 8 

James B. White 1 

Clerk of the District Court. 

A. E. Wheelock 277 

S. G. A. Read 62 

A. Wheelock i 

Recorder. 

H.M. Taft 

Charles C. Chubb 

Scattering 

Surveyor. 

William H. Ingham 

Jason Dunton 

Scattering 2 

Stocfe Act. 

For 175— 

Against 21 

Supervisor of Cresco Township. 

G. W. Olmsted 26— 

Albert Bush 19 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 14, 1869. 

Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, Republican 353— 

George Gillaspy, Democrat 1 

LieutenantrOovernor . 

M. W. Walden, Republican 352— 

A.P.Richardson, Democrat 1 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
Abraham Kissell 353 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

JohnP. Dillon, Republican 353— 

W. F. Brannan, Democrat 1 

Representative from 66th Legislative District . 

James H. Todd. Republican 326— 

H.G.Day 9 

Scattering 11 

Treasurer. 

J.E.Blackford 253— 



282 



154 



James L. Paine 
Blackford 



Auditor. 



A. E. Wheelock 

Marcus Robbins, Jr. 



Sheriff. 



John M. Pinkerton 
O. Minkler 



Superintendent. 



A. W. Osborne 
II. H. Grant... 

Dr. Read 

Scattering 



100 

1 



232- 
120 



220- 
130 



188- 
31 



352 



351 



352 



liini 



152 



U2 



153 



Surveyor. 

J.B.Jones ... 290 

Coroner. 

L. A.Sheetz 62— 30 

James Barr 31 

E.A. Crawford 1 

On Bridge Bond Question. 

Against 251— 243 

For 8 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 11, 1870. 

Judge of Supreme Court, full term. 

Chester C. Cole 375— 334 

Joseph C. Knapp, Democrat 38 

Reuben Noble, Democrat 3 

Judge of the Supreme Court., to fill vacancy caused by 
the declension of J. F. Dillon. 

William E. Miller, Republican 383— 345 

Reuben Noble, Democrat 38 

Judge Supreme Court, to fill vacancy caused by the 
resignation of George G. Wright. 

James G. Day, Republican 383— 345 

P. Henry Smith, Democrat 38 

Secretary of State. 

E. Wright, Republican 440— 393 

Charles Doerr, Democrat 47 

State Auditor . 

John Russell, Republican 443— 396 

W. W. Garner, Democrat 47 

State Treasurer. 

Samuel E. Rankin, Republican 443— 396 

William C. James, Democrat 47 

Register State Land Office. 

Aaron Brown 443—397 

D.F.Ellsworth 46 

Attorney-General . 

Henry O'Connor 443—396 

H.M.Martin 47 

Reporter Supreme Court. 

E. H. Stiles 443— 396 

C. H. Bane 47 

Clerk Supreme Court . 

Charles Linderman 443— 396 

William McLenan 47 

Representative in Congress, 6th District. 

Jackson Orr, Republican 443—396 

C. C. Smeltzer, Democrat 47 

Judge of District Court, tth Judicial District. 

Henry Ford 443— 439 

H. E. J. Boardman 4 

District Attorney. 

Charles H. Lewis 443—430 

John A. Hull 13 

Constitutional Convention . 

For a convention 59— 37 

Against a convention 22 



™^T 






h 



M* 



k. 



-S> .> 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT V. 



267 



Clerk of the Courts . 



A. E. Wheelock. 



J 



Recorder. 



468 

232- 

202 

24 



120 



H.M. Taft 

F.M.Taylor 

J. M. Cowan 

Supervisors, 

D.H.Hutchins 377 

Daniel hice 220 

C. C. Chubb 204 

O.F.Hale 72 

Addison Fisher ". 116 

Abram Hill 66 

J . It. Armstrong - 4 

AlbeFife 23 

Thomas Robinson 1 

Thayer Lumber 49 

G.W.Mann 3 

Benjamin Clark 1 

Edwin Sparks.. 1 

On the Question of Restraining Stock. 

For the restraint uf stock from running at 

large 272- 

Agalnst the restraint of stock from run- 
ning at large 152 

On the Question of Prohibition. 

For prohibition 371—328 

Against prohibition 46 

On the Stock Act. 

For the stock act 280—240 

Against stock act 40 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 10, 1871. 
Governor. 

Cyrus C. Carpenter, Republican 517— 454 

J.C. Knapp, Democrat 63 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

H. C.Bullis, Republican 518—455 

M. M. Ham, Democrat 63 

Judge Supreme Court. 

James G. Day, Republican 518—455 

John F. Duncombe, Democrat 63 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Alouzo Abernathy, Republican 519—456 

Edward Munn, Democrat 63 

State Senator, lUh District. 

E.A.Holland 518 

Representative, With Legislative District. 

Robert Stouthers 519 

Treasurer. 

M. W. Stough 315— 46 

J. E. Blackford 269 



Auditor. 



A. E. Wheelock. 



569 



Sheriff. 

J. M. Pinkerton 430—274 

J.B.Robinson 156 

Superintendent of Schools. 

M. Holen Wooster 543— 542 

J. R. Armstrong 1 

Surveyor. 

J. B.Jones 250— 218 

O. F.Hale 20 

J. P. Colby 11 

Addison Fisher 1 

Coroner. 

L.A.Sheetz 130— 67 

James Barr 23 

R. Vanbolt 16 

S.G.A.Read 13 

Scattering 12 

County Super-visor. 

Daniel Rice 393— 382 

Addison Fisher 10 

Abram Hill 1 

On the Proposition to Issue Bonds to Build a Court 
Bouse. 

For court house bonds 305— 68 

Against court house bonds 237 

GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 5, 1872. 

President . 

V. S. Grant, Republican 519—398 

Horace Greeley, Democrat'and LiberalRe- 

publican 119 

Charles O'Conner, Straight Democrat 2 

Seeretai-y of State. 

Josiah T. Young, Republican 527—407 

E. A. Guilbert, Democrat 105 

Charles Baker 3 

Auditor of State. 

John Russell, Republican 526— 415 

J. P. Cassady, Democrat Ill 

Treasurer of State. 

William Christy, Republican 527—416 

M. J. Rolilfs, Democrat 109 

D. B. Beers 2 

Register State Land Office. 

Aaron Brown, Republican 526—416 

Jacob Butler, Democrat 109 

Attorney-General, to fill vacancy. 

M. E. Cutts, Republican 363 

Attorney-General, full teim. 

M. E. Cutts, Republican 526—413 

A. G. Case, Democrat 113 

Representative in Congress, 9th District. 

Jackson Orr, Republican 499— 360 

John F. Duncombe, Democrat 139 

Judge of Circuit Court, ith District. 

Addison Olliver 630 



t 



268 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Clerk of the Courts. 

A. E. Wheelock 621,- 404 

A.D.Clarke 117 

Recorder. 

A. M. Horton 290 

H. M.Taft 220 

Charles Birge 83 

John Reed 24 

A. E. Wheelock 1 

Supervisor. 

R. I. Brayton 380— 120 

Addison Fisher 213 

R. Brayton 26 

Charles Chubb 1 

On the Proposition, "Shall the Board of Supervisors 
Be Increased to Fire?" 

For the increase 436— 387 

Against the increase 49 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 20, 1873. 
Governor. 

C. C. Carpenter, Republican 642— 6.39 

Jacob Vail, Democrat 3 

Lieuteitant-Governor. 

Joseph Dysart, Republican 644— 642 

Judge Whiting, Democrat 2 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, Republican 644— 643 

B. J. Hale, Democrat 1 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Alonzo Abernathy, Republican 643—641 

D. W. Prindle, Democrat 2 

Representative, 69f ft Assembly District. 

David Secor, Republican 657— 656 

L. A. Sheetz, Democrat 1 

Treasurer. 

Milo W. Stough 509— 357 

H.P. Hatch 128 

E. Woodworth 24 

Auditor. 

H.S.Vaughn 366— 65 

Z. C. Andruss. 102 

John Reed 197 

P. Burlingame 1 

J. M. Pinkerton 1 

Sheriff. 

John M. Pinkerton 405—146 

R.J. Hunt 249 

D.J.Long 8 

J. Henderson 2 

Superintendent of Schools. 

A. A. Bronson 411— 153 

M. P. Hartford 246 

H. M. Taft 10 

M. Heien Wooster 2 



Surveyor. 

A.D.Clarke 524—385 

L. C. Dunton 127 

O.F.Hale 6 

C. B. Hutchins 3 

J. Dunton 2 

D. Long 1 

Coroner. 

L. A. Sheetz 526—516 

H. Vanbolt 6 

M. H. Wooster 2 

Scattering 2 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 13, 1874. 

Secretary of State. 

JosiahT. Young, Republican 429—318 

David Morgan, Democrat Ill 

State Auditor. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 428—316 

J. M. King, Democrat , 112 

State Treasurer. 

William Christy, Republican 429—318 

Henry Harges, Democrat 109 

J. W. Barnes 2 

Register State Land Office. 

David Secor, Republican 430- 320 

R. H. Rodarmel, Democrat 110 

Attorney-General. 

M. E. Cutts, Republican 419— 308 

J. H. Keatly, Democrat HI 

Clerk of the Supreme Court. 

E. J. Holmes, Republican 430—319 

S. W. Ball, Democrat Ill 

Reporter of Supreme Court. 

John S . Runnells, Republican . 420— 308 

J. M. West, Democrat 112 

Representative in Congress. 

Addison Olliver, Republican 425— 310 

C. E. Whiting, Democrat 115 

Judge of District Court, 4tft District. 

CharlesH. Lewis 401— 266 

P.D.Mickel 135 

Judge of Circuit Court. 

J. R. Zonver 429 

Frank E. Chamberlain Ill 

Disti~kt Attorney. 

George B. MeCarty 470—404 

M. Wakefield 66 

Clerk of the CouHs. 

John Wallace... 266— 6 

A. E. Wheelock .' 260 

296— 47 

249 



Recorder. 



A. M. Horton. 
William Ward.. 



*J3 » 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



260 



Supervisor. 

Daniel Rice 318— 181 

Addison Fisher 114 

Scattering 23 

On the Question, "Shall Stock be Restrained from Run- 
ning at Large?" 

For restraint 430—391 

Against restraint 36 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 12, 1875. 

Governor. 

Samuel J. Kirkwood, Republican 582— 510 

Shepherd Leftler, Democrat 71 

J . H . Lozier 1 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Joshua G.Newbold, Republican 589—521 

Emmet B. Woodward, Democrat 68 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

Austin Adams, Republican 589— 521 

W.J. Knight, Democrat 68 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Alonzo Abernathy, Republican 588— 520 

Isaiah Doaue, Democrat 68 

State Senator, iSth District. 

Lemuel Dwelle, Republican 584—512 

James M. Elder, Democrat 25 

James Eider 7 

J.M.Elder 37 

R. H. Spencer 3 

Representative, 69th Assembly District. 

Henry H. Bush, Republican 566—480 

Charles Berge, Democrat 85 

James M. Elder 1 

Auditor. 

Victor M. Stough 405—158 

H. S.Vaughn 247 

Treasurer. 

M.D. Blauehard 229 

D.S.Ford 206 

W. H. Nycum 169 

E.W.Clarke 11 

Sheriff. 

J. M. Pinkerton 359— 56 

P.L.Slagle 201 

C. D. Pettibone 97 

D.J.Long 5 

Superintendent of Sclu>ols. 

A. A. Brunson 461—281 

H. B. Butler 180 

Coroner. 

H.C. McCoy 155_ 5 

L. A. Sheets 121 

R. E. Glover 28 

A. L. Seeley 1 



Supervisor. 

Philip Dorweiler 446 

Robert I. Brayton 297 

Addison Fisher 139 

Anthony Hinton 134 

L. Ayers 77 

A. B.Sheldon 9 

J. E.Webster 19 

Scattering 30 

GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 13, 1876. 

President. 

Rutherford B . Hayes, Republican 638— 409 

Samuel J . Tilden, Democrat 227 

Peter Cooper, Greenback 2 

Representative m Congress, 9th District. 

Addison Olliver, Republican 627— 402 

Samuel Rees, Democrat 215 

John N. Weaver, Greenback 10 

Secretary of State. 

J. T. Young, Republican 640— 413 

John H. Stubenraueh, Democrat 227 

Stale Treasurer. 

George W . Bemis, Republican . 640— 413 

Wesley Jones, Democrat 227 

Register State Land Office. 

David Secor, Republican 640—413 

N. C. Ridenour, Democrat 227 

Attorney-General. 

John F. McJunkin, Republican 639— 411 

I.C.Cook, Democrat 228 

Judge of Supreme Court, to fill vacancy . 

William H. Seevers, Republican 639—412 

Walter I. Hayes, Democrat 197 

Judge of Supreme Court, fuUterm. 

W.«H. Seevers, Republican 639—413 

Walter I. Hayes, Democrat 226 

Judge of Supreme Court, to fill vacancy. 

James II. Rothrock, Republican 639— 421 

William Graham, Democrat 218 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Carl Von Coelln, Republican 640 

Judge of District Court, Uth District. 

E. R. Duffle 852 

Judge of Circuit Court. 

JohnN. Weaver 584— 364 

LotThomas 220 

District Attorney . 

J. M. Tolliver 852 

Clerk of the Courts. 

John Wallace 853 

Recorder. 

John Reed 342 

JohnK. Fill, Jr 99 

A.D.Clarke 216 

George L. Galbraith 193 



i> \ 



•1 



■» > 



270 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



On the Special Levy of a One Mill Tax. 

Against the tax 85— 58 

For the tax 27 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 9, 1877. 

Governor. 

John H. Gear, Republican 463—125 

John P. Irish, Democrat 236 

Elias Jessup, Prohibition 89 

D. P. Stubbs, Greenback 13 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

Frank T. Campbell, Republican 561— 320 

W. C. James, Democrat 234 

A.M. Cready, Greenback 7 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

James G. Day, Republican 561— 321 

M. E. J. Boardman, Democrat 233 

Johu Porter 7 

Superintendent of Public Inttruction. 

Carl Von Coelln, Republican 571-332 

G. D. Cullison, Democrat 232 

S. F.Ballard 7 

Representative, 16th Assembly District. 

John J . Wilson, Democrat 405— 7 

L. H. Smith, Republican 398 

Auditor. 

V. H. Stough 664—526 

J. W. Kenyon 138 

Treasurer. 

M. D. Blanchard 791 

Sheriff. 

J. M. Pinkerton 405— 11 

C. D. Pettibone 200 

D. A. Haggard 194 

Superintendent of Schools. 

A.A.Crose 418— 36 

A. A. Brunson ■- 383 

Coroner. 

S. G.A. Read 559— 320 

H. C. McCoy 239 

Surveyor. 

J. B. Jones 801 

Supervisor. 

E. S. Streeter 451—105 

A.Rutherford 346 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 8, 1878. 
Secretary of State. 

J. A. T. Hull, Republican 582— 174 

E. M. Farnsworth, Democrat 408 

State Auditor. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 482— 68 

Joseph Eibceck, Democrat 414 

State Treasurer. 

George W. Bemis, Republican 483— 65 

M. L. Devin, Democrat 408 



Register State Land Office. 

J . K. Powers, Republican 485— 67 

M. Farring'ton, Democrat 408 

Attorney-General . 

John F. McJunkin, Republican 484— 73 

JohnGibbon, Democrat 411 

Judge Supreme Court. 

James H. Rothrock, Republican 493— 89 

Joseph P. Knapp, Democrat 404 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

E. J. Holmes, Republican 486- 79 

Alexander Runyon, Democrat 407 

Representative in Congress, 9th District. 

C . C . Carpenter, Republican 505— 112 

L. D. Hoggart, Democrat 393 

Clerk of the Courts. 

N. B. Benham 475— 33 

W. H. Nycum 441 

W. C. Nycum 1 

Recorder. 

John Reed 918 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 20, 1879. 

Governor. 

John H. Gear, Republican 700—305 

D. Campbell, Greenback 150 

H.H.Trimble, Democrat 245 

Lieutcnant-Giiccrnor. 

F.F.Campbell, Republican 699—295 

W. H. Moore, Greenback 153 

J.O. A. Yeomans, Democrat 251 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, Republican 606— 289 

M.H. Jones, Greenback 152 

Reuben Noble, Democrat 255 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Carl Von Coelln, Republican 707— 311 

J. A. Nash, Greenback 151 

E. Baker, Republican 245 

State Senator, 49(h District . 

E.J. Hartshorn, Republican 696—288 

John Wallace, Greenback 166 

P. O. Cassady, Democrat 242 

Representative, 16th Aesembly District. 

A. D. Bicknell, Republican 685—271 

George W. McCauley, Democrat 413 

W.H.Brown 1 

Auditor. 

R. W. McGetchie, Peoples '. 307 

V. H. Stough, Independent 277 

H. L. Goodrich, Independent 156 

M. De L. Parsons, Greenback 209 

J. Q. A. Hudson, Republican 153 



"517==" 



K* 



'l^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



271 



Treasurer, 



S. S. Rist.... 
H. P. Hatch. 
M. L. ISush.. 



Sheriff. 



J. M. Pinkerton. 
A. B. Frink 



Superintendent of Schools . 

A. A. Crose 

J. H. Saunders 

O. H. Wilbridge , 

Surveyor. 

C. B. Hutchins 

A. D.Clarke 



509 
340 
243 

587— 79 
504 

571— 40 

441 

84 

970— 955 

15 

Coroner. 

L. K.Garfleld 539 

H. A. McCoy 447— 28 

W. F. Browne 04 

GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBEK2, 1880. 
President. 

James A . Garfield, Republican 758— 417 

Winfleld S. Hancock, Democrat 254 

James A . Weaver, Greenback 87 

Secretary of State. 

J. A. T. Hull, Republican 755—412 

A. B. Keith, Democrat 253 

G M . Walker, Greenback 90 

State Auditor. 

W. V. Lucas, Republican 750—413 

Charles I. Barker. Democrat 254 

G. V. Swearingen, Greenback 89 

State Treasurer. 

E. H. Conger, Republican 754— 409 

Martin Bliun, Democrat 255 

Mathew Farrington, Greenback 90 

Register of State Land Office . 

J . K . Powers, Republican 750— 4 13 

Daniel Daugherty, Democrat 254 

Thomas Hooker, Greenback 89 

Attorney-General. 

S. McPherson, Republican 766—413 

Charles A. Clark, Democrat 254 

W. A. Spurrier, Greenback 89 

Representative in Congress, 9th District. 

C. C. Carpenter, Republican 759— 440 

PH. Guthrie, Democrat 2-16 

D. Campbell, Greenback 67 

Judge of District Court, Uth District. 

E. It. Duffle 1097 

Judge of Circuit Court. 
J.N. Weaver t087 



District Attorney. 



J. M. Tolliver. 



1097 



Clerk of the Courts . 
N. B. Benham 1096 

Recorder- 
John Ueed 1097 

On the question ' 'Shall there be a convention to revise 
the constitution, and amend the same'/" 

"No" 463—355 

"Yes" 108 

On the proposition to strike out the word ''white" inthe 
State constitution. 

For 470—343 

Against 127 

GENERAL ELECTION. OCTOBER 11, 1881. 
Governor. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 371—319 

L. G. Kinne, Democrat 231 

D. M. Clark, Greenback 19 

William Johnson, Prohibition ' 2 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Orlando H. Manning, Republican 573—321 

J . M. Walker, Democrat 230 

James M. Holland, Greenback 19 

John Kent, Prohibition 3 

Judae of Supreme Court. 

Austin Adams, Republican 572—321 

H. B. Hendershott, Democrat 231 

W. W. Williamson, Greenback 18 

J. W. Rodgers, Prohibition 2 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

John W. Akers, Republican 573 — 330 

Walter H. Butler, Democrat 227 

Mrs. A. M. Swain, Greenback 14 

J.Hammond, Prohibition 2 

Representative, 16th Assembly District . 
L. A. Sheetz 547— 075 



John J. Wilson 

Scattering , 

Treasurer. 

S. S. Rist 

Scattering, 

Auditor. 

R. W. McGetchie, Peoples 

M . De L . Parsons 

A. E. Wheelock 

Sheriff. 

D . A . Haggard 

Edson Williams 342 

Scattering 2 

Superintendent of Schools . 

J.J.Wilkinson 447. 

W.M.Colby 379 

Coroner. 

L.K. Garfield 422 

George A. Jackson 393 



269 
3 



820— 818 



506— 197 
308 
1 

469— 125 



-•Tv 



M<2_ 



,- 9 



272 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Surveyor. 

D.P.Mayer 413- 8 

D.T.Mayer 14 

O. F. Hale 391 

SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE 27, 1882. 

On the question of adopting the prohibition amendment 

to the State constitution. 

For the adoption of the amendment 706—. 81 

Against the adoption of the amendment. . . 625 

GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 7, 1882. 
Secretary of State. 

J. A. Hull, Republican 815—399 

T. 0. Walker, Democrat 384 

William Gaston, Greenback 31 

O. W. Hall, Prohibition 1 

State Auditor. 

John L. Brown, Republican 809— 384 

William Thompson, Democrat 392 

C. A. Wyant, Greenback 31 

William Elliott, Prohibition 1 

John Foley 1 

State Treasurer. 

E. H. Conger, Republican 810—382 

John Foley, Democrat 393 

George Deer, Greenback 33 

W. Stringstead, Prohibition 1 

W. Thompson 1 

Attorney-General. 

Smith McPhorson, Republican 810—385 

J. H. Ilrcmerman, Democrat 393 

A.J. Reed, Greenback 31 

Jacob Rogers, Prohibition 1 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

William H. Seevers. Republican 809— 384 

Charles E. Bronson, Democrat 393 

M. A. Jones, Greenback 31 

J. P. Ferguson, Prohibition 1 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

G.B. Pray, Republican 811—387 

H. F. Bonorden, Democrat 392 

F. H. Clark, Greenback 31 

W. P. Nourse, Prohibition 1 

Reporter of Supreme Court. 

E. C. Ebersole, Republican 810—386 

F. A. Palmer, Democrat 393 

J. H. Williamson, Greenback 31 

Representative in Congress, 10th District. 

A. J. Holmes, Republican 900— 394 

John Cliggett, Democrat 372 

Isaac Dane, Greenback 32 



Clerk of the Courts. 

N. B. Benham 758—292 

Isaac Sweigard . . 464 

Scattering ., 2 

Recorder. 

John Reed 811—432 

E. V. Sweeting 379 

GENERAL ELECTION, OCTOBER 9, 1883. 

Governor. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 910—298 

L. G. Kinnie, Democrat 570 

JamesB. Weaver, Greenback 42 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

O.H. Manning, Republican 912—306 

Justus Clark, Democrat 564 

S. Kirkpatrick, Greenback 42 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

Joseph R . Reed, Republican . 910— 303 

Walter I. Hayes, Democrat 565 

Daniel W. Church, Greenback 42 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

J. W. Akers, Republican 912— 300 

E. P. Farr, Democrat 568 

Abbie O.Canfleld, Greenback 44 

State Senator, i'th District. 

C. C. Chubb, Republican 933— 376 

Alexander Mitchell, Democrat 556 

John J . Wilson 1 

Representative, 840i Assembly District. 

T. W. Harrison, Republican 861— 411 

John J. Wilson ... 450 

Auditor. 

C. B. Hutchins, Republican 798— 85 

R. W. McGetcuie, Peoples 713 

Treasurer. 

S. S. Rist 779— 42 

C. Rickard 737 

Sheriff. 

D. A. Haggard 1498-1493 

Scattering 5 

Superintendent of Schools. 

J.J. Wilkinson 1312—1306 

Scattering 6 

Surveyor. 

O. F.Hale 1514—1512 

Scattering 2 

Coroner. 

A.Richmond 1515—1515 



dL 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



273 



CHAPTER VI 



JUDICIAL. 



For some reason Kossuth county for 
several years after its organization was 
not honored by the presence of the dis- 
trict court, all the legal business being 
transacted at the bar of the county court. 
However, in 1858, Kossuth county was 
placed in the 4th judicial district, but 
no cases being on file, no term of the 
court was held until in 18G0. 

The first regular term of the district 
court in Kossuth county was held in May, 
18(50, and convened for the first time on 
the 21st of that month at Algona. There 
were present the following members: 
Hon. Asahel W. Hubbard, judge; O. 
Howe, district attorney; J. W. Moore, 
clerk; and O. Benschoter, sheriff. 

Immediately upon the assembling of 
the court the following gentlemen were 
impaneled and sworn in as the grand 
jury: S. P. Martin, Luther Bullis, G. W. 
Blottenberger, Henry Kellogg, John 
Hutchinson, Frederick P. Schaad, Wil- 
liam II. Ingham, W. B. Carey, Malichi 
Clark, Andrew L. Seeley, Asa C. Call, 
Albe Fife, John Heckart, Thomas Robin- 
son and Alexander Davidson, who retired 
for deliberation. 

The first case that came up before the 
court was one entitled H. A. Henderson 
vs. Albert McKinney, and was a suit on 
attachment. The record states that 



"whereas this case having been compro- 
mised and settled out of court, and it 
being shown that the costs in the same 
have been paid," the case was dismissed. 

Lewis II. Smith, presenting himself 
then, before the court, and asking to be 
admitted to practice at the bar of that 
court, the petition was granted and Mr. 
Smith enrolled among the legal frater- 
nity. 

Hon. A. VV. Hubbard, the judge who 
presided over this court, was a resident 
of Sioux City, and afterwards was 
elected member of Congress from this 
district, and is noted at more length under 
that head in the chapter on "National, 
State and County Representation." 

The next judge, Isaac Pendleton, was 
elected in 1862, and presided for the first 
time in Kossuth county at the May term 
in 1863. He was a good judge and deeply 
read in the law, and occupied the bench 
for one full term of four years. 

At the May term of court, 1863, while 
Judge Pendleton was on the bench, the 
first jury trials came off and the first petit 
jury was impaneled. It consisted of the 
following well-known citizens: Kinsey 
Carlon, foreman; Francis Harrison, Rob- 
ert Braden, David Haggarty, Charles 
Hubbard, W. P. Keyes, W. P. Winter, 



*fi* 



A v 



274 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



John Wallace, G. O. Austin, Abel Woos- 
ter, Charles Struljel anil J. E. Blackford. 
The cases seem to have been some 
trifling misdemeanor committed by three 
parties, but the jury in every case 
brought in a verdict of acquittal, and the 
prisoners were discharged by the court. 

Ihe succeeding judge, who donned the 
ermine in this, the 4th district, was Hen- 
ry Ford, who was elected in 1866, and 
held his first term of court, in Kossuth 
county, in May, 1807. He was considered 
a fair, impartial judge, courteous to all 
who labored at the bar, and of fair legal 
ability. Orson Rice was the district 
attorney of this court. In 1870 Judge 
Ford was re-elected and served, in all, 
eight years upon the bench of this dis- 
trict. At the time of his re-election, C. 
H. Lewis was chosen to fill the position 
of district attorney.' 

In 1874, C. H. Lewis, who had held the 
position of district attorney during the 
four years previous, as mentioned, was 
called upon by his fellow citizens to 
assume the higher duties of judge of the 
district court, which he did to the satis- 
faction of all. He, however, held it for 
but two years, when E. R. Duffle was 
elected to the ermine. He was re-elected 
in 1880, this county having at that time 
become a part of the new 14th judi- 
cial district, and still occupies the 
bench. Judge Duffie is a resident of Sac 
City, and is a native of Lewis county, 
State of New York. He came to Iowa in 
1867, and is counted as one of the finest 
lawyers in this district. Shrewd, well 
posted on all law, he seldom errs in 
judgment, and is quoted as a model jurist. 



CIRCUIT COURT. 

The business requiring the attention of 
the district court having grown too oner- 
ous, in April, 1868, the General Assembly 
established a circuit court having the 
same general jurisdiction as the district 
court in all civil actions, and having con- 
trol of all probate matters, and exclusive 
jurisdiction on all writs of appeals from 
inferior tribunals. This law went into 
effect the first Monday of January, 1869, 
and the first judge to grace the bench in 
this circuit was a Mr. Snyder, who had 
been elected the previous fall. Mr. Sny- 
der was a resident of Humboldt county. 
He held the office for four years with 
credit, and the approbation of the bar, 
although not a lawyer, when elected. 

Addison Olliver was elected to fill the 
position of judge of the circuit court in 
1872, and occupied the bench for one 
term of four years. 

J. R. Zonver was elected to fill this 
position in 1874, and held it four years, 
when he stepped aside to make room for 
a successor. 

In 1876 J. N. Weaver, one of the orna- 
ments of the bar of Kossuth county, was 
called upon to assume the judicial robes 
and ascend the bench, which he did. He 
was re-elected at the general election, in 
the fall of 1880, and is the present incum- 
bent of the office. 

COUNTY COURT. 

This, as has been stated, was the gov- 
ernment of the county at an early day, 
and combined the powers and authority 
now delegated to the board of supervi- 
sors, county auditor and circuit court. 
The first county judge was Asa C. Call, 
one of the pioneers of the county, upon 



f 



31: 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



275 



whom devolved the difficult task of or- 
ganizing the county, then in its infancy. 
Judge Call's successors were: Lewis H. 
Smith, Jerome E. Stacy, D. S. McComb, 
Chauncey Taylor and Luther Rist. Dur- 
ing 1861 the board of supervisors came 
into being, thus cutting off some of the 
authority and business of the county 



judge, and in 1869, on the creation of the 
county auditor and circuit court, the office 
having no further business, was abolished. 
These officers may be found treated in 
greater detail, in the chapter entitled, 
"National, State and County Representa- 
tion," to which the reader is respectfully 
referred. 



■■■F\a r- 



te*. 



276 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VII 



THE BAR OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



A faithful record ot the bar of any 
county should be of more general interest 
than perhaps any other part of its annals. 
No men are more widely known, or are 
more public property than the members 
of this honorable profession. Upon them 
depend so much that is of vital interest 
to the lives and property of every indi- 
vidual in the community, for it must be 
borne in mind that upon the judicious 
framing, and the wise interpreting of the 
laws, depend, in a large measure, the pros- 
perity of the country. Therefore it must 
be that anything relating to these gen- 
tlemen must form a very important por- 
tion of the history of the county. The 
bar of Kossuth county, has in no respect, 
been behind any other portion of this 
broad land of ours, as some of the best 
legal minds, fairest logicians and finest 
orators in the State have practiced at its 
bar, and have been proud to claim a resi- 
dence in the county. Many of them have 
been honored with political preferment, 
and have represented their constituents 
in the councils of the State and sat upon 
the woolsack, as judges. 

Perhaps no business requires a severer 
code of morality than does that of the 
profession of the law, and any swerving 
from a straight line causes a large falling 
off in practice. But the members of the 



bar of Kossuth county have been, with 
few exceptions, an honor to their county 
and State. So far as the material would 
permit, personal sketches are given in 
this connection of all who have practiced 
before the bar of courts in this county. 
Intentionally, none have been omitted, 
and much would have gladly been said of 
many of them were the data accessible. 

Judge Lewis H. Smith was the first 
lawyer in the county, having been admit- 
ted to the bar in 1860, but never practiced 
to any extent except in the earlier years 
of the county's history. 

The first to enter the county and make 
a business of practicing law was Marcus 
Robbins, Jr. This gentleman came to 
Algona during the year 1865, and opened 
an office. He had been admitted to the 
bar in Minnesota and had been engaged 
in practice there. He had a fair library 
and was a well read lawyer; an excellent 
office worker and a good debator. He 
worked up considerable practice and in 
1868 was nominated for the office of judge 
of this circuit, which had just been cre- 
ated. He is now a resident of Washing- 
ton Territory, where he is engaged in the 
the practice of his profession. 

Judge A. C. Call was admitted to the 
bar about the time that L. H. Smith was, 
but never practiced to any extent. 



■ ■v p — - 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Having thus defined the position of the 
first lawyers in the county, it will he in 
order to give a full account of the other 
memhers of the bar, in this connection. 
Among those who have practiced at the bar 
of Kossuth county, and who have been 
resident lawyers, but who have either 
died, removed hence or quit practice, were 
the following: J. H. Hawkins, Mr. Doran, 
G. G Ames, A. D. Clarke, J. B. Loomis, 
Mr. Herron, C. G. Jones, A. L. Hudson, 
Pitt Cravatl), Charles Birge and John 
Gates. 

Jasper H. Hawkins practiced law in 
Algona, from 187-2 until May, 1883. He 
came to Kossuth county from Jessup, 
Buchanan county, and while here acquired 
a large and lucrative practice. He was a 
well-read lawyer, posted on all questions 
of jurisprudence, subtle in argument and 
forcible in logic. He removed to Des- 
Moines, where he has worked up an ex- 
tensive business, although bis advent in 
the capital city has been of recent date. 

Mr. Doran located at Algona in 1875, 
but staying but a short time was hardly 
identified with the bar of Kossuth. 

G. G. Ames, a member of the bar at 
Algona, located in that city in 1880, and 
remained about one year. He is now in 
Oregon, engaged in the practice of his 
profession. 

Mr. Herron came to Algona about 1870, 
and remained for several years. He was 
a man of more than average ability and 
excellently educated. He did not give 
much attention to his law practice, al- 
though he did to some degree, but was 
much engaged in teaching foreign lan- 
guages, especially German, a tongue in 
which he was a proficient. 



C. G. Jones came to Algona in 1871 and 
was admitted to the bar, while a resident 
of that place, in 187G. A more able law- 
yer, or office-worker, never was in the 
county, except that when he came to 
plead, the least little opposition set him 
off, and he swept down upon his adversary 
with a torrent of words and violent ges- 
ticulations. He was intensely nervous, and 
this taken in connection with the fierce 
onslaught he made upon any and every 
opponent, gained for him the nick-name 
of 'Blizzard" Jones. Several years ago 
he left this county and is now located in 
Milwaukee, where he has a large practice. 

A. L. Hudson, a brilliant young man, 
who gave evidence of a rich intellect, 
well-stored, located in this county, at Al- 
gona, in 1876. He acquired considerable 
practice, and was for some time the editor 
the Upper Des Moines, and his keen pen- 
notes in that paper are models of cutting 
sarcasm and scintillating wit. In 1882 
he removed to Sioux City, where he is 
making quite a success in the line of his 
legal profession. 

Pitt Cravath, at one time the editor of 
the Ux)j>er Des Moines, was also a practic- 
ing lawyer at the bar of this county. He 
is now at Whitewater, Wis., engaged in 
the newspaper business for which he has 
natural abilities. 

John Gates, an attorney of the Floyd 
county bar, came to Algona and entered 
into practice during the year 1876, but 
remained but a short time when he re- 
turned to Nora Springs, where he at pres- 
ent resides. 

Charles Birge was one of the legal pro- 
fession of Kossuth county, who came to 
Algona in April, 1870. A more extended 



~7\ <s — ■- 



£* 



278 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



sketch of the gentleman may be found un- 
der the head of first officers of the incor- 
porated town of Algona, he having the 
honor to have been the first mayor of that 
place. 

The Algona Bar Association was organ- 
ized with the beginning of the year 1883. 
The first election for officers was held upon 
the 13th of January, and the following 
were chosen : George E. Clarke, presi- 
dent ; H. S. Vaughn, vice-president ; Har- 
vey Ingham, secretary ; C. P. Dorland, 
treasurer. The articles of organization 
recite that the object of the association is 
for "the mutual improvement and ad- 
vancement of the interests of the members 
of the legal profession in the county.'' 
All members are subject to duty on 
work assigned them by the president. 
Meetings are held the first and third Sat- 
urday evenings of each month. The pres- 
ent officers are : J. N. Weaver, president ; 
A. F. Call, vice-president ; B. F. Reed, 
secretary. 

The present members of the bar of 
Kossuth county, who are in active prac- 
tice, are recognized throughout the State 
as among the leading representatives of 
their profession. Indeed some have more 
than a local reputation for astuteness and 
legal acumen. The following is the list 
of those who ornament the profession in 
question : George E. Clarke, F. M. Tay- 
lor, II. S. Vaughn, Benjamin F. Reed, 
A. F. Call, J. N. Weaver, Eugene H. 
Clarke, C. P. Dorland, Quarton & Sut- 
ton, R. J. Danson, William L. Joslyn, 
W. P. Colbaugh, J. B. Jones, J. C. Ray- 
mond, W. E. Morrison, Samuel Mayne, 
and Harvey Ingham. 



Asa F. Call, attorney at law, is a native 
of Algona, born May 20, 1856. He is a 
son of Judge Asa C. Call, one of the 
founders of Algona. He was admitted to 
practice in the courts of Indiana in Sep- 
tember, 1876, and in the courts of Iowa, 
in November, 1877. He married Lucinda 
M. Hutchins, in September, 1877, and they 
have two children. He is one of the 
founders, and is now a director of the 
Bank of Algona, one of the best banks in 
northern Iowa. He is one of the attor- 
neys of the Chicago & Northwestern 
Railway Company, and his general legal 
business is extended over the northwest 
quarter of the State, in both State and 
Federal courts. He has saved about 
$20,000 out of his business, and his suc- 
cess is the best recommendation of his 
merit. 

Benjamin F. Reed, son of Samuel 
Reed, of Irvington, was born at Lincoln, 
Logan Co., 111., May 16, 1848. When 
five years old, his parents emigrated to 
Marshall Co., Iowa, where he received 
the rudiments of his early education in 
the pioneer log school house. In May, 
1858, the family removed to Kossuth 
county, and settled in Irvington township, 
where they endured the hardships and 
privations of early settlers. It was here 
that "Ben," as he is familiarly known, 
grew to manhood, working on the farm 
during the summers and attending school 
during the winters. Having here ac- 
quired a general education, he subse- 
quently taught school for about five years, 
with marked success, employing his leis- 
ure time in reading law. In June, 1873, 
he was admitted to the bar, after gradua- 
ting from the law department of the Iowa 



"■f 



*y 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



~d 9 



279 



4v 



State University. During 1874-5, lie was 
law partner of G. C. Wright, of Waverly, 
Iowa, after which lie returned to Algona, 
anil was for some time the junior member 
of the firm of Hawkins & Reed. In the 
fall of 1875 he was married to Stella E., 
daughter of Dr. M. H. Hudson. And 
now with their two children — Fay and 
Lee, they enjoy life in their beautiful 
residence on McGregor street, owing no 
man a single dollar. Mr. Reed has been 
identified witli Kossuth county for over 
twenty-five years. He has seen the rude 
cabins by the grove transformed into com- 
fortable houses upon gigantic farms. He 
is of a social disposition, and has always 
taken an active part in the educational 
interests of his county. Politically he is 
a republican, and has been for years oue 
of the most energetic workers and sup- 
porters of that party. Although never a 
candidate for office himself, yet he has 
taken the deepest interest in the political 
issues of the country. As an orator and 
"stump speaker," he has won considerable 
distinction. Also his ability as a cam- 
paign solo singer and song writer has 
called forth the finest encomiums of the 
press. His original songs as sang by him 
during the republican canvass of 1883 — 
"Rally at the polls" and "Sherman's Vic- 
tory," were sang in different parts of the 
State with telling effect. 

John 15. Jones was born in Kenosha 
Co., Wis., Dec. 16, 1845. In 1864 he en- 
listed in company E, 39th Wisconsin Vol- 
unteer Infantry, serving under Capt. Gra- 
ham. Mr. Jones did post duty in Ten- 
nessee. After coming home from the 
war he followed farming for one and a 
half years. In 1866 he went into a land 



and abstract office. He studied law under 
S. J. Brande. He remained in the office 
until 1868, and in the spring of 1869 he 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa. He again 
commenced reading law. In 1869 he was 
appointed county surveyor, and in 1871 
was. elected surveyor. He was admitted 
to the bar in 1870, and began practicing in 
Algona. He does a very large land and 
abstract business ; also a large insurance 
business. Mr. Jones wrote the first set 
of abstract books ever written in the 
county. He was married in July, 1876, 
to Theresa E. Burlingame, a daughter of 
A. Burlingame, of Algona. The result 
of this union was a pair of twins — John 
Paul and Jennie Pauline, born in Decem- 
ber, 1877. Mr. Jones owns one of the 
largest and best farms in the county. It 
consists of 440 acres, situated on sections 
16 and 17, township 95, range 29, with his 
house on the northeast quarter of section 
17. The house contains two stories, and 
consists of two parts; one of which is 
18x26 feet, and the other 16x26 feet in 
size. He also has a house 16x20 in size 
for his foreman. His barn for cattle is 
42x110 feet in size, with stone basement. 
The barn for his horses is 28x36 feet in 
size ; granary 16x24 feet, and he has 
wagon sheds and tool houses, etc. His 
buildings are considered about the best in 
the county. Mr. Jones deals quite exten- 
sively in fine stock. He has 150 head of 
cattle, forty-six of which are full blood 
Durham, and twenty-two head of Clyde 
and Norman horses. Four Mile creek 
runs through his farm. He has a wind- 
mill, double header, twenty-two foot 
wheel, which runs his corn-sheller, feed- 
cutter, etc. He has a farm one mile south 



^k 



V 






^ 



V 



280 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



of the home farm, which contains 400 
acres; also owns three other farms, two in 
Cresco township and one in Fenton town- 
ship. Besides these farms he owns con- 
siderable land elsewhere. He has a grist- 
mill in Algona, in connection with J. E. 
Stacy, known as Jones & Stacy's water- 
mill. 

John N. Weaver, circuit judge of the 
14th judicial district of Iowa, was 
born June 4, 1844, in Wayne Co., Ohio. 
His parents were Rev. S. and Alice 
(Black) Weaver, his father being the 
founder and for eight years president of 
Western College, Iowa. Judge Weaver 
was educated at Western College. In 
March, 1864, he enlisted in company D, 
12th Iowa Infantry, and served until the 
26th day of June, 1866. [Judge Wea- 
ver's nativity on the muster roll is given 
as Stark Co., Ohio, by mistake, he hav- 
ing left Wayne county with bis parents 
when very young.] He then read law 
with the late Judge William Smyth, also 
late member of Congress, at Marion, 
Iowa, being admitted to the bar at Marion 
in the fall of 1867. On account of failure 
of health, Judge Weaver was unable to 
practice much until 1869. He was one of 
the founders, in 1869, and afterwards 
editor and proprietor, of the Springvale 
Republican, at Springvale, now Hum- 
boldt, Iowa. He continued in this busi- 
ness nearly three years, the most of which 
time he practiced law. He then sold the 
newspaper and engaged in the practice of 
law at Humboldt until 1874, when he re- 
moved to Algona and entered into prac- 
tice at this place. In the fall of 1876 he 
was elected to his present position, going 
into office Jan. I, 1877. He was re-elected 



and began his second term Jan. 1, 1881. 
Judge Weaver was married Nov. 13, 1870, 
at Humboldt, Iowa, to Martha M. Gould. 
They have four children — Kate F., Daisy 
L., twins; Flora B., Cora P., twins. Judge 
Weaver is a Royal Arch Mason, belong- 
ing to Prudence Chapter, No. 70, Algona, 
Iowa. He is a member of Algona Lodge, 
No. 236, I. O. O. F. He is also a mem- 
ber of Anchor Encampment, Mason City. 
Chester P. Dorland, attorney at law, 
w.as born May 25, 1851, in Henry Co., 
Iowa. His parents, Willett and Abigail 
(Bedell) Dorland, were natives of New 
York, and removed to Henry Co., Iowa, 
in 1844. When twelve years of age he 
removed with the family to Chicago, III., 
remaining until 1871. He then entered 
Penn College, at Oskaloosa, Iowa, from 
which he graduated in 1876. While at 
Penn College he taught two or three 
hours a day, besides keeping up his stud- 
ies, and in this way paid all his expenses 
while in school. After leaving college he 
engaged in teaching, spending his vaca- 
tions in the study of law. In 1878 he 
entered the law department of the Iowa 
State University, graduating in 1879, and 
came directly to Algona. He was prin- 
cipal for two years of the Algona public 
schools. He then engaged in the practice 
of law, in which profession lie is very 
successful. Mr. Dorland married Linda 
A. Ninde, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1876- 
Mr. Dorland is a self-made man. Having 
started early in life to do for himself, lie 
has reached his present position by his 
own unaided efforts. 

Robert J. Danson, attorney at law and 
notary public, was born Feb. 2, 1857, in 
Waukesha, Wis., being there reared and 



;i^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



281 



educated. He began the study of law in 
1879, under M. S. Griswold, of Waukesha. 
After studying with him about nine 
months he went to Davenport, Iowa, and 
there continued his studies with the law 
firm of Stewart it White, and nine months 
later, December, 1880, he was admitted to 
the bar of Waukesha county. He engaged 
in practice in that city and in Rock Island, 
III., until in 1882, then came to Algona, 
where he continues to practice law. Mr 
Danson was married March 17, 1880, to 
Ella J. Lilly, a native of Milwaukee, 
Wis. They have one child — Ella E. 

G. T. Sutton, of the law firm of Quar- 
ton & Sutton, is a son of T. W. and De- 
borah (Query) Sutton, born in Adams Co., 
Ohio, May 14,1854. His father was born 
in Ohio, in 1819. He removed to Wayne 
Co., Iowa, in 1858 and followed farming. 
His death occurred in February, 1878. 
His mother was born in Ohio in 1826, and 
and died June 10, 1850. On Aug. 28, 
1863, his father was again married. This 
time to Frances George. She survives 
Mr. Sutton, and now lives at Promise 
City, Iowa, having married William Kirk 
in 1883. The subject of this sketch fol- 
lowed farming during his early life, until 
seventeen years of age, when he taught 
school that winter, farmed the next sum- 
mer for his father ; taught the next win- 
ter, and in the spring of 1873, entered 
Oskaloosa College. After leaving that 
college he again taught school and farmed, 
thereby laying up enough money to enable 
him to finish his collegiate education, 
which he accomplished, graduating in 
1881. Every dollar that he spent in pro- 
curing his education was earned by his 
own exertions. In the summer of 1S81 



he took a trip through Iowa and Nebraska. 
In the fall of the same year be taught 
school at Beacon, Iowa, being the princi- 
pal. About this time he began to read 
law; and after his school was out, entered 
the law office of John F. Lacey, in Oska- 
loosa, Iowa. He was admitted to the bar 
in December, 1882. On the 1st day of 
January, 18S3, he came to Algona and 
formed a partnership with W. B. Quarton. 
The firm is building up a substantial and 
lucrative practice, and their prospects for 
the future are of the brightest. Mr. Sut- 
ton is a staunch republican of the "Jim" 
Blaine type. Mr. Sutton's father was a 
whig. His grandfather served in the 
War of 1812, and his great-grandfather in 
the War of the Revolution. 

J. C. Raymond is the only practicing 
lawyer in Luverne. He is a native of 
New York State and studied law at West- 
ford, Penn. He was admitted to the 
bar at Wellsborough, in that Stale in 
1854. Mr. Raymond came to Luverne 
from Butler county, in 1882. 

Samuel Mayne, came to Bancroft from 
Eagle Grove, on tho 17th of October, 
1883, and engaged in the practice of law. 
He was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 
and studied law at the State University at 
Iowa City, from which he graduated in 
the class of 1882. 

W. L. Joslyn, attorney at law, is a native 
of DeKalb Co., 111. He received a com- 
mon school education. He afterwards 
taught school. He was admitted to the 
bar at Sycamore, 111. in 1881. In 1882 he 
came to Algona and commenced the prac- 
tice of his profession. 



.^j» 



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>.£+ 



282 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



George E. Clarke, one of the most 
prominent attorneys of the Kossuth coun- 
ty bar, was born March 19, 1845, in San- 
gerville, Piscataquis Co., Maine. He re- 
ceived his education at Foxcroft Academy. 
In August, 1865, he removed to Illinois, 
remaining there until 1866, when he re- 
moved to Red Oak, Iowa, where he taught 
school several years. He also taught 
school in Saint Charles, 111. Mr. Clarke 
commenced the practice of law in Algona 
in the winter of 1869-70. Very few men 
have been more successful in the practice 
of their profession than has Mr. Clarke. 
He soon built up a large and lucrative 
practice not only in Kossuth, but in the 
counties adjoining as well. In 1877 he 
became employed iii" various cases for the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway 
Company. His business with this com- 
pany has grown so extensive that for three 
years past it has occupied his entire atten- 
tion and time. In fact, he makes that 
business a specialty, hence does not devote 
any time to general practice as formerly. 
Mr. Clarke has'charge of the legal busi- 
ness of over 700 miles of the C, M. & St. 



P. R. R. lines. Mr. Clarke's reputation 
in his profession is co-extensive with the 
State, as be is largely engaged in both t lio 
federal and supreme courts of the State. 
Mr. Clarke was married July 7, 1869, at 
Saint Charles, 111., to Lou E. Hawkins. 
She died July 5, 1875. On the 21st of 
June, 1876, he was united in marriage 
with Carrie A. Straw, of Guilford, Maine. 
Mrs. Clarke is very highly educated and 
accomplished. She was a graduate of 
Kents Hill Seminary, in Maine, and re- 
ceived an excellent musical education at 
the Boston Conservatory of Music. This 
marriage was a happy one, and has been 
blessed with a pleasant home. Mr. Clarke 
has three daughters — Gertie E., born June 
25, 1871; Lulu M., born June 24, 1875; 
and Nellie Straw, born Oct. 28, 1882. Mr. 
Clarke's parents are of English descent. 
His paternal ancestor, Hugh Clarke, came 
from England to the colony in Massachu- 
setts in 1624. Willliam G. Clarke, father 
of the subject of this sketch, was a promi- 
nent lawyer in Piscataquis Co., Maine. 
He stood at the head of the bar in that 
county. 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



283 



CHAPTER VIII 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



There is probably no profession or busi- 
ness in existence among civilized commu- 
nities, in which the members are called 
on to make more daily self-sacrifices and 
undergo more privations than the medi- 
cal profession. No more thankless mis- 
sion can a man enter upon, in the arena of 
the world's activity, than that of healing 
sick and suffering humanity. Much more 
than their share of the unpleasantness of 
this must necessarily be the lot of those 
conscientious and bold pilots of the guild, 
who pushed out among the early pioneers 
in former days. Called on, at all hours of 
the day or night, to mount his horse, and 
answer the call of duty, oftimes to face 
the fearful "blizzard," the summer's rain 
or mud and wet, the doctor of those days 
had a lot that none could envy. 

Money in all new countries is a scarce 
commodity, and the pioneer physician's 
hope of reward was but a slender chance, 
but notwithstanding this, be it spoken 
to the eternal honor of the profession, 
never did the cry of distress and suffering 
reach their ear, but what it was answered. 
The doctor did what he could to relieve, 
and if the fee was not forthcoming, the 
service was cheerfully given for the sake 
of the brotherhood of man. More real 
moral courage was required to adopt this 
profession and labor upon the verge of 



civilization in pioneer times, than it does 
to lead armies or storm death-dealing 
batteries, and yet the grand heroes of 
these conflicts with disease and the grim 
king of terrors, has no wreath of victory, 
no grand song of fame to herald their 
actions. Let it then be the pleasant task 
of the historian to here write down the 
acts and lives of these, the real heroes of 
pioneer days, that when the present gen- 
eration have passed away, the children of 
a coming age shall do honor to their mem- 
ories. 

The first disciple of the healing art that 
came into Kossuth county, to practice his 
profession, was Dr. R. Cogley, who was 
one of the pioneers of the county. He 
located on what is now the Huntly place, 
in June, 1855. This farm was a part of 
section 13, in Cresco township. Dr. Cog- 
ley was the graduate of a medical college 
of some note in Ohio, and was a very pro- 
ficient physician. He, after some years 
spent in this county, left and went to Os- 
kaloosa, Iowa, where he enjoyed the fruits 
of a large and remunerative practice. 

Dr. Amos S. Mason, one of the argo- 
nauts of 1856, located at Algona, and en- 
tered into the practice of medicine. He 
was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Uni- 
versity, at Philadelphia, and a fine scholar 
and physician. He remained in the county 



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284 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



until the breaking out of the Rebellion, 
wlun listening to the call of duty, he en- 
listed and received a commission as cap- 
tain. After the close of the war, his 
health not proving very good, he moved 
to New Orleans, where he lived for some 
years. He died quite recently at Cin- 
cinnati, while on a trip from Washington 
to New Orleans. At the time of his death 
he was part owner of the Times-Democrat^ 
at the Crescent City, one of the best pa- 
pers of the State of Louisiana. 

Dr. Franklin McCoy came to Kossuth 
county in 1857, and commenced the prac- 
tice of his profession. He was a thor- 
oughly energetic man, and a successful 
practitioner. Coming to a new country 
without money, lie was compelled to meet 
many obstacles,but by labor and energy, he 
overcame them and acquired a fair share 
of real estate. Early in the year I860, he 
left Algona and went to Columbia City, 
Ind., where he grew into a large practice 
and became quite wealthy. He died at 
that place, on the 9th of January, 1874, 
of heart disease, mourned by a large circle 
of friends, acquaintances and patients. 

Dr. Davidson, a follower of the old 
school of medicine, came into the county 
and took up some land. He came here 
from Waterloo, and practiced to a con- 
siderable extent and acquired some local 
reputation, and went back to Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Dr. M. C. Lathrop was also one of the 
early disciples of Esculapiusin the county. 
In July, 1858, he first landed at Algona, 
and entered into practice. In the spring 
of 1S59, liking the place, he went back to 
Cedar Falls, and brought his family to 
this point. He remained until the begin- 



ning of the Civil war, when he went to 
Cedar Rapids and entered the service as 
surgeon. After the cessation of hostili- 
ties, he went east, and at present is at 
Dover, N. H., where he has a most lucra- 
tive practice. 

Dr. Andrew Mason was also at one time 
a practicing physician at Algona. 

Dr. Whitney located at Algona, for a 
short time being engaged, during 1870, in 
the drug business with II. C. McCoy. 
One of the most eminent men in the pro- 
fession, he has never seemed to get ahead, 
but rather to retrograde in all respects. 
He went from here to Emmetsburg, but 
is at present located at Pierre, Dakota. 

Dr. J. II. Leavitt came with Dr. James 
Barr and remained in partnership with 
him some time. He is now located some- 
where in Wisconsin. 

Dr. Jackson came to Algona in 188], 
but made quite a short stay, and now re- 
sides at Fergus Falls, Minn., where he is 
working up a fine practice. 

Among the physicians now resident in 
Kossuth county are: Dr. L. A. Sheetz, 
Dr. L. K. Garfield, Dr. S. G. A. Read, Dr. 
James Barr, Dr. M. II. Hudson, Dr. L. E- 
Potter, Dr. A. Richmond, Dr. H. C. Mc- 
Coy, Dr. J. M. Pride, Dr. II. Alleyne,Dr. 
L. R. Baker, Dr. G. T. West, Dr. A. W. 
Berryman, Dr. E. W. Bachman and Dr. 
G. B. Forbush. 

L. K. Garfield, M. D., the oldest prac- 
ticing physician in this county, was born 
May 6, 1820, in Langdon, Sullivan Co., N. 
IT. He was reared and educated in his 
native State. When twenty-one years of 
age he entered the office of Dr. Graves 
of Langdon, and commenced the reading 
of medicine. Two years later he at- 



1F 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



2S5 



tended the Vermont Medical College, his 
last course in that college being in 1846. 
He afterward attended the Missouri Med- 
ical College; the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons at Keokuk, and the Rush 
Medical College of Chicago. Soon after 
his last term at the Vermont Medical Col- 
lege he emigrated to Tioga Co., Penn., 
where he commenced the practice of med- 
icine in partnership with Dr. Krouse, 
which he continued eight years. He then 
moved to Schuyler Co., N. Y., and con- 
tinued his practice until 1865, when he 
emigrated to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
where he still follows his profession. At 
this time the county was sparsely settled 
and his rides were long and dreary, his 
only guide being the sun and w T ind by day 
and the stars by night. Dr. Garfield has 
been continuously engaged in the practice 
of medicine and surgery for over thirty- 
seven years; yet he is well preserved for 
a man of over sixty-four years. He is a 
very positive man, and when he makes up 
his mind no power on earth can move 
him from his purpose, and in most in- 
stances it will be found that he is correct. 
By his high social endowments and his 
skill and success in his profession, he has 
gained many warm and ardent friends, 
and by his positive character he has made 
some bitter enemies. Much of his suc- 
cess in life may be attributed to his high 
professional attainments, skill and suc- 
cess in practice. 

S. G. A. Read, M. D., A. M., one of the 
prominent physicians of Algona, was 
born in January, 1817, in Washington Co., 
Vt., where he lived until fifteen years old, 
when his parents emigrated to St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., where they remained 



two years, then emigrated to Medina 
county, on the Western Reserve of Ohio, 
being among the early settlers of that 
county. He was educated in Oberlin 
College, after which he took a medical 
course at the Cleveland Medical College, 
and was graduated therefrom with the 
degree of M. D. This was in 1852-53. 
He immediately commenced the prac- 
tice of his profession at Wooster 
Wayne Co., Ohio, and in 1854, removed 
to Columbia City, Whitley Co., Ind. The 
doctor was married in Ohio to Beulah E. 
Smith. They had three children — Mary 
J., wife of J. P. Hawkes; Julia A., widow 
of Samuel Hill; and Martha, wife of A. S. 
Hawkes. In March, 1860, Mrs. Read 
died in Columbia City. In March, 1S63, 
Mr. Read married Elizabeth Bunnell 
a daughter of Edmond II. and Betsey 
(Ashley) Bunnell. On the 4th of July, 
1865, Dr. Read reached Algona, coming 
by railroad to Cedar Falls, (then the ter- 
minus) thence by stage to Algona. He is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
a Knight Templar. Himself and wife are 
connected with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The doctor is an active student, 
not laying aside even the classics. The 
Greek New Testament is his intimate 
companion in all his travels. He is now 
studying the Hebrew language. 

L. A. Sheetz, M. D., one of the promi- 
nent business men of Algona, was born 
in Stephenson Co., 111., in 1844. His par- 
ents were Jared and Magdalena Mennig, 
who emigrated to Stephenson Co., 111., in 
1 840, being among the early settlers of 
the county. The doctor was reared and 
educated in his native county. He en- 
tered the medical department of the Uni- 



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286 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



versity of Michigan, at Aim Arbor, in 
1862, and finished the studies of the 
sophomore class in 1863. In 1864 he en- 
listed in the Sth Illinois Volunteer In- 
fantry, was made adjutant of the regi- 
ment. The regiment led in the charge at 
Fort Blakely and was the first to plant 
their colors on the walls. In 1866 he 
,vas mustered out at Baton Rouge. Re- 
turning from the war he commenced the 
study of medicine in the office of Dr. B. 
T. Buckley, at Freeport, 111., and during 
the winter of 1867-8, attended medical 
lectures at Rush Medical College, Chi- 
cago, 111. In the winter of 1868-69 he 
attended lectures atBellevue Hospital Med- 
ical College, New York, graduating in the 
spring of 1869. In May of the same year 
he came to Algona, where he embarked in 
the drug business in company with Du- 
rant brothers, and at the same time fol- 
lowed the practice of medicine. In 1872 
the firm was dissolved, the stock being 
divided, and he started his present place 
of business. In 1870 he was married to 
Dona Langdon, a daughter of Henry D. 
Langdon, of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. 

Dr. James Barr was born July 25, 1S36, 
in Lanarkshire, Scotland. At nine years 
of age he was apprenticed to the weaver 
trade. His health failing, at the end of 
three years, he was placed on a farm. 
When seventeen years old he came with 
the family to this country, working in a 
coal mine a short time near Sharon, Penn. 
In 1854 he went to Trumbull Co., Ohio, 
and worked on a large dairy farm till the 
spring of 1856, when he moved to Iowa, 
locating in Fayette county, and spending 
two seasons on a farm. When twenty- 
two he attended the district school, up to 



that time not having had more than one 
year's schooling and was notable to do the 
most simple example in multiplication or 
division, being principally self-educated. 
In a short time he entered Upper Iowa 
University, then recently located at Fay- 
ette, and dilligently pursued his studies 
till the Civil war commenced. During 
this time he had no means of support ex- 
cept the earnings of his own hand. In 
September, 1861, he enlisted as a private 
in the 12th Iowa Infantry, and soon 
after the battle of Shiloh was appointed 
hospital steward, in which capacity he 
served three years. During the year 1865 
the surgeon of the 12th regiment was 
absent most of the time on detached duty, 
when he had charge of the regiment, and 
in September of that year was commis- 
sioned assistant surgeon, serving until mus- 
tered out in February, 1866. Returning to 
Fayette, he read medicine with Dr. C. C. 
Parker, surgeon of the 12th Infantry, and 
attended lectures at Rush Medical Col- 
lege, graduating in February 1S68. After 
spending a short time in Mindoro, Wis., 
Dr. Barr located in Clermont, Iowa, prac- 
ticed there till May, 1869, when he settled 
in Algona, where he has a large and lu- 
crative practice. He is a modest, quiet, 
unassuming gentleman, attending to the 
duties of his profession with the utmost 
assiduity. In 1871 Dr. Barr was ap- 
pointed United States examining surgeon 
for pensions, and still holds that office. 
In February, 1876, he became a volunteer 
weather reporter for this immediate sec- 
tion of the State, and still makes his daily 
observations, reporting to Prof. Herrick 
of Iowa City. In March, 1880, he gradu- 
ated in the Hahnemann Medical College 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



287 



of Chicago, after attending lectures dur- 
ing the winter. Dr. Barr has always 
voted the republican ticket and is a 
staunch supporter of the temperance 
cause. He is a Master Mason. He mar- 
ried, June 15, 1S71, Selina M. Bradshaw 
of Davenport, Iowa. They have four 
children — Bertram J., Arthur E., Emma 
N. and Mary A. Mrs. Barr is a graduate 
of the high school and training school of 
Davenport, was a teacher there for sev- 
eral years, and is a woman of no small 
degree of intellectual polish. They are 
both active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and active in the Sab- 
bath school. Dr.'Barr's experience in 
the army hospital as steward and as- 
sistant surgeon was an excellent school 
to him, and aided him in laying a good 
foundation on which to build in medical 
science, of which he is a very close stu- 
dent. When he entered the army he 
took some books with him, and at first 
pursued his studies when not busy in the 
hospital. He fitted himself for a sur- 
geon's duties by studying two hours 
before any one else was astir. Industry 
in so noble a direction has been amply 
rewarded. 

Dr. E. W. Bacbman was born in Green 
Co., Wis. His father was a Methodist 
minister, being on the circuit twenty-six 
years, so that during Mr. Bachman's early 
life he was in schools in Baraboo, Maus- 
ton and Lodi, these being the places where 
his father preached at different times. 
His education was finished at Kllbourn 
City Institute. At the age of twenty, he 
was engaged as clerk in Eau Claire, Wis. 
for one year. When twenty-three years 
old, he went into business for himself in 



Mazo Manie, sold out, and moved to 
Fayette, Wis., where he commenced 
studying medicine with Dr. Arahm. 
After studying two years, he went to 
Iowa City, to attend the lectures in the 
State University, from there he went to 
the Insane Hospital at Mt. Pleasant, for 
the study of nervous diseases with Dr. 
Ranney. He then came to West Bend, 
where he has since practiced, having a 
range of ten miles in each direction. He 
owns a nice residence in West Bend, 
which he bought a short time since of E. 
S. Bagley. He has displayed considera- 
ble taste in fitting it up, having good 
grounds. In the fall of 1883, Dr. Bach- 
man was elected county superintendent 
by the largest majority ever received by 
any officer in the county. He was mar- 
ried Oct. 18, 1883, to Jennie Forest, of 
Emmetsburg. He is a member of the 
Congregational Church. In politics he is 
a republican, and belongs to the order of 
Odd Fellows. 

Dr. John M. Pride was born in Seneca 
Co., Ohio, May 3, 1849. His father, John 
Pride, was a native of New York, and his 
mother, Esther (Reed) Pride, was a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania. They wore early 
settlers in Seneca county. When John 
was eighteen years of age he went with 
his parents to Franklin Co., Iowa. In 
1875 he began the study of medicine with 
Dr. O. B. Harriman of Hampton, Iowa, 
being a student with him until the spring 
of 1878. During that time, however, he 
attended the winter terms of 1875-6 and 
1877-8, of school at the State Univer- 
sity of Iowa, graduating at the close of 
the latter terra. He then returned to 
Hamilton, and practiced under his former 



^ 



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288 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



preceptor until June, 1879, when he came 
to Whittemore. He was the first and 
only physician in practice here. Dr. 
Pride was married April 5, 1880, to Mary 
Brown, a native of Wisconsin. 

Dr. Loron E. Potter, homeopathic phy- 
sician and surgeon, was born in Niagara 
Co., N. Y., April 27, 1 823. When eigh- 
teen months old he went with his parents, 
Sheldon and Wealthy (Baldwin) Potter, 
to Genesee county and thence to Erie 
county, his father being engaged in the 
lumber business. In the fall of 1839 they 
removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where 
Dr. Potter led a frontier life with his 
parents until twenty-one years of age. 
His chance for an education being very 
limited, he might be termed a self-made 
man. The most of his education was 
gotten with the help of his mother, in the 
chimney corner, after his days, work was 
done and his companions were pleasure 
seeking. When twenty-two years of age 
he began the study of medicine with Dr. 
Horace Eaton, at Sheffield, Ashtahula 
Co., Ohio. He continued to study with 
him three years, then attended lectures 
at the Kingsville Institute. He then re- 
moved to Knox Co., 111., where he resided 
five years, then went to Henry county re- 
maining ten years, engaged in farming 
and practicing medicine. Pefore he had 
been in Henry Co., 111., one year, there 
were no less than nine physicians settled 
around him, who had come west to seek 
a field of labor. In the fall of 1865 Dr. 
Potter removed to Marengo, Iowa, spend- 
ing the winter, and in, the spring of 1866 
going to Greencastle township, Marshall 
Co., Iowa. He resided here eighteen 
years, having a large practice, and at 



times employing three teams and drivers, 
and getting the most of his sleep in the 
wagons, and sometimes riding a circuit of 
twenty-five miles. He at first practiced 
the regular system, but in eight years 
adopted the homeopathic, which he deems 
far superior. In May, 1883, on account 
of failing health, Dr. Potter retired from 
active practice, and moved on a farm in 
Cresco township, Kossuth county. He 
owns eighty acres of land on section 18, 
township 95, range 29, eighty acres on 
section 19, township 95, range 29, and 
eighty acres on section 26, township 95, 
range 30, where he now resides. He lias 
elected some substantial buildings, a house 
18x24 feet, a barn 26x36 feet and a sheep 
barn 26x64 feet. Dr. Potter is not al- 
lowed to rest, however, for he is frequently 
called to see his old patrons in severe 
cases, even to Illinois, Missouri, Kansas 
and Dakota, and being compelled to at- 
tend on his immediate neighbors, he is 
kept so busy that he is obliged to neglect 
his farming interest. Dr. Potter has 
been unfortunate in the way of accidents. 
Soon after moving to Marshall county, 
while hauling a load of lumber, his team 
ran away and the doctor was thrown from 
the wagon, breaking three of his ribs, and 
injuring his spine so badly that his lower 
limbs were paralyzed for some time. Two 
years later he lost his right hand in a 
broom corn machine. Mr. Potter was 
married Dec. 31, 1843, to Thankful Kick- 
aid, of Sheffield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. 
They have had eight children, five of whom 
are living — Orange A., a veterinary sur- 
geon, living in Cresco township, this 
county; Albert O, homeopathic physician 
and surgeon at Clifton, Kan.; Caroline 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



289 



C, residing in Tama Co., Iowa; Lawrence 
E., residing in Cresco township, ami Hor- 
ace E., attending lectures at the Homeopa- 
thic Medical College in Missouri. Dr. 
Potter is a republican in politics. He is 
a radical temperance man, and in religion 
is liberal. He owns the only Cassimere 
goats in the county, has a fine flock of 
sheep, some fine high grade Shorthorns, 
and some very fine horses for driving pur- 
poses. 

Dr. B. G. Forbush was born March 20, 
1821, in Cayuga Co., N. Y. His father 
died when he was quite young. When 
seven years of age his mother moved to 
Erie Co., N. Y., where he grew to man- 
hood, receiving a common school educa- 
tion. When twenty-eight years of age 
he commenced reading medicine in Buf- 
falo, N. Y., under Dr. J. B. Pride, at- 
tended lectures at Buffalo Medical Univer- 
sity, and graduated in 1852. He began 
the practice of medicine in Buffalo, where 
he remained three years. He married 
Sophrona P. Mann, of Aurora, Erie Co., 
N. Y". She died in 1851. He then mar- 
ried Louisa Holbrook, in 1853, who died 
in 1866, leaving two children — Charles G. 
ami Endora L. In 1853 he removed to 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y. In 1856 he went 
to Grant Co., Wis., where he followed his 
profession till the spring of 1872, when 
he came to Algona, and is now engaged 
in the drug business. Dr. Forbush is a 
member of Prudence Lodge, No. 205, and 
is an upright man and a gentleman of the 
old school. In 1868 he attended the Ec- 
lectic College at Cincinnati, where he 
graduated. In 1875 he was married to 
Viola Bellows, his present wife, 

M. II. Hudson, M. D„ graduated at the 
Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, 



Mass., in the year 1844. He commenced 
the practice of his profession in the city 
of Brooklyn, N. Y. After praticing sev- 
eral years in Brooklyn, he took a trip to 
California for his health. He went in a 
sailing packet around Cape Horn, being 
four months on the water. He remained 
in San Francisco for two years. On re- 
turning home he decided to locate in the 
west; consequently removed with his 
family to Paw Paw, 111., where he prac- 
ticed some eight years, while he experi- 
enced many of the hardships incident to 
tlic practitioner in a new and thinly set- 
tled country. He came to Kossuth witli 
his family in the spring of 1864, and set- 
tled on the farm where he now resides. 

Dr. Harban Alleyne, was a natiye of the 
West Indies, and a graduate of Edinburgh 
University, Scotland, of 1871. He came 
to Wesley in 1880, where he established 
himself in practice. He has the reputa- 
tion of being a most excellent physician. 

Dr. L. R. Baker, a homeopathic physi- 
cian, a graduate of the Michigan Univer- 
sity, at Ann Arbor, located at the village 
of Luverne in May, 1883, and is engaged 
in practice at that point. 

Dr. G. T. West, allopathic physician, 
located at Bancroft on the 1st of March, 
1883. He is a graduate of the St. Louis 
Medical College, of the class of 1876. 

Dr. A. W. Berryman, an allopathic 
physician, settled at Bancroft in April, 
1 882, and is one of the resident physicians 
of the county. He is a graduate of the 
medical department of the State Univer- 
sity, at Iowa City. He practiced for 
about two years at Montour, Iowa, before 
coming to this place. 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX 



THE PRESS. 



There is no instrumentality, not even ex- 
cepting the pulpit and bar, which exerts such 
an influence upon society as the press of 
the land. It is the Archimedian lever that 
moves the world. The talented minister 
of the Gospel on the Sabbath day preaches 
to a few hundred people; on the follow- 
ing morning his thoughts are re-produced 
more than a thousand fold, and are read 
and discussed throughout the length and 
breadth of the land. The attorney at the 
bar, in thrilling tones, pleads either for 
or against the criminal arraigned for 
trial, often causing the jury to bring in 
a verdict against the law and the testi- 
mony in the case. His words are re-pro- 
duced in every daily that, is reached by 
the telegraphic wire, and his arguments 
are calmly weighed by unprejudiced men 
and accepted for what they are worth. 
The politician takes the stand and ad- 
dresses a handful of men upon the political 
questions of the day; his speech is re- 
ported, and read by a thousand men for 
every one who heard the address. Sud- 
denly the waters of one of our mighty 
rivers rise, overflowing the land for miles 
and miles, rendering thousands of people 
homeless and without the means to secure 
their daily bread. The news is flashed 
over the wire, taken up by. the press, and 
known and read by all men. No time is 



lost in sending to their relief; the press 
has made known their wants, and they are 
instantly supplied. "Chicago is on tire! 
Two hundred millions worth of property 
destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered 
homeless!" Such is the dread intelligence 
proclaimed by the press. Food and cloth- 
ing are hastily gathered, trains are char- 
tered, and the immediate wants of the 
sufferers are in a measure relieved. 

The power for good or evil, of the 
press, is to-day unlimited. The short- 
comings of the politician are made known 
through its columns; the dark deeds of 
the wicked are exposed, and each fear it 
alike. The controlling influence of a 
Nation, State or county is its press; and 
the press of Kossuth county is no excep- 
tion to the rule. 

The local press is justly considered 
among the most important institutions of 
every city, town and village. The people 
of every community regard their particu- 
lar newspaper or newspapers as of pecu- 
liar value, and this not merely on account 
of the fact already alluded to, hut because 
these papers are the repositories wherein 
are stored the facts and the events, the 
deeds and the sayings, the undertakings 
and the achievements that go to make up 
local history. One by one these things 
are gathered and placed in type; one by 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



291 



one the papers are issued; one by one 
these papers are gathered together and 
bound, and another volume of local, gen- 
eral and individual history is laid away 
imperishable. The volumes thus collected 
are sifted by the historian, and the book 
for the library is ready. The people of 
each city or town naturally have a pride 
in their home paper. The local press, as 
a rule, reflects the business enterprise of 
a place. Judging from this stand-point, 
Kossuth county need not fear the closest 
scrutiny. Its papers are well filled each week 
with advertisements of home merchants, 
and of its numerous business ventures. 
No paper can exist without these adver- 
tisements, and no community can flourish 
that does not use the advertising columns 
of its local press. Each must sustain the 
other. 

The first paper in the county was the 
Algona Pioneer Press, and was established 
by Ambrose A. Call, in the early part of 
1861. 

The material for this journalistic ven- 
ture was bought by the proprietors at 
Fort Des Moines, as it was then called, 
and brought to Algona in an ox-cart, .by 
O. Minkler. The press was set up, and 
with Ambrose A. Call in the editorial 
chair, the infant journal embarked upon 
its career. The initial number was issued 
on the 13th of April, 1861, and in defer- 
ence to the way of the craft, Mr. Call thus 
indulges in a salutation: 

We this week give to the public the 
first number of the Algona Pioneer Press, 
and in doing so we would say to our 
friends and the public generally, that we 
do not mount the tripod for any particu- 
lar love we have for the profession of an 



editor, for, so far as we may learn, they 
are the hardest worked and poorest paid 
fellows in Christendom. Neither do we 
assume this responsibility as a labor of 
love, for however much we might love 
the people of Kossuth and the adjoining 
counties, it is obvious that something 
more material is necessary to satisfy the 
cupidity of our compositor, and stop the 
whimperings of our devil. But we have 
been led to believe that such a paper as 
we intend to make the Press can be sus- 
tained in Algona and made to pay — not 
the proprietor alone, but the whole com- 
munity. We do not ask a gratuity, and 
have no desire to live on charity. All we 
expect is the co-operation of our friends, 
and the support of the. people so far as 
our paper merits it, and they think it 
compatible with their interests to give it. 
One principal object of the Press will be 
to bring to the attention of those looking 
westward for homes, and a remunerative 
field for the in vestment of their capital, the 
vast extent and productiveness of our unoc- 
cupied and unsold lands. While Kansas has 
been over-run with emigrants, and Minne- 
sota rapidly filled up, northern Iowa has 
remained in statu qicd. A man may travel 
through the counties west of us, border- 
ing the Sioux river, for a hundred miles 
without seeing a single sign of civiliza- 
tion, the buffalo and elk unscared by the 
pioneer. And what is the reason of this? 
We believe that as northwestern Iowa 
holds out as many inducements to the 
emigrant as any other portion of the 
United States, the reason is this, those 
wishing to come west have been deceived; 
they have been made to believe that the 
lands of Iowa are already all occupied; 



^ 



•!£ 



292 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



' they have been coaxed on to the sterile 
plains of western Kansas by political or- 
ganizations for the purpose of accom- 
plishing certain political ends, without 
any regard whatever to the resources of 
the country; and during the past winter, 
if we can credit the reports coming from 
there, many have died from actual starva- 
tion. We believe a reaction is about to 
take place. The unsettled condition of 
the country, and the small demand for 
labor and capital in the eastern States, 
will create a demand for western lands, 
and cause a heavy emigration to the west 
the coming summer, and it is for the in- 
terest of northwestern Iowa, in order to 
develop her resources and to secure the 
speedy completion of her railroads, that 
she should receive her fair proportion. 
And we believe that to. secure this, it is 
only necessary that the people should be 
enlightened in regard to our resources 
and prospects. 

To our acquaintances,it is not necessary 
to say anything in relation to the politics 
of the Press, but to those with whom we 
are not acquainted, we would say that the 
editor has worked with and for the repub- 
lican party ever since its organization, 
and has no desire to forsake it now. We 
expect to support the administration of 
Lincoln, having faith in his integrity and 
statesmanship, and believing that he will 
stand firm to the principals enunciated in 
the Chicago platform, and endorsed by 
the people on the Oth of November. 
Upon new questions, as they arise for the 
consideration of the American people, the 
Press will take the liberty of deciding for 
itself, without asking the permission of 



political leaders, or having its opinions 
forestalled by the actions of others. 

The paper contains the proceedings of 
the first board of county supervisors, and 
a few foreign advertisements. The only 
home advertisements are the cards of Dr. 
Franklin McCoy as physician and sur- 
geon, Lewis H. Smith as attorney at law, 
and John Ileckart as turner and painter. 

The sheet was a six column folio, and 
quite neatly made up and printed. The 
editorials were far above the average of 
the nsual effusions to be met with in the 
country newspapers of that date, and, 
taken altogether, the Pioneer Press was a 
model paper. The second number con- 
tains an account of the bombardment of 
Fort Sumter, in Charleston bay, and the 
subsequent ones teem with war news, and 
overflow with the loyalty and patriotism 
of the editor. 

In those days, a newspaper received ad- 
vantages that none at the present day can 
boast of. The printing of the tax-lists 
was a "fat take" and the Algona Pioneer 
Press, not only enjoyed the official patron- 
age of this county,but several of the adjoin- 
ing counties, not being yet honored with 
the great civilizer, a local press, had their 
legal printing done here. All these things 
combined to make this a lucrative under- 
taking. In 1863, Mr. Call rented the 
office, material and business to George 
Ingersoll, of the Fort Dodge Messenger, 
who sent Col. Page, the present post- 
master of that town, to Algona, to manage 
the paper. Under this administration the 
Pioneer Press was continued until the lat- 
ter part of 1864, when the paper was sus- 
pended. 



&, 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



293 



After the lapse of a year or two, the 
material was purchased by Mrs. Lizzie B. 
Read, and the paper commenced a new 
life under the name of the Upper Des 
Moines, a name it has retained until the 
present. This was engineered by Mrs. 
Read, and is said to have been a very read- 
able paper. The editorial and literary 
columns teemed with good things well 
said. 

In November, 1866, J. H. Warren be- 
came the owner of the Upper Des Moines, 
and assumed the editorial chair. Mr. 
Warren had never before acted in this 
capacity, or had experience in the printing 
business, but great natural abilities united 
with a mind well stored gave him. the 
advantage of circumstances, and he soon 
gave evidence of his fitness for the posi- 
tion. As a writer he was pungent and to 
the point, wasting no long space or time 
in long winded editorials, bnt going 
straight to the point and in a few words 
disposing of the subject under discussion. 
Upon assuming the helm of the good ship 
Upper Des Moines, lie addressed his readers 
in the following words by way of saluta- 
tion: "In assuming the responsibility of 
publishing a weekly journal, we do so 
with a full knowledge of the magnitude 
of the undertaking. To publish a journal 
that will please every one is a task that 
we do not expect to' perform ; as such a 
task has never yet been accomplished by 
any power, either .human or Divine. But 
if careful attention to business, persever- 
ance and hard labor can make the Upper 
Des Moines a welcome visitor to all our 
patrons, we shall perform the task cheer- 
fully. We are aware that during the past 
three months complaints have arisen 



against the former publishers ; but 
whether such complaints have been just, 
well grounded, or false and unreasonable, 
it would be neither wisdom nor policy in 
us now to decide ; for, peradventure, we 
might be pronouncing sentence against 
one whom we would not wish to censure. 
For, in taking the place of the former 
publishers, we are subjecting ourself to a 
like criticism. 

"The political complexion of the Upper 
Des Moines will continue, as heretofore, 
Union republican. The principles advo- 
cated by the two great political parties of 
the present day, are too well understood 
by every one to require any explanation 
here. But, like Col. Crockett, shall en- 
deavor first, to be sure we are right, and 
then go ahead. 

"The advancement of the interests of 
Kossuth and adjoining counties will claim 
particular attention. And to this end we 
hope for and shall expect the aid and co- 
operation of all who desire to see this 
portion of our Slate still further improved; 
our vast prairies more thickly dotted with 
improved farms, farm houses, school- 
houses and churches,'the natural results of 
honest industry and intelligence com- 
bined. 

"Our columns will at all times be opened 
for the full and free discussion of all 
topics of general interest, but it cannot be 
used for the gratification of personal ill- 
will, under any circumstances, as such 
things always have a bad effect upon the 
moral and social condition of society, and 
will never be tolerated by any publisher 
desirous of maintaining the respectability 
of his journal. 



,[* 



294 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT V. 



"With these remarks we leave the Upper 
Des Moines to speak for itself, and our 
readers to judge of its merit." 

After nine years of strenuous work in 
placing the paper on a proper footing, 
and raising it from a small six column 
affair to a large, handsome and well con- 
ducted journal of nine columns to the 
page; graduating from the printing of it 
upon the old fashion hand press to the 
much more speedy steam press, Mr. 
Warren disposed of the office and busi- 
ness to Pitt Cravath. This was upon the 
20th day of September, 1875. In stepping 
out from the sanctum, Mr. Warren said a 
few words at parting, that have the right 
ring about them. He said: 

"To say good-by to friends has always 
been to me one of the most unpleasant 
tasks of life. And at this time it is with 
feelings of deep regret that I say it to 
those with whom I have for the past few 
years maintained business and friendly 
relations. A trifle less than nine years 
ago I quietly and unostentatiously stepped 
into the editorial harness, and now I as 
quietly and unostentatiously lay it by and 
resume a place in the peaceful walks of 
private life. During the years of my man- 
agement of the Upper Des Moines I have 
assiduously labored for what I deemed 
the best good of the town and county 
in particular, and the whole State in gen- 
eral. If at times I have erred, which lean- 
not deny has often been the case, it was 
an error in judgment, without evil intent. 

"The bold, uncompromising course I 
have at all times pursued when combat- 
ting the powers of evil, in attempting to 
expose corruption or to thwart the de- 
signs of unscrupulous schemers, has made 



enemies of such, but has also made 
friends of honest men who always pursue 
a policy that shall result in the greatest 
good to the greatest number. 

"Of my success in bringing the Upper 
Des Moines to the enviable position it now 
occupies in journalism, I scarcely need 
speak. Starting from a small twenty-four 
column sheet, it has steadily advanced 
with the growth of the county, until it 
has reached a size of thirty-six columns, 
with a large and constantly increasing 
circulation, and a good, paying patron- 
age. 

"A word to my former patrons in rela- 
tion to my successor will here be appro- 
priate. Something more than a years' 
residence in Algona, during which time 
his deportment has been that of a gentle- 
man and a ripe scholar, has drawn around 
him the best elements of society and has 
made him universally admired and 
esteemed for his good qualities. I cheer- 
fully recommend him to my friends and 
former patrons, and trust they will con- 
tinue unbroken the friendly relations so 
long existing between themselves and the 
former publisher. The future policy of 
the new proprietor will be fully set forth in 
his salutatory, and I have not the shadow 
of a doubt but it will be rigidly adhered 
to. 

"And now, in the full belief that my 
friends who have so long stood shoulder 
to shoulder with me in every good work, 
will always have in their hearts a warm 
place tor me, I say to them, good-by. To 
my enemies who have so relentlessly pur- 
sued me in the vain hope of tearing down 
whatever I had builded, I say I can for- 



;n? 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



295 



get and forgive, but shall always remem- 
ber them." 

Pitt Cravath continued sole proprietor 
of this flourishing paper until Feb. 20, 
1879, when he sold out to A. L. Hudson 
Mr. Cravath was a bold, fearless writer, 
with a keen, sarcastic pen that pricked 
the evil-doer or political enemy until 
they writhed. 

Mr. Hudson, who was alone in the con- 
trol of the Upper Des Moines for one year, 
was a prominent member of the bar of 
Kossuth county, and was of a most 
aggressive disposition. Like Paul Jones, 
of yore, he sailed through the seas of life, 
with the ominous motto, "Don't tread on 
me," displayed at his masthead, and woe 
betide the unfortunate wretch that dared 
to meet him in the tilt. Keen, scathing 
and scholarly, his attacks were so fierce 
that all dreaded his pen. Yet gentle- 
manly in all that he said and did he was- 
a great favorite in all circles, except thai 
of the few political enemies he must have 
of a necessity made. 

On the 20th of February, 1880, R. B. 
Warren acquired a half interest in this 
paper and the firm became Hudson & 
Warren. The latter partnership contin- 
ued until Nov. 20, 1882, when Harvey 
Ingham purchased the interest of Mr. 
Hudson, and the present firm of Ingham 
& Warren came into existence. 

Throughout all these years, the paper 
has gone through manifold changes in 
shape, size and make up. Commencing 
as a six column folio, under the manage- 
ment of Mr. Warren, it arose to the dig- 
nity of a nine column, having been en- 
larged successively to seven, eight and 
nine, as the years rolled on. After it 



passed into the hands of Mr. Hudson, it 
became a six column quarto, and later a 
seven column, of the same form. The 
present paper is a nine column folio, on 
the "flexible plan." On weeks when there 
is an abundance of matter, it is issued with 
six pages, and when material runs short, 
but four pages. Messrs. Ingham & War- 
ren are both young men, and understand 
all the branches of the art of printing. 
The paper is a model of neatness besides 
being well edited. 

Harvey Ingham was born in Portland 
township, Kossuth county, Sept. 8, 1858, 
and is a son of W. H. and 0. A. (Rice) 
Ingham. In 1876 he entered the Iowa 
State University, at Iowa City, and grad- 
uated from the literary department in 

1880. He immediately entered the law 
department of the same institution, from 
which he was graduated in the class of 

1881. Soon after leaving college, he ob- 
tained a situation as county historian for 
Capt. A. T. Andreas, of Chicago, 111., and 
was one of the assistants in compiling and 
editing the history of Nebraska. When 
that volume was completed, and ready for 
publication (1882), Mr. Ingham purchased 
a half-interest in the Ujjper Des Moines, 
and in connection with R. B. Warren, has 
been fairly successful in the publishing 
business. 

R. B. Warren was born at Horicon, 
Dodge Co., Wis., Dec. 1, 1849, and is a 
son of J. H. and A. B. (Horton) Warren. 
He passed his earlier life in Trempealeau 
and Eau Claire counties, Wis., and attended 
school until thirteen years of age. In 
September, 1865, he entered the office of 
the Eau Claire Argus, R. H. Copeland 
publisher, to learn the printer's trade, and 



*t" 



~a> V 



^t 



1^ 



296 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



remained with him until June, 1866. In 
November, of the same year, his father, 
who had removed to Iowa in June, pur- 
chased the office of the Upper Des Moines, 
and good will of the paper, and our sub- 
ject assisted him in the management of 
the paper for nine years. In July, 1875, 
he went to Chicago, 111., and secured a 
position as compositor on the Daily Times, 
holding a case for fifteen months. Leav- 
ing Chicago, he was employed, for nine 
months, as a traveling salesman through 
Kansas, Missouri and southern Iowa, and 
in the fall of 1877, accepted the fore- 
mauship of the Upper Des Moines, then 
under the management of Pitt Cravath. 
He remained in charge of the office for 
fifteen months, and continued with the 
new proprietor, A. L. Hudson, a year 
longer. He then purchased a half inter- 
est in the business, and Feb. 20, 1880, as- 
sumed the management of the business, 
which position he has since continued to 
hold. In 1882 Harvey Ingham purchased 
Mr. Hudson's interest, and the firm name 
was changed to Ingham & Warren. 

Although it has been written that the 
Pioneer Press was the first paper in the 
county of Kossuth, still a strict regard for 
historical accuracy impels the statement 
that this is only true so far as regards 
printed papers. A manuscript paper, call- 
ed ThePee,wa.s in existence several years 
prior to the appearance of the above-men- 
tioned periodical. This was an eight-page 
paper, written on letter paper, and was 
edited by Harriet E. Taylor, now Mrs. J. 
E. Stacy. The first number of this paper 
was issued upon the 27th of December, 
1857. The fair editress, in this initial 



sheet, makes an opening address to the 
readers of The Pee, in the following words: 

"We are happy to present to our friends 
this first number of The Pee as the first 
paper published in this 'little world of 
Algona,' and though now small and may 
be insignificant in the eyes of many, still 
we have sanguine hopes that it will thrive, 
and before many years stand the first and 
oldest among our village papers. A per- 
son when first starting in an enterprise 
like this, feels rather delicately. Many 
fears arise whether the paper will suit the 
readers. Knowing there are as many 
minds as persons, and also knowing that 
unless all these minds are satisfied, we are 
the loser, we feel still more anxious than 
we would otherwise. 

"The Pee is intended to be strictly a 
neutral paper. We shall strive to please 
all by offending none. It will abound in 
wit and humor, be graced with sound, in- 
tellectual studies and pleasing stories, 
have all the news of the day, we hope 
none of the gossip. We have able corres- 
pondents for The Bee who will favor it 
with their productions from time to time. 
A few advertisements will be inserted 
just to help pay expenses. We have tried 
to tell you imperfectly, however, what we 
shall strive to make The Pee, and we hum- 
bly beg our friends to stand by us and 
not allow it to sink into obscurity, as the 
papers in our neighboring towns have 
done." 

Miss Taylor sometimes was assisted in 
her arduous labor by junior editors and a 
corps of contributors, but still the labor 
of writing the paper every week, must 
have proved irksome. The paper ran for 
two or three years, and filled the niche 



9 ^. 



-I 35 



>^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



297 



that it was intended to. Some numbers 
betray a literary excellence far in advance 
of later and more pretentious sheets. 

In the fall of 1S71 Bryan J. Castle, who 
had been a member of the Chickasaw 
county bar, and the ex-editor of the Law- 
ler Times, established a paper at Algona. 
This sheet, which was a seven-column 
folio, was called the Algona Times, and 
was democatic in politics. The initial 
number of this paper was issued upon 
Friday, Sept. 15, 1871, and Mr. Castle 
thus addressed his readers, in a plain prac- 
tical talk : 

"With this number commences our new 
paper, and as custom requires us to make 
known our principles in the beginning, 
and let the people know what kind of a 
paper we intend to publish, we proceed to 
perform that duty. The Times will be, 
emphatically, a people's paper, devoted to 
the local interests of our town and sur- 
roundings. It will be our aim to advance 
the best interests of all classes — mercan- 
tile, mechanical and agricultural — and do 
all in our power to develop the resources 
of the country. 

"In politics we are democratic, and as a 
democrat, we intend to discuss freely all 
the issues before the country, and show up 
and expose the short-comings of all our 
public functionaries, no matter of what 
political complexion. . We will not frame 
our views with reference to latitude or 
longitude ; but will feel free to express 
ourselves on all subjects affecting the wel- 
fare of the country. 

"The prosperity of Algona will be to 
us of paramount importance, and we will 
ever work for its growth and development 
in preference to anything else. We will 



discuss freely and candidly all those ques- 
tions in which the people are interested ; 
as free trade, tariff, protection, etc., and 
will be found at our post at all times 
ready to stand up for 'the right;' to ad- 
vocate economy, encourage industry, and 
add to the general welfare of the people. 

Upon the 14th of March, 1872, the 
Times appeared under the management of 
the new firm, who had just purchased the 
interest of Mr. Castle — Messrs. Horton, 
Jones & Co. This firm was composed of 
the following parties: A. M. Horton, J. 
B. Jones and Milton Starr. 

The editor, Mr. Horton, in assuming 
the tripod, thus addressed the patrons of 
the paper, and the public in general: 

"In appearing before the people of Kos- 
suth county in the capacity of caterers to 
the public appetite for news, the present 
proprietors of the Times fully realize the 
magnitude of the task to which they have 
set themselves. In a community like our 
own, where the great eastern dailies are 
taken and read by a large number of in- 
habitants, it is no light undertaking to 
attempt the publishing of a weekly which 
shall be at once interesting as a news pa- 
per and an organ for the dissemination of 
sound and wholesome views on subjects 
of general and local importance. Indeed 
we could not hope to exist in competition 
with these great organs were it not for 
the fact that we will be able to furnish 
our patrons with what in the nature of the 
case it is impossible for foreign publica- 
tions to supply them — local news, and 
an opportunity to discuss through our 
columns matters of local interest, and 
read the opinions of others on those sub- 
jects. These advantages it shall be our 



?U 



t <v 



ZXh 



_9l> 



298 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



chief aim to furnish to the Kossuth coun- 
ty public, and it is our ambition to be- 
come par excellence the organ of the peo- 
ple. 

"While we shall hold decided opinions 
upon all questions of either general or 
local public policy, we will endeavor to 
discuss them in a dispassionate manner, 
and be willing to accord to our opponents 
that courteous treatment which we ask 
for ourselves. We will not stultify our 
manhood by cringing to power, be the 
same considered respectable or disreput- 
able. We shall make it a point to assail 
principles, rather than men. 

"When found in the ranks of the major- 
ity, it will be because we believe them to 
be right, and we will when compelled, 
patiently if not cheerfully bear defeat 
with the minority, believing it better to 
be right than to be successful, and that, 

"Though the mills of God grind slowly. 
Yet they grind exceedingly small; 
Though with patience he stands waiting, 
With exactness grinds he all. " 

"Believing intemperance to have been 
and still to be the cause of more human 
misery than any other evil, or all other 
evils combined, we will ever stand ready 
to second all well directed efforts for its 
suppression. 

"Having always been found in the ranks 
of the republican party, and firmly be- 
lieving that the accession to power at this 
time of the so-called democratic party 
would be a National calamity, we shall 
continue to identify ourselves with that 
party for whose principles we have con- 
tended as well on southern battle fields as 
in the more congenial but not less earnest 
contests of civil life. 



"Our principal reason for adhering to 
the republican party is that we consider 
the administration of affairs to be safer in 
the hands of those who preserved the 
Nation from distraction than in the hands 
of those who either attempted to destroy 
it or sympathized with those who did so 
attempt. 

"We speak of the democratic party as 
an organization ; with individual mem- 
bers we have no controversy. Good men 
and patriotic can be found in the ranks of 
the democrats, but the record of the party, 
as an organization, during the darkest 
period of our existence as a Nation, must 
ever remain a source of humiliation to 
every true American. 

"Gen. Grant is our first choice for the 
next Presidential term. Not that we do 
not believe many others to be just as capa- 
ble of discharging the duties of chief ex- 
ecutive as he ; but we believe Grant, in 
the main, to have administered the affairs 
pertaining to his office with an eye single 
to the public weal, and in a manner satis- 
factory to all who are not either blinded 
by party prejudice or warped by disap- 
pointed ambition. 

"In county, town and village affairs, we 
shall advocate that course which we deem 
to be most beneficial to all concerned, 
knowing no north nor south, but whole 
sections. 

Of our predecessor, B. J. Castle, Esq., 
who bowed himself out in last weeks' 
issue, it is unnecessary to speak at length. 
To his reputation as a journalist, no words 
of ours can add. His public career in 
Algona, although not of long duration, 
has certainly not been devoid of interest. 
He has not failed to strike at whatever in 



I 9 



•M<2_ 



_9. J- 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



290 



his opinion had the appearance of evil, 
nor has he heen found wanting when any 
laudable enterprise needed encouragement. 
We will gladly hail his decision to settle 
permanently in Algona; hut if he con- 
cludes to locate elsewhere, we bespeak for 
him a cordial reception, and prophesy for 
him a successful career, and hosts of 
friends among those whose friendship it 
is an honor to possess. 

"In concluding this, our salutatory, we 
respectfully solicit your patronage, when, 
after strict trial, we shall be found deserv- 
ing it, and your indulgence when, as is very 
likely to be the case, being human, we 
make mistakes." 

Respectfully, 

Hokton, Jones & Co. 
This new firm, as will be seen, changed 
the politics of the paper, and upon the 
16th of May, 1872, altered the make-up of 
the sheet to an eight column folio, and 
the name to that of Algona Republican, a 
name it still retains. 

The paper continued under the manage- 
ment of this co-partnership until April 
12, 1S75, when Mr. Starr purchased the 
interest of J. B. Junes, and the style of 
the firm was changed to that of Horton 
& Starr. Ably edited and neatly gotten 
up in the mechanical department, the Re- 
publican now succeeded to a liberal pat- 
ronage. Upon the 22d of February, 1881, 
Mr. Horton disposed of his share in the 
enterprise to his partner, Milton Starr. 
On the 1st of July, 1883, Mr. Cowles 
was admitted as a partner in the Republi- 
can, and the style of the firm at present 
is Starr & Cowles. The paper is a well 
edited, and in the general make-up, most 
creditable. Local columns teeminsr with 



items and a large display of advertise- 
ments, proclaim the healthy state of this 
weekly. Mr. Starr is an easy, fluent 
writer, and by strict attention to business 
and the wants and wishes of the commu- 
nity, has built up one of the best papers 
in northern Iowa. 

Milton Starr, son of Jesse and Lucinda 
Starr, was born in Whitley, Canada, Feb. 
1 7, 1840. His grandparents on his father's 
side were natives of Pennsylvania. His 
father was a carpenter, but became part 
proprietor in a flouring mill, in which he 
retained his interest until removing to 
Wisconsin and settling on a farm in Dane 
county. The family remained at this 
place until the summer of 1861, when 
they removed to Jones Co., Iowa. In 1866 
he entered Cornell College, graduating 
from that institution in 1870. In Octo- 
ber, 1871, he came to Algona, and entered 
the office of the Algona Times, then just 
established by B. J. Castle, and assisted 
in the printing of the second number of 
the paper. He was a member of the firm 
of Horton, Jones & Co., who bought out 
the Times March 4, 1872, changing the 
name to the Algona Republican. In 
April, 1875, Mr. Starr bought the interest 
of J. B. Jones, thus acquiring a half in- 
terest in the paper. In February, 1881, 
he became sole proprietor by the purchase 
of the interest of A. M. Horton. Mr. 
Starr immediately put a power press in 
the office, and many improvements were 
made. In 1882 Mr. Starr erected a build- 
ing 22x72 feet in dimensions, and twenty- 
four feet in height, which is intended for 
the permanent home of the Republican. 
The lower story is used for printing and 
editorial rooms, and the second floor for a 



■fls 



liL 



300 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



public hall. In July, 1883, he admitted 
Gardner Cowles as a partner. The paper 
has always been uncompromising in its 
advocacy of republicanism and prohibi- 
tion. Mr. Starr was a charter member of 
the lodge of Good Templars organized 
at Algona in 1876, and has since main- 
tained his connection with the institution. 
In 1879 he was elected grand secretary of 
the order in Iowa, a position which he 
held four years. Mr. Starr is a member 
of the Congregational Church. He was 
married Oct. 1, 1879, to Kate Krater, born 
in Clayton Co., Iowa, July 23, 1852, her 
parents being natives of Lorraine. Mrs. 
Starr was educated at the Iowa Agricul- 
tural College, graduating in 1873. From 
that time until her marriage her attention 
was given almost wholly to art studies, 
three years being spent in the studio of 
Helen M. Knowlton, in Boston, a pupil of 
the late William M. Hunt. Mr. and Mrs. 
Starr have two children — Helen, born 
July 30, 1880, and Robert, born March 15, 
1882. Mr. Starr's mother died Feb. 17, 
1852. His father resides in Palo Alto 
Co., Iowa, being upwards of eighty years 
of age. 

The Kossuth County Review, a new ven- 
ture in the newspaper world, first saw the 
light in the spring of 1883. On the 16th 
of March, the first number was issued by 
its present editor and proprietor, V. S. 
Ellis, at Luverne. The editor in honor 
to the time-honored custom of the craft, 
made his bow to the people of this locali- 
ty in the following words: 

"With this, the first issue of The Kos- 
suth County Review, we make our bow, 
and to the general public and future read- 



ers of the Review, would say: good morn- 
ing. 

"Of course a live and generous public 
will allow us to say a few words; however, 
we do not call your attention to this move 
to gratify any personal pride that we 
might entertain, but we intend to make 
the Review a live paper, published in the 
interests of Luverne and surrounding 
country. Our motto shall be, 'home first, 
then the outside world.' We shall ever 
endeavor to set forth at all times that 
which will be for the upbuilding of our 
town. 

"While this is yet anew undertaking in 
this young but prosperous burg, we are 
sure that we can make it a success. Hav- 
ing been in the newspaper business for 
several years we are aware of the price 
that it costs to run a paper, and a partial 
canvass of the business firms of this 
place has convinced us that we shall have 
a hearty support, which we need to make 
the paper a success financially. 

"We shall treat subjects that we deem 
worthy of mention in our own way and 
according to our own views. However, 
in the great political field we shall be in- 
dependent. When we say independent 
we do not mean that we will entirely ig- 
nore all political questions, but that we 
will not ally our paper to party, clique or 
ring. If we are on the fence, we reserve 
the right to strike either way, and if we 
should strike more on one side than the 
other, it will be because our convictions 
outweigh our caution, for the political 
history of our country proves that parties, 
like individuals, are liable to make grave 
errors. 






^ 



,4* — ^ 



■ * » ! >?• 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



301 



"With these few remarks and hoping the 
Review will find a hearty welcome in 
every household in southern Kossuth and 
northern Humboldt counties, we again say 
to you, one and all, 'good morning.'" 

The paper is a seven column folio, 
neatly printed and with a liberal show of 
advertising patronage. Although the 
editor is a young man, still the leaders 
show more than average ability. The 
first issue has an interesting account of 
the rise of the town and the resources of 
the surrounding country, and three and a 
half columns of local items. 

Verne S. Ellis, son of Smitzer and 
Charlotte Ellis, was born Jan. 16, 1864, in 
Geauga Co., Ohio. When five years of 
age his parents moved to Iowa, locating 
in Montour, Tama county, where his 
father erected a building for a meat mar- 
ket, but soon sold out and went to work 
at his trade, being a painter. Mr. Ellis 
received his education in Montour. In 
1879 he went into the office of the Mon- 
tour Review, to learn the printing busi- 
ness under A. A. Blackman. The paper 
was discontinued in 1880, when in about 
two months, Mr. Ellis and brother, Da- 
vid A., started it again, and issued it un- 
til September, 1882. They then discon- 
tinued its publication and moved the 
office to Bancroft, Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
where they were running a paper called 
the Bancroft Register, which was estab- 
lished April previous. In March, 1883, 
they started a paper in Luverne, called 
the Kossuth County Review. Getting the 
material here Monday morning, they sent 
out the first issue on Saturday evening 



dated March 16. The paper has been 
published regularly since then, both pa- 
pers being owned and published by Mr. 
Ellis and brother. 

The Bancroft Register, a neat little 
seven column folio, was established in the 
town of Bancroft, Kossuth county, in 1882, 
by D. A. Ellis and brother. The first 
sheet was issued upon Friday, April 14, 
and is now in a good healthy condition. 
David A. Ellis, the senior editor, handles 
a pen to some purpose and the local col- 
umn is quite creditable. Mr. Ellis, al- 
though a young man, has had some jour- 
nalistic experience, having published the 
Review in the town of Montour, Tama 
county, previous to coming to this county. 

David A. Ellis, editor of the Bancroft 
Register, was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
Feb. 21, 1861. When eight years of age 
he moved with his parents, S. and Char- 
lotte L. (Frazer) Ellis, to Tama Co., Iowa, 
locating in Montour. In 1878 Mr. Ellis 
entered the office of the Montour Re wit : »', 
edited by Mr. Blackmail, to learn the print- 
ers' trade. After working there two 
months the office was closed, and it being 
in debt to Mr. Ellis for his work, he took 
charge of it, operating it for six months. 
In 1879 Mr. Ellis purchased new material 
and started the paper anew. He publish- 
ed the paper until Sept. 29, 1882, when it 
was discontinued, Mr. Ellis having six 
months previous to this time started the 
Register in Bancroft. He still has con- 
trol of the Register, and makes it a very 
lively and spicy little sheet. Mr. Ellis is 
a republican in politics. 



*Jq 



302 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER X 



EDUCATIONAL. 



When upon that cold and stormy day in 
December, 1620, the noble band of Pil- 
grims landed upon the bleak and desolate 
shore of New England, their first thought 
was of religious duty, the second of 
schools and academies. They came, flee- 
ing from the religious intolerance of the 
old world, to found a Utopian country of 
their own in the wilds of America. Scarce 
were they landed when all were assem- 
bled and prayers and religious services 
were held, the echoes of which yet rever- 
berate around the world ; for in their 
prayers they sought the Divine assistance 
to found a colony, where freedom and 
education could go hand in hand, and if 
in after years, their stern creed of morals 
and religious asceticism led them into 
intolerant acts towards their neighbors, 
still the general movement was toward 
the light of liberty and education. 

There, on the stony soil of Massachu- 
setts, these stern and rigid moralists first 
planted the seed of our grand system of 
educational facilities. There they origi- 
nated the district school that has outlasted 
them and their other institutions, seen 
governments wax old and pass away, and 
survived the throes of revolution, when 
these colonies revolted from the galling 
yoke of Britannia. In that land of its 
birth, the system of district schools, with 



its board of select men, still survives, 
with but little change from that of the 
original system that was planted two cen- 
turies and a half ago. The sons and 
daughters of New England, in their 
journey toward a home in the west, car- 
ried the precious seed, and planting it in 
the fruitful soil, it flourished and grew 
until it far overshadowed the parent tree. 
In Iowa, such has been the fostering hand 
of our State government, it has reached 
the very acme of perfection. According 
to the report of the census of the United 
States government, the ratio of illiteracy 
in this State is less than in any other of 
the States of the Union, and the citizen 
of our noble young commonweath can 
well hold up his head and say, "although 
we are among the youngest in the sover- 
eignties of the world, none can exceed us 
in intelligence or knowledge, or in our 
system of education." 

One of the county school superintend- 
ents of Kossuth county, and one of its 
best educators, M. Helen Wooster, says 
of the subject of education and teaching 
as follows : 

"History is one long record of the rise, 
supremacy and downfall of theories, in- 
stitutions and governments. The long- 
ing for true theories, lasting institutions 
and safe governments has caused to be 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



303 



recognized the fact, that the common per- 
ception of many individuals is safer and 
presumably more nearly correct than the 
perceptions of a few; as the rays collected 
and converged by the microscope produce 
a more legible representation than can be 
produced directly upon the eye. If, how- 
ever, the lens be defective, the eye is the 
truer interpreter. 

"Democratic institutions must be based 
upon the strong common sense of the 
masses. If it be an educated common 
sense, no concern need be felt for the 
effect of time or the loss of individuals, 
for the elements of life are within and 
not applied. 

"To accomplish a general dissemination 
of knowledge, method after method was 
advocated, tried and modified, until the 
present public school system was adopted 
and established. Soon interested observa- 
tion detected that the end obtained was 
not the end desired, and as quickly dis- 
covered that one cause of the partial fail- 
ure lay in the misapplied energies of the 
teachers. Perhaps no one better under- 
stood the duties and, therefore, the quali- 
fication of a teacher than Horace Mann. 
He says: 

'One requisite is a knowledge of com- 
mon school studies. Teachers should have 
a perfect knowledge of the rudimental 
branches which are required by law to be 
taught in our schools. They should under- 
stand, not only the rules which have been 
prepared as guides to the unlearned, but 
also the principals on which the rules are 
founded, those principles which lie be- 
neath the rules, and supercede them in 
practice, and from which, should the ru'es 
be lost, they could be framed anew. 



Teachers should be able to teach subjects, 
not manuals merely. The knowledge 
should not only be thorough and critical, 
but it should be always ready at command 
for every emergency, familiar like the 
alphabet, so that as occasion requires, it 
will rise up in the mind instantaneously 
and not need to be studied out with labor 
and delay * * * The next principal 
qualification is the art of teaching. This 
is happily expressed in the common 
phrase, aptness to teach. The ability to 
acquire and the ability to impart are 
wholly different talents. The former may 
exist in the most liberal measure without 
the latter.' 

"The necessity for such trained talent in 
the school room has involved the Normal 
School, and, for the benefit of those 
teachers who cannot take a Normal course, 
the Teachers'" Institute. Probably there 
are many teachers who receive their first 
and only true ideas of teaching through 
them. There is nothing of arrogance in 
the assertion. Until the teachers' profes- 
sion shall have taken its proper position 
in public opinion and none be allowed to 
enter it without special training, numbers 
will for a few months in the year assume 
the place of teacher to the child. They 
cannot be expected to understand the art 
of instructing others. To help this class 
of teachers and prepare them for their 
duties is the object of the Teachers' In- 
stitute. There the methods that have 
been wrought out by educators who have 
made it their life's study, are explained 
and illustrated. Surely nothing but a 
censurable indifference on the part of the 
teacher to his duties toward the pupil, or 
the equally censurable willingness to re- 



»1V 



304 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



ceive compensation from the public treas- 
ury without having rendered an equiva- 
lent, could permit one to neglect the 
means for improvement so offered them." 

SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 

When the county of Kossuth was or- 
ganized, the office of school superintend- 
ent was not yet created, and the only 
officer in the educational department of 
the county was the school fund commis- 
sioner, and he only had charge of the 
school fund, only so far as it is in the 
hands of the board of supervisors at pres- 
ent. He could loan the surplus funds to 
private parties upon first-class securities. 
So far as educational matters were con- 
cerned, he had little or no authority. The 
directors hiring the teachers, made the 
necessary examination into their requisite 
qualifications for the position, and public 
examinations were totally unknown. The 
first party to hold the position of school 
fund commissioner, in Kossuth county, 
was George W. Hand, who was elected 
to fill the position, in April, 1857. Mr. 
Hand did not hold it very long, as his 
time of office expired with that year. Some 
years since, he left the county, going to 
the State of Kansas, where he is believed 
to be at present. 

W. B. Moore was his successor, but only 
held it for a short time, as this office ex- 
pired in the latter part of the year 1858. 
Mr. Moore has been dead some time, and 
nothing can be gathered in regard to him, 
of an interesting nature. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 

This office was created during the year 
1858, and the duties of the office were the 
same as at present, but the official put in 
much less time, and in several instances 



the semi-annual appropriation of the 
county court and, subsequently, of the 
board of supervisors, for the salary of 
county superintendent, reached the mu- 
nificent sum of $20 for six months ser- 
vices. The first to occupy this respon- 
sible position was the Rev. Chauncey 
Taylor; who was elected in April, 
1*58, and served one year. Mr. Taylor 
was a member of the Congregational 
Church, and was one of the first to con- 
duct Divine service in the county. He 
died on the 29th of February, 1876, at 
Algona,and the following obituary of him, 
written by the hand of one who knew and 
loved him, gives a better sketch of him 
than can be penned by the hand of a 
stranger, no matter how much he may ad- 
mire the man and the record of his work. 
The item in question goes on to relate the 
fact of his death, and then says: 

"Sorrow at his departure is not alone 
confined to those who knew him well, and 
knowing, learned to love and admire his 
many virtues, his unflagging zeal in pros- 
ecuting his life work of doing good, his 
broad charity towards his fellow-men, for 
all recognized in him the true, honest 
Christian minister, and as such mourn his 
loss. Father Taylor had filled the allotted 
three score years and ten, and had filled 
them with blessings for others, and eter- 
nal blessings for himself. He commenced 
his ministerial labors in Iowa in 1856, 
though for twenty years previous he had 
possessed the design of one day coming 
to our western prairies, and here found- 
ing a Church and lending his efforts to es- 
tablishing an institution of learning. 

"In 1856 he was appointed an agent of 
the Home Missionary Society, and leav- 



& 



4^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



305 



ing his family in New York, came hither 
to the scene of his future labors, crossing 
the Mississippi on foot, stopping at Des 
Moines a short time, and then taking up 
his route to this then almost solitary re- 
gion. He at once went to work to advance 
the moral and mental well-being of his 
fellows, and mainly through his exertions, 
was erected a town hall, during the first 
years of his stay, and which, enlarged, is 
now the Congregational church. For six- 
teen years he was the presiding genius, 
the spirit of the Congregational Society, 
and in great measure the parent of most 
of the religious interests in the county. 
During the time of his ministry here he 
assisted in consigning to their last resting 
place eighty-eight of his parishioners, 
among them, the old and young, withered 
and fair, and poured the balm of relig- 
ious consolation into the aching hearts of 
the mourning friends. During that time 
also, lie solemnized sixty-three marriages 
and lived to christen the pledges of many 
of those happy unions and to give them 
their early instruction of reverence and 
love for the Great Parent of all. 

"He also established the first reading 
club, devoted to the intellectual improve- 
ment of its members and of the citizens 
of the county generally. The first sing- 
ing class in the county was inaugurated 
by him, and for many years he was the 
sole musical instructor. For the greater 
portion of his twenty years ministry among 
us he filled appointments at various places 
throughout the county, until his kindly 
features and gentle words were known to 
almost every inhabitant of the county. In 
1858 he attended the State Congregational 
Association at Dubuque, and in reply to 



the astonishment of his admiring friends, 
that a man of his abilities should bury 
himself in the northwestern solitudes, in- 
sisted that Algona was in the centre of the 
world, that the difficulty was, the world 
was one sided. 

"He was one of the three ministers who 
organized the Northwestern Congrega- 
tional Society, then including but three 
Churches, and now representing no less 
than twenty-three Churches, with a mem- 
bership of 932. When the War of the 
Rebellion broke out, he sent, with tears of 
sorrow but the glow of patriotism, his 
youngest son to do battle for his country, 
soon to mourn him a victim offered upon 
the alter of his country. A few years later 
and he was called upon to grieve the loss 
of his only remaining son, his sorrow 
doubled from the fact that they each died 
surrounded by strangers, and far from the 
loving embrace of parents and kindred. 

"The formal organization of the Church 
here was made in August, 1 858, and for 
over fifteen years he filled the position of 
pastor, gaining the love, not only of his 
parishioners but of the whole community, 
by his eminent piety, and broad charity 
and tolerance, and to-day young and old 
throughout the county, mourn with sin- 
cerest sorrow the departure of Father 
TayloT." 

What more could be added, when it is 
well known that the above is the verdict 
of every one in the county. Admiration 
for his many virtues, and for his truly 
Christian life shall never cease while any 
who knew him shall exist upon earth. 

In 1859 J. R. Armstrong was elected to 
fill tli i s office and served for two years in 



^ 



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306 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



L— . 



that capacity. He is still one of the prom- 
inent residents of the county. 

The Reverend Ohauncey Taylor was 
again chosen superintendent of schools 
of the county at the general election in 
1861, and served a term of two years 
from the 1st of January, 1862, when he 
again retired to the shades of private life 
and his ministerial duties. 

M. D. Blanchard was the immediate 
successor of Mr. Taylor, entering upon 
the duties of the office with the first of 
the year, 1864, and fulfilling its functions 
for the space of two years. Mr. Blanch- 
ard, at a later date, filled the office of 
county treasurer, under which head the 
reader may find a more extended sketch 
of the gentleman. His term of office ex- 
pired the last of December, 1865. 

The Reverend Chauncey Taylor was 
again called to superintend the school 
system of Kossuth county, entering the 
office the 1st of January, 1866, and again 
serving, as such, for a term of two years. 

John Reed, the present recorder of 
the county, was elected county super- 
intendent of common schools, in 1867, 
and entering upon the function of the 
office with the year 1868 served until 
September, 1869, when he resigned. Mr. 
Reed is noticed in fuller detail under 
the head of recorder, in the chapter de- 
voted to the representation of the Nation, 
State and county. 

On the resignation of Mr. Reed the 
board appointed A. W. Osborne to this 
office, and at the election of that year, 

1869, he was elected to be his own suc- 
cessor, and held the office until October, 

1870, when he too, resigned the office. 
Mr. Osborne shortly afterward left this 



county, emigrating to Spirit Lake, Dickin- 
son county, where he has since been prom- 
inently identified with the official man- 
agement of county matters, having been 
county treasurer of that county for seven 
or eight years. He has always been 
spoken of as a man of excellent business 
habits and quite methodical in all the 
affairs of life. 

On the acceptance of the resignation of 
Mr. Osborne, the board appointed M. 
Helen Wooster to fill the vacancy, and at 
the general election of 1871, the people 
of the county endorsed the selection by 
electing the lady to the office by a hand- 
some majority. Miss .Wooster, the only 
lady official the county has ever elected 
to fill an office, was a native of Massa- 
chusetts and came west for the purpose of 
engaging in educational pursuits, es- 
pecially in the higher branches. Her 
peculiar ability fitted her well for the 
arduous duties of superintendent and un- 
der her able management the schools of 
the county took a great step forward in 
the march of progress. Miss Wooster is 
now in California, where she went several 
years ago. 

A. A. Bronson was elected county su- 
perintendent of schools in 1873. Was re- 
elected in 1875 and 1877, and held the 
office for six years. Having fulfilled the 
duties devolving upon him in a manner 
creditable to himself and satisfactory to 
the people of the county, he retired from 
official position covered with laurels. lie 
is still one of Kossuth county's influential 
citizens. 

A. A. Crose, another of the present resi- 
dents of the county was chosen by his 



*J<?_ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



307 



fellow electors, in 1879, to fill this difficult 
office, and served two years. 

J. J. Wilkinson, the present incumbent 
of the office of county superintendent 
of schools, was elected in 1881, and at the 
election of 1883 was re-elected to the 
same position for the ensuing term. 

J. J. Wilkinson was born Aug. 31, 1851, 
in Oakland Co., Mich. His parents, 
Joseph and Sarah (Scholey) Wilkinson, 
were natives of England, and emigrated 
to the United States in 1850, locating at 
Detroit, Mich., where they spent one win- 
ter, then went to Oakland county, where 
he engaged in farming. In 1862 they re- 
moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., which 
is still their home. Coming to this coun- 
try a poor man, he has by hard labor ac- 
cumulated a comfortable property, and is 
to-day one of the well-to-do farmers in 
this county. J. J. Wilkinson was reared 
on a farm, received a common school edu- 
cation, and afterward graduated from the 
High school. He then entered a store as 
clerk at Perry, remaining two years, af- 
terward attended Mayhews Business Col- 
lege in Detroit, Mich., graduating in 1873. 
After leaving Detroit, he taught school 
several years. In 1877 became to Kossuth 
county where he taught till 1881, then 
was elected county superintendent of pub- 
lic schools, was re-elected in 1883 without 
opposition. Mr. Wilkinson is a young 
man, well qualified for his position, and 
the interests of the schools are carefully 
looked after. He married Mertie Har- 
per, a daughter of Judge A. A. Harper, of 
Michigan. They have three children — 
J. Leslie, George H. and Stanley. He is 
a member of the I. O. O. F. 



From the time of the first organization 
of the county into school districts,the num- 
ber of schools have increased quite rap- 
idly,and educational facilities have become 
more and more efficient. Each cycle has 
shown a marked difference in this respect. 
Much difficulty has been found in getting 
any reliable information in regard to 
the early schools, as it seems, that in 
those pioneer days not much care was ex- 
ercised in the preservation of the records, 
and but few of them have survived the 
lapse of years, even if they have been 
comparatively few. In 1864, however, it 
is found there were in the county, 150 
scholars between the ages of five and 
twenty-one years, of which eighty-two were 
males, and sixty-eight females. There 
were at the same time, some eleven schools 
in the county, with an enrollment of 147 
scholars and thirteen teachers. The av- 
erage attendance of pupils was set down 
for that year at seventy-six, and the aver- 
age weekly compensation to the teachers 
in the county is recorded to have been 
$5.02 for males, and $3.58 for females. 

By 1880 the educational work had made 
a giant stride from this primitive showing. 
In the statistics of that year the follow- 
ing items will probably be of interest, in 
this connection. 

Number of district townships 9 

Number of independent districts 1 

Numbcrof sub-districts 76 

Number of ungraded schools 88 

Number of rooms in graded schools 5 

Number of children in the county between 

the ages of 5 and 21 years 2,505 

Of which are males 1,286 

Females 1, 279 

Total number of pupils enrolled 1,909 

Average attendance 1 177 



Sfc* 



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308 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT 7. 



Number of school houses, frame 78 

Total value of school houses $32, 201 

Value of apparatus $ 1,854 

Number volumes in library 1,300 

PRESENT CONDITION. 

From the last statistical report availa- 
ble, a number of items are herewith pre- 
sented, which will show the present con- 
dition of educational matters, in Kossuth 
county, better than a long, labored article 
would: 

Number of district townships 12 

Number of independent districts 1 

Number of sub-districts 81 

Number of ungraded schools 95 

Number of rooms in graded schools 9 

Number of teachers employed 9 

Male teachers 2 

Female teachers 7 

Average compensation to males $00 00 

Average compensation to female $35 71 

Number of children between the ages of 

5 and 21 years 3,062 

Of which are males 1, 537 

Of which are females 1,525 

Enrollment in public schools 2,486 

Number of school houses in county 88 

Of which are frame 88 

Total value of school houses $46,348 

Total value of apparatus $1,870 

Number of volumes in libraries 1,620 

Number of certificates granted in Oct. 

1882, up to Oct. 1883 192 

Of which are males 40 

Females 152 

Average age of male teachers 24 

Females 20 

Number of applicants rejected 14 

In this connection a few items are pre- 
sented, taken from the official records, 
showing the financial condition of the 
educational department of Kossuth county 
for the year 1883 : 

SCHOOL HOUSE FDND . Dr. 

Amount on hand per last report. ... $1, 882 00 

Received from district tax 8,173 10 

Received from other sources 809 95 

Total $10,865 15 



Cr. 
Paid for school houses'and sites . . . $5,945 41 

Paid for apparatus 68 88 

Paid on bonds and interests 441 18 

Paid for other purposes ... 1, 245 93 

On hand 3,162 75 



Total $10,865 15 

CONTINGENT FUND. Dr. 

On hand per last report $3, 155 45 

Received from district tax 6,81704 

Received from other sources 36129 



Total $10,333 78 

Paid for rent and repairs on school Cr. 

houses $1,743 39 

Paid for fuel 2,379 50 

Paid secretaries and treasurers 786 61 

Paid for records, etc 202 08 

Paid for insurance and janitor 325 00 

Paid for supplii s 592 15 

Paid for other purposes 1, 930 37 

Onbaud 2,198 98 



Total $10,333 78 

teachers' fdnd. Dr. 

On hand, last report $12,041 26 

Received from district tax 22, 121 07 

Received from semi-annual appoint- 
ment 2,749 96 

Received from other sou'ees 255 77 



Total $37,168 06 

Cr. 

Paid teachers $23,815 78 

Paid for other purposes 2930 

On hand 13, 322 98 



Total $37,168 06 

NORMAL INSTITUTES. 

The State superintendent of public in- 
struction, in a report made in 1872, used 
the following, in regard to these insti- 
tutes: 

"The subject of normal schools deserves 
special attention from the legislators and 
school authorities in the State. The time 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



309 



has evidently gone by when intelligent 
parents are willing to entrust the educa- 
tion of their children to the novices and 
quacks with which the profession is 
everywhere crowded. If parents are not 
sufficiently intelligent to perceive the 
lasting damage resulting to their chil- 
dren from the crude methods of ignorant 
and incompetent teachers, the State, at 
least, is supposed to be informed on this 
point, and is in duty bound to exert its 
resources to the utmost that the evil may 
be removed. The intellectual and moral 
training of the youth of the land is a 
public trust, guarded with constitutional 
sanctions, and lying nearest the great 
heart of our republican institutions. The 
strength and permanency of a popular 
government are invested in the intelli- 
gence and refinement of the people, and 
therefore our common schools are the 
hope of the Nation. Now, if these are 
neglected, or through defective super- 
vision are suffered to fall into incompe- 
tent hands, the State thereby commits the 
two-fold error of squandering the public 
funds, and what is infinitely worse, of 
allowing meantime her occasions for 
strengthening the very foundations of 
government to go by unimproved. It is 
asserted that ninety-four per cent, of the 
200,000 teachers of the United States 
have entered the school room without any 
professional training for the work; and 
forty per cent, of them without any de- 
sign whatever of making it a profession. 
"Perhaps it is because the primary and 
district schools of this country are so 
largely given over to charlatanry on the 
one hand and the probationary blundering 
of novices on the other, that the state- 



ment has gone out upon the endorsement 
of the bureau of education, that 'poor 
schools and poor teachers are in a ma- 
jority throughout the country,', and that 
'multitudes of schools are so poor that it 
would be as well for the country if they 
were closed. 
"But we have failed fully to comprehend 
the office of professional training for the 
teacher, until the subject of method has 
been taken into the account. Teaching is 
an art, and as such has been undergoing 
progressive improvement through many 
ages of research and discovery. It has 
assumed new shapes, invented new facili- 
ties, and adopted successively a great va- 
riety of methods by which the young 
mind may be aroused to action, and all 
the spiritual faculties may be put in the 
way of an ordinary and healthful devel- 
opment. As the human mind has been 
more and more profoundly studied, and 
its laws and capabilities, its social and 
material relations have been drawn out, 
the methods of imparting instruction and 
the whole art of school organization and 
management have undergone changes 
corresponding to these new directions of 
thought. Theory and practice have thus 
mutually kept pace with each other. It 
is pre-eminently the province of the nor- 
mal school to drill in method, and enforce 
the underlying principles which commend 
recent and improved methods to the ac- 
ceptance of its pupils. 

"In every particular case, excepting, of 
course, when an actual and manifest in- 
capacity is developed, the young man or 
woman submitting to a thorough normal 
drill, gains in a brief time what the ex- 
perience of years would fail to supply 



Ja. 



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310 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



and is enabled in this way to bring to the 
schools of the country a fund of skill and 
resources which otherwise the country 
would not Jiave. It can be asserted with 
confidence that such results are always 
more than an equivalent for the money 
expended, both by the student and the 
State, and the time and toil and sacrifice 
attending these preparatory years. It is 
returned as a moral force in our public 
school system immeasurably more power- 
ful, and far-reaching and enriching to the 
life of the Nation, than can be contrib- 
uted from any other agency immediately 
within the embrace of the State. The 
teacher enters the school room already a 
practiced hand in the detail of manage- 
ment, and with lofty and just conceptions 
of the dignity and worth of his profession, 
and it is inevitable that the air of confi- 
dence he exhibits, and the calm devotion 
he manifests, in the work he loves, will 
be caught by the children, and the schools 
will gain an advantage in this way which 
money cannot purchase. 

"Under the hand of the patient, intelli- 
gent teacher, our Nation is reduced to 
homogenity in the school room. 

'It is deemed feasible, therefore, to in- 
augurate a system of graded normal 
schools. The subject has been broached 
by the National Teachers' Association of 
1870, and is a scheme upon which there is 
pretty general unanimity among all the 
leading educators of the land. Two very 
strong papers urging the necessity, and 
detailing the advantages of such a plan, 
were submitted at the National Teacher's 
Association, and were deemed so timely 
and suggestive with reference to this 
most pressing problem, that the commis- 



sioner of education has incorporated them 
entire in his report for 1870. So thor- 
oughly has the subject been canvassed in 
these two papers, and the advantages and 
practicability of the plan so clearly and 
judiciously set forth, that I cannot do bet- 
ter than commend the careful reading of 
them to all those who are in any way in- 
terested in the movement. Meantime it 
is proper in this connection to state briefly 
the considerations favoring the plan. 

"First, then, if the plan were consum- 
mated, all the normal schools that would 
be established in the State, with the ex- 
ception of some central normal schools, 
would possess the character and curricu- 
lun> of primary normal schools. These 
would be preparatory and tributary to the 
central normal school, the grade of the 
latter answering to the higher department 
of our graded school system, and prepar- 
ing teachers more expressly for these; 
whereas the organization and course of 
studies in the former would prepare teach- 
ers for the mixed schools of our rural 
districts and the lower department of our 
graded school system. 

The article is too long to quote entire, 
but the above extract has been given sim- 
ply to show the purposes for which the 
normal institute was created. The act 
of Legislature which instituted them was 
passed in the fall of 1873, and in the 
spring of 1874 the first of them was held 
at Algona, in Kossuth county. This com- 
menced the 30th day of March, and lasted 
for several days. The following is a re- 
port of this meeting, taken from the 
newspapers of the county published at 
the time: 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



31) 



At 9 a. m. Prof. Eldridge and about 
forty teachers met at the high school de- 
partment in Algona. The Professor, af- 
ter exchanging salutations with some of 
his numerous friends, ascended the plat- 
form and called the school to order, then 
read an appropriate lesson from the Bible 
and opened the session by prayer. lie 
than addressed a few words of greeting 
to the school, and stated that the princi- 
pal business of the day would consist in 
organization and classification. While 
the teachers were handing in their names 
and postoffice address, Superintendent 
Branson put in an appearance and intro- 
duced to the school Prof. P. Ritner, of 
Columbus, Louisa county, stating that he 
would assist Prof. Eldridge in instructing 
the school, and that he "trusted we should 
get our money's worth from both gentle- 
men." 

Prof. Eldridge then stated that the or- 
der of exercises in the afternoon would 
be a classification of the sciences and ex- 
ercises in grammar, physiology and arith- 
metic. 

In the afternoon the number in attend- 
ance was increased to forty-eight. * * 

The programme as announced in the 
morning was carried out, and at 4 p. m. 
the session closed. The indications are 
all favorable for a large, profitable and in- 
teresting school. 



Tuesday, March 31. 
The number of pupils arrived since 
yesterday is twelve, making sixty now 
present, and more are expected. Among 
the arrivals from other counties I notice 
John Bennett and Mr. Prouty, from Ern- 
metsburg; Miss O'Brien, from Hancock, 



and Mr. Hudson, from Minnesota. The 
school is classified in three divisions, and 
as our superintendent conducts some of 
the classes, there are three teachers. The 
school is already an assured success, and 
I hear the highest terms of gratification 
expressed by those in attendance. One 
teacher said, and the language found a 
cordial response from all, "This is just the 
opportunity I have long wished for." 

Since this time an institute has been 
held each year, with increasing interest 
and success, demonstrating beyond a 
doubt the usefulness of the system. Each 
year they have grown in attendance, and 
the effect is plainly visible in the in- 
creased efficiency of the teachers of the 
county. 

TEACIIERS' ASSOCIATION. 

This association was organized in the 
latter days of the year 1875. In a report 
of the first meeting of the society held on 
Thursday and Friday evenings, December 
30 and 31, it is said that there was no dif- 
ficulty in carrying out the programme 
which was arranged several weeks previ- 
ous to the meeting. Several questions of 
great interest to both teacher and parents, 
were brought before the association for 
discussion. The discussion of each ques- 
tion was opened by some one, previously 
appointed, after which each one present 
was invited to present his views on the 
subject. The following are the questions: 

"Should corporal punishment be re- 
sorted to in governing a school?" — dis- 
cussion opened by Prof. Btishnell. 

"Should vocal music be taught in our 
public schools?" — Emma Heckart. 

"Should we have compulsory educa- 
tion?" — John Reed. 



' ~ ' 



V 



J&* 



312 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



£ 



"What can be done to secure more per- 
manent employment, better pay and 
longer engagements for teachers?"— Super- 
intendent Brunson. 

"Should we give rewards and prizes for 
excellence in scholarship and deport- 
ment?" — Eunice Knapp. 

"How can we secure the co-operation of 
the parents?"— B. P. Reed, Esq. 

"When and in what order shall the 
brandies taught in our common schools be 
taken up?" — Prof. Saunders. 

Great interest was manifested in' the 
discussion of each of these questions, but 
more especially in those of "corporal 
punishment" and "compulsory education." 

Thursday evening President Barclay 
delivered a very entertaining and instruc- 
tive lecture on "The art of securing atten- 
tion," which was listened to with attention 
and marked appreciation. Mrs. Coltou 



read an excellent essay entitled "Gather 
up the fragments." The audience was 
favored with several pieces of good music 
rendered by some of the best musical tal- 
ent of the city. The music was under the 
direction of Prof. Saunders, assisted by P. 
M. Taylor and wife, Cora Setchel, Mrs. J. 
R. Jones, Mrs. Buff um and Leroy Setchel, 
with Minnie Billington at the organ. On 
Friday evening the exercises consisted of 
music, a discussion, a question-box, a socia- 
ble and several toasts. 

The following officers were elected for 
the ensuing year: A. A. Brunson, presi- 
dent; Emma Ueckart, secretary; Prof. 
Saunders, treasurer; John Reed, President 
Barclay and Francis Moore executive com- 
mittee. 

This meeting was held at the college 
chapel, and was largely attended by 
teachers and others interested in educa- 
tional progress. 



CHAPTER XI. 



THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 



The institution of slavery was always a 
source of trouble between the free and 
slave-holding States. The latter were al- 
ways troubled with the thought that the 
former would encroach on their rights, 
and nothing could be done to shake this 
belief. Compromise measures were adopted 
from time to time to settle the vexed ques- 
tion of slavery, but the fears of the slave- 



holders were only allayed for a short 
time. Threats of secession were o ten 
made by the slave-holding States, but as 
some measures of a conciliatory charac- 
ter were passed, no attempts were made 
to carry their threats into execution. Fi- 
nally came the repeal of the Missouri 
Compromise and the adoption of a meas- 
ure known as the Kansas-Nebraska bill. 



-o K 



*l]p -*- 







HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



313 



This bill opened certain territory to sla- 
very, which, under the former act, was 
forever to be free. About the time of the 
passage of this act, the whig party was 
in a state of dissolution, and the great 
body of that party, together with certain 
democrats who were opposed to the Kan- 
sas-Nebraska bill, united, thus forming a 
new party, to which was given the name 
of republican, having for its object the 
prevention of the further extension of 
slavery. The people of the South imag- 
ined they saw in this new party, not only 
an organized effort to prevent the exten- 
sion of slavery, but one that would event- 
ually be used to destroy slavery in those 
States in which it already existed. 

In 1800 four Presidential tickets were 
in the field. Abraham Lincoln was the 
candidate of the republicans, Stephen A 
Douglas of the national democrats, John 
C. Brecken ridge of the pro-slavery inter- 
ests, and John Bell of the Union. Tin 
Union party was composed principally o,' 
those who had previously affiliated with 
the American or know-nothing party. 
Early in the campaign there were threats 
of secession and disunion in case of the 
election of Abraham Lincoln, but the 
people were so accustomed to Southern 
bravado that little heed was given to the 
bluster. 

On the 20th of December, 1860, South 
Carolina, by a convention of delegates, 
declared, "That the Union now existing 
between South Carolina and the other 
States of North America is dissolved, and 
that the State of South Carolina has re- 
sumed her position among the Nations of 
the earth, as a free, sovereign and inde- 
pendent State, with full power to levy war 



and conclude peace, contract alliances, 
establish commerce, and do all other acts 
and things which independent States may 
of right, do." 

On the 2Kb, Gov. Pickens issued a proc- 
lamation declaring that "South Carolina 
is, and has a right to be a free and inde- 
pendent State, and as such has a right to 
levy war, conclude peace, and do all acts 
whatever that rightfully appertain to a 
free and independent State." 

On the 26th, Major Anderson evacuated 
Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sumter. 
Two days previously he wrote President 
Buchanan's Secretary of War, John B. 
Floyd, as follows: 

"When I inform you that my garrison 
consists of only sixty effective men, and 
that we are in very indifferent works, the 
walls of which are only foutreen feet high; 
and that we have, within 100 yards of our 
walls, sand hills which command our 
works, and which afford admirable sites 
for batteries and the finest coverts for 
sharp-shooters; and that besides this there 
are numerous houses, some of them within 
pistol shot, and you will at once see that, 
it' attacked in force, headed by any one 
but a simpleton, there is scarcely a posi-i- 
bility of our being able to bold out long 
enough for our friends to come to our sue. 
cor." 

His appeal for re-inforcements were 
seconded by Geu. Scott, but unheeded by 
President Buchanan, and entirely ignored 
by John B. Floyd, Secretary of War. 

On the 28th, South Carolina troops oc- 
cupied Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinck- 
ney, and hoisted the palmetto flag on the 
ramparts. On the 29th John B. Floyd re- 
signed his place in Buchanan's cabinet, 



> V 



« V- 



314 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



charging that the President, in refusing 
to remove Major Anderson from Charles- 
ton Harbor, designed to plunge the coun- 
try into civil war, and added: "I cannot 
consent to be the agent of such a calam- 
ity." On the same day the South Caro- 
lina commissioners presented their official 
credentials at Washington, which, on the 
next day, were declined. 

On the second day of January, 1861, 
Georgia declared for secession, and Geor- 
gia troops took possession of the United 
States arsenal in Augusta, and Forts Pu- 
laski and Jackson. 

Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, seized 
the forts at Beaufort and Wilmington and 
the arsenal at Fayetteville. On the even- 
ing of the 4th, the Alabama and Missis- 
sippi delegations in Congress telegraphed 
the conventions of their respective States 
to secede, telling them there was no pros- 
pect of a satisfactory adjustment. On the 
7th, the conventions of Alabama, Missis- 
sippi and Tennessee met in secret con- 
clave. On the 9th, Secretary Thompson 
resigned his seat in the Cabinet on the 
ground that, contrary to promises, troops 
had been sent to Major Anderson. On 
the 9th, the Star of the West, carrying 
supplies and re-inforcements to Major 
Anderson, was fired into from Morris 
Island, and turned homeward, leaving 
Fort Sumter and its gallant little band, to 
the mercy of the rebels. On the same 
day, the ordinance of secession passed the 
Mississippi Convention. Florida adopted 
an ordinance of secession on the 10th, 
and Alabama on the 11th. The same day 
(the llth) Thomas, Secretary of the 
Treasury, resigned, and the rebels seized 
the arsenal at Baton Rouge, and Forts 



Jackson and St. Philip, at the mouth of 
the Mississippi river, and Fort Pike at 
the entrance of Lake Pontchartrain. 
Pensacola navy yard and Fort Barrancas 
were surrendered to rebel troops by 
Col. Armstrong on the 13th. Lieut. 
Slemmer, who had withdrawn his com- 
mand from Fort McRae to Fort Pick- 
ens, defied Armstrong's orders, and an- 
nounced his intention to "hold the fort" 
at all hazards. The Georgia Convention 
adopted an ordinance of secession on the 
19th. On the 20th, Lieut. Slemmer 
was besieged by a thousand "allied troops" 
at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an 
ordinance of secession on the 25th. On 
the 1st of February the rebels seized the 
United States Mint and custom house at 
New Orleans. The Peace Convention as- 
sembled at Washington on the 4th, but 
adjourned without doing anything to (piiet 
the disturbed elements. On the 9th, a 
provisional constitution was adopted at 
Montgomery, Ala., it being the Con- 
stitution of the United States "re-con- 
structed" to suit their purpose. Jeffer- 
son Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen 
President, and Alexander II. Stevens, of 
Georgia, Vice-President of the "Confed- 
erate States of North America " Jeff. Davis 
was inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 
25th it was learned that General Twiggs, 
commanding the Department of Texas, 
had basely betrayed his trust, and that he 
had surrendered all the military posts, 
munitions and arms to the authorities of 
Texas. 

Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated March 4, 
1861, in front of the capitol, the inaugu- 
ration ceremonies being witnessed by a 
vast concourse of people. Before taking 



M> 



4 



I- 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



315 



the oatb, Mr. Lincoln pronounced in a 
clear, ringing voice, his inaugural address, 
to hear which, there was an almost pain- 
ful solicitude, to read which the whole 
American people and the civilized world 
awaited with irrepressible anxiety. With 
that address, and the administration of 
the oath of office, the people were assured. 
All doubt, if any had previously existed, 
was removed. In the hands of Abraham 
Lincoln, the people's President, and him- 
self of the people the government was 
safe. 

Traitors were still busy, plotting and 
planning. Troops were mustering in all 
the seceded States. On Friday, April 12, 
the surrender of Fort Sumter, with its 
garrison of sixty effective men, was de- 
manded and bravely refused by the gal- 
lant Major Anderson. Fire was at once 
opened on the helpless garrison by the 
rebel forces, numbered by thousands. Re- 
sistance was useless, and at last the Na- 
tional colors wers hauled down, and by 
traitor hands were trailed in the dust. 
Ou Sunday morning, the 14th, the news 
of the surrender was received in all the 
principal cities of the Union. That was 
all, but that was enough. A day later, 
when the news was confirmed and spread 
through the country, the patriotic people 
of the North were startled from their 
dreams of the future — from undertakings 
half completed — and made to realize that 
behind that mob there was a dark, deep, 
and well organized purpose to destroy the 
government, rend the Union in twain, and 
out of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, 
wherein no one would dare question their 
right to hold in bondage the sons and 
daughters of men whose skins were black. 



Their dreams of the future — their plans 
for the establishment of an independent 
confederacy — were doomed from their in- 
ception to sad and bitter disappointment. 
Everywhere north of Mason and Dixon's 
line, the voice of Providence was heard: 

' 'Draw forth your million blades as one; 
Complete the battle now begun; 
God fights with ye, and overhead 
Floats the dear banner of your dead. 
They, and the glories of the past. 
The future, dawning- dim and vast, 
And all the holiest hopes of man, 
Are beaming- triumphant in your van." 

' 'Slow to resolve, be swift to do ! 
Teach ye the False, how lights the True! 
How buckled Perfidy shall feel. 
In her black heart the Patriot's steel, 
How sure the bolt that Justice wings; 
How weak the arm a traitor brings; 
How mighty they who steadfast stand, 
For Freedom's dag and Freedom's land." 

President Lincoln, on the 15th of April, 
issued the following proclamation : 

' 'Whereas, The laws of the United States have for 
some time past, and are now, opposed, and the exe- 
cution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Car- 
olina, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and 
Texas, by combinations too powerful to be sup- 
pressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceed- 
ings, or by the powers vested in the marshals; now 
therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the 
United States, by virtue of the power in me vested 
by the Constitution and the laws, have thought to 
call forth, and hereby do call lorth, the militia of the 
several States of the Union, to the number of "5,000, 
in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause 
the laws to be duly executed. 

The details for this subject will be immediately 
communicated to the State authorities through the 
War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to 
favor, facilitate, and to aid this effort to maintain the 
honor, the integrity, and existence of our National 
Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, 
and to redress wrongs already long endured . I deem 
it proper to say that the first service assigned to the 
forces hereby called forth will probably be to re- 
possess the forts, places and property which have 
been seized 'from the Union; and in every event the 
utmost care will be observed, consistently with the 
object aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any de- 
struction of, or interference with property, or any dis- 
turbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the 
country; and I hereby command the persons com- 



+4?=z 



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316 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



posing the combinations aforesaid, to disperse and 
retire peaceably to their respective abodes within 
twenty days from this date. 

Deeming that the present condition of public af- 
fairs presents, an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, 
in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitu- 
tion, convene both Houses of Congress. The Sena- 
tors and Representatives are therefore summoned to 
assemble at their respective chambers at 12 o'clock, 
noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, then 
and there to consider and determine such measures 
as in their wisdom the public safety and interest may 
seem to demand. 

In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. 

Done at the city of Washington, on the fifteenth 
day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independ- 
ence of the United States the eighty-fifth. 
By the President, 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
William H. Seward, Secretary of State." 

The last word of this proclamation had 
scarcely been taken from the electric wire 
before the call was filled. Men and money 
were counted out by hundreds and thou- 
sands. The people who loved their whole 
country, could not give enough. Patriot- 
ism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated 
through every heart. The farm, the work- 
shop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the 
bench, the college, the school house — every 
calling offered its best men, their lives and 
fortunes, in defense of the Government's 
honor and unity. Party lines were for a 
time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in 
moments of political heat, were forgotten 
and forgiven, and, joining hands in a com- 
mon cause, they repeated the oath of 
America's soldier statesman: "By the 
Great Eternal, the Union must and shall 
be preserved!" 

Seventy-five thousand men were not 
enough to subdue the Rebellion. Nor 
were ten times that number. The war 
went on, and call followed call, until it 
seemed as if there were not men enough 



in all the free States to crush out the Re- 
bellion. But to every call for either men 
or money, there was a willing and ready 
response. The gauntlet thrown down by 
the traitors of the South was accepted; 
not, however, in the spirit which insolence 
meets insolence, but with a firm, deter- 
mined spirit of patriotism and love of 
country. The duty of the President was 
plain under the constitution and laws, 
and, above and beyond all, the people, 
from whom all political power is derived, 
demanded the suppression of the Rebel- 
lion, and stood ready to sustain the author- 
ity of their representative and executive 
officers, to the utmost extremity. 

While all the country was springing to 
arms, Kossuth county, which was in- 
tensely loyal, did not stand back, but men 
flocked to the standard of the republic 
from all parts of the county. Of course 
but few men represented this precinct in 
the front of lurid battle, for in I860 the 
whole population of the county only num- 
bered 410, but her qnota was ever kept 
full. In this connection is given first the 
actions of the various boards of county 
supervisors, in relation to the war and its 
prosecution, in regard to bounties and 
support of the families of the "brave boys 
in blue" who represented this people in 
the service of the United States. 

At a special session of the board of 
supervisors held in April, 1862, the follow- 
ing preamble and resolution was passed: 

Whereas — The governor has asked for 
5,000 volunteers, as a part of the quota 
of this State, under the late call of the 
President for 300,000 men, and 



\vr 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



317 



Whebeas — Thie whole compensation of- 
fered, by our governor, is less than labor 
is now worth in this county, therefore, 

Resolved, That to enable patriotic citi- 
zens to enlist without great pecuniary loss, 
the county of Kossuth will pay to each 
volunteer from this county, in addition to 
the pay and bounty offered by the State 
and general government, the sum of $10 
bounty at the time of enlistment, and the 
further sum of $5 per month during the 
time such volunteer shall be in the service 
of the country, under such enlistment, 
which sum shall be paid monthly to such 
person as said volunteer may designate. 
In case of the death of such volunteer, 
said sum shall be so paid to his widow 
or minor children until the expiration of 
his term of enlistment, and the clerk is 
hereby ordered to issue to any bona fide 
resident of Kossuth county, who may so 
volunteer, warrants on the county fund of 
the amount; and at the times above des- 
ignated." 

This resolution was shortly afterwards 
revoked and a substitute for it passed by 
which the bounty was made $25, instead 
of $10, and the monthly compensation 
increased to $10. 

Jan. 5, 1863, the board also passed the 
following resolution : 
Whereas — Kossuth county has furnished 
more than her full quota of volunteers un- 
der the different calls of the President of 
the United States, therefore, 

Resolved, That the resolution of the 
board of supervisors which was passed in 
July, 1862, in regard to bounties to vol- 
unteers, be so amended. That no person 
who is mustered into the United States 
service after the date of the passage of 



this resolution shall be entitled to said 
bounty or monthly pay, or any part 
thereof. 

But as the war progressed and call suc- 
ceeded call, and men grew scarcer, or 
were loth to leave their homes and loved 
ones to mingle in the fatal fray, it became 
necessary for the board to take some 
steps to induce enlistments. On the 28th 
of December, 1803, therefore, they passed 
a series of resolutions, of which the fol- 
lowing is an abstract : The preamble 
goes on to recite the circumstances, and 
the resolution, says, that, "to induce per- 
sons to enlist to fill the quota of this 
county, under the recent call for 300,- 
000 men, the county of Kossuth will pay 
a bounty of $500, and authorize the clerk 
to issue the necessary warrants, with the 
proviso that this was only to be paid to 
those who enlisted before the date of the 
proposed draft on the 5th of January, 
1864. This provision was inserted that 
the men receiving the bounty would en- 
list in ample time, to be credited to the 
county, and avert the impending draft. 
To meet these war debts, the board, at the 
same time, ordered the levy of a special 
tax to make a separate fund for the re- 
demption of the warrants issued to tlLe 
volunteers. The first warrant issued to a 
volunteer under this resolution was for 
$500, drawn in favor of Henry M. Johns- 
ton, and bore the number twenty-three, 
and dateof Jan. 12, 1864. 

Nearly one year later, in August, 1864, 
it became again necessary to furnish 
more volunteers as food for powder. 
At an extra session of the board a resolu- 
tion was passed whereby it was, Resolved, 
"That the clerk of the board of supervisors 



,t. 



318 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



bo instructed to issue Kossuth county bonds 
to the amount of $1,000, payable ten years 
from date, with ten per cent, interest, pay- 
able annually, to each volunteer who shall 
enlist to fill the present quota of Kossuth 
county, on their presenting the proper 
evidence that they have enlisted and been 
accepted." 

This was afterward amended so that the 
volunteers could by election have either 
warrants or bonds. 

Under the call of the President for 
300,000 more men, dated December, 1864, 
the board of supervisors resolved, that 
each member thereof should act as agent 
in his own .township to procure men to 
fill the quota necessary from that town- 
ship, on the best terms that they could 
procure men for, not to exceed in amount 
$1,000 per man. These were, also, to re- 
ceive pay in the bonds of the county, as 
under the last call. This was passed at a 
session held Jan. 16, 1865. 

THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 



COMPANY A. 



John Reed. 
Abiather Hull. 
William Moore. 
C. E. Orcutt. 
Charles Gray. 
M. J. Sample. 
John Stockham. 
William Thayer. 



William T. Crockett. 
George W. Barnes. 
Johu Talbot. 
Rufus Sanderson. 
George Benschoter. 
W.T.Hecsley. 
Thomas Miller. 
O. B. Wilson. 



A full and complete history of this fa- 
mous regiment, their trials, marches and 
contests may be found in the history of 
Hancock county. It would be needless to 
reiterate it here, and the reader is referred 
to the chapter on this subject in its proper 
place in the annals of that county. 



SECOND CAVALRY REGIMENT. 



COMPANY F. 

Henry M. Patterson. Charles Moll 

William B. Carey. 

John K. Fill. 

Horace Schenck. 

Simon Helpmen. 

J Calvin Heckart. 

Elias Kellogg. 

Levi Carey. 

John Ehingher. 



Edward P. Crockett. 
Thomas J. Clarke. 
John Henderson. 
A M. Johnson. 
Charles Kellogg. 
James Taylor. 
John ReibhoJf. 
David Holcombe. 



Nothing is more difficult to do than to 
write the history of a cavalry regiment. 
Separated in companies, on detailed ser- 
vice, scouting in knots and squads, sel- 
dom, if ever, preserving its regimental 
formation. A sketch of it as a unit would 
be an almost impossible task. Thesecond 
was organized with W. L. Elliott, of the 
regular army, as colonel, and was mus- 
tered into the active service of the United 
States at Davenport, the 1st of Septem- 
ber, 1861. Besides its endless duties as 
scouting parties, videttes and train-guards, 
it participated in the siege of Corinth, 
battles of Booneville, Rienzi, Iuka, Cor- 
inth, Coffeeville, Palo Alto, Birmingham, 
Jackson, Grenada, Colliersville, Moscow, 
Pontotoc, Tupelo, Oldtown, Oxford and 
Nashville. After a severe and dangerous 
campaigning of over four years, it was 
mustered out at Selma, Ala., Sept. 19, 
1865, and officers and men returned to 
their homes. 

NORTHERN BORDER BRIGADE. 

COMPANY A. 

Captain, William H. Ingham. 

1st Lieutenant, Edward E McKnight. 

2d Lieutenant, Jesse Coverdale. 

Privates and non-commissioned officers. 
II. C. Watson. J. R. Armstrong. 

Addison Fisher. August Zahlten. 

Christian Haekniau. William Crook. 



"^<s ■- 



% 



V~ 



^u 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



319 



Thomas J. Clarke. 
John Ileggarty. 
Henry Patterson. 
John \V Summers. 
James Young. 



J. G. Greene. 
Andrew J. Jones, 
Thomas Robinson. 
Michael Smith. 
Jacob Altwegg. 



Quartermaster. 
Lieutenant Lewis H. Smith. 

The Northern Border Brigade was raised 
during the Indian troubles in Minnesota, 
in 1862, for the defense of the northern 
frontier. In August, Capt. William H. 
Ingham, of Algona, received notification 
and a commission from the adjutant-gen- 
eral of the State of Iowa, N. B. Baker, to 
enlist a company for service in this bri- 
gade. The men were to be only such as 
would be accepted by the United States 
inspecting officer, able-bodied and be- 
tween the ages of eighteen and forty-five. 
The pay of these State troops was to be 
exactly the same as that paid to regular 
volunteers in the service of the general 
government, with the exception of boun- 
ties, premiums, etc. Capt. Ingham imme- 
diately took steps to enlist the company, 
which was soon done. The various com- 
panies, on being raised, were forwarded 
to the frontier, the company in question, 
A, going to Estherville, Emmett county, 
where they threw up some fortifications. 
The raising of these troops by the State 
produced complications with the United 
States authorities, and on the application 
of Gen. Sully for their withdrawal and 
lisbandment, the following order was 
issued by the State war department: 

State op Iowa, ) 

Adjutant General's Office, [ 
Davenpokt, Nov. 21, 18G3. ) 
General Orders No. 127. 

I. Capt. William II. Ingham's company, 
organized i'or service of the State of Iowa on the 
northwestern frontier, under General Orders 



No. 121, will be discharged on the 1st day of 
January, 1864, or at an earlier date upon being 
relieved by U. S. troops. 

II. Capt. William II. Ingham will proceed on 
the 1st day of January, 1864, or at an earlier 
date, upon being advised of relief by U. S. 
troops, to the posts where any details of said 
company are located and there muster out said 
detachment. 

III. Capt. William H. Ingham is hereby or- 
dered to turn over to Lieut. Lewis H. Smith, Quar- 
ter-master of Noithern Border Brigade, all arms, 
equipment-;, ammunition, commissary stores, 
forage and all other public property, taking his 
proper receipt therefor, and reporting with same, 
in person, to this Department, to be mustered 
out. 

IV. Lieut. Lewis H. Smith will hold all such 
property subject to orders of this Department. 

By order of Commander-in-Chief, 
N. B. Baker, 
Adjt. Gen. and A. Q. M. Gen. of Iowa. 

In accordance with this, the company 
was mustered out and returned to their 
homes. 

twenty-second infantry. 
J. C. Cummins, company unknown. 
Richard Parrott, company unknown. 

company and regiment unknown. 
Levi Stone. John Long. 

D. N. Crosby. Lafayette Brinklcy. 

John S. Sixby. Martin V. B. Jones. 

Lieut. -Col. Spencer, for years past, the 
postmaster at Algona, had the most thrill- 
ing adventure in the way of an escape 
from rebel prison-pens, during the war. 
At the request of many prominent citi- 
zens the history of the trials endured 
and the perils braved, written by Gen. 
John A. Kellogg, of Wisconsin, is here 
inserted. 

In the first place, it must be premised 
that Captain, afterward Col. Spencer, 
was captured in front of Richmond, and 
after having quite an experience of the 



""» » 



F 



320 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



rebel pens, was taken at Charleston, S. C. 
He in company with the others, made 
their escape, on the 5th of October, near 
Branohville, S. C, and reached the Union 
lines after twenty-one days of unparal- 
leled hardships. But let Gen. Kellogg 
tell the story: 

"Five months previous an officer had 
been captured, who succeeded in retain- 
ing possession of a very accurate topo- 
graphical map of Georgia and South Caro- 
lina. This map had been copied by Capt. 
John B. Vliet, one copy of which I 
had been fortunate enough to obtain. I 
was also in possession of a small compass, 
presented to me by Commodore Pender- 
grast, when he was exchanged. I conversed 
with several of my companions, and found 
four beside myself, ready to take the 
chances with me in an attempt for liberty, 
by way of a trip across the States of 
South Carolina and Georgia, on the under- 
ground railroad. 

The party consisted of Capt. John 
Vliet, Capt. Henry Spencer, Lieut, (or 
Adjutant) Gough, of the 10th Wiscon- 
sin; Lieut. Hatcher, of the 30th Ohio, 
and myself. 

At last the morning of the 5th day of 
October, 1864— the last day of imprison- 
ment, so far as the above named were 
concerned — dawned upon us. There 
had been rumors for several days, that 
we were to be removed to another prison, 
but nothing definite could be gleaned 
from the rebel authorities. No notice was 
given until the very morming of our de- 
parture. In fact many of us thought that, 
like many rumors of exchange that had 
preceded it, it would end in nothing. 



But that morning just after roll call, 
we were officially ordered to hold our- 
selves in readiness to take the cars within 
one hour, for Columbia. 

The rebels had taken the precaution to 
time the removal, so that we had but one 
day's rations on hand, with the view of 
preventing us from attempting to escape, 
for lack of food; but they did not, for all 
this, relax any in their efforts to retain 
us in their possession. A regiment (the 
30th Georgia Infantry) was detailed to 
guard us, and we filed out of the yard, 
our parole ended. 

Between the long lines of grey coated 
soldiers wearily watching our every move- 
ment, the long procession of prisoners 
marched once more through the streets 
of Charleston to the railroad depot. Our 
party managed to keep together and were 
assigned the same car, located near the 
center of the long train. The transpor- 
tation furnished was as usual, freight 
cars, and each car crowded to its utmost 
capacity. The side doors were thrown 
open to furnish air and we secured a 
place between the open doors. Four 
guards were, as usual, stationed on the 
inside, and from five to six others on the 
roof of each car, with orders to shoot any 
one of the prisoners attempting to leave 
the car without leave. The guards inside 
our car took their station at each corner 
of the open doors. 

At length, everything being in readi- 
ness, the whistle tooted, the wheels be- 
gan slowly to revolve, and we were soon 
formed; we were to wait patiently until 
night, and then selecting a time when the 
cars were running down grade, at their 
maxium rate of speed, jump from the 



T 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



321 



train. It was necessary that the cars 
should lie moving rapidly, as the guards 
would have but little difficulty in riddling 
us with bullets, and the guards on each 
car, in succession as it passed, would have 
a chance for a shot at us at unpleasantly 
short range, and for the same reason our 
chances would be better in the dark. We 
could easily calculate that at the usual 
rate of running we could not reach Col- 
umbia until alter midnight. So that these 
two very essential concomitants to success 
were not beyond the bounds of probability. 
The route selected was to make the near- 
est practicable point in the lines occu- 
pied by Sherman's command, between 
Atlanta and Chattanooga. A careful in- 
ventory of stock belonging to the party 
was taken. Shoes were more essential 
than any other article of clothing. A 
man can travel without a hat or coat, he 
can dispense with under-garments; he 
may even travel sans culottes, but he 
must have his feet protected. All in the 
parly excepting Lieut. Hatcher were pro- 
vided with something in the shape of 
boots or shoes. Hatcher had a pair of 
boots, but they were nearly minus the 
soles, and it was evident that they would 
last hut a few days. Capt. Vliet had a 
pair of long-legged army boots that I 
made up my mind would furnish leather 
enough to make a pair of moccasins for 
Hatcher, and still enough left to answer 
a useful purpose (if not ornamental) to 
their owner. Our clothing was nothing 
to boast of. We each had a coat, shirt 
and pantaloons, and neither hat nor cap. 
There was but one blanket in the party, 
and a new linen sack or bag, we had a 
kettle that I made out of an old paint keg 



while in the Koper Hospital. Spencer 
had about a quart of flour in addition to 
the one day's rations furnished us at start- 
ing, and I had saved a small piece of salt 
pork. 

We had two maps and a compass. One 
difficulty there was yet to overcome; 
there were four armed men to prevent 
our attempt to escape. We knew that at 
the first movement we would be fired 
upon, and if not hurt, the shot would 
give notice to the guards on top of the 
succeeding cars that something was wrong, 
and would result in attracting vastly 
more attention to ourselves personally 
than we were ambitious of attaining just 
at that time. We must either disarm 
them or render their muskets temporarily 
useless. This we accomplished. "Famili- 
arity breeds contempt," so reads the old 
proverb, and it proved so with our guards. 
At first they were on the alert every mo- 
ment; not a movement of the prisoners 
was made that they did not narrowly 
scan; but after a while they became in- 
terested in our conversation and would 
laugh at our jokes. And while at first 
they were watchful, and perhaps a little 
nervous at such close proximity to fifty or 
sixty Yanks, even if they were unarmed, 
this all passed away and we were convers- 
ing together like old acquaintances. And 
as it began to get dark, tired of standing 
so long on guard without being relieved, 
they set their muskets on the floor of the 
car and seated themselves at the corner 
of the open door, with their feet hanging 
on the outside, the bayonets of the mus- 
kets leaning against the top of the door- 
way. 



nv 



"T-v 



322 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



A man was stationed near each senti- 
nel, and, getting in conversation with 
them, quietly raised the hammer of the 
lock from the tube with the thumb, while 
with the little finger the cap was worked 
off the nipple, all without attracting 
attention. Within twenty minutes after 
commencing operations every musket was 
uncapped. Meanwhile we had arrived at 
Orangeburg, and after short delay, the 
train again, started. It was quite dark 
now, and we were only waiting for the 
train to get tinder full headway. At 
length we reached a thick wood, and the 
train was moving through it at the rate of 
at least twenty miles an hour. The pine 
forests through which we were passing 
added to the darkness. The time had ar- 
rived. Quietly notifying my companions 
to be in readiness, grasping the bag before 
described, into which I had deposited the 
kettle and pork, I gave the signal and 
sprang from the car out in the darkness. 

It is very difficult to describe one's sen- 
sations in jumping from a rapidly moving 
to a stationary object. It is as one would 
imagine it would be, jumping from a sta- 
tionary ohject upon a large and very 
rapidly revolving wheel. You do not fall 
but the earth comes up and hits you, and 
then, unless you hold fast to something, 
you roll off. I struck first upon my feet, 
and then upon the back of my neck, and 
then, as it seemed to me, I rolled over 
several times. In fact, before I had fairly 
settled in one position, the train had 
passed me. Some idea may be gained of 
the rapidity with which the train was 
moving, from the fact that five of us 
jumped, one after the other, as rapidly as 
possible, and yet from where I landed to 



where the last struck the earth, it was at 
least twenty rods. Fortunately the ground 
was smooth, though very hard, where we 
landed; and although terribly jarred and 
shaken up, none of us were seriously 
injured, and in a few moments were stand- 
ing together on the track. We knew that 
an alarm would be given, and probably 
we would be pursued. While we were 
talking, a musket was discharged from the 
train, and we heard the whistle sounded 
for "down brakes." We at once plunged 
into the forest in the direction of the 
coast, exactly the opposite of our true 
direction, and traveled perhaps a mile and 
then doubling our track, crossed the rail- 
road within a quarter of a mile of where 
we left it, and taking a northwesterly 
course, commenced our pilgrimage towards 
Sherman and liberty. Our object in ap- 
parently wasting precious time in making 
a false start, was to puzzle the pursuers, 
whom we knew would be on our track in 
the morning. 

We had hardly left the railroad when, 
in the thick brush ahead of us, we heard 
men's voices, and the barking of dogs! 
Hist! lie down! Which way are they 
heading? Straight for us! Shall we run? 
No, that will not do ; we will be heard 
and followed. Crouching upon the ground 
in a thicket, scarcely breathing, we waited 
their approach. Soon they were near 
enough to understand their conversation. 

"Wonder what dat shot for?" said a 
voice. 

"Do'no, reckon it war a geard on d it 
train." 

"Hey Cresar, you rascal! what de matter 
now, old boy? Dat dog smelt somethin!" 

"Coon, I reckon." 



'rv 



\/ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



323 



"Dat no coon. See de way he growl 
and show him teef!" 

"Heyar, Caesar! Come, Caesar, hunt 
'em up, boy! What ye got clar, scars ye 

80?" 

By this time, we couhl distinguish two 
forms through the darkness, and could see 
the dog smelling around upon our track. 

It was a ticklish moment. It was evi- 
dent that the men were negroes; probably 
out hunting for coon or opossum. If they 
discovered us, they might betray us. So 
we thought then, the only thing we could 
do was to keep still and wait the de- 
nouement. 

"Wonder what dat is?" said one; "don't 
act like coon. Reckon we better let dat 
alone." 

"Reckon so, too. Come heyear Caesar!" 
and whistling off the dog, they passed on, 
greatly to our relief. 

As soon as they were fairly out of hear- 
ing, we started on through the woods, 
taking a northwesterly direction, stopping 
occasionally to consult the compass and 
reassure ourselves as to direction. Through 
the brush, over fallen trees, now in quag- 
mire, now on ridges, among the stolid 
pines, we toiled on. At length we found 
a road running in the direction of our 
march, and striking into it with acceler- 
ated pace that amounted almost to a 
double-quick, with hearts cheered by our 
successful escape from the train, and with 
high hopes of final success, on and on we 
traveled. No words were spoken above 
the breath, and they only such as were 
actually necessary, from the leader to 
guide those in the rear. The leader, with 
body half bent, listening intently to every 
sound, and straining his powers of vision 



to their utmost capacity, and as any un- 
usual noise attracted his attention, by a 
low "hist!" halting those following, while 
he went forward, carefully to reconnoiter 
the ground, and then at the word, again 
forward; like specters, we flitted over that 
lonely road. So eager were we that day- 
light found us somewhat unprepared. We 
were in a cultivated country; corn fields 
on both sides of us, a house in plain sight; 
on our left, in a field, was a thicket, with 
a corn field on one side running quite up 
to the thicket. Leaving the road, we 
struck across the field and gained the 
thicket, fortunately, without being dis- 
covered, except by a house dog, that barked 
furiously at us until out of sight, and then 
with a growl, sought his kennel again. 

Selecting the densest part of the thicket, 
we spread our coats upon the ground, and 
after consulting our compass and map and 
guessing at our location, and finding that 
we had traveled, as nearly as we could 
judge, about twenty-five miles, drew our 
blanket over us and were soon sound asleep 
— with the exception of one who was de- 
tailed to stand guard. 

Our sleep was of short duration, how- 
ever, for as the sun came up, the horns, 
from all sides of us, calling the negroes 
to their labors, the crowing of the cocks, 
and all the customary sounds on a south- 
ern plantation, in such close proximity, 
warned us that we might be accidentally 
discovered at any time, and rendered us 
sufficiently anxious as to preclude the pos- 
sibility of sleep, until we had become ac- 
customed somewhat to our peril, and the 
nervousness, so to speak, had in a meas- 
ure passed away. It was only the knowl- 
edge that we must sleep to be able to keep 



324 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



awake when the friendly darkness should 
again shield us from sight, that induced 
as to even try to secure this much needed 
means to recuperate our exhausted physi- 
cal powers. 

Thus watching and dozing, by turns, 
the long day at length came to an end. 
As soon as it was dark, we were fortunate 
enough to find some corn and beans, not 
yet quite hard. This we secured, and 
building a small fire, and shielding it 
from observation by surrounding it with 
a screen made of our coats and blanket, 
boiled the food in the kettle and ate heart- 
ily of the nutricious succotash. Thus in- 
vigorated, we again started on our journey 
toward our lines. Passing through the 
corn field, we reached the road again; our 
hearts were light and our courage redoub- 
led. It was evident that we were not 
pursued; if we had been, we would have 
been everhauled during the day, and we 
intended to put a good thirty miles more 
between ourselves and our starting-point 
before morning. 

We had been on the road about an hour 
when ahead of us, apparently in the road, 
a light was discovered. A halt was called 
and this phenomenon discussed in all its 
bearings. Why should a fire be kindled 
in the road? Was it an outpost of the 
enemy's cavalry? Was it the negroes 
building a fire for fun? Was it a guer- 
rilla party out on a scout? Or was it that 
the country had been notified of our es- 
cape, and the inhabitants looking for us? 
Without arriving at any definite conclu- 
sion, it was decided, at all events, to flank 
the danger, whether real or imaginary, by 
making a detour around the suspected 
point. Acting upon this decision, we left 



the road and took to the brush, in the fol- 
lowing order: First, myself, followed by 
Spencer, Hatcher, Vliet, Gough, one fol- 
lowing the other in single, or Indian file. 
We had thus progressed perhaps forty 
rods, when our onward course was ar- 
rested by something moving through the 
brush in our front. I immediately halted, 
and, by a low "hist," notified those in the 
rear of danger ahead, then throwing my- 
self upon the ground, cautiously crawled 
forward to reconnoiter. I soon discov- 
ered an object resemblingaman cautiously 
picking his way through the brush toward 
us. Occasionally he would stop and ap- 
parently reconnoiter and then again cau- 
tiously advance. It was just opposite the 
tire in the mad — distant from it perhaps 
thirty rods. Could it be that there was a 
picket line here, away so far from the con- 
tending forces? At all events, lie was so 
close to us that he must have heard us. 
Was he watching to get a shot at us? I 
could feel the hair rise on my head as I 
contemplated this probability, as he was 
not more than a rod from us. 

What was it best to do? After think- 
ing it all over for sometime, I decided 
upon the desperate plan of attacking him, 
and, by a sudden assault, to disarm him 
if possible and trust to Providence for 
the result. 

Slowly and carefully I raised to my 
feet, and with a mental prayer for suc- 
cess, dashed upon an overgrown hog that 
was peacefully following his legitimate 
business of gathering acorns. 

It is difficult to determine whether the 
relief afforded by the discovery of his 
hogship was adequate compensation for 
the sudden letting down from trie feeling 



Ai 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



325 



of desperation to which we were wrought 
up but a moment before, or whether our 
first sensations combined more of the 
horrid than the ridiculous. The fact is 
we were too frightened to laugh, and alto- 
gether too much relieved to be angry. 

But a moment was lost in contempla- 
tion of our situation. I gave the signal 
to move forward, and started. I heard 
my companions following, and safely 
passing the fire that had first alarmed us, 
soon regained the road. 

I may as well say right here that we 
never found out what that fire did mean, 
or for what purpose it was kindled. We 
only know that, be the purpose for which 
it was built what it may, it resulted dis- 
astrously for our little party, as the sequel 
will show. 

Upon reaching the road it was dis- 
covered that two of the party were miss- 
ing. Vliet and Gongh were absent. 
What could it mean? Had they been 
intercepted and taken prisoners? Could 
it be that they had. voluntarily cast loose 
from us, and taking this course to do it? 

There was one circumstance that 
squinted that way. Early in the evening 
Vliet had both compass and map. Just 
after we discovered that fire, he had re- 
turned them to me, witli the remark that, 
should we get separated, he could get 
along better without the compass than I 
could; but, in justice to my companions 
and to myself, let me say that that thought 
found no lasting resting place in our 
minds. We knew both Vliet and Gough 
too well to believe that they would pur- 
sue such a course, if they had for any 
reason concluded to divide the party, they 



would have told us of their plan, man- 
fully, and not have deserted us. 

It was decided at once to institute a 
search. We dared not halloo, nor make, 
any unusual noise to attract their atten- 
tion. It must be a still hunt. So, leaving 
one to watch the road, the other two took 
the back track, and retraced our steps to 
where we had discovered the swine. We 
searched bushes and thickets thoroughly, 
but without being able to discover them. 

After spending at least two hours of 
precious time, we were compelled to 
abandon the pursuit as hopeless, and re- 
turned to our companion in the road. 

He had watched closely, but had failed 
to discover anything, and we were com- 
pelled to feel the thought that our party 
was broken in two, that we were sepa- 
rated. Shall we ever meet again? If we 
do, will it be under the stars and stripes, 
or within the walls of a prison pen? 

With saddened hearts our party of 
three, Spencer, Hatcher and myself, again 
started on our lonely journey, doubly 
lonely now. Ruminations upon our un- 
fortuuate separation so occupied our 
minds that we became less watchful of 
our own immediate surroundings than had 
been our custom, or as safety required. 
The result of this state of mind might- 
have proved disastrously had we not been 
rudely aroused from our useless re- 
grets by the sudden need to exercise all 
our faculties for our protection. 

An abrupt angle in the road had con- 
cealed from us the approach of a man, 
until suddenly, without warning, we were 
standing before him face to face. He 
halted immediately. So did we. There 
was no time for concert of action, and 



*?i; 



-i>\\ 



<s k_ 



Ll£, 



326 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



f 



for a moment I was at a loss what to do, 
when Spencer took the iniation by asking: 

"Where are you going?" 

"Ober to Miss Clemen's plantation,' was 
the reply. 

The dialect disclosed what the dark- 
ness concealed, the fact that he was a 
negro. 

The reader will recollect that we were 
in the interior of the enemy's country, 
that every white man, almost without 
exception, was an enemy, who would not 
only esteem it a duty, but a privilege, to 
either capture or kill us at the first oppor- 
tunity. And we did not then know that 
the negro could be trusted. Stories had 
been industriously circulated among us by 
the rebels that the negroes were sure to be- 
tray us if we attempted to escape, and we 
had started out with the determination to 
trust no one, neither white -nor black. 
Notwithstanding this, it was a great relief 
for us to find our new acquaintance was a 
negro. We pursued the conversation, 
however, but little further, and cautioning 
him not to be caught out again so far 
from home without a pass, we started on 
our way and he on his. 

As soon as he was fairly out of sight 
and hearing, we left the road and plunged 
again into the woods. 

When fairly clear of sight and hearing 
from the road, a halt was called for the 
purpose of holding a consultation over our 
affairs. 

We had met one negro, and while we 
had not trusted him any further than we 
could possibly help, yet we wereallof the 
opinion, from his manner, that he mis- 
trusted that we were not southerners. 
Our dialect woidd be sufficient of itself to 



-v 



betray us. We had seen enough of negro 
shrewdness to know that, if the news of 
our escape from the train had been circu- 
lated, as we had every reason to believe it 
had been, he would be at no loss to guess 
we were Yankees. 

After a full discussion of the matter, 
we concluded to take the first road run- 
ning in our direction, and run ourchances 
of the negro's betraying us. We resolved 
further, that in case we came across 
another negro, we would tell him freely 
that we were Yankees — this, of course, to 
depend upon whether we should have 
reason to believe this man our friend. 

Consulting our compass, and from it 
assuring ourselves of our proper direction, 
we traveled on through the woods, per- 
haps five miles. 

At length, finding a road running in the 
direction of our line of march, we pursued 
our journey without further adventure 
until the near approach of daylight 
warned us to again seek shelter of the 
friendly wood, where we could find a 
thicket sufficiently remote from roads, 
and dense enough to afford us shelter from 
observation by any passing wanderer. 
We were successful in finding the desired 
haven, and throwing ourselves upon the 
ground, were soon sleeping soundly. 

So ended our second day's or rather 
night's march. We had traveled as nearly 
as we could judge, only about fifteen miles. 
Thus far we had been traveling in a north- 
westerly direction, through the parishes 
of Orangeburg and Lexington, nearly on 
a parallel line with the railroad running 
from Keyesville to Columbia, about ten 
miles south of the railroad. 



^ 



<» w. 



-« 3> 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



32^ 



We had as yet selected no particular 
point in Sherman's lines as our goal, as 
we were, in fact, at a loss to know what 
place to select. When we lastheard from 
our forces, Sherman had taken Atlanta, 
Hood had succeeded Johnston in command 
of the rebel army, and had commenced Ills 
celebrated movement to flank Sherman 
out of Atlanta, in fact out of Georgia; 
and we were left to conjecture to what the 
effect of the movement would be. 

Atlanta was the nearest point, but we 
were not by any means sure that Sherman 
still occupied that place. 

We finally concluded to make for the 
nearest practicable point on the line held 
by Sherman between Atlanta and Chatta- 
nooga, and our approach to what was 
Sherman's 'ines on the 2d of October to 
gather such information as we could from 
the negroes, and be governed accordingly. 

We had thus far been moving in a 
northwesterly course, and were, as nearly 
as we could calculate, about twenty or 
twenty-five miles southwest from Colum- 
bia. 

We now concluded to make our course 
a little north of west, so as to head off 
some of the streams running into the Sa- 
luda river, until we should strike the Sa- 
vannah river: 

On the approach of darkness we again 
started on our third night's march. 

Nothing unusual occurred until about 
two o'clock in the morning. We had 
traveled on a turnpike road, part of the 
time through a cultivated country, and 
part of the time through a forest of 
stunted pine, the second growth of timber 
upon abandoned plantations. We had 
just passed a large plantation when we 



suddenly came upon a pedestrian, wend- 
ing his way in a direction opposite to our 
own. 

We were too close before seeing to 
avoid him and boldly approached him. 
To our great joy he proved to be a negro. 

By this time we were both hungry and 
faint. The last crumbs of our rations had 
been eaten hours before. When and how 
we were to procure more, was a problem 
difficult of solution. We had tried several 
corn fields, but had been unable to find 
anything but perfectly hard corn. We 
had gathered some of this, and had de- 
termined to boil it and do the best we 
could. Naturally, then, when we discov- 
ered our new aecpiaintancc to be a negro, 
our first thought was to ascertain if there 
was any prospect of supplying our larder 
with something more palatable than hard 
corn, always providing he should upon 
further acquaintance, prove our friend. 
Notwithstanding our desperate situation 
as to the matter of food, and the fact that 
we had deliberately determined to trust 
the first negro we should meet, our inter- 
course to a looker on, would have been 
strangely cautious on both sides. 

Our conversation, as nearly as my recol- 
lection serves me, was substantially as 
follows : 

Yankee-"Well, boy, where are you trav- 
eling so late at night?" 

Negro — " Been ober to see my wife, 
massa." 

Yankee — "Where does your wife live?" 

Negro — "Down about a mile from nine- 
ty-six." 

Yankee — "Ninety-six. Let's see ; that's 
on the railroad, isn't it?" 

Negro — "Yes ; reckon it is." 



1* 



«<?|« 



i \> 



328 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Yankee — "Whose boy are you?" 

Negro — "Massa Gen. Haygood's." 

Yankee — "That's his plantation about a 
mile down this road, is it not?" 

Negro— "Yes ; dat's massa's plantation 
whar de big house is." 

Yankee — "Well, boy, what do you think 
of the war now going on ? Your master 
is in the army, I suppose ?" 

Negro — "Yas, massa, in de army. I 
(Immo jes wot I does tink bout it." 

Yankee — "Well, you know that the Yan 
kees are trying to make you blacks all 
free, don't you?" 

Negro — "Wall, I bab heard dat dey 
war." 

Yankee — -"Do you want to be free, or 
had you rather be as you now are, a slave?" 

Negro — "Well, massa, I don't 'zactly 
know. 'Spect every man likes to own bis- 
self." 

Yankee — " Well, now, supposing you 
found a man on his road toward liberty, 
that had been a slave or a prisoner, would 
you help him, or would you betray him?" 

Negro — "Who is you, massa? What- 
for you asksiuh queer questions?'' 

Yankee — " Suppose we tell you — sup- 
pose we put our lives in your hand, will 
you betray us ?" 

Negro — "No, I reckon not ; but who is 
you?" 

Yaukee — "We are Yankee officers, and 
have been in prison. We are now trying 
to get through to our lines, and want 
you to help us." 

Negro — "'Fore God, massa, is dat so?" 

Yankee — "Yes, that is so. We have 
started for the Yankee lines in Georgia. 
Now you won't betray us, will you, when 
you know we are trying to help you and 






your people, and to give them their lib- 
erty ?" 

Negro — "'Fore God, massa, if you is 
what you say you is, I will do every ting 
for you. Tell me, massa; wot ken I do?" 

Yankee — " The first thing is something 
to eat, and next, we want to know whether 
you have heard that any Yankees escaped 
from the train, when we were being taken 
from Charleston to Columbia." 

Negro— "Yas sir, I hab heard all 'bout 
dat, and dey has been huntin' de country 
all ober for you, and (taking a tin-pan 
from his head) my wife hab made some 
biled bacon and greens for me to take 
home wid me, and you's welcome to dat, 
if you want it." 

We stood upon no ceremonies, but seat- 
ing ourselves upon the ground, we greedily 
devoured the poor negro's boiled bacon 
and greens, with a relish that an epicure 
might envy. It was astonishing the ra- 
pidity with which we stowed away six 
quarts of greens and bacon, and yet truth 
to tell, the supply was not equal to the 
demand, and if there had been another 
panful, I venture to say it would have fol. 
lowed the same downward road traveled 
by its predecessor, without any extra effort 
on our part. So having swallowed the 
man's dinner, and obtaining from him all 
the information that it was in his power 
to impart, with thankful hearts, and with 
courage and physical vigor renewed, 
we again started on our way. 

But the night was not to pass away with- 
out our experiencing a reverse almost 
commensurate with our former ffood 
fortune. Hatcher, as the reader will 
remember, was when we left the cars, 
almost destitute of boots. The old 
. — _. ■ — 



;rv" 



£=£ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



329 I 



pair he started with had become almost 
useless ; the soles were nearly or quite 
gone. Still they were vastly better than 
iione, when traveling through brush, but 
when in the smooth road he could do bet- 
ter barefoot, and when we met the negro, 
he was carrying his boots in his hand. 
Strange to say, when we again started on 
our journey, he left them lying beside the 
road where we had eaten our nocturnal 
dinner, and had failed to discover his loss 
until many miles stretched their weary 
length between us and the forgotten prop- 
erty. It was so near daylight when the 
loss was discovered, that we did not dare 
to retrace our steps for fear of being dis- 
covered. Poor Hatcher was discouraged. 
To attempt to travel across two States 
barefooted, looked like an impossibility. 
If we only had Vliet's long boot legs, the 
problem would not be so difficult of solu- 
tion. The hard disagreeable fact stared 
us iii the face Hatcher must be supplied 
with something to cover his feet. To 
attempt to obtain it from the negroes, we 
knew it to be a hopeless task. A pair of 
shoes was, to the best, treated of them, 
something to be hoped for, prayed for and 
and when obtained, preserved with the 
greatest care. Even the whites were 
driven to extremities for clothing of every 
description, and shoes were more espe- 
cially hard to obtain at any price. There 
was no hope of obtaining them in that 
way. 

What should we do? I say we, because 
we had started out with the agreement 
that we would, under any and all circum- 
stances, keep together. If one fell sick, 
the others were to remain with him, giv- 
ing him the best care we could until he 



was able to travel, or died ; but that we 
would, under no circumstances, give our- 
selves up, or voluntarily abandon the at- 
tempt ; so that the misfortune of one, 
was the misfortune of all. 

Something must be done. An inventory 
of stock was taken. I had a pair of 
badly worn shoes; Spencer had a boot and 
a shoe; we had a kettle made from the 
paint keg, and the new linen sack. Here 
were the materials from which a pair of 
shoes was to be constructed, and we ac- 
complished the feat. An inventory of 
tools, one needle and a jack knife. A 
close inspection of the sack showed that 
it was strong, new, and that the ravelings 
could easily be converted into stout 
thread. There was leather enough in 
Spencer's one boot leg to furnish the soles, 
and material enough in the sack to make 
the uppers. It was amusing to see the 
rapidity with which Hatcher's face short- 
ened up, as one difficulty after the other 
was overcome. It took the combined 
mechanical skill of the party to fashion 
and fit them; before night we had accom- 
plished the feat. Hatcher had by far the 
best shoes in the party ; and, if we had 
only been supplied with rations,we should 
have started out that night in better con- 
dition for a night's march than when we 
jumped from the train. 

But the fact was, we were hungry, and 
we found after an hour's march, that we 
were getting faint. Provisions must be 
had in some way; so leaving the road, we 
struck into a plantation in hopes of find- 
ing either corn or sweet potatoes. We 
were fortunate enough to secure some 
hard corn, and a quantity of a species of 
bean, the like of which I never saw at the 



~f 



330 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



north. They are called peas, by the 
natives, but there is nothing about them, 
either in growth or appearance, that re- 
sembles a pea, and they don't taste like a 
bean; but, be they what they may, they 
are nutritious, if not palatable. Build- 
ing a fire in a hollow, and then making a 
screen of our blankets and coats, to pre- 
vent the light from being seen, we pro- 
ceeded to cook our corn and beans. We 
soon discovered, however, that while it 
was an easy matter to cook the beans in 
this way, hard corn has a perverse dis- 
position to remain hard corn, however 
much you may boil it, and while our sup- 
per served a very useful purpose, it was 
nothing to boast of in point of palata- 
bleness. In fact it was what would be 
deemed by people generally, a very poor 
supper, and made our jaws ache in the 
effort to masticate it. We lost at least 
three hours in finding, cooking and eating 
our supper ; so that daylight found us 
only about eighteen or twenty miles from 
our shoe shop of the day before. 

We knew that the people had been 
notified of our escape, and that in all 
probability there were parties even then, 
searching for us.' We knew also that they 
had not as yet been able to get upon our 
trail. Every consideration of prudence 
would demand that we should remain con- 
cealed in the day-time, and we fully in- 
tended to do so, but as the long day 
slowly dragged to a close, we became im- 
patient and concluded to risk a start be- 
fore dark, traveling outside of any road, 
and thus make up for lost time. We 
were anxious also to find a negro, if pos- 
sible, and procure something to eat, more 
palatable than boiled corn. 



So taking our course by the sun, we 
left the road and plunged into the woods. 
After traveling perhaps four or five miles 
in this way, we were somewhat astonished' 
at hearing voices not far from us, and 
hastily concealed ourselves in a thicket. 
What was our astonishment to see two 
white men pass us not more than a rod 
from our place of concealment. After 
they had passed on, we discovered that 
we had been traveling nearly on a par- 
allel line with a well traveled road, and 
probably had not been out of sight of it 
for a mile back, judging from the direc- 
tion of the road as far back as we could 
see, and comparing the direction with the 
one we had been traveling. Here was a 
dilemma. Had they discovered us, and 
gone on, making no sign, with a view of 
getting arms and returning for us, or had 
we been fortunate enough to escape ob- 
servation ? 

It was evident that in case they had 
discovered us, our only safety lay in im- 
mediate flight. So taking an entirely 
new direction, we came to an open cul- 
tivated country. Beyond a field in our 
front we could see a wood; we determined 
to risk crossing the field, and then change 
our course again. Skulking behind thick- 
ets, we at length succeeded in reaching 
the friendly shelter of the woods once 
more, but not without being seen. 

At the corner of the field, near the 
woods, was a cross-roads, and near by, a 
church. We could see neither roads nor 
church until reaching the ferry, and then 
it was too late to return. The first inti- 
mation that we had of the existence of 
either, we were in full view of the church, 
situated to the left of our line of march, 



*jf 



<E lb. 



-" — 9 i 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



331 



and notwithstanding that by our reckon- 
ing it was not the Sabbath, it was filled 
with people, and some kind of religious 
services were being held. 

It was only a few rods, and we would 
be out of sight, but we were not fortu- 
nate enough to escape observation. Wo 
could see two or three finger ends pointed 
at us, and it was evident that we attracted 
much more attention than we were at all 
ambitious of receiving just at that time. 

As soon as we were out of sight, our 
careless measured walk suddenly changed 
to a brisk run. Leaving the road we had 
for a little distance traveled on while in 
sight of the church, we struck into the 
woods again, and as good fortune would 
have it, we happened to discover a negro 
cutting brush, and immediately told him 
who we were and our dilemma. 

"You git in de brush ober dar," said he. 
"Dere is a big meetin' goin' on, an' lots 
ob white folks on de roads. Mighty dan- 
gerous runnin' 'way to-day. 

"But suppose they come after us, now, 
won't they find us?" we asked. 

"Golly, marss, I reckon I ken fool dem 
if dey do, if dey don't go for de dogs an' 
dey ain't no nigger dogs less dan eight 
miles, an' its most night now. Reckon 
you una is hungry, ain't ye? Looks as 
do yo didn't have nuftin to eat for a wee — 
S-a-h Mars! git in dat brush quick! deres 
white folks comin !" 

The warning came not a moment too 
soon. In the road, not more than a dozen 
rods from us, we could see persons mov- 
ing. Throwing ourselves upon the 
ground, we crawled into a thicket and 
waited the denouement. 



The negro caught his ax and com- 
menced cutting brush industriously. 
Soon gathering an armful of it, he started 
for his cabin, situated on the road in 
sight of our retreat in the thicket, and he 
so timed his rate of speed as to reach his 
cabin about the time the parties on the 
road passed it. 

We could see them in conversation, and 
soon after we saw them pass on and the 
negro go into his hut. By this time it 
was nearly dark. 

Imagine, if you can, our suspense dur- 
ing the time we were waiting for our sa- 
ble friend's return. Would he be true to 
the interests of three unknown men, 
simply upon the statement that they were 
Yankees? Would not the education of 
a life time of slavery teach him to side 
with the strong against the weak, as a 
matter of policy, knowingthat, for him to 
deliver up to the whites three Yankee 
officers who had escaped from prison, 
would give him a local notoriety for 
fidelity to his master and his master's in- 
terests, that would make him the hero of 
the neighborhood, among the white men 
at least, and probably insure him a re- 
ward that to him would be riches? or, 
would he be faithful to his race and peo- 
ple, by succoring their recognized friends, 
for it is a fact that none of that race were 
so ignorant that they did not know that 
the result of the war was to be to them 
either freedom or perpetual slavery. 

The action taken by the black man was 
to us a question not of capture, nor of im- 
prisonment, but of life, for we had fully 
intended that we would not be recaptured 
again. If necessary we would die, but bo 
recaptured while we had life or reason 



_»l> 

^r* 



332 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



never! But little was said by either of 
us, but our thoughts were mirrored in our 
faces. 

About an hour after dark we heard 
foot-steps stealthily approaching our hid- 
ing place. Oh, how anxiously we listened! 
Was there more than one footstep? Yes, 
there are two of them — we can hear them 
talking together — what shall we do? Run 
now, while we have a chance, or wait and 
fight? If they are after us they will be 
armed of course. Now, they are coming 
again! We can hear them breathe! 

"Say, Joe, I tell ye dey was de patroles 
jest follerin' ye, boy; dey wan't no Yan- 
kees, deys jes tryin' to see wot you'd do 
if dey was Yankees, and dey'll gib you de 
debbil!" 

"I know better'n dat. Didn't I talk 
wid 'em, and didn't dey talk Yankee? 
'Sides two of dem had on blue coats. Tell 
ye I know dey was Yankees, and I'se 
goin' to find 'em an' gib 'em somethin' to 
eat." 

Our fears were gone; our unjust sus- 
picion removed. We would have been 
ashamed to have had that faithful fellow 
know how unjustly we had dealt by him 
in our thoughts. 

We left our lair and joined them at 
once. A hearty clasp of the band, and 
fervent thanks from all of us in turn, soon 
convinced them that we were indeed 
Yankees. 

A generous loaf of corn-bread and some 
sweet potatoes, nicely baked in quantities 
to suit the demand, soon filled our empty 
stomachs — and it was wonderful how 
much brighter our prospects immediately 
became. Say what we may, there is a 



very close affinity between one's stomach 
and state of mind we call courage. Poorly 
fed and over-worked troops will not and 
cannot fight with the courage of fresh 
troops with well rilled stomachs. 

Our prospects, that a few moments be- 
fore locked so dark, were now rose colored. 

It was not altogether that we had satis- 
tied the cravings of hunger, and thereby 
invigorated our physical powers, that re- 
newed our courage to endure the hard- 
ships before us; we now had evidence of 
the fidelity of the negroes to us as the 
representatives of the great element of 
freedom, then in combat with slavery. It 
was evident to us that we could trust the 
negroes as a class — not because of any 
sympathy they had for us personally, but 
because they appreciated the vital neces- 
sity of their race in the struggle. The 
difficulties of the long and dangerous 
road before us seemed vastly lessened, 
and to a great extent shorn of their 
terrors. The majority of the inhabitants 
along our route were friends; ignorant, 
it is true; prisoners at large, so to 
speak, but nevertheless our friends, who 
would shield us so far as lay in their 
power; would feed and shelter us from 
our enemies; and to the best of their abili- 
ty, would aid us on our journey. 

These faithful fellows also told us how 
our first friend had managed to mislead 
the persons our unfortunate exposure at 
the church had put on our track. He 
managed to meet them on the road, with 
his load of brush, and upon their inquir- 
ing if he had seen any strangers pass 
along, replied that he had, and that they 
had crossed the field and gone off in a di- 
rection opposite to our place of conceal- 



.\s,r- 






HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



:i:s:: 



raent. They, believing his statement, had 
followed the direction indicated by him. 

We were warned, however, that they 
would probably get the dogs and put them 
on our track, and as the reader can easily 
imagine, this did not serve to make us feel 
any the more secure. We determined to 
make our greatest efforts in the way of 
traveling that night; so, securing the rem- 
nant of our supper, and an old coverlet 
furnished by our friends, we again start- 
ed on. 

As ill luck would have it, early in the 
evening we were unfortunate enough to 
again incur the risk of capture, by rea- 
son of — as it seemed tons — extraordinary 
religious excitement among the inhabi- 
tants. We were traveling along the road, 
using, as we thought, all due care, when 
suddenly we came upon a private house, 
situated near the road, where there was 
another gathering for religious services. 
The door was open, and several gathered 
around it on the outside. We passed 
along the road, without attracting any 
particular notice, as we thought then, but 
taken in connection with our appearance 
at church the day before, it might serve 
to put the hounds on our track. We 
pushed on, however, with accelerated 
speed and beating hearts. We made a 
good night's march — traveling at least 
twenty-five miles, as near as we could 
judge. 

At daylight we again sought the cover 
of a thicket, and throwing ourselves upon 
the ground, were soon soundly sleeping. 

It would seem, that after our experience 
of the day before, we would have been sat- 
isfied to have remained quiet during that 
day; and so probably we would, had it not 



been that about noon we heard the bay- 
ing of hounds! Were they after us? 
We listened. They were certainly in the 
direction of our trail! What should we 
do? Remain and test the question as to 
whether the dogs were after us or other 
game, or should we again risk traveling 
by daylight? and if after us, give the dogs 
a long race, even if we should be captured 
in the end? We decided on the latter 
course; so, taking our direction from the 
compass, we started on through the forest 
—running where the ground would admit 
of it; and again plunging through the 
most inaccessible thickets, to delay horse- 
men if they should attempt to follow us. 
About four o'clock in the afternoon we 
came into an open, cultivated country. 
Here, great caution was necessary. We 
were beside a fence — on one side a corn, 
field, in front and on the other side, an 
open, uncultivated space. Skulking so as 
to keep our heads below the top of the 
fence, we started. 

We had nearly reached the end of the 
field, when on our right, in the corn-field, 
in a hollow that had concealed them from 
our sight, were about twenty negroes of 
both sexes, two white men and one white 
woman, engaged in husking corn. They 
saw us about the same time we did them. 
There was but one way to do; so straight- 
ening ourselves up, we walked by them, 
trying to look as unconcerned as possible. 

We passed the field, and on into the 
woods beyond; then, at the first opportu- 
nity, we halted, and one of our number 
skulked back to see what effect our sud- 
den appearance had upon the natives in 
the corn-field. It took but a moment to 
satisfy ourselves on that score. They had 



<a_ — «_ 



*L 



334 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



scattered like a covey of quails at the ap- 
proach of the hunter — all running, some 
in one and some in another direction. It 
was evident that the country would be 
aroused, and we would have the hunters 
on our trail, if they were not following 
us before. 

Now then for it boys ! We must gain 
all on them we can. A short run brought 
us to a stream of water, and into it we 
plunged, without a moment's hesitation. 
Turning our heads dow 7 n stream, we floun- 
dered along; now over huge boulders, 
then into holes up to our chins, now 
through shallow rapids and again through 
the deep still water. We were profiting 
by 'the South Carolina "man.hunter" in 
the swamps. The stream was rapid most 
of the way, and would carry our scent 
down with its turbulent waters. We 
must stick to the stream as long as we 
could. Stop! What is this? A bayou 
putting into the stream, and overhung 
with willows on its banks. Here was 
our refuge. Wading out into the bayou 
and behind the willows, we were safe 
from observation, at least. 

We had left no track since reaching the 
stream, and unless the hounds were saga- 
cious enough to catch our scent from 
either the air or water, they would be 
baffled. At all events, it was our only 
safety. 

Hark! did you hear it? Listen! Yes 
here they come! Away np the creek, at 
regular intervals, the baying of the hounds 
could be distinctly heard. Now then for 
it! Will they be able to discover our re- 
treat? Listen! do you hear them? No, 
they have ceased their infernal howl. 
Now comes a long pause, and then the 



notes of a horn; soon a noise along our 
side of the creek was heard! The hunt- 
ers are upon us! The bayou is reached 
and crossed — on and on, down the creek, 
out of sight and hearing! 

Thank God, thank God, we are safe! 
Hark! not too fast! they are coming back! 
Nearer and nearer the hounds of the hunt 
came, on the other side of the creek, and 
going up again. They have passed us, 
and again the sounds of the chase die out, 
and are heard no longer. 

Shivering with cold, we remained in 
the water until night, and then, exhausted 
as we were with cold and hunger and ex- 
citement, traveled during the entire 
night, making at least twenty-five miles. 

Just before daylight it commenced to 
rain, not a drizzling mist, but a regular 
down pouring rain — as though it had a 
days work to perform, and meant to get 
most of it done before noon. A rain that 
not only wet to the skin, but gave you a 
good sound pelting beside. The reader 
will recollect that it was in October, and 
even in South Carolina the weather was 
not as warm as it might be, and the nights 
especially, were cold and unpleasant. It 
was no pleasing prospect — that of crawl- 
ing into a thicket and lying down in the 
pelting rain, with neither shelter nor fire. 
But disagreeable as it was, we hailed the 
rain with rapture. We remembered the 
lesson of our man-hunter of the swamps. 

"The rain gits us; dogs can't keep the 
scent after a smart rain." We knew that 
beyond a reasonable doubt, that the hunt- 
ers would be able to get on our track in 
the morning, and without .this merciful 
rain — sent, as it seemed, by kind Provi- 



35* 



Aj: 



4, 



niSTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



33E 



deuce — we should probably be overtaken 
before night. 

Shivering with cold and nearly exhaust- 
ed by fatigue and want of food, we 
crawled into a thicket, some twenty rods 
or less from the highway upon which we 
had been traveling, and throwing our- 
selves upon the ground, drew our one 
blanket, and the old coverlet obtained 
from our black friend over us, and sought, 
by lying close to each other, to retain 
enough of the natural heat of our bodies, 
to prevent perishing with cold. Oh, how 
we did suffer! It required all the force 
of will of which we were possessed to 
prevent us from stirring around. It was 
only by keeping before our minds, con- 
stantly, the fact that if we attempted to 
travel, or even stir around among the wet 
bushes, it would be a very easy matter 
for the hounds to get our scent again. 
So with aching bones and chattering 
'eeth, we lay therein the rain and waited. 

The sun was up, but his rays could not 
penetrate that dense rain cloud. Oh, 
what, a blessing would have been even a 
few moments enriched by his cheering 
beams! If we had only dared, we had 
the material with which to build a fire 
and relieve our suffering; but to build a 
fire would only advertise our exact local- 
ity for miles. Thus the tedious hours 
slowly passed. 

About noon we were rewarded for our 
self-denial by seeing two horsemen and 
five hounds pass along the road. Their 
business — it required no stretch of the 
imagination to determine. The men 
were armed with carbines, and were evi- 
dently searching for somebody, and we 



were strongly of the opinion that we knew 
who it was. 

In the afternoon the sun came out 
once more, and throwing off our wet 
blankets, we sunned ourselves in his 
cheering beams. But still we did not 
dare to move around much. Our own 
safety consisted in keeping down the 
scent. If we started on now through the 
wet bushes, we could be easily followed, 
for after our impromptu bath of the day 
before and our thorough drenching sub- 
sequently from the rain, it would not re- 
quire a very sagacious dog to smell us at 
a quarter of a mile. 

We were nearer the road than we 
thought really safe, but we were afraid 
that if we attempted to put more distance 
between us and the road, we would run 
more risk of creating a scent that could 
be caught by the dogs than by remaining 
where we were. 

About 5 o'clock in the afternoon we 
saw the same men and dogs returning. 
As they were about opposite to us, one of 
the dogs, evidently the leader, stopped 
and threw up his head, snuffed the air for 
a moment as though there was game near; 
but the men fortunately did not notice 
him. After snuffing around for a short 
time, he dropped his head and followed 
the other two brutes on horseback — on, 
and out of sight. 

Hurrah! we are saved! Not by any 
skill or foresight of our own, but by the 
merciful interposition of Divine Provi- 
dence, in sending the rain, and thus de- 
priving our enemies of their only means 
of tracing us. 

We had now been without food about 
twenty-four hours, were cramped and our 



330 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



V> 



joints stiffened by cold and exposure to 
the rain; yet we hailed the friendly dark- 
ness that closed around us, shielding us 
from observation, with feelings of grati- 
tude to the Great Giver of all Good. We 
could endure hunger and fatigue vastly 
belter than we could our enforced inaction. 
At the earliest practicable moment, 
therefore, we were again on the road. 
Our greatest need, just then, was food. 
We were becoming weak, and we knew 
that unless we could get relief soon, 
our strength would entirely fail. We 
knew also that it would not do for us 
to attempt to visit the negro quarters 
to procure supplies — that the country 
was surrounded, and that we were un- 
doubtedly watched for. The negro quar- 
ters would, of course, be placed under 
surveilance. We therefore concluded to 
depend upon our own resources, or rather 
upon our ability to forage upon the 
resources of the enemy, to supply our 
pressing need. It was late, however, 
nearly, or quite 12 o'clock at night before 
we reached the plantations. Immediately 
on discerning one, reconnoisance was 
made and the location of the dwelling 
house and negro quarters ascertained. 
Avoiding the~e, we commenced a search 
for food. Sweet potatoes are usually 
abundant on the southern plantations at 
this season of the year, but we were not 
able to find any. We found plenty of 
corn, however, but hard as flint. We 
also found a quantity of black peas or 
beans,bef ore described; and this was all we 
could accomplish in the way of providing 
a supper. Skirting the plantation we 
finally reached again the highway be- 
yond it, and a consultation was had and 



all the pros and cons of the situation were 

discussed. 

After due deliberation it was decided 
that it would not be safe to build a fire — 
the light would betray us. We must do 
the best we could with the raw material. 
So dividing it between us, we munched 
the hard, dry corn as we walked. 

We were now near the Savannah river, 
about two miles south of Abbeville, in the 
parish of Abbeville, S. C. Since our 
adventure at the church, detailed m a 
former chapter, we had been obliged to 
devote all our energies to saving ourselves 
from a recapture, and had necessarily 
made many divergencies from our line of 
march, so that while we had traveled a 
long distance we had gained but little so 
far as reaching Sherman's lines was con- 
cerned. But now we again took up our 
regular line of march, as there was but 
one obstacle in our way that caused us 
much uneasiness. The Savannah river, a 
deep and rapid stream, was to be crossed, 
and but two of the party could swim — 
Spencer and myself. Hatcher must be 
got over the river in some way, but how? 
We had studied on this difficulty for sev- 
eral days, and had concluded that if we 
could do no better, to make a raft and 
float him across, provided we could find 
the materials with which to construct one. 
We did not dare to take a boat, because 
if we left it on the opposite shore from 
which we took it, the enemy would cer- 
tainly get on our track. If we turned it 
adrift after crossing, the missing boat 
would serve the same purpose, and after 
our success in getting rid of the hounds 
in one case, we were determined not to 



f 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



337 



have them again on our track if we could 
avoid it. 

Slowly the long night passed away. I 
say slowly, for we were becoming wretch- 
edly tired and faint. Long exposure and 
excitement was beginning to tell upon us. 
It was only by the exercise of tmtfthatwe 
were enabled to move at all. Under or- 
dinary circumstances neither of us would 
have believed himself capable of marching 
an hour. Daylight at length admonished 
us that we must seek shelter again for an- 
other twelve hours. It so happened that 
on this morning daylight overtook us in 
an open, cultivated part of the country, 
and the best we could do was to crawl into 
a thicket in the midst of an open field, 
where we lay all day, dozing and munch- 
ing corn alternately. At length darkness 
again closed around us, and exhausted, 
footsore and almostdisheartened, we again 
started on our tedious journey. 

A road not very well traveled, evidently 
not a turnpike or public highway, running 
in the direction we desired to travel, be- 
ing discovered, we concluded to follow it. 
This road, unfortunately, as we then 
thought, led us to a plantation, and di- 
rectly through the negro quarters. It was 
early in the evening. The house was sit- 
uated but a short distance from the quar- 
ters. It seemed a fearful risk to run, to 
attempt to pass at so short a distance from 
the house, and through the quarters so 
early in the evening. If we had not been 
so nearly exhausted, we certainly should 
not have attempted it, but to make a de- 
tour would involve extra travel, through 
the forest and woods, and we were Justin 
that state of mind that rather than incur 
any extra travel and the bruises and 



"?; 



scratches to our already blistered feet and 
lacerated limbs, we would rather take the 
extra risk, so we boldly pushed on. It 
was Sunday evening. The cabins of the 
negroes were all, with one exception, 
closed, and no one stirring. In passing 
the last cabin I discovered, through the 
only open door of the row, an old negro 
apparently alone, sitting before the fire. 
I instantly determined to apply to him for 
help, and whispered to my comrades my 
thought. They hid in an angle of a fence 
while I boldly entered the cabin, closed 

the door and barred it. 

* * * * 

By this time our provisions were again 
exhausted. We were casting about in our 
minds as to where and how they were to 
be procured, when beside the road, not 
more than a dozen rods ahead of us, we 
saw a bright fire. We determined to re- 
connoiter the ground carefully, and if we 
found negroes in charge of it, to make 
ourselves known, and if possible to pro- 
cure provisions. So using the greatest 
care to preventbeing seen, we approached 
near enough to see that a negro, appar- 
ently alone, was engaged in boiling some- 
thing in a large iron kettle suspended 
over the fire. 

We at once advanced and engaged him 
in conversation. We told him who we 
were, and made known our wants. He 
called his wife, who immediately set about 
baking a corn pone for us. 

We found that he was stealing from his 
hours of rest, after his daily toil, to make 
for himself a little sorghum molasses — the 
material for which had been furnished by 
his master, upon condition that he should 
make it after working hours. The corn 



*K 



4. 



338 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



pone and molasses, which he liberally fur- 
nished to us, was taken from his meagre 
allowance, and no doubt at the expense of 
actual hunger to himself and his wife. 
Nothing hut the direst necessity would 
have induced us to accept food from him 
under such circumstances. As it was, we 
took just sufficient to allay the cravings of 
hunger, and were about to leave him, hut 
mistrusting that we refrained for fear of 
impoverishing him, he stopped us. "Eat 
all you want, ruassa's," he said, "de Lord 
will provide moe for dis chile. Dar is 
plenty of it; don't ye be afeard; 'taint as 
good as it might be, but de Lord bress ye, 
dar's plenty of it." The generous fellows 
importunities so far overcame our scru- 
ples that we accepted from him, in addi- 
tion to what we had already eaten, a good 
sized corn cake and about half a pint of 
sorghum molasses. 

With thankful hearts we bade our 
friends good-bye, and again started on. 
By daylight we had reached the Etowa 
river. This is a much smaller stream than 
the Chattahoochee, and quite shallow. It 
now being daylight, we again found a 
thicket, and throwing ourselves upon the 
ground, were soon soundly sleeping. 

At the approach of darkness, we plunged 
into the river and crossed it without dif- 
ficulty or danger; but, shortly after cross- 
ing the stream, the road we were travel- 
ing led us into a small village. I have 
been unable to find any record of it on any 
map — a place where three roads diverged. 
There was one building, evidently used as 
a store; there were two or three dwelling 
houses, and a blacksmith shop. The 
trouble was for us to select one of the 
three roads. Near the center of the vil- 



lage was a guide-post; upon it were nailed 
three guide-boards. The village appeared 
to be buried in slumber. One or two 
curs welcomed us with noisy barking; 
otherwise we were unable to discover any 
signs of life. 

It seemed dangerous for us to travel 
through a village, and yet it was most 
important that we should be able to select 
the correct road. We had determined to 
make Calhoun the point at which to strike 
Sherman's lines. After consultation, it 
was determined to risk an examination of 
the guide-board. So, boldly inarching up 
to it, I mounted Spencer's shoulders, and 
being elevated by him to the proper 
height, I struck a match and read the dif- 
ferent directions, from which we learned 
that one of the roads lead to Dalorgia, 
distant twenty miles, one to Cassville, 
forty miles, and the other to Jasper, ten 
miles. 

The road leading to Jasper was selected. 
This place, we learned from the map, was 
the county seat of Pickens county, only 
forty miles from Calhouu. We deter- 
mined to make one-half the distance that 
night, so as to be able to reach our lines 
the following night. 

Unfortunately, about midnight, Hatcher 
became sick and faint. We had partaken 
of but one scanty meal of corn cake 
within the past twenty-four hours. Our 
long journey, and the hardships through 
which we had passed, were beginning to 
tell upon us. Hatcher and Spencer were 
older prisoners than myself. They had 
suffered imprisonment at Libby prior to 
being confined at Macon, and there were 
very few of those old Libby prisoners 
who retained sufficient physical stamina 



;i- 



£. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



339 



to endure the hardships incident to such 
a trip. Spencer, however, was and is a 
man of iron constitution, and his indomi- 
table will kept him up. Hatcher, a noble, 
high-minded young man, had evidently 
concealed from us how nearly exhausted 
he was, until unable to conceal it longer. 
Spencer, who, unknown to us, had pre- 
served a little flour, perhaps half a pint 
for an emergency, now concluded that the 
time for using it had arrived. So halting, 
we kindled a fire, and, in the iron kettle 
before mentioned, we made gruel out of 
the flour. A generous proportion was 
dealt out to Hatcher, and the balance 
divided between Spencer and myself. 

Revived by the nourishment and a 
couple of hours' rest, Hatcher announced 
himself so far recovered as to be able to 
travel again, and we pushed on. But we 
had lost a greater part of the night by 
our delay at the village and the subse- 
quent sickness of Hatcher, so that day- 
light found us only about twelve miles 
nearer Calhoun than when we set out the 
evening before. So anxious were we to 
push ahead far enough so as to be able to 
reach our lines by the following morning, 
that we decided to risk a few hours' travel 
by daylight, as the country through which 
we were then passing was heavily tim- 
bered, and there were but few signs of 
travel upon the road. Using more than 
ordinary caution, we pushed on. We had 
ascended a steep hill and just commenced 
the descent, when, not a rod from us, 
standing partially concealed by a large 
tree, stood a man armed with a long rifle. 
There was no chance to escape. True, 
we might plunge into the brush and fly, 
but it would be with a certainty of being 



followed. Men, under such exciting cir- 
cumstances, think quickly. It so hap- 
pened that I was in advance. Without 
hesitating an instant, I walked up to him 
and asked what he was doing there. To 
our astonishment his reply developed a 
fact that we should not have mistrusted 
from his complexion or general appear- 
ance. He was a slave. 

"I's been down to Massa C4orman's 
plantation, and old massa let me take de 
gun along." 

"Are you a — " I hesitated. The man 
was rather dark complexioned, to be sure, 
but not more so than hundreds I have 
seen that would feel insulted if thought 
to have a drop of negro blood in their 
veins. 

"Where do you live?" I blurted out at 

last. 

"De plantation is 'bout a mile from 
heah; just ober dar by de claim." 

"Who do you belong to?" I finally 
mustered up courage to ask. 

"I belong to Massa Jackson," he re- 
plied. During this conversation he was 
trying to make up his mind who we were 
and wondering what our business was. 

Becoming convinced at last that his 
statement with regard to himself was 
true, I told him who we were, and asked 
him to assist us in procuring food. He 
listened attentively to all we said, was 
perfectly respectful, yet his manner 
showed that he did not believe a word we 
had told him. Noticing this, we com- 
menced talking over our adventures be- 
tween ourselves, paying no attention to 
him but all was in vain ; the man be- 
lieved that we were lying to him. 



340 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



We were nonplussed. Tt wis absolutely 
necessary to our safely that this man 
should be our friend, and we were thor- 
oughly convinced that all that was re- 
quired to accomplish this desirable result, 
was to secure his confidence to the extent 
of believing that we were really Yankee 
soldiers. At length Spencer drew aletter 
from his pocket, written by his father and 
received by flag of truce just, before leav- 
ing Charleston, and, addressing himself 
to the slave, said: "I see you do not 
believe our statements; can you read?" 

"No dis chile has no larnin." "Well, 
this letter I received from my father who 
lives in the north ; I will read it to you." 

He at once rapidly read the contents, 
which was of family affairs, condoling 
with him upon his imprisonment, among 
other things. The man listened to this 
attentively, thought it over for a moment 
or two, looked us over again carefully, 
and finally said: 

"Well, marsa, I believe now you is 
what you said you is. You could'nt make 
dat. up as fast as dat; and if you is Union 
men, (looking again at us sharply, to 
notice the effect of his words ) "If you is 
Yankees, you'ns is all right. 'Dar is a 
ramji <>f linine (/nurds rii/ht close by." 1 
could feel cold chills run up my back, and 
that peculiar feeling of the scalp, as if 
the hair was raising. 

"Home guards!" I exclaimed. "Can't 
we avoid them? We have suffered too 
much, and are too near our lines to be 
captured, now, we would rather die. 
Can't you help us? 

"Why, Lor' bress you, massa, ye don't 
want to void dem ; dey is Union men, 
dey will help you." 



"Yon don't pretend that there is an 
organization of Union men here in Geor- 
gia?" 

"Yes sah ; de strongest kind of Union 
men. Dey is fightin' eb'ry day. Tell 
ye, marsa, 'you is all right.' " 

The tables were now turned on us with 
a vengeance. It was as hard for the slave 
to make us believe his statement as it had 
been for us to convince him that we were 
Yankees. 

After an hour's conversation, and after 
questioning and cross-questioning him, 
we at length became convinced that he 
was telling the truth. It was finally 
agreed that he should accompany us to 
the house of a Union man, which he in- 
formed us was located on the road, only 
about a quarter of a mile distant. One 
of the party was to take the gun, and one 
a club. We were to walk side by side, 
and at the first intimation that he had de- 
ceived us, we were to kill him. 

In this order we arrived at a log house, 
situated a few rods from the road. The' 
contraband knocked at the door. It was 
opened by a woman who seemed anything 
but self-possessed. Our friend inquired 
for the man of the house. The woman 
replied that her husband was not at home, 
in a voice trembling with excitement and 
fear. The contraband saw at once her 
state of mind ; he told her that she need 
not be afraid, that we were Union men 
and were going into the camp, and asked 
her to provide us with a breakfast, and 
told her to send for her husband. 

This, after some hesitation, she conclud- 
ed to do, and dispatched her little son 
upon the errand. In the meanwhile she 
prepared us a good breakfast which we 



T 



fc 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



341 



dispatched. with a relish seldom excelled. 
We waited a few minutes after breakfast 
for the return of the husband ; but no 
husband appeared. At length the woman 
finally told us that it, was extremely doubt- 
ful about her husband's returning while 
we were there. We then thought it very 
strange that our appearance should have 
caused him to desert his house because of 
our entering it, the woman having frankly 
admitted that he ran from the back door 
when we ^entered the front, but we were 
too much excited at the novelty of our 
own position to be very much surprised at 
anything. She also informed us that if 
we were Union men the best thing that 
we could do would be to go to the camp 
of the Home Guards. This advice we 
acted upon at once, and taking our con- 
traband friend as a guide, started for the 
camp. 

We had proceeded but a few rods from 
the house, when we discovered, in the 
road ahead of us, a mounted picket, 
dressed in Confederate gray. 

To describe our feelings at the sight is 
simply impossible. My first impulse was 
to "turn and fly. I grasped my club with 
fierce energy, with the mental vow that if 
that negro had betrayed us into the hands 
of our enemies, to send him to his long 
home, if my life should be the forfeit. 
Not a word was spoken until the sentinel 
challenged : 

"Who goes there ?" 

Spencer replied : "Friends." 

"Advance, friends, and give the coun- 
tersign.''' 

"We have no countersign," I replied. 

"Who are you?" 



My voice trembled as I replied : "Es- 
caped Union prisoners." 

"All right; come in." 

"Wait a moment; are you a Union 
man ?" 

"I just am that ; I belong to the Home 
Guards." 

"Well, who are the Home Guards ?" 

"Union men, belonging around here. 
Come along, and we will take care of 
you?" 

"AH right," we replied, and under his 
guidance we moved forward. We soon 
reached the camp, or rather rendezvous of 
the command. We found perhaps a dozen 
men, all armed, in and around a small but 
comfortable log house." 

They were all safe now and here we 
will lake leave of them. Col. Spencer 
was honorably discharged from the serv- 
ice at the close of the war, after gallant 
service, and refusing a position in the 
regular army, which was tendered him, 
returned, like Cincinnatus, to private life. 

PERSONAL REMINISCENCES of WARTIMES. 

The following reminiscence of the War 
of the Rebellion isrelatedbyD.il. Hutch- 
ins, late lieutenant of company E, 27th 
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The lieutenant 
is at present one of the most prominent 
citizens of Algona, where he is engaged 
in the banking business. 
"Our division was camped near Jeff erson 
barracks, St. Louis, waiting orders, in Sep- 
tember, 1864, at the time of Price's last 
raid; when, on the 25th of the month, the 
division was ordered down the Iron Moun- 
tain railroad toward Pilot Knob, to watch 
the movements of the enemy, as it was 
probable that Price was moving his forces 
toward St. Louis as his objective point. 



-l — »h 



- — ■ • 



« w. 



t\ 



342 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTS. 



Gen. A. J. Smith, with most of the divis- 
ion, halted at a town named De Soto, 
while the 14th and 27th regiments, Iowa 
troops, went on to Mineral Point, at which 
place we went into camp. The next 
morning, quite early, a countryman came 
into cam]). The officer in command was 
notified by some of the citizens that he 
had the reputation of being a bad man, 
and a guerrilla. He was at once placed 
under guard to prevent him from carry- 
ing information to the enemy, as it was 
believed that he was a spy. He was 
guarded that day and the next night. On 
the morning of the 27th he requested per- 
mission of the sergeant of the guard to 
go to the house or a citizen and get some 
breakfast, to which Sergeant Treat con- 
sented. Taking an armed private as 
guard, the three went forty or fifty rods 
to the house, where the prisoner got what 
he wanted to eat. On the return to the 
guard-house the three were going along 
together, when suddenly the prisoner 
grasped the gun from the guard, cocked 
and snapped it at the sergeant, but not 
being loaded, the prisoner was disap- 
pointed in not killing him. He then 
threw off his coat and hat and ran for the 
timber, which was close by, but was 
stopped by the pickets and brought back 
to camp, where the command remained 
until evening, when we were ordered to 
fall back to protect a high bridge over 
the Merrimac river. As soon as the train 
halted the troops were ordered to get off 
on the right of the train, which consisted 
of box and platform cars. The prisoners, 
of whom there were several, were on a 
platform car under guard. Company K 
occupied a box car, next in front of that 



was occupied by my company, E, most of 
whom were on the top of the car, as was 
company K behind us. As soon as the 
order to get off was given, it was a per- 
fect bedlam; those on the box cars had 
to descend by the ladder attached to it, 
and could not get down with their accou- 
trements, so there were many shouting at 
the same time, "hand down my gun, my 
cartridge box,'' and some one thing and 
some another; so there was much noise 
and confusion. Sergeant Penny, of com- 
pany K, and myself sat opposite, he on 
the front left hand corner, and I on the 
left rear corner of the car in front, which 
brought us close together, and there be- 
ing such a crowd and so much confusion 
in getting off on the right, he suggested 
that we get off on the left side, which we 
did, he being in advance, both going down 
on the same ladder. As soon as we 
reached the ground he started to the rear, 
some ten feet in advance of me, when I 
heard the cry, "catch him, catch him," 
which caused me to hurry up to where I 
saw two men, one apparently on the back 
of the other trying to hold him. As it 
was dark I could not tell who the meji 
were, but concluded one ivas Penny, and 
that he was trying to hold the other from 
behind. I threw down a sword in its scab- 
bard, and thought to hold the one trying 
to get away by seizing hold of his coat 
collar, believing I could hold him until 
help would come, as the men were so 
near, but I found he wore no coat. I then 
felt for his hair for a hold of him, and I 
found that as short as though just out of 
prison. I then stepped in front, and as I 
did so, Penny, as it was lie, let go and 
stepped back, and the other man straight- 



w 



•M«- 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



343 



ened up. As he did so I threw my arms 
around his, reaching clear around him 
and pulled him on to me. As I struck the 
ground, he being upon me, I felt a hurt 
near my right shoulder blade. I could 
feel a motion and a pricking as though 
my man was trying to get something into 
me. I immediately shouted, "Help! help!" 
and squeezed him with all my might, and 
still I could feel that motion of his hand 
and the pricking. I shouted again, "Help! 
help!!' I could not discover any attempt 
to get away from me, or any motion even, 
except that continued motion and prick- 
ing at my back as though he was trying, 
as it afterward proved, to get some in- 
strument into me so as to disable me 
thinking that he could then get away. 
I once more shouted, "Help! help!" feel- 
ing that my safety and perhaps my life 
depended on my holding him so he could 
not use his arms. His weight and my 
own pressing on his hand, he could do 
nothing unless he could get his arms loose. 
I began to feel somewhat exhausted by 
the effort to hold him tightly, and it 
seemed, as I lay there with him alone on 
that side of the train, in a dark cut five 
or six feet deep, as though it was a very 
long time from the first shout to the last. 
Very soon after the third calling for help, 
Jake Shannon, of company G, came from 
the front where I had got off the car, and 
immediately belabored my man over the 
head, and, I think, broke his gun at the 
small of the stock at the first blow. He 
then took out his bayonet and pounded 
him on the head until he seemed to wilt, 
as it were. His head dropped by the side 
of mine, and thinking him used up, I re- 
laxed my hold and he slid off and got up 



and walked back toward the rear of the 
train, appearing to stagger as he walked. 
When he had got about fifteen feet a man 
of company H jumped off the platform 
car on which the prisoner had been, and 
was going up the side of the cut, when 
the prisoner turned out of his way and 
struck him in the side; and as he turned 
to defend himself the prisoner struck him 
a second time, cutting out the right eye. 
He then crawled under the train, and 
found himself right in the crowd on the 
opposite side, who took a jack-knife from 
him, tied his arms behind him, doubled 
his guard and placed him on a platform 
car, which ended the picnic for the night. 
13ut the sequel must be told to make out 
the story. It seems the prisoner never re- 
covered his coat or hat when he attempted 
to get away in the morning, and as it was 
quite cold, Sergeant Treat had taken off 
his own overcoat and let the prisoner have 
it to wear, although this same prisoner 
had attempted to take his life in the 
morning. The sergeant had also divided 
his rations with him, and the prisoner 
was just done eating. As he got up from 
a sitting posture he turned to the sergeant 
and said, "Here, take your coat." "No, 
no," said Treat, "you keep it, you need it 
more than I." "I'll not have it," said the 
prisoner, and at the same time threw it 
on to the sergeant, and at the same time 
struck him with a jack-knife that had 
been loaned him to eat with, cutting one 
of the large arteries in the neck, killing 
him almost instantly. Then he jumped 
from the car, was caught by Penny, whom 
he struck in the neck with the knife, cut- 
ting a fearful wound between the jugular 
vein and wind-pipe, cutting from just be- 



8 



344 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



low the chin to the collar bone. At this 
time I put my arms around him and he 
his around me, and I, falling to the 
ground, fell on the point of the knife, 
cutting a gash two and a half inches long 
from the edge of the shoulder blade to- 
ward the backbone. Besides the main 
cut, he had pricked my back in numerous 
places, but could not get force enough to 
do damage. Besides, when I fell on the 
knife it shut on his forefinger, cutting it 
half off, but he managed to open it some 
way, so that when he got up he struck me 
twice — once in the left arm, and again on 
the left breast; the first went to the bone, 
while the force of the other was stopped 
by a row of pins across which his knife 
passed, making a very small hole above 
the pins and one three or four inches long 
below, not going through the lining of the 
coat. He also stabbed Shannon in the 
back, killing one sergeant and wounding 
two others, and wounding two privates, 
neither of whom knew he had a weapon 
until he felt it. The dead sergeant and 
the wounded were put on the cars, and 
the train moved on to De Soto. The next 
morning I found the prisoner, whose name 
we had found to be Shelby Cole, lying on 
the ground near the dead sergeant, sur- 
rounded by a crowd of soldiers, while 
standing not more than two feet from hi* 
feet a soldier came up to the head of the 
prisoner with his gun at order arms, and 
looking down into the prisoner's face, 
said to him, "Why did you kill that man? 
He treated you like a brother; he divided 
his rations with you, and took off his coat 
and suffered with the cold that you might 
be comfortable. To pay him for his kind- 
ness you killed him. \\ hy did you do it?" 



The prisoner answered, "I thought he 
meant to impose upon me." The soldier 
ground out a fearful oath from between 
his teeth and at the same time raised his 
gun two feet or more and brought it down 
with great force across the prisoner's fore- 
head, causing the blood to spurt from the 
nose several feet. Immediately after, Gen. 
Smith was informed what had happened, 
that the prisoner had killed one man and 
wounded four others, and was asked what 
they should do with him. His answer 
was characteristic of the general, who 
answered "bury him." "But general the 
man is not dead." "Damn the difference, 
bury him " The soldiers understood the 
order, and immediately brought a long 
rope and putting it around his ankles, 
dragged him about ten rods when they 
took the rope off his feet and put it around 
his neck, threw it over the limb of a tree 
and drew him up. During these different 
operations he boasted that he had killed 
thirty Union men and was sorry he 
could not kill as many more. If he could 
he would then be willing to die. Hanging 
by the neck did not seem to hurt him. 
After dangling some time one of the men 
walked up and taking his feet under his 
arms ran out one side as far as he could 
raising his own feet he swung his whole 
weight on the neck of the prisoner, back 
and forth, but even this did not seem to 
affect the prisoner. Then two men, one at 
each leg, raised him up, then jerked down 
on him andthisended the life of Shelby 
Cole. Then the general's order was car- 
ried out and he was buried. In the after- 
noon his wife and sister came to town to 
find that the husband and brother was 
dead. The wife shed some tears, but the 
sister said she was glad he was dead as he 
was an awful man. 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



345 



CHAPTER XII 



REMINISCENCES AND EVENTS OF INTEREST. 



Ambrose A. Call, to whom we are in- 
debted for so many items in this history, 
gives the following account of the Spirit 
Lake massacre, and the consequent panic 
that followed, throughout all this part of 
the State. Mr. Call says : 

"In the spring of 1857 the massacre of 
the settlement at Spirit Lake occurred. A 
small settlement of six or seven families 
had claimed the timber and built cabins 
around the lakes. The snow was so deep 
that they had been unable to get out dur- 
ing the latter part of the winter, and con- 
sequently their provisions had run low. 
One family, Robert Ridley, lived on the 
Des Moines river, fourteen miles east, 
near the present site of Estherville (the 
town took its name from his wife, Esther 
Ridley), and four families at a settlement 
called Springfield, in Minnesota, on the 
west fork, near the present site of Jack- 
son. A small band of Indians known as 
"Inkpadutah's Band," had alsogotsnowed 
in at the lakes, and were subsisting on 
fish. There is no doubt but these Indians 
had, for the three years that had elapsed 
since the massacre of a part of Five 
Fingers' band, by Lott," been watching 
an opportunity of revenge. Blood for 
blood, is the sum of an Indian's religion. 
No Indian would ever reach the happy 
hunting-ground of his fathers if his string 



did not number the scalp of an enemy for 
every kinsman slain. The small stock of 
provisions and the few animals, owned by 
the settlers, had doubtless aroused their 
cupidity, also. There is no doubt but the 
attack was premeditated and pre-arranged. 
The sequel is well known ; the whole set- 
tlement with the exception of the women, 
who were taken prisoners, and a small 
boy who escaped by concealment, were 
massacred, and one of these women be- 
coming foot-sore and stubborn, was killed 
and thrown into the Big Sioux river ; the 
other two were ransomed by traders on the 
Upper Missouri river,and returned to their 
friends in the eastern part of the State. 
These women stated that the Indians pro- 
fessed friendship up to the day previous to 
the massacre, when a difficulty had oc- 
curred about some hay which the Indians 
took for their ponies. The settlers were 
doubtless surprised, as there is no evidence 
of any resistance except on the part of 
one Granger, a well known frontiersman, 
who fought desperately, as evinced 
by the numerous wounds he received 
before he fell, and the bullet and toma- 
hawk marks in his clothing and on the 
tree, at the foot of which his body was 
found. He carried two heavy navy re- 
volvers, ami was fought from his cabin to 
a tree, one side of which had been burned 



•f 



— - — ■ ■ ■ 



~^~ 



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346 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



out hollow. Two dead Indians were sub- 
sequently found stuck up in a tree about 
thirty miles northwest of the scene of the 
conflict, supposed to have been killed by 
Granger. After the massacre at the lake 
a part of the band attacked the settlement 
at Springfield, but the settlers, having had 
their suspicions aroused by the actions of 
the Indians, had gathered at the houses of 
Messrs. Thomas and Church and success- 
fully repelled their attack. Here is where 
Mrs. Church, a woman of muscle and 
nerve, distinguished herself in the defense 
of her cabin. 

"Many versions are given of the Spirit 
Lake massacre, but the above is believed 
to be the correct one. Persons living at 
Spirit Lake, the scene of the massacre, 
all of whom have come in since it oc- 
curred, know less about it than those who 
were near at the time of its occurrence. 
The people of this settlement got the first 
news of the massacre from the Fort 
Dodge mail carrier some two weeks after 
its occurrence; immediately following 
came reports of a general Indian war, the 
mar proximity of large bands of Indians, 
other massacres and fights on different 
parts of the frontier. The snow was 
mostly gone, the streams and sloughs all 
bank full of water, with no bridges or 
boats, wh'ich made travel almost impossi- 
ble, and added to the fear and panic of 
the settlers. Placards were posted up 
in the older parts of the State, callingfor 
volunteers and stating that Algona and 
Fort Dodge had been laid in ashes, and a 
company was actually raised at Des 
Moines and another in Boone county to 
march to the relief of Webster City. The 
settlers north and west of us had all 



fled, and some for ]00 miles south and 
east. The air was filled with rumors, 
every stranger was viewed with suspicion, 
and if seen on the prairie was run down 
and captured as an Indian spy. Cranes 
were magnified into Indians, prairie fires 
were mistaken for Indian camp fires, and 
the very howling of the April winds seat 
a chill of horror to the hearts of mothers 
as they clung closer to their babes and 
strained every nerve to catch the stealthy 
tread of a savage. Under these circum- 
stances it is not strange that a large num- 
ber of the settlers, who had families, fled, 
and some never returned. Those who re- 
mained got together and decided to forti- 
fy and fight it out. A stockade was de- 
cided upon to be built under the direction 
of Judge Call and H. A. Henderson, both 
of whom had seen service in the Indian 
country. Couriers volunteered to go be- 
low for a supply of ammunition; these were 
Abe Hill, H. F. Watson and \V. Skinner. 
Experienced frontiersmen on fleet horses 
were sent out beyond the settlements, as 
scouts, to warn the settlers of the ap- 
proach of Indians. Some of our best 
scouts and frontiersmen, including W. H. 
Ingham and A. L. Seely,were absent when 
the news first reached our settlement. 

"The settlers' living in the southern end 
of the county also built a stockade at 
Irvington. This was built of two inch 
oak plank, doubled, the end set in a trench. 
This stockade was about fifty feet square, 
with port holes and bastions. The sup- 
position was, that the building of these 
stockades would give to the settlers a 
feeling of security, and keep many in the 
country, who otherwise would leave, and in 
case of a threatened attack upon theseltle- 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



341 



ment, could be readily occupied, and 
easily defended by the settlers. The 
Algona stockade was six rods square, built 
of two inch plank doubled, and small logs 
split in halves, the flat sides lapped to- 
gether and set in a trench two feet deep, 
which left the wall eight feet high above 
the ground. Port holes were made every 
four feet, and bastions on the northwest 
and southeast corners, a secure double 
gate in the north end, and a well near the 
center. The Algona stockade was built 
around the site of the Town Hall (Congre- 
gational church). Its building occupied 
nearly the whole population about two 
weeks. The mill was kept running night 
and day sawing plank, and a large force 
was also employed in the woods splitting 
timber. The settlers were kept in a con- 
stant state of alarm by rumors of the near 
approach of Indians, which proved a suf- 
ficient incentive to keep them at work. 
A report was started in Huinboldt county 
that a large band of Indians was seen at 
the upper timber on Lott's creek. The 
couriers who went to Fort Dodge for am- 
munition, as they returned, met nearly the 
whole population of Humboldt 'running 
from Indians.' The writer, at this time, 
was 'baching' south of the river, in the 
timber, with three companions. The boys 
worked on the stockade in the day time, 
and boiled sugar, nights. The river was 
bank full, and the only means of crossing 
was a 'dugout' which frequently resented 
the familiarity of strangers by rolling over 
and dropping them into the water. About 
ten o'clock one night we heard fearful 
hallooing at the river, and on going down 
were interviewed by 'Big Burright' from 
the other side who had verbal dispatches 



from head quarters. He said he had been 
sent down to tell us that there was a large 
number of Indians on Lott's creek. That 
it was believed up town they would attack 
the settlement before morning. That the 
news had come in since dark, and the 
people had all gathered at Judge Call's 
and Mr. Henderson's. This news was of 
too much importance to go unheeded; we, 
unfortunately, happening to be on the 
same side of the river the Indians were 
supposed to be on, the writer and Sam 
Nixon at once started to notify the settlers 
and gather them in at Mr. Brown's. They 
needed but little urging, and by midnight 
were all housed and ready to defend their 
castle. At old Dr. Cogley's, after a deal 
of hallooing, a faint response came from 
the neighborhood of the stock-yard. 'Hal- 
loo, doctor, what are you doing out there 
this time of night?' says the interviewer. 
'The Indians haven't been here have they V 
'No,' says the doctor 'and I don't propose 
to have them find me if they do come. 
You see I have my family buried in the 
hay out there, and if the Indians come and 
attack the house, I can tire on them from 
the rear, and they will think I have re- 
ceived i-einforcements, and run. Do you 
see?' Of course we saw the point; but the 
doctor never had an opportunity to test 
his strategy, the Indians having failed to 
put in an appearance. Early the next 
morning, Mr. Maxwell and the writer rode 
down to Lott's creek to see if there existed 
any grounds for the rumors which had 
alarmed us. Of course we found no In- 
dians and no signs of any having been in 
the country. The settlers had all left in 
great haste — some even leaving their 
stock tied and penned up without food. 



av 



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348 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUMY. 



After this scare the settlers began to lose 
faith in Indian stories, and returned to 
their homes. When the condition of the 
streams and sloughs would permit travel 
we found there were no Indians in the 
country, those committing the massacre 
at Spirit Lake, having fled to the west- 
ward. The stockade remained as built 
several years, and was finally pulled do >. n 
and used for road plank." 

The following reminiscences of early 
days, was written by Mrs. C. A. Ingham, 
and published in the columns of the Up- 
per Des Moines, several years ago. The 
compiler of these annals deemed it of suf- 
ficient interest to the people of the county, 
to preserve, in this volume, this picture of 
pioneer life in Kossuth. 

"The great events of the world's his- 
tory are usually chronicled with a pen of 
fire on the grand scroll of time, that the 
eyes of the multitude may see them, and 
catch the glow of their sublimity as they 
pass by. We do not know that any great 
event has been buried in oblivion. We 
incline to the opinion that however genu- 
ine may have been the dreamy rhapsody 
of the poet, when he inhaled the aroma of 
flowers, 'That were born to blush unseen, 
and waste their sweetness on the desert 
air,' yet it was only a poet's rhapsody af- 
ter all, and the tendency is very strong — 
in this practical, utilitarian age — to hustle 
rudely past it, and find out to a certainty 
the true beauty and worth of the world. 

"Progress! that rallying watchword of 
to-day, is no myth, no will-o-the-wisp to 
entice us astray, as some would have us 
believe. Through its grand leadings we 
stand to-day upon the high table-land from 
whence we can view the flowers that shall 



nevermore blush unseen, and breathe the 
fragrance that has found a purer atmos- 
phere than the desert air. 

"But I was to tell you of our first grand 
party. It was in September of the year 
1859, a birthday occasion. The judge had 
built a large handsome residence, and be- 
ing of generous turn of mind, as well as 
his good lady, they determined to call in 
their friends and make them welcome on 
this joyous occasion. It was not to be an 
exclusive affair, just our set and no more 
— in fact we knew but little about sets in 
those days — but everybody in the county 
was to be welcomed. It had been whis- 
pered that the judge's lady was quite proud 
of her new house, and we could hardly 
wonder, for coming into the county at so 
early a day, with both youth and beauty 
to recommend her, she had cheerfully 
made of her log cabin, a not only pleasant 
but hospitable home. The new home was 
not, at the time spoken of, complete, but 
rumor said it was to be very grandly fitted 
up. It was a rather imposing edifice; if 
not suggestive of marble and space, which 
is characteristic of Italian palaces, it was 
at least suggestive of generous home com- 
fort and social good cheer. There were 
whispers of lace curtains, and mirrors that 
should reach to the floor, and tapestry- 
carpets, all of which made the ears of the 
listeners tingle with delightful expecta- 
tion. Well, the night of the party ar- 
rived, and as early as the hour of seven the 
guests began to assemble. There were 
the old, the middle-aged, and the young, 
and not a few mothers with their babies 
in their arms — for what mother could 
forego so much pleasure, even had it been 
considered unfashionable to present her- 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



349 



self with a child in her arms, which in 
those days luckily it was not. More than 
this, the judge's lady had carefully pro- 
vided for this, and had a room in com- 
plete readiness where the little ones could 
receive every comfort. By 8 o'clock 
the guests had all assembled and- were 
mingling in the full pleasure of the occa- 
sion. The judge and his lady were the 
most hospitable of entertainers, greeting 
each new-comer with a cheerful warmth 
which put him at once thoroughly at his 
ease. 

"The judge was a man of marked char- 
acter. Being the founder of the town 
and foremost in every enterprise to en- 
hance its value, people naturally looked 
to him as a leader and counselor. He 
was rather tall than otherwise, with a 
strong, muscular frame, a broad compre- 
hensive brow, over-arching his eyebrows, 
from beneath which he looked forth with 
hardly the earnestness and zeal of one 
who is quick to speak his convictions, but 
rather with that thoughtful, calculating 
look which marks those who weigh mat- 
ters and deliberate coolly. His whole ap- 
pearance impressed you as a man of 
sagacity and comprehension. You would 
hardly feel that he was made of the metal 
which constitutes martyrs, and in things 
spiritual you would be inclined to think 
his faith rested rather in the things that 
are seen, than those which are invisible. 

"His wife was one of those good-hearted, 
good-natured, good-looking women whom 
you always like to meet; who, if they 
have ills and woes and aches, keep them 
out of sight, and give you the impression 
that life is a joy to them rather than a 
burden, consequently impart joy in their 



intercourse with others. Principal among 
the guests were the Rev. Seignior and his 
handsome daughter, the prima donna. 
Then there was the physician, a good- 
natured son of Esctilapius, who might 
have had a fault of looking upon mor- 
tality a little too lightly at times, he hav- 
ing been heard to remark in one of these 
happy moods, 'Nero danced while Rome 
was burning! Why should I mourn when 
a patient dies!' There was the grave 
and somewhat reserved representative and 
his family, a gentleman of candor and 
worth — some said a little slow — but all 
felt, honorable and trustworthy. 

"There was the young and aspiring law- 
yer — our quondam chief of the literary 
band, and his young wife, a fair blonde 
with a look of confiding trust on her in- 
nocent girlish face that told you how will- 
ingly and proudly she rested upon the 
arm of the young lawyer by her side. 
There were scores of young ladies and 
gentlemen, all very gay and evidently 
very happy on this festive occasion. In 
almost direct contrast to the poetical gen- 
tleman was another, whose dark eyes ar- 
rested my attention. He was a tall, slen- 
der gentleman, who evidently in a quiet 
way enjoyed the scene very much. He 
had the air somewhat of the man of society 
and somewhat of the recluse, was a great 
admirer of the judge, and especially this 
grand entertainment seemed just to his 
liking. He was said to be very fond of 
the heroic, and was inclined to become a 
little restive under the restraints and pri- 
vations of frontier life; so this occasion 

was to him a sincere joy, which, no doubt, 
helped to make many future days bright 
and hopeful. At ten, supper was an- 



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350 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



nounced. The doors of the large supper 
room were thrown open and the company 
ushered in. The tables were fully equal 
to the occasion, and every guest found 
sufficient room. To say the supper was 
bountiful would hardly be significant of 
my true meaning. 

"You must remember,in those days,many 
things which had once been comforts 
had to be considered luxuries, conse- 
quently it was no small matter to be 
comfortably placed at a table loaded with 
all that the most fastidious taste could de- 
sire. The Rev. Seignior was invited to 
pronounce a blessing, after which each 
guest was free to dispose of the dainties 
and viands nearest him; and right well 
was this accomplished. We do not be- 
lieve the judge and his lady ever had oc- 
casion to feel that this supper was not 
fully appreciated. After supper there was 
music ami dancing. The young lawyer 
schottished with one of the fair belles of 
the evening. While her father — a gentle- 
man of sixty summers perhaps — recalled, 
with a nimbleness of youth, the jig of 
which was the delight of his early days. 

"The Rev. Seignior, with thejproma donna 
leaning upon his arm, withdrew at the 
commencement of the dancing, but most 
of the guests remained until the festivities 
were brought to a close near the small 
hours of morning. 

"And so this first grand party was 
ended. It was a joy to many, who still 
find joy in recalling it. The light has 
faded from the eyes of some happy faces 
that graced the occasion. 'I he physician 
answers no longer to the roll call of his 
patients, and the fair young wife of the 
lawyer — like a fragrant rose fully ripe — 



bowed her head to the storm and passed 
to the other side. The young gentleman 
with the dark eyes heard his country call 
for men in the great struggle for freedom, 
and the heroic leaped to the surface, and 
he marched away to the battle-field with 
a light in his eye which lingers still — 
though he numbers one among the mar- 
tyred heroes. The poetical gentleman — 
so joyous, so open hearted and brave, on 
a blight spring morning turned his eager 
face toward the great plains of the west, 
and found ere long in their broad bosom 
a quiet resting place, where he now peace- 
fully sleeps, far removed from the tearful 
lament of kith and kin. 

"The great events of time we say do 
not die! And the flowers that blush an 
seen to-day will raise their heads in the 
sunlight to-morrow. So we cherish faith 
in every event that tends to make life 
beautiful, and love to keep bright the hal- 
lowed spot where memory links it with 
the imperishable. And thus step by step 
and deed by deed we too join in the pro- 
longed chorus which forms the world's 
grand symphony. 

'And tread in the paths of the bygone years, 

Mid the ghosts of dead generations; 
Life is sweet with theirsongs and salt with their tears, 

And rich with their souls' oblations. 

We enter to-day and we go out no more. 

Till on through the gloom and the glory. 
We pass to the realms of the gone before. 

And tell them our own sweet story.' " 

A history of Kossuth county wou'd 
hardly be complete without the mention of 
the terrible plague of grasshoppers that 
fell upon this section in past years, and 
devastated the entire county. The first 
of these came as earlyas the 16th of June, 
1867. These, although numerous as the 
sands of the seashore, were but the ad- 



J" — - 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



351 



vance guard of the myriads that came in 
after years. They, this year, destroyed 
whole fields of grain, especially in the 
west side of the county. Algona and 
Lott's Creek township suffered probably 
the most, as these had the most grain 
standing of any of the townships in their 
path. 

In 1873, the countless hosts of the grass- 
hopper army descended upon this fair 
land, and while destroying about half of 
the crops in the county, deposited unnum- 
bered billions of eggs in the soil. These 
hatched out by the warm sun of the sum- 
mer of 1874, and the ground seemed to 
be literally alive, and give forth clouds of 
jumping, leaping, struggling, flying ver- 
min. Field after field, green in the morn- 
ing with the rich, growing crops, before 
. noon was eaten as bare as the sands of 
Sahara. What they seemed to go over 
in the morning, they returned to in the 
evening and made a supper of. The en- 
tire crops of the county were absolutely 
and completely destroyed, and the cry of 
distress went up throughout the land. A 
committee was appointed to go out into 
the more favored portions of the State and 
gather together the contributions of the 
charitably inclined, in the shape of food 
and raiment, for it is said some of the 
best and wealthiest farmers of the county 
were among those who had no food nor 
the wherewithal to purchase any. All over 
our fair State notices were put in the 
papers asking for these donations, and 
committees were appointed. The follow- 
ing, cut from a North Iowa Times, of Mc- 
Gregor, Clayton county, will give some 
idea of the strong appeal made to the 



generosity of the people, for these suf- 
ferers : 

"The following named persons are desig- 
nated to receive contributions for the 
grasshopper sufferers of Kossuth Co., 
Iowa : 

E. S. Fitch, Clayton ; Fleck Bros., 
Guttenberg ; R. Meuth, Buena Vista; 
John Garber, Elkport ; Henry White, 
Volga City ; S. J. Carrier, Strawberry 
Point ; C. F. Stearns, Elkader; William 
Thoma, Garnavillo; C. C. Lang, National; 
C. A. Dean, Monona; T. C. Peterson, St 
Olaf ; Ralph Knight, Windsor ; Adam 
Schneider, Froelick Station ; George L. 
Bass, McGregor. Ship to George L. Bass, 
McGregor, or D. H. Ilutchins, Algona. 

'•D. II. Ilutchins, agent of the Kossuth 
county relief committee, a former well 
known resident of Clayton county, has 
called on us in person, and informs us that 
the entire crop of ten townships of his 
county was destroyed, and that it was 
partially destroyed in the other town- 
ships of the county. That there are over 
2,000 persons in that county needing aid 
this winter. They need clothing, boots 
and shoes, (any old clothing for men, wo- 
men and children) bedding, provisions, 
and money. We earnestly call upon the 
people of Clayton county to organize a 
relief committee in each township to so- 
licit contributions to aid the sufferers. 
E. R. Barron, 
Frank Larrabee, 
State Committee." 

This set-back, although it caused much 
destitution and suffering, and was the 
cause of many selling out and emigrating 
to other quarters, still it was the making 
of this county, turning the attention of 



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352 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



the farming community to the raising and 
growing of stock, and mixed farming, 
until to-day Kossuth county can hold u\> 
her head amoii" the banner stock counties 



of the State. The rich, luscious, native 
grasses that cover her prairies afford rich 
food for the numerous herds of cattle, 
owned by her citizens. 



CHAPTER XIII 



TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE. 



The county of Kossuth lies in the north- 
ern portion of the State of Iowa, nearly 
the center of the State on the Minnesota 
line. It is bounded on the east by Win- 
nebago and Hancock counties, on the south 
by Humboldt, and on the west by Palo 
Alto and Emmett counties. It is the larg- 
est county in the State, embracing twen- 
ty-eight congressional townships. The 
territory comprised is townships 94, 95, 96, 
97, 98, 99 and 100 north, of ranges 27, 25, 
29 and 30, west of the fifth principal me- 
ridian. Thus it is forty-one miles across 
from north to south line, the northern 
ownships lacking about a section in width, 
and twenty-four miles from east to west. 
This vast expanse of territory is divided 
into the following civil townships: Al- 
gona, Irvington, Cresco, Greenwood, Port- 
land, Sherman, Luverne, Prairie, Wesley, 
Lott's Creek, Fenton, Burt and Ramsey. 

The surface of Kossuth county is a most 
beautiful and rolling prairie. It is gener- 
ally level with the graceful undulations 
common to the northwestern Stales. 
This, of course, is somewhat different in 
the vicinity of the streams, where the 



rolling tendency is increased to such an 
extent as to be almost termed hilly. Very 
few places can be found, however, in the 
county, where the breaks are abrupt 
enough to debar the use of the land for 
agricultural pursuits. This whole region 
of the valley of the Upper Des Moines, 
has long borne the reputation of being the 
finest stock raising locality in the State. 
Commonly spoken of as the Upper Des 
Moines, this upland vale, has no peer in 
the State as a grazing ground, and it is no 
misnomer to call it the "garden spot of 
northern Iowa." As to the soil and geo- 
logical formation of this region, an allu- 
vial deposit, averaging some four or more 
feet deep, resting upon the vast beds of 
drift that underly all this upper plateau, 
and that in this locality is said to reach 
almost to incalculable depths. The soil 
being of rich, black, adhesive loam, the 
deposit of countless ages of decomposed 
vegetable matter, the fertility is almost 
inexhaustible. A slight trace of sand in 
the earth makes this portion of the State 
very desirable, as it makes the soil more 
porous and a plow will scour in it readily. 



K 1 " 



A< 




HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



35.3 



No stratified rock is found within the 
county,'but .sufficient stone for foundations 
and work of that description is readily 
procured by digging through the soil into 
the drift beneath, which is found full of 
the granite and porphyritic boulders, 
which when dressed make the most dur- 
able building material. 

The county is well watered, and in all 
parts of it excellent well water can be ob- 
tained in abundance at various depths, 
ranging from fifteen to thirty feet. Sev- 
eral streams intersect the county. The 
East Fork of the DesMoines, the principal 
stream, rises just across the line in Em- 
raett county, and enters this county on 
the west side of Greenwood township, 
and traversing that township and those of 
Burt, Portland and Algona, serving as a 
boundary line between Irvington and 
Sherman and Cresco, makes its exit at the 
center of the south line of Kossuth county. 
This stream, whose pure, limpid waters 
flow between high, almost bluffy banks, 
furnishes sufficient power to propel a con- 
siderable amount of machinery, and which 
does not fail. 

The Blue Earth river rises in the north- 
ern part of township 98 north, of range 
27 west, and flowing in easy current north, 
passes out of the county into Minnesota 
at about the center line of township 100 
north, range 28 west. Many smaller af- 
fluents of the DesMoines, also stretch out 
through the county, and no township in 
the southern part but what is well watered 
with their life-giving streams. Along 
the banks of the principal of these rivers 
and creeks, timber is seen in considerable 
quantities, the principal growth being bun- 
oak, white maple, sugar maple, bass and 



Cottonwood. Artificial groves and hedges 
are being raised and cultivated in various 
parts of the county to a considerable ex- 
tent, also. These various belts and knots 
of trees break the monotony of the prairie, 
and, while adding beauty to the landscape, 
serve as a screen from the high winds and 
supply the settler with fuel. 

As to the products of the county, corn 
and oats are the great staples varying rel- 
atively from year to year. Corn, how- 
ever, being generally in the ascendency, 
this being pre-eminently a stock raising 
country. Barley, hay and potatoes rank 
next as important productions. The cut- 
ting and baling of the wild native grass, 
in the form of hay, is a large and impor- 
tant industry of Kossuth county, hay 
presses being located in every town, vil- 
lage and hamlet within its limit. This 
business has grown in a few years to an 
almost incredible extent and thousands of 
tons of this product of the Iowa prairie 
are shipped east to feed the cattle of that 
locality. As mentioned above, the prin- 
cipal business of the agricultural portion 
of the community is stock and the pro- 
ducts arising therefrom. Iowa took the 
first premium for butter at the centennial 
exhibition, and Kossuth county butter 
brings as much, and sometimes more, in 
the New York markets than the butter of 
New York State creameries, and the farm- 
er gets the same price at his own door 
for his cream on these $10 lands as 
he does on the $100 lands further east. 
For the dairy business the wild lands 
which are selling from $6 to $12 are 
in fact worth $25 to-day. In 1882 the 
two creameries in Algona sent out daily, 
forty-one double teams twenty miles in 



XT 



354 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



every direction to the farmer's floors to 
gather cream, and in the month of June 
they made 4,200 pounds of butter per 
day. No county in the State, with possi- 
bly one exception, produces a larger quan- 
tity of first-class butter, than does Kos- 
suth. The vast ranges of wild lands cov- 
ered with natural, "blue-joint," similar to 
that of Kentucky, and which rich and 
well-flavored, conduces to a large yield of 
high grade butter. Timothy and clover 
also grow luxuriantly with very little care. 
It is a matter, also, of historical fact, that 
the county has never been troubled with a 
drouth. In such a locality, of course the 
raising of all kinds of stock could not 
help but be a success, and there are few 
counties in the northern part of Iowa that 
can boast of so large an amount of blood- 
ed stock that Kossuth can. On the whole 
this county ranks high among its sister 
counties of the great State of Iowa, and 
as all of its resources have not been de- 
veloped, its promise is indeed flattering. 

KOSSUTH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

As long ago as 1857, a society under 
the above name was organized in this 
county. No record exists of it in its 
earlier years, but in the first issues of the 
Pioneer Press in 1861, there is a call for a 
business meeting for the purpose of elect- 
ing officers and other business. This is 
signed by Ambrose A. Call, secretary of 
the association. At this meeting, held 
upon the 3d day of June, 1861, the first 
of which any record can be found, Kinsey 
Carlon, vice-president, was in the chair. 
The election resulted in the choice of the 
following officers for the ensuing year : 
D. W. Sample, of Irvington, president; 
L. T. Martin, of Cresco, vice-president ; 



Ambrose A. Call, of Algona, secretary; 
Lewis H. Smith, treasurer. The'board of 
managers was elected at the same time 
and consisted of: Asa C. Call, Dr. Mason, 
Horace Schenck, M. C. Lathrop and J. E. 
Stacy. The fair, which was the fourth 
annual one, was held in Algona on the 
18th day of September, 1861. The pre- 
mium list was a long one and complete in 
its way. Among them was a prize for the 
best tilled farm in the county, which was 
awarded to W. B. Carey. The ladies, of 
course, were not forgotten ; Mesdames T. 
D. Stacy, W. II. Ingham, H. Schenck, 
Charles Gray and John Heckart, carry off 
prizes for culinary excellence, and Mies- 
dames II. P*. Watson, J. E. Stacy, G. W. 
Blottenberger and II. Schenck, in the de- 
partment of needle work. Miss N. II. 
Rice, Mrs. J. E. Stacy, Mrs. C. Taylor, 
Mrs. H. F. Watson and Mrs. L. Rist, each 
were awarded premiums for excellence in 
ornamental work. These are but a tithe 
of the list, but space forbids a fuller 
mention. 

Most of these premiums were paid in 
cash. Fairs were held for several years, 
when the matter was allowed to drop and 
the society ceased to exist. In 1872, how- 
ever, a new association was formed, and 
the following were elected to fill official 
positions: D. II. Hutchins, president ; 
George W. Mann, vice-president; F. M. 
Taylor, secretary ; J. E. Stacy, treasurer. 
The first annual fair held under the 
auspices of this organization, took place 
on the 3d and 4th of October, 1872. 

Owing somewhat to the apathy of those 
who should have been the most interested 
this first fair was not a complete success, 
but with the succeeding years, all have 



T 



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l£* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



355 



awakened to the fact of the great benefit 
conferred upon all classes of the commu- 
nity by these annual exhibits of the pro- 
duce of farm, garden and home, and more 
interest is taken in the matter. The pres- 
ent officers of the association are as fol- 
lows: 

C. Rickard, president ; S. Reed, vice- 
president; J. R. Davis, secretary ; H. P. 
Hatch, treasurer; D. A. Haggard, marshal. 

Directors— William Ward, C. N. Oli- 
ver, William Ormiston, G. W. Mann, N. 
W. Monroe, William Peck, R. J. Hunt, 
N. Collar, L. Witham and F. M. Taylor. 

The Kossuth County Dairymen and 
Stock-growers Association was organized 
on the 16th of February, 1878, by about 
fifty of the most prominent farmers in 
the county. The object of the society, is 
for the mutual advantage and advance- 
ment of the interests of those engaged in 



stock-raising and dairying. The first 
officers elected at the date of organiza- 
tion, were the following: J. B. Jones, 
of Cresco, president; George Boyle, of 
Lott's Creek; C. C. Chubb, of Cresco ; 
William Ward, Wesley; W. B. Carey, 
Portland; L. M. Bush, Fenton; G. W. 
Mann, Irvington; John Wallace, Algona; 
R. I. Brayton, Greenwood, vice-presi- 
dents ; A. M. Horton, secretary ; Pitt 
Cravath, corresponding secretary ; D. II. 
Hutching, treasurer. 

The present officers of this association 
are: William Ward, president ; C. C. 
Chubb, secretary; D. .S. Ford, treasurer; 
C. B. Hutchins, of Algona township ; Z. 
C. Andruss, Irvington ; C. L. Harris, 
Wesley ; N. Collar, Ramsey ; D. Rice, 
Portland ; R. I. Brayton, Greenwood; P. 
M Barslan, Burt; J. R. Davis, Fenton; 
A. Hinton, Lott's Creek, and J. B. Jones, 
of Cresco, vice-presidents. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 



In all countries the men who hold the 
public offices are to be looked upon as 
merely the representatives of the masses: 
this truism applies equally to the despotic 
monarchies of the old world as well as to 
free America, for when they cease to 
truly represent the people they cease to 
exist. In our day and land, where the 
office-holder is merely the servant of the 
will of the people", who will dispute the 



right, the term, representative, to such as 
figure in an official capacity. As a people 
we must give him the respect, in his 
official relations, that we owe to the will 
of the people, for he stands there the liv- 
ing embodiment of their will. While in 
this connection it has been attempted to 
give some slight pen pictures of the many 
parties who have represented Kossuth 
county in official positions, many of them 



s>\\ 



J* 



356 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



fall short of doing full justice to the sub- 
jects, but owing to numerous causes, in- 
accessibility of material being chief, it 
was unavoidable, and the fault should not 
be laid at the door of the compiler. 

CONGRESSIONAL. 

When Kossuth county was first organ- 
ized it was placed in the then 2d district 
and was first represented in the halls of 
the Congress of the United States by 
Timothy Davis, of Clayton county, who 
was elected in 185V and filled his place 
throughout the sessions of the 35th Con- 
gress. 

He was succeeded by William Vande- 
ver, who was elected at the general elec- 
tion of 1358, and served during the years 
1859-60-61-62, and gave infinite satisfac- 
tion to a numerous constituency. 

In 1862Asahel W. Hubbard was elected 
as representative from the newly formed 
6th district, and of which Kossuth 
county formed a part. Mr. Hubbard was 
a resident of Sioux City. He was a na- 
tive of Connecticut, born in 1817. In 
1836 he first came west and located in the 
State of Indiana, and in 1857 he came to 
Iowa and made a final settlement at Sioux 
City. Mr. Hubbard was succeeded by 
Charles Pomeroy, of Fort Dodge, who 
was elected in 1868, as a member of the 
41st Congress, serving one term. 

Jackson Orr, of Boonesboro, succeeded 
Mr. Pomeroy in 1871, and served in the 
42d Congress as the representative from 
the 6th district. When, in 1870, the 
State was re-districted, Kossuth county 
became a part of the 9th district and was 
again represented by Mr. Orr, who was 
re-elected and served his second term in 



the 43d Congress, as the representative of 
the new district. 

Addison Olliver was elected to fill the 
position of representative in the 44th 
Congress from the 9th district and was 
re-elected in 1876 as his own successor to 
that office, serving until the beginning of 
1879. 

C. C. Carpenter was elected in 1878 and 
again re-elected in 1880 to fulfill the 
duties of congressman from the 9th dis- 
trict of Iowa, and ably did he represent 
the people who put their faith in him. 

The present member of the House of 
Representatives of the United States 
from the 9th Iowa district is A J. 
Holmes, of Boonesboro, Boone county, 
who was elected in 1882. An able, fluent 
speaker and logical debater, he bids fair 
to take a foremost part in the counsels of 
the Nation. 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

When this county was first organized 
it was placed in the 48th assembly dis- 
trict and was represented by Edwin R. 
Gillett. The senatorial district was rep- 
resented by G. A. Kellogg. The latter 
was elected in 1856 and held the place 
for three years. Mr. Gillett was a farmer 
from Chickasaw county. 

On the 11th of January, 1858, the 7th 
General Assembly met at Des Moines and 
adjourned on the 22d of March following. 
G. A. Kellogg was still in the Senate, 
but this locality was represented by C. C. 
Carpenter, the senatorial district being 
known as number 32. 

The 8th General Assembly on its meet- 
ing in January, 1860, found this district 
represented in the Senate by Luther L. 
Pease, and in the Lower House by J. E. 



t, r^T 



-s> & 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



35 1 ; 



Blackford, one of this county's most 
prominent early settlers. The constant 
growth of this part of the State making a 
new districting of tlie State necessary, 
Kossuth county, with Dickinson, Sac, 
Buena Vista, Emmett. Clay and Palo 
Alto made the 61st legislative district. 
The 9th General Assembly met at Des 
Moines, Jan. 18, 1862, and adjourned 
April 5, the same year. It also was 
convened in extra session from Sept. 
3 to Sept. 11, 1S62. Luther L. Pease 
still represented this the 32d district, in 
the Senate, and Harvey N. Brockway, the 
56th legislative district in the Lower 
House. A sketch of Mr. Brockway ap- 
pears in the history of Hancock county, 
of which he is a resident, and may be 
found in this volume. 

G. W. Bassett in the Senate and E. 
McKnight were the representatives of 
this county in the 10th General Assembly, 
that met at the State capital Jan. 11, 
1864, and adjourned March 29. 

On the 8th of January, 1866, the 11th 
General Assembly met at UesMoines, and 
G. W .Bassett was still in the Senate. In 
the Lower House, this, the 58th district, 
was ably represented by Lemuel Dwelle, 
ofNorthwood, Worth county. Mr.Dwelle 
was one of the founders of that town and 
is to-day one of the sterling men of the 
community. His able management of the 
affairs entrusted to him encouraged his 
friends to ask him to take a higher place 
in the counsels of the State, as will be 
seen further along. 

The 12th General Assembly, which con- 
vened in January, 1 868, found Theodore 
Hawley representing the 46th district in 



the Senate and C. W. Tenny, the 67th 
in the Chamber of Representatives. 

The month of January, 1870, witnessed 
the assembling at DesMoines, of the 13th 
General Assembly, and J. H. Todd repre- 
sented this district in the Lower House 
The number of the district had by this 
time' crept up|until it was 66. Mr. Hawley 
was still in the Senate. 

In the 14th General Assembly, in 1872, 
the 46th senatorial district, of which Kos- 
suth county is a part, was represented by 
E. A. Howland, and the 67th representa- 
tive district by Robert Struthers. This 
Legislature convened at DesMoines, in 
January, of the year above mentioned. 

The 15th General Assembly met in Jan- 
uary, 1874, at the State capital, and Mr. 
Howland occupied the place in the sena- 
torial chamber. In the Lower House, 
this, the 69th representative district, was 
represented by David Secor, of Forest 
City, one of the ablest men in the district. 
A sketch of Mr. Secor will be found on 
referring to the proper place in the his- 
tory of Winnebago county, in this volume. 

In January, 1876, the 16th General As- 
sembly of the State of Iowa met at Des 
Moines, and Kossuth county was repre- 
sented in the Senate by Lemuel Dwelle, 
of Northwood, Worth county, who was 
the choice of the 46th senatorial district. 
Mr. Dwelle, as has been mentioned, 
is one of nature's noblemen. Solid in 
intellect, upright, and of excellent judg- 
ment, he made a model legislator. In 
the Lower Chamber this district was rep- 
resented by Henry H Bush, of Garner, Han- 
cock county. A sketch of this gentlemen 
may be seen on reference to the annals of 
that county. 



i£ 



358 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



The 1 7th General Assembly, which met 
in Jan nary, ISIS, contained among its 
august body of senators, Lemuel Dwelle, 
whose term of office had not expired. In 
the House, L. II. Smith was the member 
who represented this, the 76th district. 

In the Senate of the 18th General As- 
sembly, which met in January, 1880, E. 
J. Hartshorn, represented the 49th sena- 
torial district of which Kossuth county is 
a part. A. D. Bicknell represented this, 
the 76th assembly district, in the Lower 
House. 

The 19th General Assembly convened 
at the capitol in January, 1882, and Kos- 
suth county was served in the Senate 
still by E. J. Hartshorn. 

J. J. Wilson, one of Algona's most in- 
fluential citizens, filled the position of 
representative in the Lower House, and 
did it with credit to himself and honor to 
his constituency. 

John J. Wilson was born in Onondago 
Co., N. Y., May 5, 1828. His father, 
Andrew Wilson, was a native of Penn- 
sylvana, and for many years was a prom- 
inent salt manufacturer in Syracuse, N. 
Y. His mother, Sophia (Lee) Wilson, 
was a native of Connecticut. They reared 
eight children, of whom John was the 
youngest. In 1831 Mr. Wilson went 
with his parents to Erie Co., Penn., where 
they resided until 1837, when they 
removed to La Porte, Ind. In 1843 Mr. 
Wilson removed to Walworth Co., Wis., 
where he was engaged in farming un- 
til 1859, when he engaged in the grain 
and stock business. In 1865 he went west, 
being engaged in freighting through the 
territories until the close of 1869. In the 
spring of 1870 he came to Algona, en- 



gaging in the lumber business. Since 
that time he has gradually increased his 
business, until now he carries on the 
largest business, carried on by any one 
man in Algona. He combines the coal, 
lumber, milling and elevator business. 
He has a grain and lumber house in 
Whittemore and is interested in the lum- 
ber business at Emmetsburg, Iowa. Mr. 
Wilson was married Jan. 16, 1856, to 
Clara M. Uovee, a native of New York. 
They have two children — Lenette E and 
Harry J. Mr. Wilson was mayor of Al- 
gona for three terms and was a member 
of that city's first board of aldermen. He 
was a member of the Legislature from 
Kossuth county for the sessions of 
1878-9 and 1882-3. 

In 18S3-4 this district was represented 
in the Lower House by Hon. C. C. Chubb, 
one of the most highly respected citizens 
of this county. 

C. C. Chubb, one of the enterprising 
business men of Kossuth county, was born 
Oct.2,1840,in Waukesha Co., Wis. His par- 
ents, Newnian and Cynthia (Pars) Chubb, 
were natives of Vermont. They emigra- 
ted to Waukesha county at a very early 
day, being among its earliest settlers. 
They took land, opened up, and improved a 
farm. In 1844 Mrs. Chubb died. Mr. Chubb 
then married Betsey Russell. In 18G7, he 
died in Waukesha county. C. C. Chubb 
was reared and educated in Wisconsin, 
In April, 1861, he enlisted in company E, 
3d Wisconsin Infantry, and participated 
in the battles of Winchester, South Moun- 
tain and Antietam, where he was wound- 
ed in the little finger of his left kand. He 
was also with Gen. Hooker at Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg and Lookout Mountain. 



*=£ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



359 



In the winter of 1863 the regiment was 
stationed between Murfreesboro and Nash- 
ville during which time Mr. Chubb was 
detailed in recruiting service. In the 
spring of 1864 he joined his regiment at 
Big Shanty, from there was sent to Ma- 
rietta, where July 4, 1864, he received his 
discharge for expiration of three years 1 
service. Soon after, he re-enlisted in the 
2d New York Heavy Artillery, serving 
till the close of the war. He then came 
to Kossuth county, purchasing land on 
sections 14 and 15, township 95, range 29, 
and engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
Jan. 1, 1809, he married Hattie Taylor. 
They had two children — Coleman T. and 
Charlie. Mr. Chubb is an ardent sup- 
porter of the republican party. In 1872 
he was elected county supervisor, and in 
1883 was sent to the Legislature from his 
district. lie is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge of Algona, and also a member oi 
Prudence Chapter, No. 75. 

COUNTY JUDGE. 

This most important office was created 
by an act of the 3d General Assembly, in 
1851, and was at the time the most impor- 
tant part of the county government, in 
fact, was ex-officio, the government. 

The first county judge was Asa C. Call, 
who was elected in 1855, after a hard con- 
test, the gist of which was the ascendancy 
of Irvington or Algona, and the right of 
each to be considered the seat of county 
government. The Irvington faction put 
up Corydon C. Craw, and by working 
what politicians call a "still hunt," nearly 
succeeded in capturing the county seat. 
However, like a clap of thunder in a clear 
sky, the matter came before the Algona 
people, and when they had recovered from 



their first astonishment, they went to 
work with a will. Many of the partizans 
of Algona were out of the county, on 
business, or engaged in hunting, but 
mounted couriers scoured the country in 
search of them, and they were nearly all 
brought back in time to deposit their bal- 
lots. After a hard and bitter fight the 
Algona faction succeeded in electing their 
ticket by a small majority and secured the 
county seat for theirtown, and Asa C. Call 
was raised to the dignity of county judge. 
This was in August, 1855. The judge 
held the office for two years only, having 
a large private business to look after, 
which claimed his whole attention 

Judge Asa C. Call was born Sept. 26, 
1825, in Lake Co., Ohio, and was edu 
cated at Oberlin in that State. His father 
died when he was yet a child and his 
mother returned, with the family, to west- 
ern New York. In 1840 he went to South 
Bend, Ind., and in 1850, drove a herd of 
cattle across the plains to California, 
where he spent four years, being appointed 
Indian commissioner, to treat with some 
tribes of Indians, in what is now Wash- 
ington and Idaho territories. While on 
the Pacific coast, he was a correspondent 
of the National Era, and many of his let- 
ters were copied in the New York Tribune 
and other eastern papers. In 1854 he mar- 
ried Sarah Heckart, and settled in Iowa 
City, which was then the capital of the 
State, but he regarded this location as 
temporary as he had decided to select 
some eligible site for a new town. After 
exploring the Upper Mississippi, where 
every available site was already occupied, 
and the western shores of Lake Superior, 
where he found good harbors but no land, 






9 



-» 5) 



p^ 



+±}<L 



J?tJ- 

— A TT-* 



360 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



he decided to forego navigable waters and 
look inland, and in July of that year, he 
selected the site of Algona, which was 
then forty miles from the nearest house, 
though the massacre by Mr. Lott had just 
occurred, and the Indians were extremely 
hostile. At the next session of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, he secured the passage of 
an act locating the county seat of Kossuth 
county. In 1 8 r> 7 he, with others, organ- 
ized the McGregor Railroad Company, 
which he ultimately brought through the 
county. He was also identified with the 
Northwestern road, of which he secured 
a branch. His history, since he located 
at Algona, is the history of the county, as 
he has been identified with every enter- 
prise looking to the interests of northern 
Iowa. He has a large family, three sons 
and four daughters — Asa Frank is a law- 
yer at Algona; Joseph Harry, a member 
of Gov. Sherman's staff, is a lawyer at 
Des Moines; George C, dealer in real es- 
tate at Algona. The daughters are — Mary 
E., Sarah Stella, Nina Vesta and ZadaC. 

Lewis H. Smith was the second who 
held this office, being elected to that dig- 
nity by a vote of ninety-five, in a total of 
105 cast, in August, 1857, and also served 
in this capacity, for two years. 

Lewis H. Smith, cashier of the Kossuth 
County Bank, and one of the pioneers of 
the county, was born March 21, 1835, in 
Middlesex Co., Mass. He was reared in 
his native State, receiving a liberal educa- 
tion. His first work after leaving home 
was clerking in Boston. In 1852 he went 
to Illinois, where he was employed as 
civil engineer on the Chicago & Rock 
Islaud railroad, between Chicago and 
Rock Island. In the spring of 1854 he 



was employed on the same road, between 
Davenport and Grinnell. On the 4th day 
of July, 1854, he came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, and has ever since taken an active 
part in the interests of the county. The 
first summer he was employed by the 
government in surveying, and in 1855 
was elected first county surveyor of Kos- 
suth county. In 1857 he was made county 
judge. In I860 he was appointed deputy 
county treasurer, at the same time reading 
law, he was admitted to the bar, being 
the first attorney admitted in the county, 
and the first to hang out his shingle. He 
bought and brought the first sewing- 
machine into the county, also the first 
piano, and was the first to use carbon 
oil. In 1860 and 1861 he was en- 
rolling clerk in the Legislature. In 
1862, being commissioned quartermas- 
ter of the northern brigade, he took 
a lively interest in raising and equip- 
ping the companies for that campaign. 
In 1865 he crossed the plains to Mon- 
tana as engineer in charge on the Saw- 
yers wagon road. In 1806 he started 
in mercantile business in Algona as the 
firm of Smith Brothers, continuing so with 
his brother and brother-in-law, T. C. Rist, 
until 1870, when he engaged in banking 
with W. H. Ingham. They were suc- 
ceeded, in 1873, by the Kossuth County 
Bank, of which he is still cashier. Mr. 
Smith was married in 1857; his wife died 
in 1866, repected' by all who knew her, 
leaving four children— Mary A., Nellie E., 
Fannie S. and Edward L. He afterwards 
married Mrs. Eugenia Rist, widow of 
Francis C. Rist, who had three children 
by her former marriage. They have three 
children — Mabel F., Ruby E. and Hor- 



~b\'v 



*, ra „_ 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



301 



tense M. Mr. Smith is now trustee of the 
State insane hospital at Independence, 
was elected in 1878 and re-elected in 1882. 
For over a quarter of a century he has 
been identified with this county, and no 
man has done more than he to build up 
Algona and the surrounding country. 

In 1859 J. E. Stacy was honored by his 
fellow-citizens with this office, and at the 
time was filling an unexpired term as clerk 
of the courts, which position he resigned 
to qualify for the more important office. 
On the 1st of January, 1800, he entered 
upon the duties of his office and held it 
for one year, when he gave it up for the 
more lucrative one of treasurer and re- 
corder. 

Jerome E. Stacy was born Oct. 14, 1829, 
in Allegheny Co., N. Y., where he was 
reared and educated. In 1853 he removed 
to Rock Co., Wis., where he was engaged 
in the insurance business and school teacl 
ing about two years. In 1856 he came U- 
Algona and took a pre-emption near thai 
place, which he improved with other 
lands, since which his time has been 
divided between farming and various 
other occupations. In 1864 he engaged 
in the real estate business. In 1868-9 he 
built the first flouring mill in the county. 
In 1874 he established the Algona Nurs- 
ery. There are few men in Kossuth 
county who have been more closely iden- 
tified with the interests of the county 
than Mr. Stacy. He has held the office of 
county clerk and county judge, and for 
eight years was treasurer of the county. 
He was twice mayor of Algona, and a 
member of her city council several terms. 
Mr. Stacy married Harriet E. Taylor, a 
native of Vermont. They have six living 



children — N. Marion, Kate Doake, Ellen 
Winifred, James C, Willie S. and Lute 
A. T. George Warren, their first son, 
died in 1864, at two years of age. 

In I860 D. S. McComb was elevated to 
the position of county judge, and held it 
for two years. Mr. McComb was one of 
the settlers of 1856, and was a Presby- 
terian clergyman. Shortly after the ex- 
piration of his term of office he moved to 
Palo Alto county, where he at present 
resides. 

The Rev. Chauncey Taylor, one of Kos- 
suth county's purest and best men, was 
elected to fill this office in 1862, and held 
it for a term of one year. 

Luther Rist was the next incumbent of 
this important office, and was elected in 
1863, and re-elected in 1805. In March, 
1866, however, he resigned the office and 
retired to the shades of private life. 

Luther Rist, a native of Worcester Co., 
Mass., was born in 1808. He married Betsy 
Sibley, by whom he had seven children. 
In the spring of 1856 he came to Kossuth 
county, where he engaged in farming. He 
was elected county judge and highly re- 
spected in the community where he lived. 
After Mr. Rist's resignation the board of 
supervisors appointed L. II. Smith to fill 
the vacancy. He was elected to fill the 
office by the people in the fall of I860, 
and re-elected in 1807. With him ended 
the system of county courts, the duties of 
the county judge devolving upon the cir- 
cuit court and other offices ; principal 
among which was the one of which the 
county judge was made ex-officio, the first 
incumbent. 

COUNTY AUDITOR. 

Lewis II. Smith would therefore have 
been the first to hold this office, but on its 



JLT 



-*_(£. 



362 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



creation in 1869, he resigned and A. E. 
Wheelock was elected to fill the vacancy. 
Mr. Wheelock at this time held the office 
of clerk of the courts, but was allowed to 
hold both offices for several terras. He 
was re-elected auditor in 1871, and held 
the office for four years. He is at pres- 
ent a resident of Algona, the county seat 
of Kossuth, where he is engaged in real 
estate transactions. 

H. S. Vaughn was elected in the fall of 
1873, as the successor of Mr. Wheelock, 
and served in that capacity for a term of 
two years. 

In the fall of 1875, at the general elec- 
tion,Victor H. Stough was elected auditor, 
and was re-elected in 1877, serving in all 
four years. 

The present anditor, R. W. McGetchie, 
was elected to the office first in 1879, and 
was re-elected in 1881. 

TREASURER AND RECORDER. 

At the date of the organization of this 
county, these two offices were united in 
one, and so continued for several years. 

J. W. Moore was the first incumbent of 
the dual office, being elected at the time 
of the first election in the county, in 1855. 
He held the position until the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1 858, when he stepped aside for a 
successor. 

H. F. Watson was the next to be elect- 
ed to this office, or offices, qualifying and 
entering upon the duties of the same with 
the beginning of the year 1858. He 
served one term of two years, and is at 
present a resident of the county. 

L. L. Treat was elected the successor of 
Mr. Watson, entering upon the duties of 
the office on the 1st of January, 1859, and 
serving two years. He was an excellent 



business man, keen, sharp and astute. 
Soon after his retirement from the office 
he removed to Webster City, where he is 
reported to have accumulated consider- 
able wealth, and is prominent among the 
influential citizens of that place. 

J. E. Stacy was first elected to fill this 
position in the fall of 1861, was re-elected 
in 1863. During his latter term the Leg- 
islature enacted a law separating the two 
offices. The most responsible of these 
was that of 

COUNTY TREASURER. 

J. E. Stacy, on the divorce of the two 
offices, held to that of treasurer (although 
he had been elected, at the last election, 
recorder, and held both offices) and was 
thus the first to serve as county treasurer 
exclusively. He was re-elected treasurer 
in 1865, and again in 1867, thus holding 
the office of custodian of the county's 
funds for eight years consecutively. 

J. E. Blackford, one of the prominent 
pioneers of the county, was elected in 
1869 to fill this responsible position, and 
held it for two years. 

M. W. Stough was the immediate suc- 
cessor of Mr. Blackford, entering upon 
the duties of the office with the begin- 
ning of the year 1872, and served four 
years, having been re-elected in 1873. Mr. 
Stough is yet among the most prominent 
and influencial men in the county. 

M. W. Stough was born May 31, 1815, 
in Portage Co., Ohio. His parents, Jacob 
and Margaret (Ward) Stough, were among 
the early settlers of Portage county. Mr. 
Stough was an active and industrious 
man, always taking a prominent part in 
anything that was beneficial to the inter- 
ests of the county. M. W. Stough was 



fr* 



tj* 



4— J 



— t: 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



363 



reared on his father's farm, receiving his 
education in the pioneer log cabins of his 
native State. In October, 1844, he mar- 
ried Mabel Hine, of Summit county. In 
October, 1855, he emigrated to Fayette 
Co., Iowa, Clermont township, and en- 
gaged in mercantile business as the firm 
of Stedman & Stough. In June, 1869, he 
came to Kossuth county, locating in Al- 
gona and engaging in the machine trade, 
as the firm of Stough & Ilutchins. In 
1871 he was elected county treasurer, and 
held the office four years, since which 
time he has been engaged in the harness 
and boot and shoe trade. 

M. D. Blanchard was elected to the 
office of treasurer in 1875, and re-elected 
in 1877, serving in that capacity four 
years. 

M. D. Blanchard is a native of Canada, 
born Nov. 22, 18S7. He lived there until 
1856, at which time he emigrated to Iowa, 
stopping at Waterloo during the winter 
of 1856-57. In July, 1857, he came to 
Kossuth county, having moved across the 
prairies, from Waterloo, with an ox team, 
and settled on the northwest quarter of 
section 26, township 96, range 29, Algona 
township, where he now resides. He has 
160 acres of land, seventy-five of which is 
under cultivation. He combines stock 
raising with regular fanning. Mr. Blanch- 
ard was married Feb. 27, 1851, at Green- 
bush, Canada West, to Garfelia Waite, 
born Jan. 12, 1828, in Genesee Co., N. Y. 
They have had six children, five of whom 
are living — Adelbert W. married Milcah 
Williams; Edward C. married Hattie E. 
Miller; Charles S. married Mary Math- 
ers; Helen E., wife of Andrew Barr; Edith 
C. and Ida L. Ida L. died June 9, 1876. 



Mrs. Blanchard is a member of the Con- 
gregational Church. Mr. Blanchard lias 
held the offices of county treasurer and 
county superintendent. 

Sylvester S. Rist, the present treasurer, 
was elected for his first term at the gen- 
eral election of 1879, and re-elected in 
1881. 

S. S. Rist, the present county treasurer, 
was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Dec. 
18, 1833. He is a machinist by trade. In 
1856 he came to Kossuth county with his 
parents. He married Mary A. Milieu, 
Aug. 31, 1858. They have six children. 
In 1879, he was elected to the office of 
county treasurer, and re-elected in 1881 
and 1883. 

COUNTY RECORDER. 

As before mentioned, J. E. Stacy was 
the first to occupy this office after its 
separation from that of treasurer, and 
served two years, when he was succeeded 
by H. M. Taft, who was elected in 1866. 
He was re-elected in 1868 and 1870 and 
made a most efficient officer. 

A. M. Horton was the successor of Mr. 
Taft, entering upon the duties of the of- 
fice the 1st of January, 1873. lie was 
re-elected in 1874, and occupied the place 
for four years. Mr. Horton, is at the pres- 
ent writing, in Washington territory, al- 
though he is still a resident of this county. 

John Reed, the present recorder, was 
elected in 1876 and has made such an ex- 
emplary officer that he has been reelected 
at each succeeding election, in 1876, 1878, 
1880 and 1882. 

John Reed, county recorder and one of 
the early settlers of the county, was born 
in Logan Co., 111., Oct. 18, 1842, where his 
parents settled in 1832. They were na- 









364 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



tives of Kentucky. In 1853 the family 
removed to Marshall Co., Iowa, and in 
1858 to Kossuth county. John, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was a soldier in the 
War of the Rebellion, enlisting in the 32d 
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, company A, 
participating in all the engagements of 
the company. In 1867 he was elected 
county superintendent of schools. In 1868 
he was married to Hattie M. Parsons. 
Three children blessed this union, one son 
and two daughters. In the fall of 1876 
he was elected recorder, which office he 
holds at the present time, 1884. 

CLERK OF THE COURTS. 

Robert Cogley was the first clerk of the 
courts, being elected at the date of the or- 
ganization of the county, in August, 1855. 
He served one year when he gave way to 
a successor. 

J. E. Stacy was elected to fill this office, 
in 1856, and re-elected in 1858, and when 
in January, 1860, he qualified for the 
office of county judge, he appointed T. D. 
Stacy to till the vacancy. The latter did 
not hold it very long as it is recorded that 
upon the 9th day of May, i860, J. W. 
Moore was appointed to till the office. 
Mr. Moore held the position until the 
1st of January, 1861. 

At the general election of 1860, Dr. 
Francis McCoy was elected to the office 
of clerk of the court, and occupied the 
position for two years. 

James L. Paine was the next incumbent 
of this office and was elected in 1862. He 
was re-elected twice, once in 1864 and 
again in 1866, holding the office for six 
years. 

In 1S68, A. E. Wheelock was elected 
to fill the office and re-elected in 1870 and 



1872. During his term of office, Mr. 
Wheelock managed to hold both this and 
the office of county auditor. 

John Wallace was the immediate suc- 
cessor of Mr. Wheelock, and was elected 
in 1874, re-elected in 1876, holding the 
office for four years. Mr. Wallace is still 
a resident of Kossuth county. 

John Wallace, of the firm of J. Wal- 
lace <fc Co., creamery and produce busi- 
ness, is a native of Livingston Co., N. Y., 
born Dec. 10, 1836. His parents, James 
and Lucy (Thompson) Wallace, were na- 
tives of Scotland, and in 1841 removed 
to Waukesha Co., Wis., where they were 
early settlers. Here John was reared and 
educated and there resided till 1861, 
when he enlisted in company A, 1st Wis- 
consin Cavalry, serving until the fall of 
1864. He then returned to Wisconsin, 
where he resided till the spring of 1866, 
when he came to Kossuth county and en- 
gaged in teaching and farming, and was 
so engaged until 1873. He was then 
elected circuit clerk of this county and 
served in that capacity four years. Dur- 
ing this time he was also engaged in the 
manufacture of cheese, having no less 
than ten cheese factories running at one 
time. He held the office of treasurer of 
Algona township for eight years, and was 
one of the projectors and is secretary of 
the Kossuth County Insurance Company. 
He was united in marriage April 27,1866, 
with Nancy A. Reed, a native of Wis- 
consin. They have five children — Lucy 
J., Amy, Tina, Lizzie and Nellie. Mr. 
Wallace is a member of the G. A. R. 

N. B. Benham, the present incumbent 
of the t office of clerk of the courts was 
first elected at the general election of 



srr 



•Ma. 



l\,L 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



365 



1878 and has been twice re-elected since, 
oiide in 1880 and in 1882. 

SHERIFF. 

H. W. Watson was elected to the office 
of sheriff at the April election of 1857, 
but held it but a short time, giving way 
to a successor, at the beginning of the 
year 1858. 

O. W. Robinson was elected the next 
sheriff of Kossuth county and served 
from January, 1858, until the beginning 
of 1860. Shortly after the expiration of 
the term of Mr. Robinson's office, he left 
the county and has passed from the knowl- 
edge of the people of this locality. 

O. Benschoter was the next to fill this 
office, being elected in 1859. He was re- 
elected at the succeeding elections of 1861 
and 1863 and served in all six years. Mr. 
Benschoter is at present one of the prom- 
inent citizens of the county of Kossuth. 

Samuel Reed was elected sheriff of 
Kossuth county in 1865, and served in 
that capacity for two years. He is still a 
citizen of this locality and carries the re- 
spect of all who know him. 

In 1867 was elected John M. Pinker- 
ton, to the office of sheriff, and a better 
officer never was found. He is a cousin 
of the celebrated Allen Pinkerton, of 
detective fame, and can hardly be con- 
sidered as second to him. No man has 
attained such a reputation as a terror to 
evil doers in all northern Iowa as has Mr. 
Pinkerton, and no matter how fierce and 
desperate the man was, that he laid hand 
on, he knew enough to go willingly with 
the redoubtable sheriff of Kossuth county. 
His keen eye was sure to find out the fugi- 
tive from justice, or spot the criminal, no 
matter how well disguised. Such a jewel 



of a sheriff of course the people could 
not let go, so they re-elected him time 
and time again his own successor, until he 
held the office for fourteen years. He is 
now in that Eldorado of the west, Da- 
kota, engaged in some branch of the lum- 
bering business. 

D. A. Haggard, the present sheriff of 
Kossuth county, was elected to that 
office in 1881. 

D. A. Haggard, sheriff of Kossuth 
county, was born May 27, 1840, in Dubuque 
Co., Iowa. His parents, Dr. John Hag- 
gard and Elizabeth (Lyman) Haggard, 
located in Dubuque at an early day, be- 
ing among the pioneers. There being no 
ferries, they were obliged to cross the 
Mississippi river in canoes, swimming 
their teams. At the time of their com- 
ing, Iowa was a vast unbroken territory, 
there being one small cabin in Dubuque, 
which is now a city of 25,000 inhabitants. 
Dr. Haggard settled on a farm, and com- 
menced the practice of medicine. In 
1843 Mrs. Haggard died. In 1844 he 
went to California, crossing the plains 
with three yoke of oxen. Remaining 
there one year, he returned to Dubuque, 
and afterwards married Irena Shaw. D. 
A. Haggard, after the death of his moth- 
er, was reared by his grandparents. In 
1862 he enlisted in the 21st Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry, company C. Being appoint- 
ed color sergeant, for two years he car- 
ried the flag. He participated in the 
siege of Vicksburg; battle of Jackson, 
Miss., -where he had command of the 
company, at Spanish Fort, and Fort 
Blakely. Soon alter leaving the ser- 
vice, he came to Kossuth county. He 
married Susan E. Wilmott, of Dubuque. 



te 

r 



M«- 






300 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



4" 



They have iive children — Benjamin W., 
John W., Melzar P., Mattie M. and Mag- 
gie. In 1881 he was elected sheriff of 
Kossuth county, and re-elected in 1883. 
Mr. Haggard is a Royal Arch Mason, 
Prudence Chapter, No. 70, also a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

SC1IOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 

The gentlemen who have held this posi- 
tion at the head of the educational in- 
terests of the county are treated of at 
length in the chapter on educational mat- 
ters, to which the reader is referred. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. 

The first to fill this office in Kossuth 
county was Eber Stone, who was elected 
April 7, 1850. Mr. Stone was a farmer 
and not one of the legal fraternity as his 
office would lead to be supposed. He was 
a man thrifty and economical, and close 
in all his dealings, but strictly upright 
and honest. He died a resident of this 
county some years ago. 

Charles Osgood was the only other per- 
son who held the office. He was elected 
in August, 1856. He filled the position 
until July 5, 1S58, when he resigned, and 
immediately on the acceptance of the 
same, returned to his old home in Massa- 
chusetts, and has passed out of the mem- 
ory of the people of Kossuth county. 
About this time the office was abolished, 
so nobody was elected to fill the short 
vacancy that existed between the date of 
Mr. Osgood's resignation and the incom 
ing of the new law. 

SURVEYOR. 

The first surveyor of Kossuth county 
was Lewis II. Smith, who was elected at 
the time of the organization of the county 
in 1S55. lie held the office this time only 



one term, or two years, when he was suc- 
ceeded by William II. Ingham, who was 
inducted into the duties of the office at 
the beginning of the year 1858, but only 
served in that capacity one year. 

Capt. W. H. Ingham was born Nov. 27, 
1827, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and there 
he was reared, receiving a liberal educa- 
tion. In 1849 he started for the west, 
traveled extensively over the northwest- 
ern States, and located temporarily at 
Cellar Rapids. He came to Kossuth 
county Nov. 24, 1854, in company with 
Mr. Stine, who located land on sections 
1 0, 24, 29, and erected a log cabin. In 
1857 he married Caroline A. Rice, of 
Herkimer Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Ing- 
ham have seven children, three sons and 
four daughters. In 1802 he raised a com- 
pany to protect the frontier, and was 
commissioned captain by Gov. Kirkwood. 
After leaving the service, he returned to 
Algona, and embarked in the real estate 
business, forming a partnership with 
Lewis H. Smith afterwards in banking, 
which business he now follows. Mr. 
Ingham has been closely connected with 
the county for more than one-fourth of a 
century, and probably no man in the 
county deserves more credit than he, for 
its growth and development. 

A. F. Willoughby, who was elected in 
the fall of 1858, was the next to till the 
office of surveyor of the county. Mr. 
Willoughby was the occupant of the posi- 
tion but a short time, as he left the 
county, going to that of Grundy, where 
he is believed to be at present. 

W. L. Miller was elected in 1859, and 
served a year in this capacity. Shortly 
after the expiration of his term of office 



IV' 



i 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



367 



he removed from this county and his after 
movements have been lost sight of. 

In 1860 L. II. Smith was again called 
on to perform the duties of this office, 
which he did for two years. 

Jason Dunton was elected surveyor in 
1863, and re-elected in 1864, and served 
two years. Some time since Mr. Dunton 
left Kossuth county and emigrated to 
Kansas, where he at present resides. 

Once more, in 1865, was L. II. Smith 
elected to fulfill the arduous duties of 
county surveyor, but declined to qualify 
at the beginning of the year, and that im- 
portant office continued vacant until the 
4th of June, 1S66, when the board of 
supervisors appointed O. F. Hale to fill 
the vacancy. 

Mr. Hale was elected to the office the 
following fall and filled the place al- 
together, at this time, eighteen months. 

II. Durant was the following incumbent 
of the office, serving during the year 
1868. 

In 1869 W. H. Ingham was the surveyor 
and served through the year, when he re- 
tired to make room for a successor. 

In the fall of 1860, the people, at the 
polls, declared in favor of placing J. B. 
Jones in this office, he having filled that 
position for a short time by appointment, 
and he was inducted into the duties of it 
with the beginning of the year 1870. In 
1871 he was re-elected and filled the office 
for three years in an able manner. Mr. 
Jones is one of the honored members of 
the legal fraternity. 

As Mr. Jones had resigned before his 
last term of office was out, C. B. Hutch- 
ins was appointed by the county board of 



supervisors to fill the vacancy, which lie 
did for one year. 

A. D. Clark was the next successful as- 
pirant for this position, being elected 
thereto in 1873. He held the office, how- 
ever, but one year, when he resigned it. 

The board in January, 1875, finding a 
vacancy in the office of surveyor, caused 
by the resignation of Mr. Clarke, ap- 
pointed O. F. Hale in the place, which he 
appears to have held until 1878, at which 
time he was succeeded by J. B. Jones, the 
former surveyor, who served two years. 

At the election of 1879, C.B. Hutchitis 
was the choice of the voters for this 
office, and he entered upon the duties of 
the office and transacted the business for 
two years. 

In 1881 D. P. Mayer was elected to the 
office of surveyor, but he did not qualify, 
thereupon the board of supervisors ap- 
pointed the present incumbent of that 
office to fill the vacancy. This gentleman 
is 0. F. Hale who has so often filled the 
position with credit to all concerned. 

Oscar F. Hale, county surveyor, was 
born in Scioto Co., Ohio, April 1,1839. 
His parents, Daniel and Ada (Aldrich) 
Hale, were from the New England States, 
and emigrated from Ohio in the fall of 
1844 to Indiana, and settled in Cass 
county where they spent the remainder of 
their days. Here Mr. Hale received his 
early education in the common schools, 
and in the fall of 1861 graduated from 
the State Normal School of Ohio, at Leb- 
anon, and immediate enlisted as a private 
in company D, 44th Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry. During his service, he participa- 
ted in the engagements at Lewisburg, 
W. Va., May 23, 1862 ; capture of dirn- 



dl V 



J\ 



3HS 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



berland Gap, east Tenn.,. July 9, 1863; 
siege of Kuoxville, Term., Nov. 17 to 29, 
1863 ; Lynchburg, W. Va., June 18, 1864, 
and surprise at Beverly, W. Va., Dec. 24 
and -25, 1864. In January, 1S64, lie re- 
enlisted as a veteran, and his regiment 
was organized as the 8th Ohio Volunteer 
Cavalry. Mr. Hale was promoted to 2d 
lieutenant and acting adjutant of his regi- 
ment. He was three times a prisoner, 
twice making his escape and once paroled. 
He was mustered out of service Aug. 5, 
1865, having served nearly four years. In 
the fall of 1865, he came to Kossuth 
connty, and in the spring of 1866, was 
married to Mrs. Mary (Clarke) Steele, 
widow of George Steele, by whom he has 
one child — Cora A. During his eighteen 
years' residence in the county, he has 
spent most of the time on his farm, but is 
at present living in Algona. He has sev- 
eral times been chosen to positions of trust, 
and is at present serving his third term as 
county surveyor. 

CORONERS. 

The first to fill this office in Kossuth 
county, was Francis Brown, who was 
elected in April, 1856. He never made 
anything out of the office, and before the 
expiration of the first six months of the 
office, removed from the county. 

He was succeeded by Alexander Brown, 
who was elected in August, 1856, and who 
served about a year. 

Joseph Thompson was the next elected, 
but having failed to qualify, the office 
continued vacant throughout the year. 

Luther Bullis was the next to fill the 
office, entering upon its duties upon the 
1st of January, 1858, and serving therein 
about a year. 



Kinsey Carlon, one of the best known 
men in the community, was elected cor- 
oner in 1858, and served in this capacity 
one year. Mr. Carlon is still a resident of 
the county, and is well known to every- 
body in this locality. 

Kinsey Carlon was born in Mercer Co., 
Penn., May 3, 1824. He moved to Jack- 
son Co., Iowa, in 1854, with a drove of 
horses, crossing the river at Lyons, Clin- 
ton county, going through Clinton and 
Jackson, thence to Dubuque City, Du- 
buque county, thence to Jones county, 
thence to Marion, Lynn county, thence to 
Cedar Rapids and east again, by way of 
Keokuk, Iowa. He remained in Jackson 
county until Christmas, 1855, returned Jan. 
1, 1856, to Pennsylvania, came west again 
in the fall of 1856, locating on Sept. 1. 
1856, on section 20, Irvington township, 
Kossuth county. He sold this to J. K. 
Fill, and settled on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 29. He afterwards bought, 
of G. C. Callon, the northwest quarter of 
section 32, which he now makes his home. 
Mr. Carlon owns, in all, 1,140 acres, situ- 
ated in Sherman, Irvington and Cresco 
townships. He was married, in 1850, to 
Lavina Ramsey, of Mercer Co., Penn. 
She died and he married, July 23, 1857, 
Henrietta Mallord, of Jackson Co., Iowa. 
Mr. and Mrs. Carlon have four children — 
William V., attending school at Ames' 
Agricultural College; Lavina, living in 
California; Josephine, at Normal School; 
Emily, wife of Harry Dodge, of Cresco 
township. Mr. Carlon is a democrat in 
politics, and has held the office of justice 
of the peace for six years. 

In 1859 Luther Bullis was again elected 
coroner and again filled the duties of the 



Iff 



A* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



369 



office for a year. Some years after this, 
Mr. Bullis, who was like many of the 
early pioneers of some sections, of a rov- 
ing disposition, pulled up his stakes and 
departed for some other location. An 
old settler in describing him said "he was 
a loose-footed sort of a man," which per- 
haps defines him better than a whole par- 
agraph would. 

A. B. Mason was elected coroner in 
1860, and appears to have served about a 
year. From this county he went to Wa- 
terloo, but did not stay there long and his 
present whereabouts are unknown. 

John Summers, a printer, was the suc- 
cessor of Mr. Mason, serving as coroner 
during the year 1802. He has long since 
left this locality. 

Luther Bullis was again honored with 
this office, during the year 1863, and it is 
believed that on the expiration of his 
term of office, or before, that he left Kos- 
suth county. 

Judge Asa C. Call was the recipient of 
the honors of this office during the year 
1806, and held it for the year. 

Dr. L. A. Sheetz was the next elected 
to the dignity of coroner, although there 
seems to be a blank of several years be- 
tween him and his predecessor, Mr. Call. 
The doctor was elected in 1869, and re- 
elected in 1871 and 1873. For fuller de- 
tails of Dr. Sheetz, the reader is referred 



to the chapter entitled "Medical Profes- 
sion of Kossuth County." 

Dr. H. C. McCoy was elected coroner, 
in 1875, and held the office for two years. 

In 1877 S. G. A. Read was elected cor- 
oner, and held the position for the full 
term. 

Dr. H. C. McCoy was again elected to 
this office in 1879, and in 1881 was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. L. K. Garfield, who is the 
present incumbent. 

DRAINAGE COMMISSIONERS. 

There were but few elected to fill this 
position in Kossuth county. The first 
who was called upon, however, to fulfill 
the few duties that devolved upon the 
office, was Joseph P. Sharp, who was 
elected in 1857. After serving about two 
years, he removed from the county and 
passed out of sight of the people of this 
county. 

H. Kellogg was the successor of Mr. 
Sharp, serving throughout the year I860. 
He was a gentle, genial man and had 
many friends, but died before his term of 
office had expired and left a vacancy. 

This was filled by the election of Hor- 
ace Schenck, who held the office for rive 
years. Mr. Schenck is still a resident of 
the county. 

The last to occupy this office was Kinsey 
Carlon, who was elected in 1865, and held 
it until it was abolished by act of General 
Assembly. 



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370 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XV 



ALGONA TOWNSHIP. 



When the county of Kossuth was or- 
ganized, in 1855, the township of Algona 
comprised the whole of what is now Kos- 
suth county. Successive boards of super- 
visors have cut off from it first one town- 
ship and then another, until it consists at 
present of township 96 north, range 29 
west, and all of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 
6, and the north half of sections 1, 8, 9, 
10, 11 and 12 of township 95 north, range 
29 west. It is bounded on the north by 
Burt, on the south by Cresco, on the east 
by Portland and Irvington, and on the 
west by Lott's Creek township. The 
East Fork of the Des Moines enters this 
township on the east line of section 24, 
and flowing in a general southwesterly 
course, traverses sections 24, 25, 36 and 
35, in township 96, range 29, and sec- 
tions 2, 3, 10 and 11, in township 95, 
range 29. This stream, the principal one 
in the county, forms a beautiful loop or 
bend in the lower part of its course in 
this township, and in this loop lies the 
large and thriving city of Algona, the 
seat of county government. The surface 
is beautifully rolling, the swales growing 
more abrupt as they near the river. The 
township, however, contains some of the 
finest agricultural land in the county, and 
is pretty well settled up by a thrifty class 
of American and German settlers. Some 



of the finest buildings are seen in the 
neighborhood of Algona, on farms that 
are found in northern Iowa. 

Algona township appears to have been 
organized at the time that the county was, 
in 1855, but no record exists of the officers 
elected at that time. At the election of 
Aug. 4, 1856, however, D. W. King was 
chosen township clerk; Benjamin Hens- 
ley, assessor; J. E. Blackford, justice of 
the peace; W. A. Wilson and O. J. Smith, 
constables. At this election but thirty- 
one ballots were cast, although the town- 
ship at that time comprised all of what is 
now Kossuth county. 

The earliest settlement of this town- 
ship, and the events connected with it, 
are, in a great measure, identical with 
those of the town of Algona, and will be 
found in connection with the history of 
that place further on. Before speaking 
of the settlement of it, therefore, it be- 
comes necessary to relate all the history 
of the agricultural and rural portion of the 
township first. 

Horace Schenck is said to have been 
one of the first settlers north of Algona 
who had his family with him. On the 4th 
of June, U56, he located on section 23, 
and proceeded to open up a farm. Be- 
tween him and the Minnesota line there 



— *|V 






HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



371 



was no settler, and nothing but a vast 
wilderness of grass and weeds. 

Shortly after this, Joseph Thompson, 
in the year 1856, built a log cabin on the 
prairie east of the village. Here he con- 
tinued to reside until the following Christ- 
mas, when he removed to town. 

Capt. W. H. Ingham had a claim upon 
which he lived before either of the above 
located there, but as they remained, and 
he removed into Portland, the credit be- 
longs to them. 

Another of these early settlers in the 
township, outside of the village limits, 
was Michael Riebhoff. He erected a 
cabin of the trunks of the trees of the 
grove, 16x18 feet in dimension. The 
ceiling was so low that a man of ordinary 
height could scarcely stand upright in it. 
He made the floor out of puncheons split 
from basswood logs. 

Michael Riebhoff was born June 15, 
1807, in Hanover, Germany. He emi- 
grated to America in 1833, locating in 
Westmoreland Co., Penn., and worked in 
the salt works for five years. In 1838 he 
came to Iowa and rented a small farm 
five miles from Dubuque, remaining two 
years, then took a claim in Dubuque 
county where he lived ten years and en- 
tered 220 acres more land. In 1856 he 
sold out and came to Kossuth county, set- 
tling on the north half of section 24, Al- 
gona township, where he now resides, and 
has thirty acres under cultivation, the 
rest being covered with native timber. 
He also owns 160 acres in Portland town- 
ship, on section 18. Mr. Riebhoff was 
married June 30, 1830, to Mary Jobman, 
who died Dec. 2, 1845, leaving six chil- 
dren—Henry, Margaret, Peter, John, 



Mary and Michael; four of these are mar- 
ried. John and Henry died in the Civil 
War of 1861. John died and was buried 
at St. Louis, Mo. Henry at Vicksburg, 
Term. Mr. Riebhoff was again married 
Feb. 22, 1842, to Amelia Roan, born April 
9, 1830, in New Galloway, Scotland. They 
had fourteen children, twelve of whom 
are living — Elizabeth C, Agnes G., James 
F. and Jane,twins, Matthew N. and Martha 
A., twins, Susan A., Grace, John II., Grace 
J., Frank, Henry and Garfelia, twins, and 
Capitola. Grace and Capitola are deceased 
and buried in Algona. Eight of the chil- 
dren are married. Mr. Riebhoff is one 
of the oldest settlers in the county. He 
is upright and honest, worthy of great 
respect, and beloved by all who know 
him. 

William Carey was another of the early 
settlers of this township. He located in 
1856, on section 14, but has since re- 
moved into Portland township. 

Around the first school house in this 
locality lingers many interesting reminis- 
cences. During the summer of 1856, 
this building was erected, if such a struct- 
ure could be said to have been erected, by 
digging into the side of a hill and the 
sides walled up with logs. That portion 
that projected from the ground was also 
covered with earth. This was called the 
"Gopher College" by the settlers in the 
vicinity, and by this name is it remem- 
bered to this day. The first teacher was 
Jonathan Callender. He was succeeded 
by Martha Clarke and Mrs. Carnish. 
Long since the building was destroyed by 
fire, but the memory of this primitive 
hall of learning will not perish for ages 
to come. 



v-,a 



-f — * 



372 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



The first frame school house was built 
in 1860, on section 24, and was the first 
frame one in the county. 

The first school house in sub-district 
No. 8, was built of sod by the neighbors, 
on sections 17, 96 and 29, during the year 
1866. The first teacher was Joseph Mar- 
tin, who presided over the destinies of 
this primitive academy three terms. For 
seats, teacher and scholars had slabs 
from the saw-mill, and desks were con- 
spicuous by their entire absence. The 
first year there were but the children of 
two families that attended, the Burts and 
McArthur's. 

The school house in district No. 4 was 
erected in 1883, at a cost of $643. 

That in district No. 11 was erected 
about three years prior to this, in 1880, 
and cost about $450. The first sub-direc- 
tor, of this sub-district was Thomas Han- 
nah. 

The present township officers are as fol- 
lows: F. C. Wilson, W. F. Hofius and C. 
Rickard, trustees; B. F. Reed, clerk; G. 
N. Ames, assessor; A. E. Wheelock and 
E. H. Clarke, justices. 

CITY OP ALGONA. 

This beautiful and enterprising city 
originated less than thirty years ago, 
when the beautiful country around the 
head waters of the Upper Des Moines 
river was just beginning to attract the 
attention of those in search of homes, 
and the surroundings were as free and 
wild as the time when the stars of the 
morning sang anthems of joy at nature's 
dawn. The changes from the primitive 
to the developed state have been constant 
and rapid. It has been one continual 
change from the moment of its projec- 



tion, until Algona of to-day stands forth 
one of the bright jewels in the diadem of 
a noble State. While there may have 
been nothing really remarkable in the. de- 
velopment of the past, or nothing pecu- 
liarly striking in the present, still there 
is much that cannot fail to be of interest 
to those who have been closely connected 
and identified with the city in all the 
various changes that have occurred from 
year to year. To those who have watched 
its progress from its earliest origin — when 
Kossuth county was a wilderness — until 
the present time, the accomplishment of 
by-gone days would seem now like a her- 
culean task, but are in reality the sure 
and legitimate results of an advanced 
state of civilization. Endowed with many 
natural advantages, aided by the strong 
arm of enterprising husbandry, Kossuth 
county has assumed a position among the 
best and wealthier of her sister counties 
throughout the State; and Algona, as the 
first town within her boundaries, has kept 
pace with the improvements and advance- 
ment. 

Algona is situated in a beautiful loop 
or bend of the East Fork of the Des 
Moines river, in the northeastern corner 
of township 95 north, range 29 west, and 
is about 160 miles from the Mississppi 
river at the nearest point of landing. 
Two lines of railroad pass it, connecting 
it with the markets of the world. These 
are the Chicago, Milwaukee <fc St. Paul 
(Iowa and Dakota division) and the Chi- 
cago & Northwestern, the former from 
east to west, and the latter from north to 
south, and afford excellent facilities for 
marketing. The city is surrounded by 
some of the finest and most productive 



£ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



373 



agricultural and stock raising lands in the 
State, which is a guarantee of a perma- 
nent and ever increasing trade. 

There are many fine and substantial 
brick buildings to be seen upon the busi- 
ness thoroughfares, and many costly and 
elegant dwellings in the part of town de- 
voted to residences. Many of these lat- 
ter are worthy of more than a passing 
mention, being more than ordinarily beau- 
tiful. An abundance of shade trees 
adorn the streets, which in summer add 
greatly to the handsome appearance of 
the place. The location is exceedingly 
healthy, being high and dry. The in- 
habitants are of a class possessing rare 
intelligence and culture, and the society 
is of the most refined and desirable char- 
acter. 

The various town plats of Algona were 
filed for record as follows : 

Algona propertied for record, by Asa C. 
Call, upon the 2d of December, 185G. 

Call's addition, on the 11th of Septem- 
ber, 1871, by AsaC. and Ambrose A. Call, 
Henry and Anthony Durant and John 
Heckart. 

Ingham's addition, by W. H. Ingham, 
on the 22d of November, 1881. 

Call & Smart's addition, by Asa C. Call, 
J. J. Smart and S. L. Witter, Aug. 4, 
1882. 

Call's third addition, by A. C. Call, 
Nov. 1,1883. 

The real founder of Algona, and the 
first settler on what is now the town site, 
was Asa C. Call. In the spring of 1854, 
he had just returned from the sunny 
shores of California, and feeling that in- 
vestments in real estate were on a surer 
foundation than in the placers and gulches 



of that land of gold, looked around him 
for an eligible locality, to start a settle- 
ment and a town. While in Des Moines 
his attention was drawn to the waters of 
the Upper Des Moines river, where the 
land was of a wondrous fertility and 
where there was considerable of a grove. 
Starting out, as detailed in the chap- 
ter on the early settlement of the 
county, in company with his younger 
brother, Ambrose, he journeyed to the 
north. On their arrival here, they were 
immediately struck with the beauty of the 
location and its adaptability for the pur- 
pose then in view. They soon returned 
to civilization to make the necessary ar- 
rangements. On the 9th of July they re- 
turned and with them came the wife of 
the elder brother. Mrs. Call was the first 
white woman ever within the bounds of 
Kossuth county. Here she continued to 
dwell in peace, seeing her family and the 
town grow up around her. Seeing the 
county, that she had entered when no other 
woman was an inhabitant, fill up with 
settlers and take a prominent part in the 
bright sisterhood of counties of our noble 
young State. Here then she remained 
until Sunday May 14, 1876, when she was 
summoned by death, to cross the "dark 
river," and without a murmur she obeyed. 
Her death cast a gloom over the commu- 
nity, for her circle of friends comprised 
all that knew her, and they were legion. 

The Call brothers did not settle imme- 
diately upon the present town site of Al- 
gona. Asa C. Call occupied a cabin upon 
the northeast quarter of section 14, in 
township 95, range 29, built by Ambrose 
A. Call. Here they remained until in 
March or April, when the elder brother 



-sp" 



J, 



-4* 



374 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



removed to the site of the present town, 
and founded' the same. The town was 
shortly afterward surveyed and platted by 
Lewis II. Smith, county surveyor. This 
was during the summer of 1856. Three 
blocks were left for public parks, or 
squares; block 19 (public square) for a 
courthouse ; block 39 (Maple Park) to be 
ornamented by the town, and block ] 7 
(College Square) for a college campus. 
This last was donated by J. W. Moore, it 
lying in his part of the town. Mr. Moore 
afterwards refuted his generosity, and 
sub-divided and sold it out in town lots. 

Hon. Ambrose A. Call, in his interest- 
ing sketches of the early days of Algona, 
and Kossuth county, gives the following 
as the reasons for the names of the streets 
in the town : 

"Lucas street was called after Col. E. 
Lucas, a property owner; Call street after 
Call, a resident; Kennedy after Kennedy, a 
resident, who helpedonthe survey; Jones 
street after Senator G. W. Jones, of Du- 
buque; Harlan street after Senator James 
Harlan; Moore street after J. W. Moore, 
resident; Dodge street after Senator A. 
C. Dodge; Thorir.gton street after James 
Thorington, M. C; Hall street after James 
E. Hall, a resident ; Williams street after 
Major W. W.Williams, a property owner; 
Blackford street after J. E. Blackford, 
resident ; Smith street after Lewis H. 
Smith, resident; Lowe street after George 
A. Lowe, resident." 

The next settler upon the site of the, 
as yet, incipient village, was Joseph W. 
Moore. He was a native of Newark, Ohio, 
and came here from Cedar Rapids, where 
he had been a short time, in January or 
February, 1855. He engaged in several 



land speculations, and on the establish- 
ment of the postoffice, in 1856, was made 
postmaster. In 1863 he left Algona and 
moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he at 
present resides. 

James L. Paine was also a settler of the 
same year, 1855, and is still a resident of 
the town. 

Jacob Cummins settled at Algona dur- 
ing the year 1855. During the War of 
the Kebellion he was with the "brave 
boys in blue" from Kossuth county, in the 
lurid front of battle. He is now a resi- 
dent of the State of Kansas, whither he 
moved some years ago. 

The next important settler to locate at 
the embryo town was Lewis II. Smith, 
now one of the county's most prominent 
citizens, and the cashier of the Kossuth 
County Bank, at Algona. 

John E. Blackford came to Algona in 
the summer of 1855. He brought his 
family with him and the birth of a daugh- 
ter, shortly after, in November, 1856, was 
heralded as the first within the limits of 
the town or township. Ella Algona 
Blackford, besides being the first child 
born in Algona, enjoys the distinction of 
having been the first "girl baby" in the 
county. Mr. Blackford is still a resident 
of Kossuth county, and is numbered 
among its most solid men. 

Among the arrivals of 1856 were: Rev. 
Chauncey Taylor, John Heckart, Orange 
Minkler, J. E. Stacy, H. A. Henderson, 
Frank Hamson, Roderick M. Bessie, D. 
S. McComb, H. F. Watson, Amos S. Col- 
lins, M. D., and others. 

The first log cabin was built by Judge 
Asa C." Call, in the spring of 1855, as 
mentioned before. This was 16x'20 feet, 





't^l^liJ^Ay 




<• W_ 



_* 2> 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



379 



with an addition 12x16 feet in size, one 
and a half stones high. The doors and 
sash for the windows were brought here 
by teams from Iowa City. The floor was 
of puncheons hewn from the native tim- 
ber and even the casings of doors and 
windows were of the same primitive 
manufacture. Other cottages of like fron- 
tier architecture soon gathered around. 
Settlers now kept coming in, slowly at 
first, but more rapidly as time progressed. 

In the spring of 1856, Major William 
W. Williams, of Fort Dodge, sent up a 
small stock of goods in charge of a man 
by the name of W. M. Koons, but almost 
immediately after his arrival, the stock 
was put in charge of Henry F. Watson, 
who thus kept the first store in the county. 
Prior to this Charles Easton, an eccentric 
Englishman, who had come herein 1854, 
and put up a tent the other side of the 
woods to the south of the town, sold 
whisky and powder to the inhabitants, 
who wanted that kind of groceries. These 
two "merchants" and the itinerant- ped- 
dlers, who first made their appearance in 
1856, supplied all the simple wants of the 
pioneers. One of the old settlers says 
that "an odd genius visited us peddling 
groceries, bacon and cats. He warranted 
his cats good mousers or no pay. He sold 
'he-cats' for $1, and 'she-cats' at $1.50." 

In 1856, a hotel was also erected, by 
Hezekiah A. Henderson. This was a 
hewed log building, without any windows 
in the front, and was, to use the words of 
an early settler, "a most forlorn place." 
The hotel was known as the St. Nicholas 
Hotel, stood northeast of the court house. 
The hotel was afterwards bought by J. E. 
Stacy, who ran it for about four years. 



The settlers having brought their patri- 
otism along with them resolved to cele- 
brate the 4th of July, 1856, in an appro- 
priate manner. A flag was improvised, 
a hickory pole raised on the public square, 
a pic-nic dinner in the grove back of Mr. 
Heckart's residence, speeches, toasts,songs 
and all accompaniments necessary for a 
well conducted celebration. About eighty 
persons were present at this celebration 
including nine young ladies, some of them 
just out of their bibs and tucks — "a fine 
sprinkling," as Lewis H. Smith had it in 
a gallant response to a toast. 

About this time Jesse Magoon set up 
the first blacksmith shop in Algona, but 
only operated it for a short time, when, 
the same year, he was succeeded by Oli- 
ver Benschotter one of the prominent 
men of the county at a later date, and at 
present one of its residents. 

In December, 1855, Judge A. C. Call 
raised his mill. This was a substantial 
building, 37x45 feet, two stories high, lo- 
cated just south of Blackford's grove. 
It is thought that every man in the county 
attended the raising and lifted every 
pound that was in him. This mill was 
not started until the next summer. The 
engine was hauled from Warren, Ste- 
phenson Co., 111. by Ambrose A. Call, with 
ten yoke of oxen. The mill was a fine 
edifice, much better than the country de- 
manded at the time. This was operated 
for several years and a great deal of lum- 
ber was sawed thereat. It was, however, 
destroyed by fire, years ago. 

In the spring of 1856 a town hall was 
built in Algona. This was used for 
school and Church purposes, and for 
dances and other festal occasions. Speak- 



J7J*- 



10 



♦3 



« _^_ 



Kt. 



380 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



ing of it, Ambrose A. Call relates the fol- 
lowing: "Rev. Chauncey Taylor, in his 
interesting articles published in The Up- 
per Des Moines some time since, stated 
the way in which the town hall was built 
— by shares of stock, and controlled by a 
stock vote. If Father Taylor was not the 
prime mover, (he said he was not) he was 
the most active member of the company, 
being its secretary and general business 
manager, and always carrying the key. Af- 
ter the district built a school house, Fa- 
ther Taylor bought in the stock of the 
company, and converted the building 
into a Congregational Church; thus not 
only giving his time and best energies, 
but also his money in building up the 
Church of which he was pastor. But I set 
out to tell how it happened that the 
boys dedicated the building with a dance. 
In those early days, when our facilities 
for social amusement were limited, and 
the crude and uncertain condition of our 
mail service failed to supply the current 
news and more solid reading, dances, 
hops, balls, and cotillion parties, and the 
like were indulged in whenever oppor- 
tunity offered. None were too aristo- 
cratic or dignified, and all 'took a hand' 
(or rather foot) unless, indeed, religious 
training or awkwardness forbid. The 
young people of Irvington had dedicated 
their new hall with a ball in which we all 
participated, the night of the 3d of July. 
The next day they all turned out to our 
celebration, and when they saw our new 
hall were anxious to try the floor. But 
knowing our man, we considered it a risky 
business try ing to beguile the key from 
Father Taylor. 'I will tell you,' says 
George, his son, 'I heard father telling 



the minister who stopped at our house 
about the hall at breakfast, and am sure 
he will take him over to see it, I will 
watch and tell you when he unlocks the 
door." And so it happened, that as Fa- 
ther Taylor was explaining the conven- 
ience of certain arrangements to the 
stranger, the room was filled, and not un- 
til Uncle Bullus struck up the 'Arkansas 
Traveler,' and shouted 'Manners your 
partners!' did he fully comprehend the 
situation. 'Well,' says Father Taylor, 'I 
think I have engagements that will call 
me away, and I would like to lock the 
door now.' 'Never mind Mr. Taylor,' re- 
plied some one 'just leave the key, and 
we will lock the door when we go out,' 
and he left the key. It may not be out 
of place in justification of this procedure, 
to tell some tales out of school; how, 
when Uncle Bullus changed the music, 
Deacon Zahlten seized the daughter of our 
Baptist minister by the waist, and struck 
a gait that threatened destruction to our 
new ceiling; or how he was followed by 
brother Hackman with another comely 
daughter of a prominent Church member, 
in a style that would do credit to Fred- 
erick Willheim; but it must be remem- 
bered these things occurred years ago." 

To quote again from Mr. Call's con- 
tribution to the historic annals of the 
county: 

"The settlers were favored with stated 
preaching by Elder Marks as early as the 
winter of 1855-6. The elder was a gen- 
erous, big-hearted apostle, who, like Peter 
and Paul, went out to lead sinners to re- 
pentance, without money and without 
price. He made no pretentions to a 
classical education, or oratorical powers, 



►rr 



-* — 4>? 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



381 



but simple physical endurance, a strong 
pair of lungs, and earnestness of purpose. 
He tried to practice what he preached. 
He chopped wood, turned grindstone, 
carried water, tended baby, und tried to 
make himself useful wherever he went. 
He distributed tracts and prayed with 
private families when desired. With the 
mercury twenty or thirty degrees below 
zero one enjoyed one of his hell-fire ser- 
mons as much as he would to read of Dr. 
Kane's exploits in the frozen seas in dog 
days. He talked right to the point. He 
prayed for the old bachelors who had to 
bake their own slap-jacks and mend their 
own garments, 'for,' says he, 'God 
knows their cabins are desolate enough. 
And for Judge Call, may the Lord put 
something else into his head besides 
building steam-mills and making timber 
claims; 'for,' says be, 'my dear hearers, 
when yon are wriggling over the mouth 
of hell you will think of what old Marks 
told you.' He was of a scientific turn, 
and sometimes startled us with the con- 
clusions of his investigations. At one 
time, while earnestly trying to impress 
some of his arguments upon his hearers, 
he said: 'Why, just a few days ago I 
read of the body of a woman whom her 
friends undertook to remove several years 
after death. Why, my hearers, they 
couldn't dew it; it had become ver battum, 
it had pulrified, in plain English, my dear 
hearers, it had turned to stun, and 
weighed 600 pounds." 

Nearly all of the historic items in 
relation to the first happenings in Algona, 
being the first in the county, have been 
treated of elsewhere, and it would be un- 



necessary to repeat them in this connec- 
tion. 

Algona was incorporated in 1872, and 
the first election for city officers was held 
upon the first Monday in March of that 
year. The primal officers were: Charles 
Birge, mayor; F. M. Ta,\ lor, recorder; 
W. H. Ingham, E. N. Weaver, D. Patter- 
son, J. G.Smith and J.J. Wilson, trustees; 
W. Stebbins, street commissioner; H. W. 
Walston, assessor; G. L. Galbraith, 
treasurer. A slight sketch of each of the 
more prominent of these officials is here- 
with appended: 

Charles Birge was born in Whitewater, 
Wis., in 1845. Entered Wisconsin Uni- 
versity in 18(50. Went into the army in 
1864, before finishing his col leg" ate course. 
After leaving the army he entered a law 
school at Albany, N. Y., from whence he 
graduated, in the spring of 1866, at twenty 
years of age. Read law in Janesville, 
Wis., in the office of J. B. Cassidy, until 
1867, when he cut loose from all extrane- 
ous assistance and began in earnest the 
serious task of "paddling his own canoe." 
Mr. Birge commenced the practice of law 
in St. Louis, where he remained until 
1870. He was married in December, 1868. 
Failing health warning him that a too 
close application to business, coupled 
with life in the crowded city, would in- 
evitably shorten his life, he reluctantly 
relinquished a lucrative practice in the 
Missouri metropolis, and sought a more 
bracing atmosphere in Iowa. This he 
found in Algona, where he arrived in 
April, 1870. In 1877 his health still 
failed him, and taking to his bed, he was 
compelled, although reluctantly, to render 



> *y 



9 ^ 



382 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



up his soul and be buried in the cold 
ground. 

F. M. Taylor is a native of Cattaraugus 
Co., N. Y. Was born in 1839. He re- 
moved to Illinois and taught school in 
that State; afterwards moved to Ocono- 
mowoc, Wis., where he studied law with 
E. Hurlburt, Esq. After completing his 
studies he came to Algona, Iowa, and 
drove his stake in this village in May, 1869. 

W. H. Ingham is a native of Herkimer 
Co., N. Y. Is forty-four years of age. 
Mr. Ingham came into Kossuth county in 
1854, and was, as all know, one of the 
pioneers in the settlement of northwest- 
ern Iowa. Very naturally, he is greatly 
interested in witnessing the growth and 
prosperity of this, the home of his early 
choice. Mr. Ingham is now in the bank- 
ing business, and is well and widely 
known for his business qualifications. 

E. N. Weaver is a native of Summit 
Co., Ohio, where he was born in 1834. Is 
a carpenter by trade, and has the reputa- 
tion of being one of our most skillful 
artificers. He came to Algona in 1856, 
since which time he has been a resident 
of Kossuth county, with the exception of 
one year, when he resided in Waterloo. 

John G. Smith was born in Boston, 
Mass., in 1840. Was well known as the 
proprietor of a garden near that city. 
He left Boston a number of years ago, 
for Algona, where his brother, Lewis H. 
Smith, had preceded him, and was then 
in the land business. Mr. Smith, with his 
brother, embarked in the mercantile 
trade in our village, and has become 
an indispensable fixture here. His 
straightforward business habits are well 
known. 



J. J. Wilson is a native of Onondago 
Co., N. Y. Was born in 1828. Has been 
in business in Pennsylvania, Indiana and 
Wisconsin. He came to Algona in Janu- 
ary, 1870, since which time he has carrred 
on a very extensive lumber trade. Mr. Wil- 
son is a wide awake, public spirited man, 
and is known through this and neighbor- 
ing counties for his fair and upright deal- 
ing as a business man. 

D. Patterson is a native of Liverpool, 
England, where he was born in 1837. 
His parents were Scotch people, and had 
resided in Liverpool but a short lime 
prior to his birth. He came to this coun- 
try when but ten years of age and resided 
in the "land of steady habits" until his 
majority, when he came "out west" to 
Rock Co., Wis., whence he removed to 
Keokuk Co., Iowa, and from thence to 
Washington county. Was postmaster in 
Dutch Creek,- Washington county, and 
afterwards in Cresswell, Keokuk county, 
in which latter place he was the pioneer 
merchant. He came into Algona in the 
fall of 1870, since which time he has been 
in the mercantile trade. 

The first council meeting was held at 
the council chamber in Algona, on the 22d 
of April, and the following resolution was 
passed: 

Resolved., By the town council of the in- 
corporated town of Algona, that a side- 
walk be and is hereby ordered built along 
the following streets : 

Commencing at the southwest comer of 
State and Moore streets, running thence 
south on the west side of Moore street to 
the northwest corner of Moore and Mc- 
Gregor streets, thence east along the north 
side of MeGresfor street to the northwest 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



383 



corner of McGregor and Jones streets, 
thence south along the west side of Jones 
street to the southwest corner of Jones 
and Kennedy streets, thence west along 
the south side of Kennedy street to the 
northeast corner of Kennedy and Harlan 
streets, thence south along the east side of 
Harlan street to the south side of South 
street, also from east line of lot three 
(3) in block twenty-eight (28), run- 
ning east along the south side of State 
street to the southwest corner of State 
and Harlan streets, thence south along the 
west side of Harlan street to northwest 
corner of Harlan and McGregor streets, 
also from northwest corner of Moore and 
McGregor streets, running thence south 
along west side of Moore street to south- 
west corner of Kennedy and Moore streets, 
thence east along south side of Kennedy 
street to the southeast corner of Kennedy 
and Harlan streets. 

Said sidewalk to be eight feet in width 
from east line of lot three (3) in block 
twenty-eight (28), on south side of State 
street, to the southeast corner of State 
and Harlan streets and built adjoining 
line of lots. The balance of said walk to 
be four feet wide, all to be constructed of 
two inch plank or oak one and a half 
inches thick, each plank not to exceed 
eight inches in width, with suitable sup- 
ports, and to be completed within sixty 
days after the 1st day of May, 1872, in 
accordance with the instructions of the 
street commissioner not inconsistent with 
this resolution. 

At the same meeting the first ordinances 
of the city government were adopted, 
and are as follows: 



Ordinance No. 1. 
Be it ordained b] the council of the In- 
corporated town of Algona, that the sub- 
ordinate officers of the council shall be a 
Treasurer, Marshal, Assessor and Street 
Commissioner. That said officers be 
elected by the council and hold their re- 
spective offices until their successors are 
elected and qualified, and hereafter, said 
officers shall be elected at the regular an- 
nual election for municipal officers for 
said town. 

Sec. 2. The duty of the Treasurer shall 
be to receive all moneys belonging to said 
incorporated town, and shall pay the same 
out upon vote of the council, upon orders 
signed by the Mayor and attested by the 
Recorder,with the corporate seal attached. 
Said Treasurer shall take and subscribe 
the same oath required of other officers 
of the corporation, and shall give bond 
with good security, to be approved by the 
council, in the sum of $2,000 for the 
faithful discharge of his duties. 

Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the 
Street Commissioner to take and subscribe 
the same oath and in the same respects 
qualify the same as required of Road Su- 
pervisors in unincorporated townships, to 
perform the same duties within the limits 
of said incorporated town as is required 
of Road Supervisors, for which he shall 
receive the same fee for his services as 
Road Supervisors, and said commissioner 
shall perform such other duties consistent 
with the nature of his office as said coun- 
cil may from time to time require. 

Council Room, April 22d, 1872. 

Attest: Cha's Birge, Mayor. 

F. M. Tayloe, Recorder. 



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384 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Ordinance No. 2. 
An Ordinance in Relation to Side Walks. 

Be it ordained by the Town Council 
of the Incorporated town of Algona, 
Kossuth county, Iowa: 

Sec. 1. That twelve feet in width shall 
be set apart from the sides of all streets 
for side walk purposes. 

Sec. 2. That all side walks shall be 
built two feet from the outside line of the 
street, unless otherwise ordered by the 
council, and of such material and con- 
struction as shall be ordered by the council. 

Sec. 3. That any shade or ornamental 
tree or trees hereafter planted in the 
street shall be set ten feet from the line 
of the adjacent premises. 

Sec. 4. This ordinance shall take effect 
and be in force from and after its publica- 
tion in any newspaper of general circula- 
tion published in said town of Algona. 

Council Room, April 22d, 1872. 

Attest: Cha's Birge, Mayor. 

F. M. Taylor, Recorder. 

The following is a list of the mayors 
and recorders of Algona for the succeed- 
ing years to the present time: 

1873. — Charles Birge, mayor; F. M. Tay- 
lor, recorder. 

1874.— F. M. Taylor,mayor; C. E.Church, 
recorder. 

1875.— D. S. Ford, mayor; H. M. Taft, 
recorder. 

1876. — J. J. Wilson, mayor; Pitt Cravath, 
recorder. 

1877. — J.J. Wilson,mayor;Pitt Cravath, 
recorder. 

1878. — J. E. Stacy, mayor ; J. Wallace, 
clerk. 

1S7'J.— J. E. Stacy .mayor; D. II. Setchell, 
clerk. 



1880. — J. J. Wilson,mayor; G. II. Samp- 
son, clerk. 
1881. — The same, re-elected. 
1882. — J. M. Comstock, mayor; R. M. 
Palmer, clerk. 

1883. -J. G. Smith, mayor; R. A. Palmer, 
clerk. The latter however resigned and. 
in May, R. B. Warren was elected to fill 
the vacancy. 

The first marriage in Algona, was that 
of Hurlbut W. Lake to Rachel N. Eggers, 
upon the 21st of July, 1857. 

Tre first birth was that of Ella Algona 
Blackford, daughter of J. E. and Mary A. 
Blackford. 

The first school was taught by Flavia 
Fleming, in a private dwelling, during 
the year 1857. Miss Fleming married 
and went to Wisconsin. 

The first building used for school pur- 
poses, by the district, was the town hall, 
which was built during the winter of 1850 
and 1857. 

The first religious services were held 
by Elder Marks, who came here and 
preached during the fall of 1855. 

The first store was erected by II. F. 
Watson in the spring of 1856. The stock 
of goods belonged to Major W. W. Wil- 
liams, of Fort Dodge, who had sent them 
up for sale. 

The first saw-mill in Algona was erected 
by Asa C. Call, in the winter of 1855-56. 

The first postmaster was J. W. Moore, 
who was appointed to the position in the 
fall of 1856. 

The first hotel was erected by Ilezekiah 
A. Henderson in the summer of 1856. 

The first frame residence in Algona, 
was erected by H. F. Watson, in the fall 



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k 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT Y. 



385 



of 1856. This historic structure is now a 
part of the dwelling of W. H. Ingham. 

Algona grew but slowly until the 
advent of the railroad in 1870. Judge 
Asa Call, his brother, Ambrose,and several 
other gentlemen labored assiduously to 
bring the rails to this place. Their first 
effort was as early as 1861, when the Mc- 
Gregor, Sioux City & Missouri River 
Railroad was instituted in Clayton county. 
This company became involved and noth- 
ing came of it. In 1869 when the Mc- 
Gregor Western, ( or as it now is called, 
the Iowa and Dakota division of the C. 
M. & St. P. R. R.) was pushing westward 
from Calmar, these parties united their 
efforts and brought the road to Algona, 
at a vast expenditure of time and labor. 
The Messrs. Call donating some 400 acres 
of land to the company, and many town 
lots to accomplish it. 

From that time the town has grown 
rapidly until it is a large and beautiful 
city. The seat of county government is 
located here and the fine court house, 
erected in 1872, at a cost of nearly $40,000, 
is one of the finest structures in the town, 
and in fact, in northern Iowa. It stands 
upon a rise of ground in the center of the 
business portion of the town, and in the 
middle of a fine park or square. Fine 
blocks of business houses line the streets, 
and a busy hum of industry arises from 
the place of commerce. These business 
interests, like all things else, have devel- 
oped from a very small beginning. 

The first store, as has been stated, was 
that of Major Williams, managed in 1856 
and later by H. F. Watson, still a resi- 
dent of the town. This was the first 
step taken in the direction of mer- 



*ti; 



cantile interests. This stock, which Mr. 
Watson opened in September, was of the 
character usually known under the head 
of general merchandise. It was conduct- 
ed under the name of the owner - , Major 
Williams, until the spring of 1858. Shortly 
after the establishment of this store, in 
the spring of 1857, James Eggers came to 
AlgoYia, from Waterloo, Iowa, with a 
stock of goods, and opened a rival estab- 
lishment. These were the first stores in 
the town. In the same line, the next 
store was started by Havens F. Watson, 
for himself, in the spring of 1861, which 
he continued to operate until 1871. 
James L. Paine soon followed and opened 
a store in 1861. 

As trade increased and the business of 
Algona began to assume city proportions, 
the general merchandising, to a certain 
extent, began to separate and many of 
the merchants handled larger stocks but 
in fewer lines until now there are but few 
that handle more than one or two lines. 

In the dry goods trade, or those that 
are the heaviest dealers in that line at 
the present in the city are: G. R. Wood- 
worth, S. C. Spear, George L. Galbraith, 
J. M. Comstock, Theodore Chrischilles 
and Thomas Earley. 

G. R. Woodworth, who handles cloth- 
ing, boots and shoes and notions, in ad- 
dition to dry goods, began business in Al- 
gona, in May, 1869. He erected the fine 
brick structure that he occupies at present, 
in the fall of 1883. It is 22x90 feet, two 
stories, high ceiling and french plate win- 
dows. It is one of the finest buildings 
devoted to mercantile pursuits in the city. 
George R. Woodworth, merchant, was 
born in June, 1843, in Orleans Co., N. Y. 



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9 iL 



386 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



When sixteen years age he removed to 
Jamestown, N. Y., and was there engaged 
in the dry goods business until 1802. He 
then went to Faribault, Minn , remaining 
until 1865, then returning to Jamestown. 
In 1869 he came to Algona, where be has 
since been a prominent dry goods mer- 
chant. Mr. Wood worth was married 
Dec. 14, 1867, to Gertrude Hatch, also a 
native of New York. They have two 
children — Romeo II. and George W. Mr. 
Woodworth has been a member of the 
board of aldermen of this city and also 
of the school board. He is a member of 
the Masonic order. 

S. C. Spear dispenses general merchan- 
dise in connection with dry goods. His 
business dates from October, 1870. His 
present building was erected by him in 
the spring of 1877, and is 22x93 feet in 
dimensions. 

S. C. Spear was born in Philadelphia, 
Penn., in June, 1843, and was reared and 
educated in Boston, Mass., and from his 
sixteenth year has been engaged in the 
clothing business. In 1868 he went to 
Portsmouth, N. II., and Portland, Maine, 
where he remained until 1868. He then 
came west and visited the cities of Chi- 
cago, 111.; Dubuque, Iowa; Charles City, 
Iowa and other places, and engaged 
in business for a short time at Manches- 
ter, Iowa. In 1870, he came to Algona, 
engaging in general merchandise busi- 
ness, handling dry goods, clothing, gro- 
ceries, etc. He is still engaged in the 
business, carrying a large stock and doing 
a good business. Mr. Spear enlisted, in 
lsi, 4, in company C, 42d Massachusetts 
regiment, serving with Gen. Phil Sheri- 
dan. He married, in 1870, Emeline C. 



Strout, a native of Portland, Maine. They 
have one child — Alice E. 

George L. Galbraith began business in 
Algona, in December, 1870, and carries a 
large stock of carpets and fancy goods 
in addition to dry goods. 

Theodore Chrischilles still continues 
to handle a stock of general merchandise, 
which business he established in August, 
1870. 

J. M. Comstock, who embarked in the 
dry goods business in 1872, is to be ranked 
among the most solid men in the mercan- 
tile circles. His store room, 21x60 feet, is 
too circumscribed for his well assorted 
stock, which foots up to about $ 10,000. J.M. 
Comstock was born Sept. 6, 1838, in Onei- 
da Co., N. Y. His parents, George and 
Eliza (Paine) Comstock, were natives of 
Connecticut. They were married in Con- 
necticut, and immediately went to Onei- 
da Co., N. Y. In 1846 they moved to 
Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have 
since lived on a farm. J. M. Comstock 
was raised on a farm, receiving a liberal 
education. In August, 1861, he enlisted 
in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. Dec. 1, 
1861, was promoted to first lieutenant, 
and in the fall and winter participated 
in the guerrilla warfare in Missouri. In 
July, 1863, he was made captain of com- 
pany F, same regiment. His command 
took part in the battle at Cape Girardeau, 
at the time of Marmaduke's attack. In 
the summer of the same year he was ap- 
pointed provost marshal on Gen. McCook's 
staff, was in the battles of Shelbyville, 
Chickamauga and many others, among 
them the engagements in east Tennessee 
from the siege of Knoxville as well as 
the engagements in Sherman's march to 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



387 



Atlanta. He was mustered out in Decem- 
ber, 1864, at Louisville, Ky. In 1866 he 
was married at Oconomowoc, Wis., to 
Elizabeth Annis. They have two chil- 
dren — Mary and Jessie. In lS66he went 
into mercantile business at Monterey, 
Wis. In 1872 he came to Algona, where 
he has since been engaged in mercantile 
trade. In politics he is a republican, has 
been councilman for six years, and in 1882 
was elected mayor of the city. He is an 
ardent supporter of the temperance cause. 

Thomas Earley, one of the young, en- 
terprising merchants in this line, carries a 
fine stock of clothing, boots and shoes, 
and furnishing goods, besides dry goods. 
He instituted his present business in April, 
1876. In June, 1883, he removed to his 
present fine store, which is twenty-five 
feet wide by 100 long. Here, displayed 
upon counter and shelf, he shows the 
largest stock of goods in the county. 

Thomas Earley is a native of Grafton 
Co., Wis., and was born April 6, is 49. 
His parents, Patrick and Anna (Burn) 
Earley, were natives of Ireland, and came 
about 1843 to Wisconsin. In 1851 the 
family removed to Winnebago Co., Wis., 
where Thomas was reared and educated. 
In 1867 he enlisted in the United States 
army, serving in company G, 35th regi- 
ment, which regiment afterwards formed 
a part- of the 4th regiment, Mr. Earley 
then being in company H. He was lo- 
cated during most of the time of service 
at Port Russell and Fort Steele, Wyoming 
territory. After serving in the army 
three years he returned home, and in 1872 
engaged in business at Winneconne,Wis., 
residing there four years. In 1876 he 
came to Algona and engaged in the cloth- 



ing, dry goods and boot and shoe business. 
Mr. Earlev has been very successful in 
business, having worked up gradually 
from a small store, until now he has the 
largest and best equipped store in the 
county, and is doing an extensive busi- 
ness. He was married Sept. 11, 1874, to 
Sarah Taylor, a native of New York. Mr. 
and Mrs. Earley have two children— Net- 
tie and Jessie. Mr. Earley is a member 
of the city council. He is a member of 
Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. O. O. F. 

J. G. Smith is another of Algona's 
merchants that still continues to deal in 
merchandise. This business was estab- 
lished in October, 1866, by John G. and 
Lewis H. Smith, under the name and style 
of Smith Brothers. In 1868 Francis C. 
Rist gave up his stage and mail business 
on account of ill health, and was admitted 
as a partner. Lewis H. Smith withdrew 
from the firm in May, 1870, but the firm 
was still continued under the old name. 
Mr. Rist dying in 1872, John G. Smith 
has continued to run the business alone. 

In October. 1866, they were appointed 
agents for the American Express Com- 
pany, but on the withdrawal of that com- 
pany from this line of railroad, in 1869, 
this agency ceased. In July, 1872, J. G. 
Smith was appointed agent for the United 
States Express Company, a position he 
holds yet. 

J. G. Smith, general merchant, was 
born in Middlesex Co., Mass., March 10, 
1840, being there reared and educated. 
In 1866 he came to Algona and engaged 
in general merchandise business, being 
now the oldest merchant doing business 
at this point. Mr. Smith was for many 
years agent of the Northwestern Stage 



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388 



BISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Company. He was married in June, 
1868, to Lucinda T. Smith, a native of St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y. They have five 
children — Maude A., Kate N., Gracie B., 
Lou R. and Rowland S. Mr. Smith has 
been a member of the city board of alder- 
men and school trustee of this district, 
and is now mayor of Algona, being 
elected in March, 1883. He belongs to 
the Masonic fraternity and is a Knight 
Templar. 

Only one house handles clothing and its 
accompaniment exclusively, that of George 
Solomon, who began business here Sep- 
tember, 1881, in a store one door north of 
the Bongey House. Here he remained 
until July, 18S2, when he moved next 
door west of G. L. Galbraith's store on 
State street, only to remove to his present 
commodious quarters May 1, 1883. Mr. 
Solomon, although many of the stores 
carry lines of the goods he handles, does 
a large and lucrative business. 

George Solomon is a native of Ger- 
many, born Aug. 23, 1854. In 1872 he 
emigrated to the United States, settling 
in Chicago, 111., being engaged in the 
wholesale house of B. Ginsburg as clerk 
for five years. In 1877 he went to Tama 
City, Iowa, clerking for his brother at 
that place until 1881, when he engaged in 
the clothing trade in Algona, carrying a 
stock of clothing, boots and shoes, etc. 
Mr. Solomon was married July 30, 1882, 
to Sarah Sime, a native of Germany. 
They have one child — Ida. Mr. Solomon 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Algona, 
and of V. A. S. Fraternity of Algona 
Coligium. 

The first drug store was established by 
Ourant brothers in 1866. At a later date 



Dr. L. A. Sheetz became a partner. In 
the fall of 187: 1 ! this firm dissolved and 
the slock was divided. The business is 
at the present in the hands of Durant 
Brothers, L. A. Sheetz and B. G. Forbush. 

Durant Brothers carry, in addition to 
their stock of drugs, medicines and such 
goods, a large line of fancy goods, sta- 
tionery, etc. 

L. A. Sheetz, in the Palace drug store, 
has a place of business that would do 
credit to a metropolitan city, and does an 
extensive business. 

B. G. Forbush, the - proprietor of the 
Good Samaritan drug store on east State 
street, does a nice business and holds 
good the name that ornaments his sign. 

The first to embark in the grocery busi- 
ness exclusively was Samuel Hessler, who, 
in 1869, opened a store devoted to that 
line. This pioneer grocery store is still 
in existence, under the proprietorship of 
O. H. Marvin, who was his immediate suc- 
cessor. 

The present dealers in groceries exclu- 
sively are the following named: Crose & 
Branson, Orville Minkler, J. C. Heckart, 
Booth & Buell, C. A. Hurd & Co., O. H. 
Marvin, H. S. Langdon, D. W. C. Ackley 
and the Grange store. 

Crose & Brunson instituted their busi- 
ness in September, 1881. They carry a 
stock of $4,000 worth of first-class gro- 
ceries, and keep everything in the neatest 
possible manner. 

A. A. Brunson was born May 29, 1840, 
in Grand Isle Co., Vt., and there grew to 
manhood. In August, 1862, he enlisted 
in company H, 106th New York Volun- 
teer Infantry, and was rendezvoused at 
Camp Wheeler, Ogdensburg, from there 



tfr 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



389 



sent to West Virginia, where he spent 
the winter of 1862-63. The following 
May lie participated in the battle of Mar- 
tinsburg, battle of the Wilderness, South 
Anna River, Spottsylvania Court House 
and Cold Harbor. He was then promoted 
to first lieutenant, and took command of 
company I. At the battle of Winchester 
he was wounded in the right hip, and in 
1*65 discharged at Indianapolis. He 
came west in April, 1865, settling in Clay- 
ton Co., Iowa, and engaging in mercantile 
business. In 1870 he came to Kossuth 
county and took a homestead. In 1873 
he was elected superintendent of schools, 
and in 1875 re-elected. He was after- 
wards appointed mail agent on the Chica- 
go, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad for 
two years. In 1806 he married Dora Ben- 
jamin, of Clayton Co., Iowa. They have 
two sons — Willis and Glenford. He is a 
Master Mason of Prudence Lodge, No. 
205, of Algona; also belongs to the Grand 
Army of the Republic. 

J. C. Heckart was born in Wayne Co., 
Ohio, Dec. 2, 1838, and is a son of John 
and Elizabeth Heckart. When fourteen 
years of age, he removed with his parents 
to Elkhart, Ind , remaining there until 
1856, when they cameto Algona, Kossuth 
Co., Iowa. In 1861 Mr. Heckart enlisted 
. in ompany F, id Iowa Cavalry, remain- 
ing with this command until the follow- 
ing February. In August, 1862, he again 
enlisted in the 32d regiment, Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry, company A, and partici- 
pated in the following engagements — Fort 
DeRussy, Pleasant Hill. Lake Chicot and 
Fort Blakely. He also tO'»k part in the 
capture of two rebel transports, on Little 
Red river, Ark, while detailed on board 



the gunboat Lexington, in 1863. After 
the close of the war, he returned to Kos- 
suth county and engaged in farming. In 
1871 he went into the mercantile trade, 
which business he has since followed. In 
1866 Mr. Heckart married Amelia M. 
Phelps, of Fond du Lac, Wis., by whom 
he has had three children — Grant W., 
Jessie and Hattie. Mr. Heckart is a Mas- 
ter Mason, a member of Prudence Lodge, 
No. 205. He is also quartermaster of 
James C. Taylor Post, G. A. R. 

De Witt Clinton Ackley, grocer and 
confectioner, was born in Pomfert, Chau- 
tauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1831. When 
two years of age, the family removed to 
Bristol, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Ackley 
resided there until nineteen years of age, 
during which time he learned the black- 
smith trade; he then removed to Sheboy- 
gan Co., Wis., there working at his trade 
until 1852. He then returned to Ohio, 
remaining until 1853, when heagain went 
to Wisconsin, and after a short residence 
in Sheboygan county, removed to Keno- 
sha county, where he resided until April, 
1857; then removed to Kansas, stopping 
for a short time in Leavenworth and then 
moving to Hickory Point, Jefferson 
county, taking an active part in the strug- 
gle then in progress which made Kansas 
a free State. In May, 1859, Mr. Ackley 
went to Denver, Col., where he remained 
until July of that year, then returned to 
Ohio, and in July, 1861, enlisted in the 
14th Ohio Battery of mounted artillery, 
serving until January, 1863. At the bat- 
tle of Pittsburg Landing, Mr. Ackley was 
wounded in the right leg and discharged 
on account of physical disability. He 
returned to Ohio,' where he remained 






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390 



HISTORY OF KOS&UTH COUNTY. 



until March, 1863, at which time he re- 
turned to Kenosha Co., Wis. In October, 
1863, he came to Iowa, first locating at 
Waverly, and in March, 1864, removed to 
Freeborn Co., Minn. In November, 1865, 
lie removed to Mitchell, Iowa, and in 
August, 1870, came to Algona, working at 
the blacksmith trade until 1883, when he 
engaged in the grocery business Mr. 
Ackley was married April 30, 1854, to 
Clarissa Wooiworth, a native of New 
York. They have four children — Mary 
A., Olive A., Delia O. and Buel C. Mrs. 
Ackley is a member of the Congregational 
Church. Mr. Ackley is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. 

Booth & Buell, who are the successors 
to Phillips Bros., entered into business 
partnership in 1883, and enjoy a fair share 
of the patronage of the people of this 
locality. 

Dumont A. Buell, of the firm of Booth 
tfc Buell, grocers, was born in April, 1840, 
in Monroe Co., N. Y. When thirteen 
years of age he removed with his parents 
to Ottawa, 111., where he was reared and 
educated. He engaged in farming at Ot- 
tawa until 1880, when he came to Algona 
and entered into land speculations, at 
which he is still engaged. In April, 1883, 
he went into the grocery business with Mr. 
Booth. Mr. Buell was married Oct. 17, 
1867, to Emma Hardy. They had two 
children — Hardy and Emma. Mrs. Buell 
died in March, 1877. Mr. Buell married, 
in 1879, Pamelia Thurber, a native of 
Illinois. They have two children — Ella 
L. and Julia T. Mr. and Mrs. Buell are 
members of the Congregational Church. 
Mr. Buell is a member of the Masonic 
order. 



The Grange store is under the general 
management of J. E. Blackford, and car- 
ries a stock of about $4,000 in various 
lines. 

The growth of the furniture trade lias 
been interesting to watch. In 1856 John 
Heckart opened a cabinet shop for the 
repair of disabled and maimed furniture, 
and in connection ran a turning lathe and 
did odd jobs at painting. This lathe of 
Mr. Heckart's was in a small building, 
which hung upon a pivot. The lathe was 
driven by a wind-mill, and as the wind 
varied the building was moved around to 
the proper position for sails of the mill to 
catch the wind. Mr. Heckart for many 
years made and repaired almost all the 
furniture in the county, and is at present 
one of Algona's prominent citizens, hav- 
ing retired from active pursuits and en- 
joying the fruits of his former industry. 

John Heckart, the pioneer cabinet 
maker of Algona, was born in Dauphin 
Co., Penn., May 14, 1805. In 1832 he 
was married to Elizabeth Fisher, and they 
have lived happily together for more than 
half a century. In 1836 he left his na- 
tive State and moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, 
where he resided until 1854, when he re- 
moved to Elkhart, Ind. In 1856 he came 
to Algona, then a place with two log 
cabins. Here he embarked in the cabinet 
business, being the first cabinet maker in 
the county. He made chairs and bed- 
steads, many of which are now in use. 

From the humble beginning made in 
this line, has grown the present tine busi- 
ness of Bronson Bros. Starting July 12, 
1881, they have succeeded in building up a 
fine trade and carry a heavy stock of 
goods in their line. 



^ 



9 W. 



-/ S> 



£* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



391 



The first hardware store was opened 
by James Mclntyre, who came from Illi- 
nois. He afterward died here, and the 
business passed into other hands. In 
1869, Dammon, Griffin & Robinson estab- 
lished themselved in the hardware busi- 
ness at this point, but after running about 
a year, the interest of the senior partners 
was purchased by J. W. Robinson, and 
the firm, under the name of Robinson 
Brothers, has continued one of the insti- 
tutions of the town ever since. They 
carry a full line of shelf and heavy hard- 
ware, stoves and everything usually hand- 
led in that business. 

J. W. Robinson, one of the prominent 
business men of Algona, was born Aug. 7, 
1841, in New Hampshire. His parents, 
Frederick and Philena Robinson, were 
natives of New Hampshire. J. W. Rob- 
inson grew to manhood in his native 
State, receiving an academical education, 
also graduated at a business college in 
Boston. In 1862, he enlisted in company 
A, 11th New Hampshire Volunteer Infan- 
try, and was wounded in the right arm at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, sent to a hos- 
pital at Washington, from there to Ports- 
mouth Grove, R. I., where he staid five 
months. He then joined his regiment at 
Knoxville and was soon after sent to the 
army of the Potomac under Gen. Grant, 
participating in all the engagements, till 
the surrender of Gen. Lee; he was also at 
the Grand Review in Washington. After 
his discharge from the service, he re- 
turned to New Hampshire. In 1870 he 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and has since 
followed the hardware business. In 1874 
he married Antoinette Veazey. They 
have three children — Howard V., Abra 



L. and Norman W. Mr. Robinson is an 
honorable member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, Prudence Lodge, No. 205. His 
wife died Nov. 10, 1882. 

P. L. S. Bronson and L. M. B. Smith 
are also prominent and representative 
merchants in this line. 

Peter L. S. Bronson, dealer in hardware, 
stoves, etc., is a native of Norway, born 
April 29, 1850. When six years of age 
he emigrated with his parents to the 
United States, settling in Chicago, 111., 
where Peter was reared and learned the 
tinner's trade. In 1872 he went to Sioux 
Rapids, Iowa, where he remained four 
years, then came to Algona, working for 
L. M. B. Smith. In August, 1878, he en- 
gaged in business for himself, and is 
now one of the successful business men of 
Algona. Mr. Bronson was married Jan. 
27, 1875, to Thorena Thoreson, also a na- 
tive of Norway. They have four children 
— Adolph, Secegwart, Fred and Clara. 
Mr. Bronson is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

In the spring of 1870, J. J. Wilson 
opened a lumber yard at Algona, which is 
claimed to have been the first in the town, 
although lumber had been sold here previ- 
ously, but by no regular established dealer. 

The business is at present in the hands 
of J. J. Wilson, W. W. Johnson and John 
J. Queal. 

D. S. Ford, it is claimed, is the pioneer 
agricultural implement dealer. He was 
the first to erect a warehouse and engage 
in it as a specialty. To Mr. Ford is Kos- 
suth county indebted for the introduction 
of flax seed. This business is represented 
at present by the following firms : D. S. 



>Pv* 



392 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



f 



*[• 



Ford, J. It. Jones & Co., Robinson Bros., 
and Mathew Richardson. 

J. R. Jones & Co., established by Mr. 
Jones, in the fall of 1870, when he put up 
the present building he occupies. In the 
spring of 1872, he admitted, as a partner, 
Thomas Hamson, and the business was 
conducted under the firm name of Jones 
& Hamson. This lasted but about a 
year when Mr. Jones became the purchaser 
of his partner's interest. In 1882, G. H. 
Lampson purchased a half interest therein 
and the style of the firm name changed to 
its present one of J. R. Jones & Co. 

The first harness shop was started by 
F. W. Hawes, in the spring of 1870. He 
came here from Nashua, Chickasaw Co., 
Iowa, and opened in a small building on 
the north side of State street where the 
drug store of B. G. Forbush now stands. 
In 1871, he moved into his present quar- 
ters This store room is 22x70 feet in 
size and is filled with a fine stock of har- 
ness and everything in that line, besides a 
stock of clothing, boots and shoes and 
trunks. Besides Mr. Hawes, this line of 
trade is worthily represented by M. W. 
Stough and Walters & Co. 

Milton R. Walters, harness maker, was 
born in Fort Wayne, Ind., Jan. 19, 1850. 
He is a son of Reuben and J. Mitchell 
Walters, natives of New York, who emi- 
grated to Indiana in an early day. Mr. 
Walters was a soldier in the Union army, 
where he contracted a disease of which he 
lost his life. The subject of this sketch 
went to Humboldt Co., Iowa, in 1861. 
Here he turned over the first sod where 
Humbo'dt now stands. Also helped to 
haul the first lumber to build the first 
house. He was married in Humboldt 



-P- 



county to Clara Penny, by whom he 
has had four children — George, Jennie, 
Ella and Edna. In 1874 he came to Al- 
gona, where he has followed his trade ever 
since. Mr. Walters is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. lodge of Algona. In politics 
he is a staunch republican, and has held 
several local offices of trust. 

P. L. Slagle was born June 6, 1845, in 
Greene Co., Ohio. His parents were 
George W. and Martha (Long) Slagle. His 
mother was from Philadelphia, Penn. 
His father was a Virginian and came to 
Ohio at an early day. In 1843 they moved 
to Wheatly county, where they still reside. 
P. L. Slagle was reared in Ohio and In- 
diana. When seventeen years of age he 
was apprenticed to the trade of saddler 
and harness maker. In 1864 he enlisted 
in company D, 11th Minnesota Volunteer 
Infantry, and participated in the battle 
of Nashville, Tenn., and other engage- 
ments. He served till the close of the 
war. In 1858 he married Sarah Crabb. 
They have five children — Charles II., 
Elmer II., Frank II., George H. and 
Walden H. In 1868 he came to Algona, 
where he lias followed his trade. He is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
Blue Lodge and Chapter, also belongs to 
the Grand Army of the Republic. 

The first merchant tailor in Algona 
was J. K. Fill, who established that 
business on the 26th day of March, 1860, 
when he came here. He came from Ogle 
Co., 111., where he had been engaged in 
the same line of business. He is regarded 
as one of the first business men of the 
city. 

J. K. Fill, merchant tailor, was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, Jan. 22, 181). Here 



IV 



•k 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



393 



he learned the trade of tailor in the shop 
of his father, at the age of fourteen years, 
serving three years' apprenticeship. In 
1838 he emigrated to America, locating in 
Baltimore. He remained in Baltimore a 
few years, and then removed to Dauphin 
Co., Penn. In 1853 he removed to Ogle 
Co., 111., remaining there until 1860, when 
he came to Kossuth eounty and settled on 
a farm in Irvington township. While run- 
ning his farm he again engaged in his pres- 
ent business. In 1 873 he removed his family 
to Algona, where they have since resided. 
He was united in marriage, in 1843, in 
Dauphin Co., Penn., with Eliza J. Price. 
By this union there were eight children. 
Mr. Fill is a republican politically. He 
enlisted in company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, 
and participated in many engagements. 

For many years the repairing of wagons 
had been done by the blacksmiths, who 
were alo workers in wood to that extent, 
but in 1876, Bradley & Nicoulin em- 
barked in the business of manufacturing 
wagons, carriages, etc., and repairing the 
same. They have a large establishment, 
employing twelve men, and turn out 300 
wagons and carriages per year. The Al- 
gona lumber wagon made by them has an 
excellent reputation, not only local, but 
as far west as Chamberlain, Dak., to 
which point and intervening ones they 
are shipped. 

A. M. Johnson & Son are also an enter- 
prising wagon making firm. They opened 
a shop in 1882 and are doing quite an ex- 
tensive business. The Johnson wagon 
is deservedly popular. 

A. M. Johnson rs a native of Delaware 
Co., N. Y. When eighteen years of age 
he learned the blacksmith's trade. He 



was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Fish, 
they having four children — George, Lafay- 
ette, Edward and Augusta. In August, 
1862, he enlisted in company F, 31st Iowa 
Volunteer Infantry, and took part in Sher- 
man's raid on Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, 
Young's Point, siege and capture of Vicks- 
burg; here he was taken sick and sent to 
Logging's hospital, from there to Quiney, 
111., when in February, 1864, he was dis- 
charged. He then returned to Jackson 
Co., Iowa, where he had settled in 1856. 
In 1865 he located in Irvington township, 
now Sherman township, on section 5, 
where he engaged in farming, and in the 
spring of 1879 came to Algona. In the 
spring of 1882 he opened up a wagon shop 
in company with his son, where they turn 
out some excellent work, and are known far 
and wide as the Johnson wagon. Mr. 
and Mrs. Johnson are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Watch repairing was first done by J. 
H. Warren, and the business, as well as 
stocks of jewelry kept by F. M. Bronson 
and E. G. Bowyer, at the present. 

William Cordingley was the first to 
deal exclusively in the shoe business, and 
manufacture and repair the foot gear of 
this community. He started in it about 
fifteen years ago, in 1868, and is still the 
most important merchant in that line, 
where it is handled exclusively. 

The meat market business is well rep- 
resented by three stands, those of Frank 
Winkel, Mrs. Schweigs and J. Winkel. 

It is claimed that the first photographer 
to locate here, was a party by the name 
of Thompson. This line is represented 
at this time by Saunders & Fuller and 



NtVII YORK. N. Y 




-*%— : :~* 



-J± 



394 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT Y. 



J. F. Nicoulin, who enjoy a large and 
lucrative business. 

J. F. Nicoulin was born Feb. 24, 1847, 
in Massachusetts. His parents were Xa- 
vier and Paulina (Parset) Nicoulin, his 
father a native of Switzerland, and his 
mother of France. When young people 
they came to America, and were married 
in Pittsfield, Mass. In 1849 they went to 
Vermont, and in 1 854 emigrated to Dodge 
Co., Wis. Mr. Nicoulin was drowned in 
ISr.9, in Rock river, while constructing a 
bridge over the stream. Mrs. Nicoulin 
was afterwards married to Frank Bernard. 
They are living at Appleton, Wis. J. F. 
Nicoulin went to Appleton when four- 
teen years of age, and was employed for 
nine years as clerk in a store. In 1870 he 
came to Algona, and in 1873 opened a 
photograph gallery. In 1880 he married 
Isabella Gilbraith, a daughter of Williim 
Gilbraith, of Kossuth county. Mr. Nicou- 
lin is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

Dr. Parker was the first dentist to lo- 
cate in Algona. At the present C. B. Cole, 
E. S. Ensign and L. K. Garfield, M. D., 
are the representatives of this branch of 
business. 

In 1868 E. S. Lamb commenced the 
first livery business, and followed it for 
several years in connection with the hotel. 
Several parties have engaged in it since 
then, but Grove & Co., and Smith & Ring 
are the live liverymen of Algona, at the 
present writing. 

Isaac Grove, liveryman, Algona, was 
born June 13, 1818, in Union Co., 
Penn. He there learned the shoemaker's 
trade, continuing to work at the same 
until 1844. He then went to Rockford, 
111., being engaged in teaming between 



that city and Chicago for many years. 
He also engaged in farming near Rock- 
ford. In 1864 he moved to Charles City, 
Iowa, being engaged in farming and other 
occupations until 1873. He then located 
near Nora Springs, farming in that neigh- 
borhood until 1875, then coming to Kos- 
suth county, and settling on section 4, 
Algona township. He engaged in farm- 
ing until 1879, when he went into the liv- 
ery business in Algona Mr. Grove was 
married, Jan. 1, 1842, to Annie E. Ziebach. 
He has five children living — Marion, Emily 
J., Samuel, John and Jacob F. Mrs. Grove 
died Feb. 17, 1864. Mr. Grove married 
in August, 1864, Mrs. Laura (Tennant) 
Lynch, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. 
Grove is a member of the Congregational 
Church. 

J. A. Smith was born Sept. 27, 1847, in 
Prussia. In June, 1870, he emigrated to 
America, settling in Clinton Co., Iowa, 
and engaged in farming. After one year 
he went on a farm in Calhoun county In 
1880 he disposed of this farm and pur- 
chased another. In 1882 he removed to 
Pomeroy, where he engaged in the livery 
business. In June of the same year lie was 
burnt out. In 1883 he came to Algona, 
and is still in the livery business. He 
still owns the farm in Calhoun county. 

In all new counties the real estate busi- 
ness has always taken a prominence, and 
the town of Algona, in this respect, has 
at all times been particularly favored. 
The first party to engage in this line was 
Asa C. Call, who came to Algona in 1855, 
with that intention. The first mention of 
any transfer of property in the town of 
Algona, is the sale of a town lot by him 
to Lyman L. Treat, for the consideration 



-3T. 



■FT 




^^y%^e4^ (^£sxJkrt^- 




jjgp&6#'™KVffrl>; 







■*&. ■}* 





^OAA^lJ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



399 



of $1. There are many parties in the 
city, at present, engaged in this business, 
prominent among whom are: George C. 
Call, who is the successor to his father, 
A. C. Call; J. W. Jensen, the representa- 
tive of Fredericksen, Hansen & Drum- 
mond; C. Byson, J. E. Stacy, the agent of 
the American Emigrant Society; C. L. 
Lund, J. B. Jones, W. H. Nycum and O. 
E. Palmer. Ambrose A. Call, W. II. Ing- 
ham and L. H. Smith are also interested 
in this business, in connection with their 
general banking business. 

George C. Call, real estate, abstract and 
loan agent, is a son of Asa C. Call, and is 
successor to his father in the oldest estab- 
lished real estate business in Algona, his 
father having established the same in 
1854. Mr. Call became interested in the 
business in 1879, and Dec. 5, 1882, hesuc- 
ceeded the firm in his present business. 
He is a native of Algona, and was born 
Sept. 24, 1 860. He was here reared and 
educated. From his youth he has been 
engaged in the land business, and though 
a young man has been unusually success- 
ful. Mr. Call is a member of Algona 
Lodge, No. 236, I. O. O. F. of this city. 

John W. Jensen is a native of Norway, 
born May 31, 1854. He was there reared 
on a farm. In August, 1872, he emigra- 
ted to the United States, locating in Kos- 
suth Co., Iowa. He here engaged in 
funning and various lines of business un- 
^ til the spring of 1883, when he accepted 
his present position as agent for Freder- 
icksen, Hansen & Drummond. Mr. Jensen 
was married June 8, 1878, to Mary Jacob- 
son, also a native of Norway. They have 
three children — Emma Julie, Ida Maria 



and William Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Jen- 
sen are members of the Lutheran Church. 

C. Byson, real estate agent, was born in 
Denmark, Feb. 22, 1842, being there 
reared on a farm. In April, 1869, he 
emigrated to America, settling in Warren 
Co., Penn He divided his time between 
Jefferson and Clarion counties, Penn., un- 
til 1882. He then came to Algona, tak- 
ing charge of the real estate business of 
A. Boysen until October, 1883, when he 
established his present business. When 
Mr. Byson arrived at Castle Garden, 
N. Y., he had but $1 in his pocket, and 
his success may be judged from the fact 
that he is now quite a large property owner 
in the city of Algona. In June, 1870, Mr. 
Byson was married to Anna M. Peterson, 
also a native of Denmark. They have 
three children— John R., Kinnie E. and 
Anthony. 

Christian L. Lund, real estate agent, 
wag born in Denmark, Aug. 3, 1850. He 
was there reared to manhood, receiving 
his education at the Royal University of 
Copenhagen, at which institution his 
father, Miller Lund, has for many years 
been professor of theology. When twenty- 
one years of age he entered the regular 
army of Denmark, according to custom, 
and served one year. In 1873 he came to 
the United States, going directly to Chi- 
cago, 111., where he resided one year, then 
removed to Saline Co., Neb., where he re- 
mained one year. He then went to Kear- 
ney Co., Neb., where he resided three 
years, engaging in real estate business 
and stock raising. He then went to Colo- 
rado, residing in Leadville and Denver 
for one year, after which he returned to 
Chicago, where he again remained one 



Via 



11 



i&+ 



400 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



year. He then removed to Algoiia, Iowa, 
engaging in the real estate business. He 
owns large farms in Kossuth and Emmett 
counties, and is extensively engaged in 
stock raising in the southeastern part of 
Emmett county. 

In the line of insurance, the business is 
well represented by H. Hoxie, A. D. 
Clark, F. M. Taylor, J. J. Wilkinson, L. 
H. Smith, Jonathan B. Winkle, C. F. 
Calkins and J. B. Jones. 

J. Wallace & Co., the proprietors of 
the creamery and cheese factories, are 
among the most prominent business men 
of the community. They commenced 
operations in Kossuth county in 1874, 
building that year a cheese factory about 
three miles east of Algona. Early the 
next year they erected one six miles east 
of the city. Later they built two more, 
one in Irvington and another three miles 
north of Algona. In 1876 four factories 
were erected by them, one in the south- 
west part of the county, one in Lott's 
Creek township, one in Fenton, and the 
fourth in the northwestern part of Hum- 
boldt county. They continued their busi- 
ness until 1877, when the style of the firm 
was changed to Wallace, White & Reed, 
but only remained this way for one year, 
when it was changed back to the original 
name of J. Wallace & Co. In 1878 they 
reduced their business, discontinuing all 
but four factories. They engaged in the 
creamery business in the fall of 1879, and 
wen' the first in Kossuth county, and the 
second in the State to adopt the new sys- 
tem. During their first year of the 
creamery business they made 2,500 pounds 
of butter daily. In the spring of 1883 
they engaged in the same line of business 



at the rising town of Bancroft, in this 
county, and are among the heaviest deal- 
ers in this line in northern Iowa. They 
also buy all kinds of produce and grain, 
and are live, energetic, business men. 

Blossom Bros, began business in Algona 
in May, 1878, in the line of buying and 
shipping all kinds of produce, butter, 
eggs, poultry, etc. They are also propri- 
etors of a creamery at East Algona, and 
occupy two store rooms, 22x60 feet, and 
the upper stories of the same building also. 
They manufacture during the proper 
season about 3,000 pounds of butter daily, 
and handle three car loads of poultry, and 
200,000 pounds of dairy butter per year. 

C. H. Blossom, of the firm of Blossom 
Bros., produce merchants, was born in 
Cook Co., 111., Aug. 19, 1853. He came 
to Waverly, Iowa, in 1861, and has been 
in the produce business since 1872. He 
located in Algona in 1878. The firm is 
doing a large business in dairy butter, 
poultry, eggs, and the manufacture of 
creamery butter. 

The flax mill and hay press of B. Mor- 
ris & son, is one of the foremost busi- 
ness enterprises of the town. This was 
erected in July, 1880, and is somewhat of 
a success, and will doubtless improve as 
more and more flax is grown by the agri- 
culturists of the county. They press and 
bale about 1,000 tons of hay per year, 
also, and have $8,000 invested in their 
business. 

The steam grist mill and grain elevator 
located at the depot of the C. M. & St. P. 
railroad are the property of J. J. Wilson, 
one of Algona's most prominent, enter- 
prising and energetic business men. In 
1871 he engaged here in the lumber busi 



fe* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



401 



ness, and in that same summer built the ele- 
vator, to handle the grain he was buying. 
This structure is 20x52 feet, with an ad- 
dition, since erected, of 24x32 feet in size. 
The mill, which is one of the best in this 
section of the State, was built by O. J. 
Hack, in 1872, but came into the posses- 
sion of Mr. Wilson in 1874. This build- 
ing is 36x56 feet in dimension, and is 
thoroughly equipped with the most mod- 
ern machinery on the roller system, and 
has a capacity of turning out sixty bar- 
rels of flour daily. Mr. Wilson is also 
engaged in t e coal, lumber, grain and 
stock business at this point, and at 
Whittemore, this county, and Emmets- 
burg, Palo Alto county, and employs a 
capital of $40,000 in his various businesses. 
The first steps toward the banking busi- 
ness were taken on the 1st of January, 
lf-67, by \V. II. Ingham, who opened an 
account with Austin Corbin, of New 
York city, to draw hills of exchange 
against. The first draft was made upon 
the 11th of January, and was for $100 
from James L. Paine, of Algona, to a 
clergyman in Missouri. On the 1st of 
January, 1 870, just three years later, Mr 
Ingham and Lewis H. Smith formed a 
co-partnership under the firm name of 
Ingham & Smith, for the transaction of a 
regular banking business. Mr. Smith 
painted the sign for the pioneer bank, 
which is yet among the archives of the 
institution. Dining the year 1871 they 
built the fine edifice now occupied by the 
Kossuth County Bank, which is one of the 
finest buildings in the city. Erected of 
Milwaukee brick, two stories high, the 
upper story being occupied as offices, fine 
French plate glass windows, and fitted up 



in a superb manner inside, it is a structure 
that would not be out of place among the 
palatial piles of Chicago or Milwaukee. 

On the 16th of May, 1873, the Kossuth 
County Bank, was organized and incor- 
porated upon the foundation land by 
Messrs. Ingham & Smith. This was a 
stock company and the officers chosen at 
that date have continued to be re-elected 
their own successors, to the present 
moment. They are as follows: W. H. 
Ingham, president; J. B. Jones, vice- 
president; L. H. Smith, cashier; J. W. 
Wadsworth, teller. The board of direc- 
tors is composed of the following gentle- 
men: W. H. Ingham, L. II. Smith, J. B. 
Jones, B. W. Devine, John G. Smith, 
Theodore Chrischilles and J. W. Wads- 
worth. This institution has a capital of 
$50,000 and is incorporated under the 
general banking laws of the State. The 
gentlemen who are the head of the con- 
cern are widely and extensively known, 
1> ing among the first settlers in this part 
of the State, and for reliability, integrity 
and probity, as well as for being men of 
wealth and business experience none en- 
joy a better reputation. Briefly, this in- 
stitution is regarded as one of the staunch 
and reliable fixtures of Kossuth's business 
interests and entitled to the unlimited 
confidence of the public. 

Joseph W. Wadsworth, teller of the 
Kossuth County Bank, was born in Keno- 
sha Co., Wis., Nov. 13, 1853. His parents, 
John and Rebecca (Whitley) Wadsworth, 
were natives of England, and emigrated 
to the United States, in 1847. Mr. Wads- 
worth was reared and educated in Keno- 
sha county. In 1870 he attended Spen- 
cer's Commercial College, at Milwaukee, 






*L 



402 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



graduating with honors. In May, 1873, 
he was appointed teller of the Kossuth 
County Bank, which position he still holds. 
In October, 1875, Mr. Wadsworth was 
married to Eraeline A. Watkins, a daugh- 
ter of John Watkins, of Mower Co., Minn. 
Two children have blessed this union — 
Alice R. and Harvey J. Mr. Wadsworth 
is an active member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge 
Chapter and Commandery. 

The Bank of Algona was established un- 
der the existing State laws, on the 18th of 
November, 1880, and at once assumed, and 
still maintains a permanent place in the 
banking interest of this section, and is a 
most valuable adjunct to commercial inter 
ests. The faculties for transacting all busi- 
ness pertaining to the banking system are 
unsurpassed, and in its construction and 
organization, everything has been consid- 
ered calculated to enhance the interestand 
security of those so fortunate as to be 
numbered among its patrons. The official 
management of the institution is vested as 
follows: AmbroseA. Call, president; D. H. 
Hutchins, vice-president; V. H. Stough, 
cashier. The board of directors is made 
up of some of the best men in the com- 
munity, and add solidity, were that neces- 
sary, to the above named official heads. 
It is composed of the following gentle- 
men: D. H. Hutchins, Joseph Thompson, 
G. N. Hancock, Philip Dorweiler, A. A. 
Call, William Carey and V. H. Stough. 
The bank draws drafts on all foreign 
countries, through Oilman, Son & Co., of 
New York, and on Chicago, through the 
First National Bank of that city. For the 
security of the funds entrusted to them, 
they have aDiebold fire and burglar-proof 



safe, fitted with a Sargent & Greenleaf 
time lock. 

Ambrose A. Call, the pioneer of Kos- 
suth county, and one of the figures around 
which cluster much of the historic annate 
of the past, was born in Huron Co., Ohio, 
upon the 9th of June, 1833. He is theson 
of Asa and Mary (Metcalf) Call, and comes 
of good stock. His grandfather was one 
of the noble band of patriots that achieved 
jour National Independence in the Revo- 
lution, and his father served in the army 
that preserved it during the War of 
1812-15. When the subject of this sketch 
was but a few months old, his father died 
and his widowed mother removed to Cat- 
taraugus Co., N. Y., where she had friends. 
Five years later, however, she returned to 
the west, going beyond her old home in 
Ohio, and locating at South Bend, Ind., 
where she remained many years. Ambrose 
left home at the age of fifteen, he having 
received a common school education in 
the meanwhile. The summor of 1850, the 
subject of our sketch established a news 
depot at Dayton, Ohio, delivering the Cin- 
cinnati dailies ahead of the mails. The 
fall and winter of the same year, he at- 
tended commercial college in Cincinnati, 
Ohio. In the spring of 1854 he turned 
his steps westward and brought up in Iowa; 
at this time he was but twenty-one years 
of age, and in company with his elder 
brother, who had just returned from the 
gold fields of California, he came north 
from Fort Des Moines, as it was then 
called, into what is now Kossuth county, 
arriving here the 9th of July, 1854. In 
1861 he established the first newspaper in 
the county, the Algona Pioneer Press, an 
account of which, see elsewhere. This he 



olV 



*Js_ 



Su 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



403 



continued to edit for several years. For 
the last twenty years, Mr. Call has been a 
government mail contractor, and at the 
present time controlls a large number of 
routes throughout the northwest. He was 
united in marriage with Nancy E. Hen- 
derson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in October, 
1859, a lady whose ancestors have a his- 
toric record in the settlement of Ken- 
tucky. Their.unionTias been blessed with 
seven living children— Florence M., Edith, 
Etta L., Bertha A., Chester C. and Roscoe 
and Myrtle, twins. In politics Mr. Call 
has ever affiliated with the republican 
party, and has taken great interest in the 
success of the measures advocated in the 
platforms of that party. Although fre- 
quently solicited, Mr. Call has persist- 
ently refused political preferment, and 
has never been an office seeker or holder. 
A prominent Mason, he carries into every 
day life the teachings of the craft, and 
deals with his fellow man as he would be 
dealt with. With his brother he founded 
the city of Algona, and was also the 
founder of Bancroft, the Second town of 
importance in the county. Ask him his 
occupation, and his reply will be, a farmer, 
which is in fact, true, as he has over 
1,000 acres of this rich Iowa prairie, 
brought under subjection' to the plough. 
Conservative in business, Mr. Call has 
had the good fortune to accumulate an 
easy competence by shrewd investments, 
and as the result of his mail business. He 
is at present, president of the Bank of 
Algona, and one of Kossuth county's most 
prominent representative citizens. 

D H. Hutchins was born Sept. 20, 1823, 
in Franklin Co., N. Y. He was raised a 
"farmer boy," and received his education 



in the district schools and Franklin 
Academy, where he attended three terms. 
He went to Indiana in the spriugof 1S45; 
resided there two years, then returned to 
Franklin county, where for five years he 
worked on a farm summers and taught 
school winters. He went to California in 
the spring of 1852, in company with his 
brother; was engaged in mining and 
other pursuits for two years, and returned 
home in the spring of 1854. A year later he 
moved to Clayton Co., Iowa, and engaged 
in farming. In 1862 he enlisted as a pri- 
vate in company E, 27th regiment, Iowa 
Volunteer Infantry; was elected orderly 
sergeant by the company in the spring of 
1863, and promoted to second lieutenant 
in the fall of 1864, participating in the 
battles of Little Rock, Fort De Russy, 
Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, Fish Bayou, 
Tupelo and Nashville; was discharged 
May 15, 1865, while in hospital at Natchez, 
Miss. He returned to Clayton county, re- 
maining there until March, 1869, when he 
settled in Algona, and engaged in the im- 
plement trade. He has 250 acres of land 
under cultivation, and is now assistant 
cashier in the Bank of Algona. He mar- 
ried Helen M. Whitney, of Franklin Co., 
N. Y. They have had four children, three 
now living — Clayton B., auditor of Kos- 
suth county; Lucina M., wife of A. F. 
Call, of Algona, and Celia V. Mr. 
Hutchins was commissioned captain of 
uniformed militia by Gov. Seymour, of 
New York, and of Home Guards, by Gov. 
Stone, of Iowa; was elected four times 
justice of the peace, and served one term 
as supervisor of Kossuth county. 

The first hotel in the county was the 
hewn log building reared and kept by II. 



» \ 



\ e_. 



-* s> 



't»» 



404 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



A. Henderson, in 1856, as is stated else- 
where. This was known as the Wiscon- 
sin House, and was for several years the 
only place of entertainment for the wean- 
traveler. 

In 1864 a Mr. Harrison built a frame 
structure on east State street, which lie 
called the Kossuth County Hotel. This 
building is yet standing and is used for 
the same business, although overshad- 
owed by later built and more pretentious 
rivals. This hotel is at present under the 
management of A. Rutherford, who has a 
large patronage among the farming com- 
munity. 

The Cliff House, afterwards known as 
the Commercial House, was for some 
years the principal stopping place in Al- 
gona, but it is now closed. McGraw was 
the last landlord whometthe guests at the 
door and made them welcome. 

In 1 8*70 a brick hotel, which went under 
the name of the Russell House, was 
erected opposite the court house. It was 
under the management and direction of 
several landlords until 1879, when G. N. 
Hancock became the proprietor. In Feb- 
ruary, 1883, Alexander Younie became 
owner and proprietor. The building was 
66x90 feet in area, two stories high, and 
well constructed of brick. The ceilings 
were twelve feet high, and the house con- 
tained twenty-five good rooms, well fur- 
nished, comfortable and good accommoda- 
tions, and an affable landlord. What 
more could the tired guest ask? Mr. 
Younie is considerable of a capitalist and 
real estate owner, and is one of the solid 
men "f the community. This hotel burned 
down late in the winter of 1883. 



A. Younie, formerly owner of the Han- 
cock House, is a native of Quebec, Canada, 
born Feb. 22, 1841. He was there reared 
and educated. His parents, Alexander 
and Isabella (Lang) Younie, were natives 
of Scotland. His father was an old sol- 
dier, and was in the British service during 
the Napoleon Wars. He died in 1857. 
Alexander is the eighth of a family of 
nine children. In the spring of IS6oMr. 
Younie went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and 
after a short residence there, went to 
Montana territory. In December, 1865, 
he returned to Fort Dodge, spending the 
summer of 1866 in Kansas and Missouri. 
In the fall of that year he engaged in 
farming in Humboldt Co., Iowa, and in 
the spring of 1870 he went to Palo Alto 
county, being engaged in farming and 
stock raising. In February, 1883, he be- 
came proprietor of the Hancock House at 
Algona, Iowa. Mr. Younie was married 
Jan. 26, 1870, to Laura E. Elliott, a native 
of New York. They have three chil- 
dren — Nettie, Isabella and William A. 
Mr. Younie was a justice of the peace, a 
notary public, and a member of the board 
of supervisors while a resident of Palo 
Alto county. He was admitted to the bar 
in Humboldt county, and in 1876 prac- 
ticed at Roth, Iowa. 

The present hotel known since its in- 
ception as the Bongey House started from 
a small beginning. In 1872 Alfred Bon- 
gey, the present proprietor, built a small 
building, which is part of the present 
hotel, and commenced the business of 
taking care of travelers. This is said to 
have been the first structure built of pine 
lumber in Algona. The material was 
hauled from Fort Dodge by team. As 



** 



V 



Jl* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



405 



the years rolled on, these quarters grow- 
ing too confined for his ever increasing 
business, Mr. Bongey built the present 
commodious edifice. This now contains 
some forty-five rooms, and the presence 
of the genial host, draws a large share of 
the commercial travelers to the house. 

Alfred Bongey, proprietor of the Bon- 
gey House, was born March 17, 1833, in 
York Co., Perm. In 1839 he removed 
with his parents to Jefferson Co., Ohio, 
where he lived until 1861. He then went 
to St. Joseph Co., Mich., remaining until 
1869, then he came to Algona, and en- 
gaged in contracting and building. He 
was thus employed about four years, his 
first contract being the college building. 
He also during that time worked on the 
court house. In \S72 Mr. Bongey erected 
a small building, being now a portion of 
his present hotel building, and engaged 
in the restaurant and boarding house 
business two years, then commenced keep- 
ing hotel. He has since that time made 
several additions to his hotel, until now 
he has one of the best equipped houses in 
the city. Mr. Bongey was married March 
20, 1869, to Mary A Hutchinson, a native 
of Michigan. They have four children — 
Clifford W., Naomi B., Jacob S. and Fred. 
Mr. Bongey has been a member of the 
city council and is an influential citizen. 

Among the various businesses and pro- 
fessions carried on in Algona, but which 
are treated of in detail in the general 
county history, under their proper head, 
are two newspapers, the Upper Des 
Moines, under the management of Ing- 
ham & Warren, and the Republican, 
owned by Starr & Cowles; the following 
list of lawyers: George E. Clarke, C. P. 



Doiland, J. B. Jones, W. L Joslyn, R. 
J. Hanson, Quarton & Sutton, H. £. 
Vaughn, E. H. Clarke, B. F. Reed, F. M. 
Taylor, G. C. Wright, A. F. Call, J. N. 
Weaver, W. P. Coolbaugh; and doctors: 
L. A. Sheetz, L. K. Garfield, S. G. A. 
Read, James Barr, L. E. Potter and A. 
Richmond. 

No better history of the early Churches 
of Algona and Kossuth county could be 
prepared than is given'Jjyl.tbe Rev. W. 
H. Burnard, of the Congregational So- 
ciety, in a sermon delivered Aug. 15, 
1883. The care and trouble exercised by 
this worthy divine in the compilation of 
these annals has been duly appreciated by 
the historian and the article is inserted in 
its entirety: 

"Interest is always attached to the be- 
ginning of institutions; for the manner 
of their origin, and the reason for it, will 
usually account for what is peculiar to 
them afterwards; and then, the beginning 
itself is likely to have had a cause or at- 
tending circumstance, and to have sug- 
gested certain measures and expedients 
united to the time and place, that could 
not have occurred in other conditions, 
while the subsequent growth, with fewer 
limitations, falls into a conventional 
method and becomes commonplace. This 
is particularly true of Churches. The 
majority of them have about the same 
experience. The history of one is the 
history of many, with slight variations. 
But though their mission and the need of 
them is always and forever the same, the 
conditions in which they are born differ 
with the difference of city and country, 
age and size of communities, traits of 
their founders, and life in old settlements 



TP 



FT 



-J*. 



406 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT Y. 



and on the frontier. For these reasons I 
shall give more time to the early than to 
the later history of the Church. 

"A Church is usually a thought, a wish, 
a prayer, before it is an institution. And 
sometimes the thought not only begins to 
live a long while before the Church does, 
but it is born a long distance from the 
place where the Church is established and 
before the future site is selected. God, 
who gives the thought, knows where, 
when and how its prophecy will be ful- 
filled. This Church, on an Iowa prairie, 
was a thought floating in a good man's 
brain among the Green mountains of Ver- 
mont twenty years before it was organ- 
ized. For it was in 1838 that the Rev. 
Chauncey Taylor's attention wasfirstcalled 
to Iowa, and he feltthen the missionary in- 
stinct to come here and organize Churches. 
Eighteen years later he started with a 
commission from the A. M. S. in his 
pocket, to labor in Iowa ; like Abraham, 
'not knowing whither he went,' but, 
doubtless, with God's voice sayingtohim: 
'Get thee out of thy country, and from thy 
kindred and from thy father's house, into 
a land that I will show thee.' 'And, al- 
though his attention had been called to 
Fort Dodge, which place he visited on his 
way, God showed him Algona, which the 
surveyors were just laying out, as he 
walked, about 3 o'clock p.m., April 19, 
1856, into the town. 

"As Father Taylor's name will be for- 
ever associated with the organization and 
early history of this Church, and as the 
more recent comers among us never saw 
him, and yet have often heard him spoken 
of, I will try to bring him more dis- 
tinctly before you. He was born on a 



farm in Williamsburg, Vt., Feb. 17, 1805, 
and was one of five brothers who became 
Congregational ministers. One other 
brother had the ministry in view but died 
before he reached that goal. One of his first 
religious impressions was upon hearing 
his parents talk about the heathen, at the 
time of the departure of the first mission- 
aries from this country, and he formed a 
resolution, which, through all his years of 
vanity and sin, as he tells us, he ever kept 
before him, to go to them with the glad 
tidings of salvation. He was converted 
at the age of seventeen and at once de- 
cided to become a minister. To be the 
better prepared to obtain an education, 
for which he depended on his own exer- 
tions, he learned the trade of clothier, and 
by working at this and teaching school and 
singing school, and working in the bible 
and Sabbath school cause,- with alternate 
periods of study, he passed through acad- 
emy and college, graduating at the Uni- 
versity of Vermont in August, 1831. He 
was licensed to preach Dec. 11, 1833, by 
the Rutland Association, having held 
meetings some months previously, and 
studying theology, as he himself said, in 
the chimney corner. On the 17th of the 
same month he was married. Before 
coming west, he labored in Vermont for 
twenty years ; James Island, South Car- 
olina, one year ; and in New Hampshire 
two years ; in all about twenty-three 
years. So when he came to this place to 
do harder work, doubtless, than he had 
ever done before, with more exposure, and 
a call for new and original methods, at the 
age of fifty-one, he was ripe in experience 
and in the maturity of his powers. The 
older residents present remember his per- 






►afc 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



407 



sonal appearance as though he were be- 
fore them. Here is a description of him 
which the Rev. Dr. Whiting, of Dubuque, 
wrote to an eastern paper under the head- 
ing of 'The Patriarch of the Prairies,' 
eleven years later: 'His head is white 
as the almond blossoms. The mild gray 
eye, gentle voice, alert motion and unbent 
form are yet his. This man who was not 
rugged, but who was strong of purpose, 
industrious, methodical and capable of 
deriving much happiness from humble 
sources, was the right person to step on 
the site of a new town, in a new country, 
even while the surveyor was still at work, 
to hunt and mess with the young men 
who had come west to make their for- 
tunes, and rear his home near theirs and 
live among them. The true pioneer must 
be able to dispense with luxuries and ele- 
gance, and in lieu of the established ways 
and ample resources of older communi- 
ties, he must be fertile of expedients and 
know how to make rude contrivances do 
efficient work. Yet he is not the man to 
mould the habits of new society and lay 
the foundation of future empire unless his 
innate taste and sterling moral earnestness 
are conspicuous.' Happily, the pioneers 
of recent times were not men of the Dan- 
iel Boone type, hardy and adventurous, 
but hostile to refinement and wanting 
elbow room. The frontier is now being 
occupied by educated and religious men 
and women who carry the elements of 
civilization with them and welcome the 
gospel and the missionary. Father Taylor 
received as cordial a greeting from the 
young men who were here at the time as he 
would have had if he had come with a 
belt of money on his person to buy land. 



Some who do not seem now to care much 
for religion or the Church then dispensed 
a generous hospitality to the self-invited 
missionary and encouraged him to stay. 
They would do just so again. The next 
day was Sunday, and the missionary 
preached to an audience of about twenty- 
five persons, which he said seemed like 
baptizing the town in its infancy, because 
it was so new. This was not the first ser- 
mon that was preached in Algona, for 
Rev. T. N. Skinner, then of Otho, had 
preached in Judge Call's house once in 
the preceding November, and somebody 
else had preached here before that, but it 
was the beginning of the first stated ser- 
vices by the first minister of any denomi- 
nation who came here to stay. 

"The meeting was held in a little log 
house belonging to J. W. Moore, which 
was situated under the oaks near the pres- 
ent residence of Mr. Vaughn, and occu- 
pied as a bachelor's hall by several young 
men. And here the meetings continued 
to be held during the summer, or until 
Father Taylor's own house was ready and 
his family had joined him, when the min- 
ister's house became his study and the 
place of worship until the town hall was 
built. Occasionally, however, that sum- 
mer he preached in other houses, and he 
preached also statedly in Irvington, then 
the rival of Algona, and in other parts of 
the county. The seats then in style in 
these extemporized meeting houses were 
made of slabs, without backs, and were 
favorable to wakefulness and close atten- 
tion. A bed also was usually in the room. 
The first meeting in the town hall was 
held May 21, 1857— forty present. 



s] *y 



9 W_ 



fe* 



408 



HISTORY OF KOSsUTH COUNTY. 



"The materials for a Church organiza- 
tion at this time were very scarce. Few 
of the early settlers professed religion, 
and none of those who came first belonged 
to Congregational Churches. Still many 
people seemed to have faith for Algona, 
small as it was, first, that it would become 
a place of importance, and second, that 
the Church which could get the first start 
might become strong and influential. 
Ministers of other denominations soon 
followed Father Taylor, looking up lost 
sheep, and having a truly apostate zeal to 
organize Churches. Rev. Mr. McComb, a 
Presbyterian minister, came sometime 
that summer, and a missionary agent 
named Wells made a visit here soon after 
and organized a Presbyterian Church, the 
first in the county I believe. It is now 
extinct. The Congregational Church was 
next in order of time, but it was not or- 
ganized until more than two years after 
the missionary came. For the minister 
to come first and call for a Church, rather 
than to wait for a Church to call him, is 
the true way for a new country. This 
Church might never have come into being 
if the minister had waited for the few 
Congregationalists, who came here in an 
early day, to form a Church and invite 
some one to preach to them. As it was, 
only five persons were found who were 
ready to enter into it when the Church 
was organized, Aug. 15, 1858, which was 
the Sabbath. These were: Rev. C. Tay- 
lor, George D. Wheeler and wife, Mrs. 
Maria T. Wheeler, Eugenia Rist, now 
Mrs. L. II. Smith, and Harriet E. Taylor, 
daughter of the minister, now Mrs. J. E. 
Stacy. Mrs. Taylor died Oct. 12, 1837, too 
soon to join. T. N. Skinner, already 



spoken of, was present and assisted in the 
work. Let us try to see all the scene. 
The town hall was the nucleus of this, 
our present house of worship. Meetings 
of various kinds had been held in it since 
May 16, 1857; religious meetings of all 
the denominations in the town, political 
meetings, club meetings, dances, shows, 
and the like. It stood on the lot, corner 
of State and Moore streets, east of Mr. 
Ford's warehouse, smaller of course than 
it is now. Cut off twenty feet of the 
rear of the house, and the entry, with the 
cupola and bell, bring the ceiling down to 
eleven feet, with no arch, let the wains- 
coting and doors be bare, unoiled black 
walnut, the walls lathed with thin split 
boards but not plastered, the seats of slab, 
and you have the scene inside. Outside 
of the house, inclosing quite a large space, 
perhaps the entire lot, was a stockade of 
perpendicular logs with the flat sides 
close together, with another log outside 
to cover each crack, making almost a 
double row of standing logs, put there at 
the time of the 'Indian scare' and mas- 
sacre at Spirit Lake, in March, 1857, and 
left standing until persons who wanted 
such logs had helped themselves to them 
all. It was feared at one time that th% 
people would all have to crowd in there 
for safety. When the needless scare was 
over, as the people sat and worshipped in 
their snug retreat, they could have sung: 

"With salvation's walls surrounded 
Thou may'st smile at all thy foes." 

"Such was the place of meeting when 
the five persons above named, all of whom 
came from other Churches, stood up be- 
fore God and entered into covenant with 
Ilim and each other and became a Church 



4. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



409 



of Christ, and a branch of the universal 
Church. We do not know where Mr. and 
Mrs. Wheeler are now. The organizer 
lias joined the Church triumphant above. 
The other two are with us. One of this 
number soon went back east, taking a 
letter — though she returned again — reduc- 
ing the number to four. But James L. 
Paine united on profession March 10, 
1859, making the original number good. 
On Feb. 20, 1800, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler 
took letters, and the little band was re- 
duced to three. A Church of only three 
members after four years of hard mission- 
ary labor! Was not that discouraging? 
Who would have thought it strange if 
they had disbanded and the minister had 
sought a more promising field? Certainly 
few Churches have had a more feeble be- 
ginning and a more cheerless outlook soon 
after, even in a new country. The other 
Churches in the place, starting a little 
later, must have done better. I cannot 
find out when the Methodist Church was 
organized. The records which are at 
hand only run back to 1862. Perhaps 
the Church never had a distinct beginning 
but came by evolution. According to 
Father Taylor, a Methodist minister by 
the name of Lawton, from Fort Dodge, 
commenced preaching here early in No- 
vember, 1857, and he held a protracted 
meeting in December with good results. 
The Baptist Church was organized on the 
18th of May, 1861, with sixteen members, 
one year after the discouraging period 
for this Church referred to. 

"Providentially the time of gloom did 
not last long. The little band held to- 
gether and slowly their number increased. 
One person was added to them by profes- 



sion in 1861, and another in 1862, and 
then the next year the pastor held a pro- 
tracted meeting, assisted by Rev. Mr. Os- 
borne, of Webster City, the result of 
which four were added to the Church on 
profession of their faith and one by letter, 
thus doubling the original number. From 
this time on the records show that the 
Church had a slow but steady growth. 

"On the 16th of December, 1865, the 
Church voted to take steps to organize as 
a corporate body. This resulted in the 
organization, Feb. 6, 18G6, of the Con- 
gregational Society, which is distinct 
from the Church, and holds its property. 
No deacons were appointed for the Chinch 
until Jan. 27, 1866, over seven years after 
the Church was formed, when Matthew 
Hudson, M. D. and August Zahlten were 
chosen, and they have been our deacons 
ever since, with the addition of David 
Paterson, who was first elected in March, 
1877. The Church and minister engaged 
in Sabbath school work almost, perhaps 
quite, from the beginning, but I give no 
account of our present flourishing Sab- 
bath school because that will be given in 
a separate paper. The deaths, too, will 
receive fitting mention by another, so I 
will not need to speak on that sad theme. 
The baptisms in the Church, infant and 
adult, interesting parts as they are, will 
have to go unchronicled. I find in the 
minutes the first mention made of the 
ladies' sewing circle, under date of Aug. 
31, 1867, when they presented a beautiful 
communion set to the Church, the same 
that we now use A separate paper will 
tell of the ceaseless and beneficent activi- 
ties of that society from its beginning, 
and of how much the present prosperity 



af" 



410 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



of the Church is due to its always timely 
help. 

"This Church was one of five which en- 
tered into the organization of the North- 
western Association at Webster City, Feb. 
10, 1859. Its minister was one of the 
three who were present and took part on 
that occasion. This act brought the 
Church into formal fellowship with the 
other Congregational Churches of the 
State. In the year 1876 the Church with- 
drew from this connection and united 
with the Mitchell Association, along with 
the minister, for the better convenience 
of attending the annual meetings. 

"Up to 1867 Father Taylor had only 
been the stated supply, or acting pastor of 
the Church. That year he was installed 
by a unanimous vote of the Church, the 
society concurring. This was the first in- 
stallation in northwestern Iowa, and one 
of the very few that have ever taken 
place here. The Church then had over 
thirty members, and felt sure of its exis- 
tence and hopeful for the future. This 
marriage after a nine years courtship took 
place on the 8th of September, 1867, which 
was the Sabbath. The council called by 
the Church, consisting of the Churches of 
the Northwestern Association and their 
ministers, and other Churches and minis- 
ters, had convened on the 6th, had exam- 
ined the candidate and sustained all the 
action of the Church and pastor elect. It 
must have been a very interesting event 
to the Church, and a rich treat for the com- 
munity. A crowded house witnessed the 
services. Dr. Whiting, of Dubuque, 
preached the sermon. Dr. Guernsey, then 
superintendent of the American Home 
Missionary Society for Iowa, moderator 



of the council, a giant in stature and in- 
tellect, with a heart correspondingly big, 
gave the charge to the pastor. Other 
parts were by Revs. J. C. Strong, W. F. 
Harvey, H. T. Thompson and C. F. Boyn- 
ton. This new and closer relation to the 
Church made the pastor very happy. 

"But up to this time the Church had no 
house of worship of its own, butcontrived 
to hold its meetings in the town hall. 
This building, with the lot, belonged to a 
joint stock company and was held by 
shares of $10 each. There were twenty 
of these shares. Why the society chose 
to buy this property rather to build anew, 
I have not been informed. Neither do I 
know how much money, if any, was given 
by the Church and congregation for this 
purpose. The American Congregational 
mission made the society a present of 
$250, and Deacon Field, of Arlington, 
Mass., gave $50 more. And with the 
money raised the house was purchased, as 
the record says, extended, remodeled and 
repaired, and was dedicated on the 20th 
of September, 1868, to the service of the 
Triune God. 

"The sermon was by Rev. E. C. Miles, 
of Belmond. When the lot on which the 
church stood was sold in 1878, it was 
found that two shares had never been 
bought in by the society. They were held 
by a Mr. Gilbert, then living in Waterloo. 
He relinquished them for $20, their origi- 
nal value. They were then worth, accord- 
ing to the price received for the lot, $75, 
and would be worth double that now. 

"Two years after the dedication of the 
house, the question of building a new 
meeting house was again agitated and a 
meeting was appointed for the considera- 



te 

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



411 



tion of the matter, but nothing came of 
it. Improvements have been made on 
the building since then and the bell which 
calls us together was procured in 1876. 
The house was found to be too small for 
the growing congregation, and the Church 
occupied the Baptist meeting house for 
over a year and the court house all of one 
summer (1878), during which time the 
house was moved to its present site and 
enlarged by the addition of twenty feet, 
the ceiling raised and arched, these chairs 
procured, and other improvements made. 
"Father Taylor continued to be the pas- 
tor of the Church until the year 1873, giv- 
ing Algona seventeen years of labor. He 
labored as a missionary at large in the 
county about three years after that. He 
first offered his resignation in November, 
1872. This was not accepted. A council 
called after this to consider the matter 
again, advised that he retain his place and 
that a junior pastor be employed. Very 
judicious advice for a weak Church! He 
was finally dismissed by another council 
on the 25th of June, 1873. He had done 
agood work. A Church had- been founded 
and instructed in God's immutable truth, 
and souls had been converted. He had 
identified himself with about every good 
public movement of his time and place. 
All parts of the county witness to his 
faithful and self-denying labor. He in- 
terested himself in education. He taught 
the first singing school in the county, and 
he either originated or encouraged all the 
associations formed in the early day for 
the instruction and improvement of the 
people. On his seventieth birthday peo- 
ple from all parts of the county came to- 
gether to show their respect and pay the 



debt of gratitude to one who had done so 
much for them. We buried him with the 
tears and honors due to a fallen Christian 
soldier, on the 3d of March, 1876. The 
period of his ministry here was, in the 
main, that of hardship and privation, when 
people lived in log cabins and sod houses 
and traveled in stages, or more frequently 
with oxen, in canoes and on foot, the 
most independent and rapid way of all. 
It was the period of insecurity and ex- 
citement ; a formation period with change 
and loss attending it; the period of In- 
dian scares ; of the war and reconstruc- 
tion, and at last, I believe, the grasshop- 
pers. 

. "Rev. H. R. Underwood became the 
minister of this Church in August after the 
retirement of Father Taylor. In the fol- 
lowing winter he held a protracted meet- 
ing in the church which was well attended 
and very solemn. There were several 
conversions. Fourteen persons united 
with the Church, on the profession of 
their faith in Christ, at the communion 
season in March, and four by letter. Five 
were united by letter the following May. 
Mr. Underwood served as pastor of the 
Church about two years. The Church 
came to self-support during his ministry. 
How fast this result was gradually reached 
— as I suppose it was reached gradually — 
I cannot tell. Mr. Underwood was a son 
of the well known evangelist, Rev. A. 
Uuderwood, of Irvington, N. Y. His 
brother, younger, Rev. Rufus Underwood, 
is also a successful evangelist. Be had 
had a few years experience in the ministry 
both east and west, I believe, before he 
came here. Early in June, 1875, he went 
to the State association on his way east. 



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412 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



On the 8th of July he was married to 
Emily Rich, of East Boston, who came 
with him to his western parish, full of 
enthusiasm for what she thought would 
be her life work. They reached here 
early in August, when he was almost im- 
mediately taken sick with typhoid fever, 
which ran its wasting course of four 
weeks, when he died, Sept. 2, 1875, at the 
age of nearly thirty-six, just seven weeks 
from the day of his marriage, which was 
on a Thursday, as was his funeral both 
here and in the east. Judging from his 
photograph and what I have heard of him 
from his father and others, I should say 
that his was an ardent, courageous spirit, 
and that he was a man of great energy, 
quick movement, social and genial, and 
full of strong desire to save souls. The 
years of his earthly toil were not many, 
but he gathered precious fruit for a time, 
and garnered many a sheaf in glory. 

"The present pastorate began that same 
year, the first Sabbath in November, 1875. 
Some future historian will have to tell 
about it if it is ever told. The Church has 
had a steady but not rapid growth from 
that time to this. The church building 
lias been removed and enlarged and a par- 
sonage has been built. Several protracted 
meetings, in connection always with the 
week of prayer, have been held, some alone 
and some union meetings, and invariably 
there have been some conversions and 
considerable religious interest. But there 
has never been a powerful revival in Al- 
gona, and this Church has never had a 
large accession of members at one time. 
The largest, sixteen or seventeen, was 
during Mr. Underwood's ministry. The 
Church reported in May last 152 members. 



Some of these are absentees. And more 
have been dismissed than have been re- 
ceived since that date, but there are 
others here ready to join who will more 
than make the number good. About 
eighty-two were received during Father 
Taylor's ministry, twenty-five during Mr. 
Underwood's and sixty-eight during the 
present pastorate. It is evident that the 
Church has had a small percentage of loss 
compared with its gains. In other words, 
it has retained a large proportion of the 
members it has received. For this we are 
devoutly thankful, i should like to make 
many other observations, suggested by this 
history, and to gather up its lessons. But 
there is not time." 

Among the various clergymen who have 
had charge of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Algona, or preached to the 
congregation, were the following named: 
Revs. Mallory, Billings, King, Holbrook, 
Snyder, Todd, Thorpe, Potter, Hammond, 
Woodworth, Webster, Mitchell, Brown, 
Hobbs, and the present incumbent, Eigh- 
mey. 

The Baptist Church dates from the 
spring of 1861. On the 18th of May, of 
that year, the people of that denomination 
in and around Algona gathered together 
and formed the present society. The 
meeting was called to order by Rev. O. 
W. Holmes, of Webster City, who acted as 
moderator, and after some preliminary ex- 
ercises the following members enrolled 
their names as the pioneers of the new 
Church : Riley E. Mason, Cecil D. Mason, 
A. B. Mason, Luther Rist, Sallie M. Ma- 
son, Susan Payne, Nancy C: Mason, Betsy 
Rist, Sylvester S Rist, William Hofius, 
M. C. Lathrop, J. R. Armstrong, Eliza 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



413 



Maxwell, Mary A. Hofius, Elizabeth 
Lathrop and Electa Henderson. After the 
formation of the society, A. B. Mason 
was elected clerk, and S. S. Rist, deacon. 
The first member to join this Church was 
"buried with Christ in baptism" upon 
this auspicious day, and was Mary A. Rist. 
The meeting then adjourned. 

On the following day, which was Sun- 
day, the first services were held and the 
Church formally organized and recognized. 
Rev. O. A. Holmes preached the recog- 
nition sermon, the hand of Church fel- 
lowship was s^iven by the Rev. William 
J. Sparks, of North Union, and the charge 
delivered by the Rev. L. L. Frisk, of 
Mineral Ridge. This weak Church con- 
ducted meetings, renewing their covenant 
of faith quite frequently, but had no reg- 
ular pastor until in May, 1860, Kev. J. A. 
Cain was invited to, and accepted the pas- 
torate. Life now seemed to animate the 
whole Church, and steps were taken look- 
ing toward the building of a place of 
worship. Brother Cain labored hard and 
faithfully until April 4, 1869, when he 
resigned his charge here on account of 
ill health. lie was succeeded by the Rev. 
James Jeffers on the first of the following 
August. About this time the church 
building was being pushed to completion, 
and on the 2d of April, 1870, the first 
meeting was held therein. In February, 
1878, Rev. C. Brooks took charge of this 
little flock as pastor. He, in turn was 
succeeded by Rev. Joseph Mountain in 
June, 1880. On the 1st of November, 
1883, Mr. Mountain resigned and wassuc- 
ceded by Rev. G. W. Robinson, of Bloom- 
ingdale, 111. The present officers of the 
Church are the following named gentle- 



men: Z. C. Audness, clerk; S. S. Rist 
and W. F. Hofius, deacons. The society 
have a neat substantial church edifice 
in which to worship. The Sunday school 
is in a most prosperous condition under 
the superintendency of Jerome Walker, 
and peace, harmony, and good feeling 
pervades the whole society. 

The Free Methodist Church society 
was organized in February, 1882, and the 
first services were held by the Rev. R. C. 
Glass, but the first pastor was the Rev. 
W. L. King. His successors have been 
Revs. J. C. Jones and ILL. Smith, the lat- 
ter of whom has charge of this little flock. 

The Methodist Episcopal Congrega- 
tion have a beautiful edifice of worship, 
built in the Elizabethan English style, 
which is one of the chief ornaments of 
the city. This branch of the Lord's vine- 
yard is under the direction of Rev. P. II. 
Eighmey. 

The Seventh Day Adventist Church so- 
ciety was organized April 10, 1S81, by J. 
II. Durland assisted by a Mr. Washburn. 
At that time there were but seven mem- 
bers, as follows: Olaf Johnson and 
wife, Mrs. James Archibald, Hattie Steb- 
bins, May t'tebbins, Belle Mickelson and 
William Sammer. Three trustees were 
appointed soon after the organization, 
who were as follows: William Carey, 
Olaf Johnson and William Sammer. 
These gentlemen still retain this office in 
the Church. William Carey is still dea- 
con. The society at the present has 
thirty-two members in regular standing 
and is in a good healthy condition. 

In the fall and winter of 1883, they 
erected a church building, 26x50 feet in 
size, at a cost of about $1,500. This 



V 



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414 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



edifice, which is of frame, is a neat and 
tasty building, and is an addition to the 
looks of Algona. In connection with the 
Church, of which E. G. Olson is the pres- 
ent elder, there is a Sabbath school with 
an average attendance of about thirty. 
The first superintendent was Olaf John- 
son, and the present one William Carey. 
This "nursery of the Church" is in a most 
excellent condition and great interest is 
manifested by the people, both young 
and old, in its exercises. 

The postoffice at Algona was established 
in the winter of 1856, and J. W. Moore 
was commissioned the first postmaster. 
He held it however but a short time, for 
during the following year he was suc- 
ceeded by Amos S. Collins. H. F. Wat- 
son, Lewis IT. Smith and J. II. Warren 
have each in turn occupied the berth, the 
latter of whom was succeeded by the 
present incumbent, Lieut.-Col. R. II . 
Spencer. The postoffice has been moved, 
at various times, to different places about 
town, as it has changed from hand to 
hand. The office is a money order one, 
and considerable funds pass through the 
mails in this shape. 

Col. Robert II. Spencer, postmaster at 
Algona, was born Sept. 20, 1840, in Perry 
Co., Ohio. His parents, Eli A. and Ann 
M. (Chilcote) Spencer, were also natives 
of Ohio. Col. Spencer is the oldest of a 
family of four boys. He was raised in 
Perry county on a farm adjoining the vil- 
lage of Somerset, receiving a common 
school education and working on the farm 
until 1858, when the family removed to 
Madison, Wis. Here he was engaged in 
farming on his father's farm in the town 
of Windsor, Dane county, until the open- 



ing of the war. In November, 1861, he 
enlisted as second lieutenant in company 
II, 10th Wisconsin regiment, serving with 
that regiment until mustered out in Novem- 
ber, 1804. He re-enlisted in the 47th 
Wisconsin regiment, as lieutenant-col- 
onel, and served as such until the close 
of the war. For the experiences of 
Col. Spencer while a prisoner, his es- 
cape, etc., see another portion of this 
work. After his discharge he returned 
to Dane Co., Wis., where he remained 
one year, then removed to Sheboygan 
Co., Wis., being engaged in business 
at Sheboygan Falls until 186S. He then 
returned to Dane county, and in 1870 
came to Algona, engaging in the mer- 
cantile business until December, 1871. In 
April, 1872, he received his commission 
as postmaster of Algona, which office he 
now holds. Col. Spencer is also largely 
interested in farming in this county, and 
has quite a tract of land in Portland and 
Greenwood townships. He was married 
July 19, 1866, to Josephine M. Rowley, a 
native of New York. They have one 
child — Miss Marion. Col. Spencer is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. 

The first school is believed to have been 
taught in a dwelling house in Algona, dur- 
ing the year 1856, by Flavia Fleming. In 
the winter of that year the town hall was 
erected and school was taught there for 
some years. Miss Fleming w T as also the 
first teacher in this building. The pres- 
ent main school house was built in 1867, 
under the supervision of the boaid of 
township directors, of which W. H. Ing- 
ham was at that time president. The 
first teachers in the new school house 
were Elam C. Miles and wife. This was 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



417 



while Algona was a sub-district of the 
district township. 

The independent school district of Al- 
gona was organized in 1872. A petition 
was handed into the board of township 
directors upon the 4th of March of that 
year, asking that an independent school 
district be organized in Algona. This 
bears the following names: William Leg- 
gett, T. P. Bender, W. J. Wildey, J. W. 
Renyon, Joseph Taylor, S. G. A. Read, 
H. M. Taft, J. B. Jones, A. E. Wheelock, 
L. N. Ferguson, D. P. Russell, P. D. 
Ramsey, William Cordingley, J. H. War- 
ren, J. B. Wimbel, M. W. Stough, J. E. 
Blackford and Adam Baker. In accord- 
ance with this, the board ordered that an 
election be held on Saturday, March 16, 
1872, to decide the question as to its in- 
corporation. On that day and date, the 
qualified electors met at the school house, 
in Algona, and there decided that the town 
of Algona should constitute an independ- 
ent district by a unanimous vote. Twe,nty- 
five ballots were cast. 

On the 30th of March, 1872, an elec- 
tion was held at the court house for the 
choice of directors. J. E. Blackford was 
elected president of the board of election, 
and A. W. Patterson, clerk. After the 
oath had been duly administered by A. 
E. Wheelock, clerk of the courts, the 
polls were opened in accordance with law. 
One hundred and eighty-three ballots 
were cast, which resulted in the election 
of the following board of directors of 
the independent school district of Algona: 
J. E. Stacy, J. G. Smith, J. G. Winbell, 
J. L. Paine, F. C. Wilson and II. M. 
Taft. On the organization of the board, 
II. M. Taft was chosen president, and J. 



E. Stacy, secretary and R. H. Spencer, 
treasurer. At the time of the organiza- 
tion of this district as independent from 
the township, the teachers were: A. M. 
Ilorton, principal; Lizzie M. Read, Em- 
ma S. Paine and S. A. Blair. The suc- 
cessive principals of these schools have 
been as follows: Clayton B. Hutchins, J. 
P. Colby, J. H. Saunders, C. P. Dorland, 
A. S. Benedict, A. Heys and G. Cowles. 
The present corps of teachers that preside 
over this fine school are: Gardner Cowles 
principal; Lettie Hutchins, assistant prin- 
cipal; Mrs. M. J. G. Colby, Nellie E. 
Smith, Ada Smith, Lonisa Patterson, 
Josie Pettibone and Emma Henderson. 
There are enrolled here some 622 scholars, 
many of whom are in the higher branches. 
Prudence Lodge, No. 205, A. F. & A. 
M., was organized under dispensation Feb. 
4, 1867, and received a charter the 6th of 
the following June. The charter mem- 
bers were: Lewis H.Smith, Enoch Wood, 
Marcus Robbins, Jr., Asa C. Call, G. M. 
Parsons, Albert Calkins and John G. 
Smith. The first officers were elected and 
appointed as follows: Samuel B. Caleb, 
W. M.; Albert Calkins, S. W.; J. G. 
Smith, J. W.; A. C. Call, treasurer; 
Marcus Robbins, Jr., secretary; Lewis II. 
Smith, S. D.; G. M. Parsons, J. D.; II. M. 
Hatch, tyler. This lodge made but little 
headway during its earlier years, and 
during 1867, made but one master Mason, 
and raised two apprentices. But being 
composed of the best men in the commu- 
nity, it lias not encountered the difficul- 
ties of some new lodges. The following 
named- have served as masters since 
its organization: S. B. Caleb, 1858; L. 
II. Smith, 1S69, 1870, 1871; D. S.Ford, 



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418 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



1872, 1873, 1874; H. B. Smith, 1875, 
1876; D. S. Ford, 1877; J. R. Jones, 1878; 
C. D. Pettibone, 1879; J. R. Jones, 1880, 
1881,1882. The present officers are: E. 
S. Johnson, W. M.; J. N. Weaver, S. W.; 
G. H. Lampson, J. W.; P. L. Slagle, 
treasurer; J. W. Wadsworth, secretary; 
W. P. Coolbaugh, S. D.; D. W. C. Ack. 
ley, J. D.; E. N. Weaver, tyler. There 
are now eighty-seven members in good 
standing and the lodge is numbered among 
the best in the State. It is entirely out of 
debt and has some $300 in its treasury. 
There is also a nourishing chapter in 
connection with this lodge at Algona, 
Prudence Chapter, No. 70. It was organ- 
ized Sept. 25, 1874, under a dispensation 
in answer to a petition dated Jan. 23, 
1874, and signed by Robert F. Bowers, 
high priest. The first officers were as 
follows: J. R. Jones, high priest; H. B. But- 
ler, king; H. B. Smith, scribe; C. E. Church, 
secretary. The charter was received 
Nov. 9, 1874, and the following named 
were duly elected, the first officers under 
the charter: J. R. Jones, high priest; H. 
B. Butler, king; J. G. Smith, scribe; G. R. 
Woodworth, treasurer; P. L. Slagle, sec- 
retary. In 1875 the officers were: J. R. 
Jones, high priest; H. B. Butler, king; P. 
L. Slagle, scribe; J. W. Wadsworth, 
treasurer; F. M. Taylor, secretary. 

1876 — C. C. Chubb, high priest; S. G. 
A. Read, king; H. C. McCoy, scribe; H. B. 
Butler, treasurer; F.M. Taylor, secretary. 
1877 — J. R. Jones, high priest: S. G. A. 
Read, king; O. H. Marvin, scribe; J. W. 
Wadsworth, treasurer; H. J. Wyman, 
secretary. 

1878; — J. R. Jones, high priest; W. II. 
Ingham, king; S. G. A. Read, scribe; J. 



W. Wadsworth, treasurer; H. J. Wyman, 
secretary. 

1879— J. R. Jones, high priest; S. G. 
A. Read, king; W. H. Ingham, scribe; J. 
W. Wadsworth, treasurer; H. J. Wyman, 
secretary. 

1880— J. R. Jones, high priest; S. G. 
A. Read, king; W. II. Ingham, scribe; J. 
W. Wadsworth, treasurer and secretary. 
1881_0. E. Palmer, high priest; S. G. 
A. Read, king; H. F. Watson, scribe; 
Lewis H. Smith, treasurer; J. W. Wads- 
worth, secretary. 

1882 — O. E. Palmer, high priest; J. R. 
Jones, king; J. N. Weaver, scribe; O. H. 
Marvin, treasurer; J. W. Wadsworth, sec- 
retary. 

The present officers are as follows: 
O. E. Palmer, high priest; D. A. Buell, 
king; J. N. Weaver, scribe; O. H. Mar- 
vin, treasurer; J. W. Wadsworth, secre- 
tary. 

The chapter numbers fifty-five mem- 
bers in good standing, and since the or- 
ganization there has only been one death 
in the brotherhood, that of O. E. Minkler. 
The fraternity occupy the spacious hall 
on the second floor of Robinson Brothers' 
new hardware store, which was fitted up 
expressly for and leased to the Masonic 
lodge for a term of years. The hall is 
20x4S feet, thirteen feet in height and 
finished in the most approved style. The 
wood work was done by Messrs. Richard & 
Shadle, the plastering by S. B. Califf, and 
the painting by P. A. Gustafson, and each 
will bear the test of a close comparison 
with any work to be seen anywhere in the 
west. This hall is fitted up in good style 
and the craft are not ashamed to have the 
visiting brethren view its beauties. 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



419 



Algona Lodge, No. 236, I. O. O. F., was 
organized on tie 30th of April, 1872, by 
Orlauda McCraney of McGregor, Grand 
Master of the State, with the following 
charter members? George E. Clarke, F. 
W. Butterfield, J. F. Nicoulin, J. W. 
Kenyon, A. D. White and J. R. Jones. 
The following were elected the first offi- 
cers of the lodge: George E. Clarke, N. 
G.; F. W. Butterfield, V. G.; J. F. Nicou- 
lin, secretary; J. W. Kenyon, treasurer. 
The subordinate offices were, also, filled 
by the following named: A. J. Bletso, 
R. S.N. G.; P. D. Rumsey, L. S. N. G.; 
William Quick, W.; J. R. Jones, C; J. 
M. Pinkerlon, R. S. S.; C. T. Williams, 
L. S. S.; J.F. Nicoulin.O. S. G.; A. E.Whee- 
look, I. S. G.; E. H. Woodward, R. V. G; 
C. W. Townley, L. V. G. The lodge has 
a membership of about sixty, and is in a 
most excellent condition financially, hav- 
ing about $600 in the hands of the treas- 
urer. Algona Lodge meets every Monday- 
evening, at their hall, over Durant Bros' 
drug store. The present officers are: Dr. L. 
K. Garfield, N. G.; O. C. Fill, V. G.; 
George C. Call, secretary; E. H. Clarke, 
P. secretary; T. Earley, treasurer. 

James C. Taylor Post, No. 165, G. A. 
R., was organized on the 4th of May, 1883, 
by Col. Bnrrell, mustering officer. The 
officers elected and appointed at that time 
are as follows: L. A. Sheatz, post com- 
mander; John Wallace, St., vice-com- 
mander; A. E. Wheelock, Jr., vice-com- 
mander; J. C. Heckart, Q. M.; A. H. Du- 
rant, surgeon ; L. M. B. Smith, chaplain; 
R. H. Spencer, O. of D.; H. Waterhouse, 
O. of G.; John Reed, adjutant; A. A. 
Brunson, S. major; G. H. Lampson, Q. M. 
S. The following is the roster of the post, 



with the rank, regiment and date of dis- 
charge from active service: 

Le Roy D. Setchell, 33d New York Infantry, 
sergeant, discharged Aug. 28, 1866. 

L. M. B. Smith, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, cap 
tain, discharged Feb. 21, 1865. 

P. L. Slagle, 11th Minnesota Infantry, cor- 
poral, discharged July 21, 1865. 

R H Spencer, 10th Wisconsin Infantry, lieu- 
tenant-colonel. 

Charles Wilkins, 27th Iowa Infantry, private, 
discharged Aug. 8, 1865. 

A. M. Horton, 6th New York Cavalry, ordeily 
seigeaut, discharged Aug. 26, 1865. 

A. E. Wheelock, 3d Wisconsin Infantry, pri- 
vate, discharged July 10, 1865. 

J. C. Heckart, 32d Iowa Infantry, corporal, 
discharged Aug. 24, 1865. 

O. H. Hutcuins, 27th, Iowa Infan'ry, 2d lieu 
tenant, discharged May 15, 1865. 

G. H. Lamson, 21st Massachusetts Infantry, 
private, discharged Jan. 20, 1863. 

Samuel Benjamin, 27th Iowa Iufantiy, 2d 
lieutenant, discharged May, 1863. 

John Wallace, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, dis- 
charged September, 1864. 

A. H Durant, 1st Wisconsin Infantry, lieuten- 
ant, discharged March 12, 1864. 

E. Williams, 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, 1st lieu- 
tenant, discharged April 4, 1862. 

L. A. Sheetz, 8th Iowa Infantry, lieutenant 
and adjutant, discharged May, 1866. 

John Reed, 32d Iowa Infantry, private, dis- 
charged Aug. 24, 1865. 

John M. Weaver, 12th Iowa Infantry, private, 
discharged Jan. 20, 1866 

Hugh Waterhouse, 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, pri- 
vate, discharged Nov. 15, 1865. 

A. A. Brunson, 106th New York Volunteer 
Infantry, sergeant, discharged February, 1865. 

H. C. McCoy, 31st Wisconsin Infantry, assist- 
ant surgeon, discharged June, 1865. 

D. O. Ackley, 14th Ohio Battery, sergeant, 
discharged June, 1865. 

J. W. Robinson, 11th New York Infantry, ser- 
geant, discharged June 4, 1865. 

Charles C. Chubb, 3d Wisconsin Infantry, ser- 
geant, discharged July 4, 1864. 



•<- — I 



420 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Edwin P. Crockett, 2d Iowa Cavalry, private, 
discharged May 8, 1865. 

L. F. Robinson, 16th Wisconsin Infantry, pri- 
vate, discharged August, 1862. 

P. A. McGuire, 19th Wisconsin Infantry, pri- 
vate, discharged June 15, 1865. 

T. W. Gilbert, 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, private, 
discharged, 1865. 

D. B. Avery, 7th Dlini 'is Cavalry, corporal, 
discharged Nov. 4, 1865. 

A. M. Johnson, 31st Iowa Infantry, private, 
discharged Feb. 28, J864. 

E. Loomis, 2nd Iowa Cavalry, private, dis 
charged Aug. 9, 1861. 

C. C. Chubb, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, private, 
discharged, 1862. 

F. C. Doomy, 75th Illinois Infantry, private, 
discharged June 13, 1865. 

O. H. Marvin, 4th Iowa Cavalry, sergeant, dis- 
charged May 25, 1865. 

James Barr, 12th Iowa Infantry, assistant sur- 
geon, discharged Jan. 20, 1866. 

J B. Jones, 39th Wisconsin Infantry, private, 
discharged Sept. 22, 1864. 

D. Q. Haggard, 21st Iowa Infantry, sergeant, 
discharged July 26, 1865. 

Rufus Walston, 16th New York Infantry, cor- 
poral, discharged May 22, lt>G3. 

Paul Tromlee, 27th Iowa Infantry, private, 
discharged Jan. 20, 18U4. 

James McConkey, 1st Wisconsin Infantry, 
private, discharged Oct. 8, 1864. 

Henry Brewster, 24th Wisconsin Infantry, pri- 
vate, discharged June 10, 1865. 

J. M. Comstock, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, cap- 
tain, discharged Oct. 31, 1864. 

Algona Lodge, No. 136, Independent 
Order of Good Templars, was organized 
under a charter, July 6, 1876, with the 
following members: Rev. H. 13. Butler, 
Mrs. H. B. Butler, J. E. Blackford, Mrs. 
J. E. Blackford, C. Blackford, F. W. 
Barkley, Milton Starr, L. D. Setchell, 
Cora Setchell, Mrs. Winton, Belle Win- 
ton, Ada Smith, Annie Ingham, Minnie 
Ingham, Efne Hawkins, Addie Hawkins, 



Edith Blanchard, J. M. Comstock, Mrs. 
J. M. Comstock, E. II. Clarke, G. L. 
Adams, P. L. Slagle, F. McCall, J. II. 
Mathers, T. Leggett, Harvey Ingham, D. 
W.Bnrlingame, Belle Adams, N. A. Bush- 
nell and A. M. Horton. The first officers 
chosen to preside over the deliberations 
of the lodge were the following named: 
J. M. Comstock, W. C. T.; Mrs J. M. 
Comstock, W. V. T.; Rev. H. B. Butler, 
W. Chap.; Prof. N. A. Bushnell, W. S.; 
Addie Hawkins, W. A. S.; James Patter- 
son, W. F. S.; Annie Ingham, W. T.; L. 
D. Setchell, W. M.; Belle Winton, W. D. 
M.; Ada Smith, W. G.; Eugene Clark, 
W. O. G.; Mrs. Winton, W. R. H. S.- 
Bella Adams, W. L. H. S.; Prof. Barclay, 
P. W. C. T. The lodge has a prosperous 
career, and has done excellent work in 
the community. It has never suspended 
nor missed a meeting, on account of lack 
of interest, and has had a membership 
at times of 200. The outside tem- 
perance movement has detracted some- 
what from the interest and the member- 
ship has fallen off lately, but is again on 
the increase. The lodge meets at Starr's 
hall, and has as fine a meeting place as 
any in the State. The membership at the 
beginning of the last quarter, Nov 1, 
1883, was eighty-seven. The present offi- 
cers are as follows: J. M. Comstock, W. 
V. T.; Mrs. J. M. Comstock, W. V. T.; 
Josie Pettibone, W. R. S.; Edward Rist, 
W. A. S.; Wallace Nichols, W. F. S.; 
Lutie Wallace, W. T.; w'ill Hart. W. M.; 
I). H. Hutchins, W. Chap.; Josie Corn- 
stock, guard; Bert Ward, sentinel; Helen 
Weaver, W. D. M.; Jennie Pettibone, R. 
H. S.; Jessie Smith, L. H. S.; D. S. Ford 
and Kate Burnard, censors. 



i* 



.fc 



•!/■ 



-— ^> 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT V. 



421 



During the summer of 1876, six ladies 
met together and organized a reading 
club under the name of the Monday club. 
These ladies were the following named: 
Mrs. G. II. Woodworth, Mrs. M. W. 
Stough, Mrs. J. J. Wilson, Mrs. Dr. Colby, 
Mrs. H. Kenyon and Miss M. L. Leggett. 
In the fall of that same year, this was re- 
organized as a literary club under the 
same name, and under the present consti- 
tution. The first officers were: Mrs. M. 
W. Stough, president; Miss M. L. Leg- 
gett, secretary; Mrs. G. H. Woodworth, 
treasurer; Miss C. T. Dodd, librarian. It 
now received new accessions to its list of 
membership, and instituted the present 
circulating library. The first books pur- 
chased as a foundation to the library, was 
at an expenditure of $7.65, and was com- 
posed of the following volumes: Ten 
great Religions, Harriet Martineau and 
Literature of the Age of Elizabeth. The 
society has now some fifteen members en- 
rolled and is at present officered as fol- 
lows: Mrs. G. H. Woodworth, president; 
Mrs. J. R. Jones,, secretary; Mrs. II. C. 
McCoy, treasurer, and Miss C. T. Dodd, 
librarian. The following is an abstract 
from the report of the librarian for the 
term commencing Feb. 1, 1882, and end- 
ing Aug. 81, 1883: 
Number of volumes received from former 

librarian 254 

Number added during term 176 

Number lost 1 

Total number in library at present, 429 

Number of volumes taken out during term 2, 363 

Of which were works of fiction 2. 120 

History 51 

Biography 46 

Science 42 

Travels 19 

Miscellaneous 85 

Amount received from rental of books. .$138 96 



Algona shared in the general excite- 
ment which spread so generally over this 
section of the State, in reference to the 
so-called "disadvantage" under which the 
farmers were placed. The plan proposed 
seemed feasible; a great saving was prom- 
ised, by enabling the farmers to pocket 
the earnings of the "middle men," and 
consequently realize better prices for 
their products. Amid considerable en- 
thusiasm, Algona Grange of the Patrons 
of Husbandry, was organized in June, 
1873, with the following charter members: 
H. P. Hatch and wife, C. E. Holmes and 
wife, O. C. Burtis and wife, W. A. Love, 
Philip Crose, H. Schenck and wife, V. S. 
Thompson and wife, J. Dun ton and wife, 
E. W. Dunton, Joseph Mathers and wife, 
A. A. Call and wife, J. E. Blackford and 
wife, 0. W. Goddard and wife, H. Robe, 
A. J. Jones and wife, J. J. Stentz, S. C. 
Dunton, J. Wallace, S. Reed, A. A. Bran- 
son and wife, Stephen Sherwood and A. 
Hinton. 

The following were elected the first of- 
ficers of the lodge: J. E. Blackford, 
master; Horace Schenck, overseer; H. P. 
Hatch, lecture; J. Dunton, steward; A. 
A. Brunson, assistant steward; S. C. 
Dunton, treasurer; William Love, gate 
keeper. 

The farmers now congratulated them- 
selves on having perfected an organiza- 
tion, which would meet their wants and 
save them money. This Grange was suc- 
cessfully managed for years, and proved 
quite a saving in many instances to many 
of its patrons. A store building was 
erected and is yet in existence, under the 
management of J. E. Blackford. The or- 



*4? 



M* 



422 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT!'. 



ganization numbered, at one time, over 
100 persons, but it lias ceased to exist. 

ALGONA COLLEGE. 

This now abandoned enterprise, originat- 
ed at a meeting held at the Bank of Ingham 
& Smith, on the 31st day of December, 
1870. At that time an organization was 
formed, subscriptions started and officers 
elected, and the college initiated. The 
first officers were as follows: Or. S. G. 
A. Head, president; J. E. Stacy vice- 
president; Lewis H.Smith, treasurer; W. 
H. Ingham, secretary. An executive 
committee consisting of J. E. Stacy and 
D. II. Hutching was also chosen. The 
subscriptions on the day of the meeting 
amounted to §3,110. Steps were imme- 
diately taken and the building put up and 
a corps of instructors placed in charge, 
and the college started with every hope of 
success. But, alas! Contentions arose and 
the matter, after running for some years, 
was allowed to die out and thus passed 
away from Algona one of her brightest 
and best institutions. A strong effort 
was made at one time to place this educa- 
tional enterprise under the fostering wing 
of the M. E. conference, but local and 
other jealousies, defeated the measure. 
The building was, and is, a frame edifice, 
40x06 feet in size, and is yet in a good 
state of repair. This was erected at a 
cost of $4,497, and on the opening of the 
same, some ninety scholars were enrolled. 
The first professor who had charge of the 
college was L. C. Woodford, who came to 
Kossuth county some time previous to 
initiate a religious revival, and was called 
to the principal chair in the newly created 
college. Helen M. Wooster was his assis- 
tant. A sketch of this estimable lady 



will be found in the chapter devoted to 
the educational interests of the county, 
under the head of county superintendents 
of common schools, a position she so ably 
filled at one period. In July, 1872, Prof. 
O. II. Baker became the principal of the 
college, with Miss Wooster and Mrs. 
Baker as assistants. In 1874,A. L. Day was 
one of the assistants and N. A. Bushnell 
in 1875. W. F. Barclay was the next 
president of the faculty, taking his place 
in 1875, and in 1876 Miss E. M. Ray was 
made assistant tutor. He was succeeded 
by D. W. Ford and he by A. G. Neff, in 
1879. In 1880, Miss L. S. Tallman had 
charge. With this year closed the career 
of what might have been one of the lead- 
ing educational institutions of the State. 

D. W. King was born Aug. 31, 1830, in 
Herkimer Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1854 
he moved to Polk Co., Iowa, and the fol- 
lowing spring came to Kossuth county, 
when he bought the claim on which he 
has since lived, paying a man by the 
name of Yetchel $100 for a cpiarter section 
of section 13, township 95, range 29. He 
now owns 490 acres of land in a high 
state of cultivation, raising grain, and deal- 
ing in all kinds of stock except sheep. He 
was married in December, 1859, to Lydia 
Hall, born in New York. They have eight 
children— William Hall, Uelle, Grant, 
David P., Lydia May, Arthur A., Walter 
S., and Fred M. Mrs King and Belle are 
members of the Congregational Church. 
Mr. King has held the offices of town- 
ship clerk and county supervisor. In pol- 
itics he is a republican. 

Orange Minkler was born Dec. 27, 1818, 
in Lake Co., Ohio, and reared on his fa- 
ther's farm, receiving his early education 



•U<s 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



423 



in the log cabins of his native State. He 
was married, Dec. 28, 1843, to Lydia A. 
Hill. They had six children, four are 
living — Josephine, wife of Viran Taylor ; 
Orvello E., who married Ida Fields; Geor- 
giana, wife of Michael Rutshaff; and 
Orange A., who married Katie Hanivan. 
Mrs. Minkler died in 1850, and in 1S51 he 
married her sister, BetBey A. Hill. They 
had seven children — David Oratio, who 
married Lottie Olson ; Charles D.; Ella, 
wife of Richard Long; Mary, wife of Henry 
Long ; George L., Caroline and Florence. 
His second wife died in 1863, and July 14, 
1867, he married Mary M. Connell of Mich- 
igan. They have four children — Addie E., 
Lewis Franklin, Maud and John W. In 
the fall of 1856, in company with George 
Barnes, Thomas Haynes, William Osborn 
and families, started in prairie schooners 
for Iowa, camping out on the road and 
cooking their own meals. They were four 
long, weary weeks in making this journey, 
there being at this time no road across 
the prairies or bridges across the streams. 
Mr. Minkler settled in Algona, there being 
but three or four log cabins in the place, 
and the people were compelled to go to 
Masqueton, on the Cedar river, for their 
flour, there being no mill nearer. The 
country was a vast wilderness. In poli- 
tics, Mi-. Minkler is a Jacksonian demo- 
crat, and has held several local offices of 
trust in the gifts of the people. 

August Zahlten was born Jan. 12, 1817, 
in Prussia, and came to America in 1852, 
landing at New York. From there he went 
to Pennsylvania, where he lived sixteen 
months, and then went to Ohio where he 
stayed nine months. After this he moved 
to Humboldt Co., Iowa, remaining during 



the winter of 1854, and on the 20th of May, 
1855, he began to work for Judge A. C. 
Call, working for him all summer. Before 
coming to Kossuth county, he had located 
a claim in Humboldt county, but having 
little money, he sold his claim to Mr. Mc- 
Knight, and the same fall bought a claim 
of 160 acres on section 36, township 96, 
range 29, of Mr. Gates, occupied it one 
year, then sold out to James Rone, and 
bought 160 acres from Mr. Graw, paying 
for the claim $125. He has since lived 
here and followed farming. He has held 
a number of township offices, such as 
justice of the peace, township trustee, 
school director and road supervisor. He 
was married Jan. 7, 1857, to Margaret 
Riebhoff, a native of Hanover, Germany. 
They have four children — Mary, born 
Feb. 6, 1858; Theresa, born Nov. 18, 1860; 
Emma, born Jan. 9, 1S63 ; Clara, born 
Dec. 9, 1864. Mr. Zahlten and family are 
members of the Congregational Church 
at Algona. In 1862 he enlisted in a com- 
pany todefend the frontier of Iowa against 
the Indian outbreak in Minnesota, and 
served four months. Politically, he is a 
greenbacker. 

• Horace Schenck was born Feb. 12, 1822, 
in Oswego Co., N. Y. His father was 
born in Durham, Green Co., N. Y.; his 
mother was a native of Connecticut. Mr. 
Schenck lived in Oswego county until 
1849, being engaged in farming and work- 
ing on a canal boat. He then went to 
Wisconsin, where he remained four years, 
after which he moved to Cook Co., 111., 
remaining three years. He then came to 
Iowa and on June 4, 1856, settled on the 
southeast quarter of section 23, township 
96, range 29, Algona township, where he 



4l 



424 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



now resides. Mr. Selienck is engaged in 
farming and stock raising and is one of 
the most enterprising farmers of Kossuth 
county. He was married in Onondago 
Co., N. Y., June 1, 1845, to Elizabeth Or- 
vis, a native of Vermont. Thev have had 
nine children, seven of whom are living — 
Mary Ann, Ordelia, Lydia, George, Silas, 
Myron and Fanny. Alfred and James 
are dead. Mr. Schenck has under culti- 
vation ninety acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. 
Schenck are members of the Grange. 

Joseph Thompson was born April 13, 
1831, in couuty Darry, Ireland, and came 
with his parents in 1839 to America, set- 
tling in Mercer Co., Perm. Learning the 
cabinet and chair trade he worked at it 
until 1854, then went to Jackson Co., Iowa, 
and stopped there one year. He was 
married to Nancy J. Means, Dec. 23, 1855, 
came to Kossuth county, May 25, 1856. 
He was one of the first to build on the 
prairie, his residence being one and a half 
miieseast of Algona. In 1864 Mr. Thomp- 
son went to Idaho with the great rush to 
the gold fields, remaining there four years. 
Returning to Kossuth Co., Iowa, in 1868, 
he sold his land east of Algona for $40 per 
acre and bought 160 acres on section 24, 
township 96, range 29, where he still re- 
sides. Mr. and Mrs Thompson have six 
children — Mamie A., who was married 
Aug. 29, 18V7, to Joseph B. Hofius ; Car- 
rie N., who was married Jan. 1, 1884, to 
C. H. Blossom ; Henry J., Frank S., Jen- 
nie B. and Clifford I. Mr. Thompson 
has the reputation of being one of the 
most respectable and enterprising farmers 
in the county. 

\V. F. Hofius, one of the old settlers 
and well to do farmers of this county, was 



born July 18, 1830, in Hickory township, 
Mercer Co., Penn. When twenty years of 
age, he went to Jackson Co., Iowa, remain- 
ing two years, then traveled over the State 
for one year, and returned to the old 
homestead, staying one year. He mar- 
ried Oct. 18, 1854, in Eastbrook, Lawrence 
Co., Penn., Mary A.Thompson,born May 1 6, 
1835, in Ireland, and coming, when quite 
small, with her parents to America. They 
had seven children, four of whom are 
living — Charles B., William C, James S. 
and George. After his marriage he moved 
to Rock Island, followed farming and car- 
pentering five years, and in the spring of 
1859 went to Marshall Co., Iowa, remain- 
ing through the summer. In the fall he 
came to Kossuth county, and laid a claim 
on the northwest quarter of section 25, 
township 96, range 29, moved on the farm 
in the spring of 1862, and lived there one 
summer, when, during the Indian scare, 
he moved to Algona and the following 
spring went to live one and a half miles 
from town, on Joseph Thompson's place, 
in the first house ever built on the prairie 
in the county, now known as the Billings 
place. In 1863 he moved back to his 
claim, where he still resides. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hofius are members of the Baptist 
Church, and of the Grange. He has held 
several township offices. 

James Henderson, Sr., was born Oct. 
23, 1814, in Delaware Co., N. Y. He 
lived there forty years, then moved to 
Trumbull Co., Ohio, making this his home 
eight years. Going from there to Jack- 
son Co., Iowa, where he spent two years 
and a half, he then came to Algona, 
where lie has since resided. Mr. Hender- 
son has probably done more than any 



~n j 



jr 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



42E 



other man in the interests of the county, 
such as building bridges, school houses, 
churches, etc., and has been township 
trustee a number of terms. lie is a car- 
penter by trade, does job work, besides 
being engaged in farming. In politics he 
is a democrat. 

Arthur J. Gilmour was born Jan. 10, 
1819, in Scotland. When three years of 
age he came with his parents to America, 
who settled on a farm in St. Lawrence 
Co., N. Y. He was married March 10, 
1845, to Mary C. Miller, also a native of 
Scotland, born in 1819. They have seven 
children — Catharine, Jennet, Arthur, Isa- 
bell, Jane, Mary and Sarah E. In 1864 lie 
came to Kossuth county, and took a home- 
stead on the southeast quarter of section 
17, township 96, range 29, and has about 
100 acres under cultivation. He and his 
wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. In politics he is a republican. 

Israel G. Schryver was born in Schenec- 
tady, N. Y., June 2, 1819. He lived with 
his parents until twenty-three years of 
age, and in 1842 emigrated to Illinois, lo- 
cating at Lockport, Will county. After 
eighteen months' residence there he went 
to McHenry county. In 1858 he emi- 
grated to Foreston, Howard Co., Iowa, 
where he remained until 1864, then came 
to Kossuth county and took a homestead 
of eighty acres on section 1 1, township 96, 
range 29, Algona township. He afterwards 
purchased eighty acres on section 12. Mr. 
Schryver is a good farmer and influential 
citizen. He was married Oct. 5, 1859, to 
Mary Knapp, of Bedford, Westchester 
Co., N. Y., born March 22, 1S35. Her 
parents moved to Woodstock, McHenry 
Co., 111., before her marriage. Mr. and 



Mrs. Schryver have six children — Emma, 
Lizzie G., Charles W., Minnie L, Hattie 
A. and Annie L. They are all single and 
living at home. 

Morris B. Chapin was born in Cattarau- 
gus Co., N. V., July 13, 1841. When 
quite young he removed with his parents 
to Rock Co., Wis., and afterwards to 
Fond du Lac county, where they remained 
four years. They then went to Columbia 
county, and in 1862 to Faribault Co., 
Minn. In 1864 they came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, and settled on the southeast quar- 
ter of section 29, township 96, range 29, 
Algona township, and Morris settled on 
the northeast quarter of the same section. 
He now lives on the old homestead, hav- 
ing a half section of land, 125 acres of 
which is under cultivation. His father 
died in 1874 and his mother in 1875. Mr. 
Chapin enlisted, in 1864, in the 11th Min- 
nesota Infantry, serving until the close of 
the war. He was married May 2, 1866, 
to Jane Henderson, born Oct. 25, 1847, in 
Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cha- 
pin have five children — Carrie I., James 
J., Milo V., Alfie R. and Mamie E. 

Rufus Walston was born Aug. 31, 1841, 
in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. In 1861 he 
enlisted in the two years service in com- 
pany H, 16th New York Volunteer In- 
fantry, and participated in the battles of 
Fredericksburg, where he was wounded, 
being shot through the arm; Antietam, 
also was in the seven days battle before 
Richmond. In May, 1863, he was dis- 
charged. In the fall of 1865 he came to 
Algona, the county at that time being 
very sparsely settled. He carried the 
mail between Algona and Fort Dodge, 
when it took a man's nerve to cross the 






426 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



wild prairies in the winter. In Septem- 
ber, 1 806, he married Margaret E. Thomas, 
a daughter of Walter and Mary (Mc- 
Dougal) Thomas. They had four chil- 
dren, three of whom are living — James 
R., Frank C. and Minnie M. Mr. Wal- 
ston is a member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic. 

Thomas McArthur is a native of Scot- 
land. He came to America in 1851, after 
stopping in Pennsylvania and Ohio, went 
to Illinois, where he remained two years. 
In 1865 became to Kossuth county, took 
a homestead, and went back to Illinois 
for his family, removed them in wagons, 
taking eighteen days for the trip. After 
camping for a week at Blackford's bridge, 
they camped on section 18, Algona town- 
ship, taking the wagon beds off, they 
staked them down to the ground to keep 
them from being blown off by the wind. 
During these pioneer days they were 
obliged to cook over the fire; and to bake 
bread, dug clay, plastered it over a barrel, 
then burned the barrel out, and it was 
ready for use. Mr. McArthur had to go 
ten miles and cut logs, haul them to a 
saw-mill to have them made ready to 
build the first house, also went fifteen 
miles for Cottonwood trees to set out a 
grove. It took a whole week to go to 
mill. The first winter they lived in a 
house built of rough boards, walled 
around with sod, plastered inside with 
clay. The same winter he got lost on the 
prairies, and froze his feet so badly, that 
he lost eight of his toes in one-night. He 
now has 200 acres of fine land; sixty acres 
is under cultivation, but he is turning his 
attention mostly to raising fine cattle. He 
has good improvements on his farm, and 



is one of the substantial men of the 
county. He was married in 1852 to Isabel 
Burt, born in 1830, in Scotland. They 
have eight children — Isabel, Mary T., 
Thomas J., Elizabeth G., Maggie A., 
Peter A., Lillie M. and Charles O. Mr. 
McArthur is a member of the grange. 

Thomas Burt, one of the early settlers 
and prosperous farmers of Kossuth 
county, was born in Scotland, Dec. 16, 
1832. He came to America with his par- 
ents when eighteen years of age. They 
settled in Schuylkill Co., Penn., where he 
worked at mining. They removed to 
Sharon, and in 1861 he moved to Grundy 
Co., 111., and followed mining while there 
until the year 1865, when he and his 
brother-in-law, Mr. McArthur, packed 
their goods and families into wagons and 
started for Kossuth Co., Iowa, where they 
arrived after three weeks' travel. He set- 
tled on the northeast quarter of section 
18, township 90, range 29. Since then he 
has added eighty acres more to his place. 
He has under cultivation at present about 
100 acres. Mr. Burt was married to 
Margaret Murray, who is also a native of 
Scotland, and came to America with her 
parents. They have six children — Isa- 
belle and Janett, twins; Sarah J., Mar- 
garet, Peter and W illiam. Isabelle, 
Janett and Margaret are married. After 
arriving in Kossuth county, they camped 
out all summer and lived in their wagon 
box, which was staked to the ground to 
keep the wind from blowing it over. He 
was with Mr. McArthur the time they got 
lost and stuck in the snow drift, where 
Mr. McArthur so badly* froze his feet as 
to lose eight of his toes. Politically, Mr. 
Burt is a republican. 



B \ 



AB= 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



427 



James H. Warren was born in Eden, 
Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, 1820. From five 
to eleven years of age he attended the 
district school, which was the extent of 
his education. When fourteen years of 
age he removed with his parents to 
Cherry Valley, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 
where his elder brother had gone the year 
previous to open up a farm in the heavy 
timber land in that portion of the State. 
James worked hard on the farm until 

1845, when, with his widowed mother, 
two brothers and two sisters, he emi- 
grated to the territory of Wisconsin. He 
selected his home in Hurlbud township, 
Dodge county, being an early settler 
there, and taking great interest in the de- 
velopment of the county. He was chosen 
town clerk at the first town meeting held, 
and from that time until the spring of 
1859 was elected to fill some office every 
year. Mr. Warren was married Sept. 16, 

1846, to Augusta B. Horton, then only 
fifteen years of age. This union has 
been blessed with three children — Eliza 
L., wife of Hugh Waterhouse, of Kossuth 
county; Robert B. and Edward H., both 
of whom are printers. Robert B. is pro- 
prietor and editor of the Upper Des 
Moines, office at Algona, and Edward H. 
is foreman of the same. From 1849 to 
1866 Mr. Warren worked principally at 
the carpenter and millwright trades. In 
June, 1859, he removed to Arcadia, 
Trempealeau Co., Wis., remaining four 
years. While living there his home with 
all its contents was destroyed by fire, in- 
cluding his history of Dodge county, 
which was then in manuscript. He also 
had a choice and carefully selected 
library of over 400 volumes, a number of 



which were then out of print and which 
he has never been able to replace. This 
fire was a loss of several thousand dol- 
lars to him. In March, 1862, he removed 
to Eau Claire, Wis., being employed in 
the summer season as a millwright in the 
extensive mills of Daniel Shaw & Co., 
and in the winter in the pineries'. In 1866 
he sold his possessions in Eau Claire, 
built a flat boat of sufficient size to carry 
his family and goods down the Chippewa 
to the Mississippi, and thence to Dubuque, 
Iowa. There he sold his boat and 
traveled by rail from there to Iowa Falls, 
and came by wagons to Algona. Upon 
arriving at Algona Mr. Warren purchased 
for his son, Robert B., the Upper Des 
Moines office, for which he paid $600. 
Previous to that date Mr. Warren had 
never written more than two or three 
newspaper articles. He, however, threw 
liis whole energies into the enterprise, 
and with the faithful labors of his son, 
who took charge of the mechanical de- 
partment, he succeeded in making an ex- 
cellent paper. He enlarged the paper from 
time to time, as necessity required. In 
1872 he sold the old Washington press, it 
being the first press brought to Iowa, and 
replaced it with a $2,000 power press. He 
also procured a job press with all other 
necessary furniture. In 1875 Mr. Warren 
sold this office with fixtures and good 
will. In July, 1869, he was appointed 
postmaster, holding the office three years. 
He was a master Mason, a member of 
Prudence Lodge, No. 205. Mr. Warren 
was a charter member of Algona Lodije, 
No. 234, I. O. O. F., being a member of 
that order for nearly forty years. 

Peter Martin and his wife, Sarah (Mur- 
ray) Martin, natives of Scotland, came to 



*#« 



SFT 



IUL 



428 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



America in 1855, and lived in Ohio and 
Pennsylvania, where he followed mining. 
He afterwards moved to Grundy Co., 111., 
where he remained until 1866, when he 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and took a 
homestead on section 8, township 96, 
range 29, of eighty acres and went to 
farming. He was married March 24, 1854, 
and died Feb. 8, 1874. His wife still car- 
ries on the farm. They had five children, 
four of whom are living — William, who 
married Francelia Hartwell; Jessie, wife 
of James Rahluff; Maggie, wife of Al- 
ford Hall, of Mason City, and Jemima. 
Mrs. Martin is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

C. A. Stow was born, in 1856, in Wyom- 
ing, 111., and came with his parents to 
Iowa in 1866, settling on section 24, Al- 
gona township. His father died Jan. 2, 
1879, but his mother still lives at the old 
home. Mr. Stow has purchased the north- 
east quarter of the northeast quarter of 
section 13, and is one of the enterprising 
young farmers, successful and respected 
by all who know him. He was married 
Nov. 4, 1882, to Hattie Godden, of Clay- 
ton, Iowa. They have one child — Oliver P. 

Norman Hartwell, a native of Vermont, 
was born Aug. 19, 1829. When about 
two years old he went with his parents to 
Lower Canada, and lixed there until 1856, 
when he moved to DeKalb Co., 111. He 
remained there nearly one year and re- 
turned to Canada and lived there about 
one year. In 1858 he went to Fillmore 
Co., Minn., and followed farming. In 
1864 he enlisted in the 6th Minnesota In- 
fantry, company K. He was in the battles 



of Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, and numer- 
ous skirmishes. He served until the 
close of the war. Mr. Hartwell came to 
Kossuth county in 1866 and homesteaded 
eighty acres of land on section 8, town- 
ship 96, range 29, where he now lives. He 
has since bought eighty acres on sec- 
tion 5. He has about seventy-five acres 
under cultivation. Mr. Hartwell was 
married June 18, 1S49, to Sarah Gustin, 
l)orn Feb. 12, 1833, a native of Stemstead, 
Canada East. They have had seven 
children — James W., Susan, (now deceas- 
ed, was the wife of David Wade); Eliza 
A., wife of Henry Haines; Francelia, wife 
of William Martin; Levi N., Sallie M. 
and Lewis II. Mr. Hartwell is a green- 
backer, politically. He is one of the best 
respected men in the county. 

Albert B. Frink was horn Nov. 17, 1822, 
in Wateibury, Vt. His father was a na- 
tive of Springfield, Mass.; his mother was 
a native of Connecticut. When twenty- 
one years of age he went to Ohio, where 
he remained one year, then returned to 
his old home. He remained home three 
years then went to northern New York, 
and after a year's residence there went to 
Columbus, Wis., where he lived three 
years. In 1851 he moved to McGregor, 
Clayton Co., Iowa, where he engaged in 
the real estate business and afterwards in 
the mercantile business. In 1868 he came 
to Kossuth county, settling on the south- 
west quarter of section 10, township 96, 
range 29, Algona township, where he now 
resides. Mr. Frink is among the largest 
land owners, and one of the most enter- 
prising farmers in the county, now own- 
ing 814 acres of land in Kossuth county. 
He was married April 29, 1858, to Bath- 



V 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



429 



sheba A. Wagner, born May 1, 1836. Her 
parents were natives of New York. Mr. 
and Mrs. Frink have been blessed with 
three children — George A., and Katie and 
Cora, twins. 

O. E. Palmer was born, in 1825, in Mid- 
dlesex Co., Conn. He was brought up 
to the trade of a tanner, and received a 
liberal education, following his trade for 
a number of years. In 1848 he married 
Abby A. Cawdrey. They have five chil- 
dren— Loran, Richard, Willie, Fred and 
Charley. Mr. Palmer, in 1869, was ap- 
pointed agent for the McGregor & Mis- 
souri railroad lands, in northern Iowa, 
which brought him to Algona. At first 
he had charge of the engineering com- 
pany, which caused him to travel exten- 
sively over this section of the county, so 
that probably no man in this part of the 
State is better posted than he, in its sur- 
roundings. Mr. Palmer is a member of 
the free and accepted Masons, Blue Lodge. 
Previous to coming west, he took an active 
part in politics, and represented his dis- 
trict in the Legislature, was also one of the 
board of selectmen and has held other 
local offices. 

Thomas H. Lantry, agent for the Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad at 
Algona, is a native of St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y., born July 24, 1838. When thir- 
teen years of age, he accompanied his par- 
ents to Canada West, where he remained 
three years. He then removed to Madi- 
son, Wis., where he remained seven years, 
during which time he served an appren- 
ticeship of three years to the carpenter's 
trade, and made a visit to Pike's Peak in 
1857. In 1861 he wentto Prairie du Chien, 
Wis., and entered the service of the Chi- 



cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad 
Company, in the mechanical department, 
and there remained until January, 1864, 
when he w T as sworn into the Government 
service, and went with Sherman's army 
as far as Atlanta, where he was honora- 
bly discharged, and returned home to 
Prairie du Chien. He again entered the 
service of the railroad company, and 
where he has stayed ever since, coming 
to Algona on the first train that was run 
to that village. He has had charge of the 
company's repair shops at Algona and 
discharged the duties faithfully until 
June, 1883, when he was appointed agent 
for the company at Algona. Mr. Lan- 
try was married Dec. 20, 1861, to Kate 
McGlynn. They have six children — 
Hannah, Mary, Harry, Eva, Katie and 
Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Lantry are mem- 
bers of the Roman Catholic Church. 
Mr. Lantry has been a member of the city 
council for five years; he is also a member 
of the village school board. 

Charles C. Smith was born Aug. 25, 
1850, in Germany, and came with his par- 
ents to America when quite young, set- 
tling in New York State. Soon after 
both parents died, leaving him an orphan 
among strangers in a strange land. He 
went to the village of Dexter, Washtenaw 
Co., Mich., and in 1869 moved to Ohio, 
where he lived until 1881, when he came 
to Kossuth county, and bought eighty 
acres of land on section 26, in its primi- 
tive State, but now has fifty acres under 
cultivation. He was married Dec. 25, 
1878, to Sarah Abel of Ravenna, Portage 
Co., Ohio. They have one child — Fred 
N. Mr. Smith is an Odd Fellow. In 
politics a republican. 



k« 



430 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Eli Ferris was born Nov. 26, 1819, in 
Blakley, Luzerne Co., Penn. In 1858 he 
inaile a trip west, and laid a claim on part 
of section 14, township 96, range 29, went 
to Illinois, and was married to Nancy 
Jane Fitch, born March 14, 1839, in Knox 
Co., 111. After living in Illinois one year, 
he moved back to Pennsylvania, where 
he remained five years, then removed 
again to Illinois and spent six years. He 
then came back to his claim in Iowa where 
he still lives. While he was making his 
claim, he, with John Callender, kept 
bachelor hall, in a log shanty. They 
killed a wild goose, and after cooking it 
three weeks, threw part of it away, too 
tough to eat. At one time when all the 
men were out of the neighborhood except 
Messrs. Ferris and Callender, the prairies 
took fire, and they had to fight two days 
and two nights to save the houses in the 
neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris have 
five children — Isaac J., Silas M., James M., 
Jennie and Bert B. Both are members 
of the Baptist Church, and belong to the 
Grange. 

Joseph Zanke is a native of Prussia, 
born Nov. 2, 1835. He followed milling 
in the old country. In 1869 he emigrated 
to America, locating in Whitewater, Wis., 
where he remained one year, working 
in a mill. In 1870 he removed to Algona 
township, this county. He ' purchased 
eighty acres of land on section 35, and 
has since bought 160 acres of wild prairie 
land on section 34. He now has build- 
ings on the latter, which cost over $2,000. 
Mr. Zanke was married May 5, 1870, to 
Helen Hulburt, a native of Germany. 
They have had four children — Joseph N., 
Mary, Emma and George. Mr, Zanke is 



a member of the Catholic Church. Politi- 
cally, he is a democrat. Mr. Zanke stands 
in the front ranks of the enterprising and 
go-ahead farmers of Kossuth county. 

George Simpkins came with his parents 
from England to America when seven 
years of age, settling in Dane Co., Wis., 
where his father still lives. During the 
passage they were shipwrecked, on Lake 
Ontario, and lost all they owned. The 
disaster was caused by a drunken captain. 
The first winter in Wisconsin, the chil- 
dren, of whom there were seven, went 
without shoes, and had very little cloth- 
ing. George worked on a farm, with a 
threshing machine, when quite young. In 
oiling a machine, when fourteen years old, 
his clothing caught in some of the ma- 
chinery, drawing him onto it, and cutting 
off his left arm above the elbow. In 
1872 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, bought 
a claim on section 20, township 96, range 
29, where he now resides, owning 400 
acres of land, 300 acres of which is under 
cultivation. He is now turning his atten- 
tion to the raising of fine cattle. In 1873, 
the first year on his farm, he had seventy 
acres in wheat; the grasshoppers took all 
but fifty bushels, and the next year they 
took the whole crop, which was very dis- 
couraging for a beginner, yet he is now 
one of the enterprising and successful 
farmers of his township. He was mar- 
ried July 4, 1864, to Hulda Peck, born 
April 4, 1844. They have three children 
— Henry, Nellie and Nettie. He is an 
Odd Fellow, also a member of the Bap- 
tist Church. 

N. C. Kuhn, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Pennsylvania, July 12, 1831. 
He learned the carpenter trade at Ship- 



>rv 



Jfe. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



4.31 



ington, Penn., and followed that business 
until the year 1856, when he moved to 
Prairie City, McDonough Co., 111., where 
he remained nine years, making building 
and contracting his business. In 1864 he 
removed to Galesburg, 111., where he 
worked at his trade for the next nine 
years, and in 1866 he bought eighty acres 
of land in Kossuth Co., Iowa. In 1872 
he removed to Algona, and followed his 
trade until the spring of 1873, when he 
commenced breaking and improving his 
farm on section 35, township 96, range 
29, and for the next two successive years 
the grasshoppers destroyed his crops en- 
tirely. He was married March 16, 1852, 
to N. A. Bivens, who also was a native of 
Pennsylvania. Her parents still reside 
in Illinois. They have had nine children, 
of whom seven are living — O. B., Charlie 
O, William, Joseph E., George, Fred T. 
and Nellie. Jennie and Mary J. are de- 
ceased. William is married to Sarah 
Bowls. Mr. Kuhn at present follows car- 
pentering and farming. He has eighty 
acres under cultivation. He belongs to 
the M. E. Church. In politics he is a re- 
publican. 

Rev. Dennis F. McCaffrey was born in 
Leitrim, Ireland, toward the close of the 
fall of 1846; and there, amid all the 
pleasures of childhood, were passed some 
five summers, the fond remembrances of 
which are still alive in memory. The 
loss of a father, kind but stern, together 
with the painful effects of those years of 
want, necessitated a final change of home. 
The change came, and came, too, for the 
better. And here it might be remarked 
that the family was the second of the 
race to settle in Providence, R. I. The 



seventh summer finds him attending the 
village school, while the next spring shows 
the lad of not yet eight years taking early 
lessons in gardening from Capt. Smith, 
who was, perhaps, more widely known 
for the oddity of humanity than for the 
length of years. The seven or eight 
years that followed only speak of long 
summers of labor and a few months of 
school in the winter. During the few 
years that follow, he filled a position of 
some importance in one of the mills of 
Valley Falls. While thus engaged he 
saw the necessity of a night school for 
the youths who labored all day in the fac- 
tory. About this time an opening to at- 
tend the Lonsdale high school offered 
itself, and was readily embraced. Some 
nine months at this institute prepared the 
way for entering Holy Cross College, 
situated at Worcester, Mass., in Septem- 
ber, 1864, in company with Rev.W. Ilines, 
pastor at East Greenwich, R. I. Six years 
of college life — years of hope and anxiety, 
were not slow to pass, leaving footprints 
of the happiest nature. The fall after 
graduating he entered tl.e Grand Semi- 
nary at Montreal, Canada, and in the third 
year after, December, 1872, he seeks rest 
from study, as his health was much im- 
paired by the severe routine of the Grand 
Seminary. He spent a year and a half 
with his sister in Pennsylvania. In Sep- 
tember, 1873, he was requested to teach a 
class in his Alma Mater. This position 
he held for two years, during which time 
he gave his spare hours to books of no 
light nature. When strong again, and 
with the necessary means to complete his 
studies, he entered the Seminary of Our 
Lady of Angels, Suspension Bridge, N. 









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432 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Y., and there received ordination from 
the hands of Bishop Ryan, Dec. 23, 1873. 
Iowa then became his field of labor, and 
for about a year and a half he acted in the 
capacity of assistant in Ottumwa, Des 
Moines and Fort Dodge. Fairfax, Linn 
county, was his first mission, where he 
spent two years, when he was changed to 
Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he now 
resides. 

Fred Kopke, a native of Prussia, came 
to this country in 1866, and located in 
Janesville, Wis., remaining there two and 
a half years. He then removed to Sauk 
Prairie and remained there about four 
and a half years. In 187.3 he came to 
Kossuth county, purchasing the northwest 
quarter of section 3, township 96, range 
29, where he now resides. He has since 
bought the southeast quarter of section 33, 
in Burt township. He has about 125 acres 
under cultivation. Mr. Kopke was united 
in marriage in November, 1862, in the old 
country, with Henrietta Bailey, born in 
August, 1840. They have eight children 
—Amelia, Bertha, Mary, Frank, Willie, 
Minnie, Otto and Katie. Amelia is mar- 
ried to August Darring. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kopke are members of the M. E Church. 
He is a republican, politically. 

Rochus Hartman was born March 17, 
1839, in Austria. He came to America in 
1865, stopped awhile in Illinois, working 
by the day, then removed to Clayton Co., 
Iowa, and in 1875, bought eighty acres on 
section 17, township 96, range 29, where 
he now resides. He was married May 22, 
1865, to Mary Herman, also a native of 
Germany. They hav'e three children — 
Herman, Kresenzia and John. Mr. and 



Mrs. Hartman are members of the Catho- 
lic Church. In politics, he is a democrat. 

Joseph Osterbauer is a native of Aus- 
tria, born Aug. 12, 1855. When seven 
years of age he came to America with 
his mother, who was a widow. She died 
soon after landing in this country, and he 
was left an orphan. He lived around and 
worked on a farm until twenty-four years 
of age. In 1875 he came to Kossuth 
county, and stopped for a short time in 
Algona. In 1877 he purchased eighty 
acres of land in Algona township, section 
7, and moved thereon. He after wards 
purchased another eighty acres on the 
same section. Mr. Osterbauer was mar- 
ried to Kate Walters. This union has 
been blessed with three children — Mary, 
Tracy and Annie. It can truly be said 
that Mr. Osterbauer is one of the most 
energetic and enterprising young farmers 
in the county. 

Christian Dau is a native of Meckl en- 
berg, Schwerien, Germany, born May 21, 
1834. In 1866 he came to America, locat- 
ing in Whitewater, Wis., where he 
worked at wagon-making ten years. In 
1876 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and 
purchased 120 acres of land on section 23, 
Algona township. He afterwards added 
160 acres, now owning 280 acres of land, 
160 acres of which is under cultivation. 
Mr. Dau has erected some good buildings 
on his place. He married, in November, 
1860, Fredericke Gease, also a native of 
Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Dau have eight 
children — Mary, August, Herman, Frank, 
Max, Willie, Amanda and George. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dau are members of the Evan- 
gelical Church. 



♦i, 









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0^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTS. 



435 



Conrad Herman was born Nov. 16, 1833, 
in Austria. He came to America in 1864, 
locating in Clayton Co , Iowa, where he 
remained eleven years. In 1875 he bought 
eighty acres in this county on section 15, 
township 96, range 29, where he moved 
his family in 1876. He has since bought 
another eighty acres, having 130 acres of 
it under cultivation. He was married in 
the old country, Oct. 18, 1859, to Cath- 
rina Herman. They have eight children 
— Alexander II., Conrad, Agatha M., Lena 
M., John, Ernest, Hugh and Katie. Al- 
exander and Lena are married. All are 
members of the Catholic Church. Mr. 
Herman was admitted as a citizen of the 
United States, Oct. 16, 1873, in the Du- 
buque circuit court. In politics he is a 
democrat. 

John Kargleder, a native of Bavaria, 
was born March 26, 1826. He was a 
brewer by trade. In 1862 he came to 
America, locating in Milwaukee, Wis, 
where he remained ten years. He 
then went to Minneapolis, Minn., 
where he lived two years, then moved to 
St. Paul, where he resided four years. 
He then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and 
purchased 320 acres of land in Algona 
township. He now has a farm of 480 
acres, 225 of which are under cultivation. 
Mr. Kargleder was married, in 1868, to 
Selma Haas. They have five children — 
Charles, May, Ella, Arthur and Emma. 

John Swanson was born Sept. 21, 1813, 
in Sweden. In 1869 he came with his 
wife Sarah (Neilson) Swanson to America, 
landed in Boston, went to New York city, 
to Tomkins' Cove, where he remained 
eight years, then moved to Iowa. After 
stopping in Algona a few weeks he rented 



a farm, lived on it one year, and in 1878 
bought forty acres on the northwest quar- 
ter of the northeast quarter of section 25, 
township 96, range 29, where he now re- 
sides. About half his farm is under cul- 
tivation, the rest in native timber. He 
was married in 1852, and has five children 
— Christina, wife of Nels Peterson, who 
resides in Red Wing, Minn.; John J., 
Mary C, who has taught school five 
terms, and also taught the first term in 
the new school house; Ida S, also a teacher, 
and Esther L. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. 

John McDonald was born in Dundee, 
Huntington Co., Canada, May 1, 1850. 
His parents died when he was a child. In 
1869 he went to Illinois, remained there 
one year, then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
and purchased sixty-seven acres of land, 
which he afterwards sold. In 1879 he 
bought the south half of section 8, and 
afterwards eighty acres on section 1, Al- 
gona township. He is a very successful 
farmer. Mr. McDonald was married April 
20, 1880, to Anna Hay, a native of Ohio. 
They have one child — Mary Catharine. 
Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are members of 
the Catholic Church. 

Ernest Krueger is a native of Germany. 
When nineteen years of age he was drafted 
in the Prussian army, serving three years. 
He and his brother was in Prince Freder- 
ick's Army Corps, participating in nine 
battles. He was at the battle of Metz on 
the 16th, 17th, and 18th of August, 1870. 
He was also in the battle at Paris for four 
days. After he left the army he followed 
his parents, who had preceded him in 
1869, to America. His parents settled in 
Ozaukee Co., Wis., where they now re- 



13 



a _U- 



436 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



side. He stopped in Wisconsin three 
years, then went to Carroll Co., Ill , re- 
maining there three years. In February, 
1879, he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa. 
On Oct. 31, 1879, he was united in mar- 
riage with Louisa Steinbach, a native of 
Stephenson Co., 111., born Oct. 24, 1858. 
Her parents are natives of Germany. The 
result of this union was three children — 
Emma M., Minnie E. and Clara A. Mrs. 
Krueger is a member of the M. E. Church. 
Mr. Krueger is a democrat, politically. 
He is an enterprising farmer, and enjoys 
the respect of his fellow men. 

J. B. Hofius was born in Mercer Co., 
Penn., Feb. 28, 1854. His father, a native 
of Mercer county, was born March 16, 
1801. His mother was a native of New 
York, born July 23, 1823. His father 
was married twice. First, to Mary Du 
gan, Sept. 23, 1828 ; and the second time 
to Maria Bearss, Feb. 17, 1846. The 
subject of this sketch lived with his par- 
ents until of age. He has traveled quite 
extensively throughoui the west. In 1870 
he came to Iowa on a visit. In 1877 he 
was married to Mary Thompson. He re- 
turned to Pennsylvania, where he resided 
about five years. In May, 1882, he re- 
turned to Iowa and bought 160 acres of 
land on section 35, Algona township. He 
erected a good house and barn on his 
farm. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church. Politically Mr. Hofius is a 
democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Hofius have 
two children — Henry, born Oct. 14, 1878, 
and died Dec. 2, 1831; Frank, born Nov. 
2, 1882. By industry and hard work Mr. 



Hofius has succeeded in amassing a nice 
competence, and will in his old age be 
able to enjoy life comfortably. He is one 
of the most highly respected and influen- 
tial men in the county. 

Swen P. Peterson was born Dec. 5, 
1837, in Sweden. Coining to America in 
1854, he landed in Boston, Mass., and 
went at once to Galesburg, Knox Co., 111., 
where he remained four years. From 
here he went to California and worked in 
the mines six years, after which time he 
returned to Galesburg. After living there 
two years, he moved to Henry Co., 111., 
and followed farming seventeen years, 
owning eighty acres of land, which he 
sold for $3,600, and then came to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, where he bought 160 acres of 
good land on section 36, township 96, 
range 28, of James Roan, for which he 
paid $40 per acre. He cultivates grain of 
all kinds, and makes a specialty of thor- 
oughbred Poland China hogs. Mr. Peter- 
son was one of Illinois' best farmers, and 
Iowa may well be proud of his coming in 
her midst. He owns forty or fifty acres 
of fine timber, lying on the East Fork of 
the Des Moines river, and he can get 
from $5 to $6 a cord for all the wood he 
chooses to bring into Algona, a distance 
of a mile and a half. He was married 
Aug. 26, 1866, to Emma Christina Run- 
beck, born in Sweden. They have five 
living children— Edah R., Ella A., Esther 
L., Edwin P. and Alfred L. He and his 
family are members of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a 
republican. 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



437 



CHAPTER -XV I 



BURT TOWNSHIP. 



t 



This township is contained within the 
limits of what is known as township 9V 
north, range 29 west, and is bounded on 
the north by Greenwood, on the south by 
Algona, west by Fenton, and east by 
Portland. The surface is, as a whole, 
comparatively level, the slight swells or 
undulations being just sufficient, as a rule, 
to drain the land. The East Fork of Des- 
Moines river flows across sections 1 and 
t2 in the northeast corner, while sections 
29, 32 and 33 are traversed by a branch of 
the Black Cat creek. The township is 
comparatively new, only a small portion 
being under cultivation, the principal 
business of the inhabitants being stock 
raising, as the prairie is covered with a 
most luxuriant growth of native grass. 
This grows exceedingly thick and fine and 
affords a magnificent range for large herds 
of cattle, whose plump appearance and 
sleek hides show plainly its nourishing 
qualities. But little, if any, native tim- 
ber is found in this locality, but where the 
old settler is found, may be seen fine 
groves of elm, ash, cottonwood and other 
trees, set out and protected by their 
hands. 

The first settler in the township was 
John Brown, who located here in 18G4, 
and is still a resident of his original 
claim on section 36. 



■y 



John Brown, son of Robert and Anna 
(Quin) Brown, was born in Westmore- 
land, Aug. 12, 1830. When twelve years 
of age he left home and worked for a farm- 
er until sixteen years of age, for $0 a 
month. He then worked on the Lancas- 
ter & Carlisle railroad, within sixteen 
miles of his father's home. He also car- 
ried picks to a blacksmith shop to be 
sharpened, making a little more than 
board. When seventeen years of age, 
the man for whom he was working was 
about to move away, f 50 miles, and want- 
ed Mr. Brown to go with him. He went 
home on a visit and informed his parents 
of his intentions. His father did not ob- 
ject, but his mother being very much op- 
posed to his going, came out and said; 
"John, we will never see you again." John 
answered, "Mother, in one year I will be 
brick." He never saw them again. He 
was once within thirty miles of home, 
but being poor and having neither money 
nor good clothes, he was ashamed to go 
home, for John was sometimes in rather 
straightened circumstances. About this 
time Mr. Brown decided to come to Amer- 
ica, telling his employer that he would be 
back in a year. A singular coincidence 
happened. The vessel was twenty-two 
days making the trip, but Mr. Brown got 
over in twenty-one days. The examin- 



4 4«- 



u—^£± 



438 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



ing physician came out to meet the boat, 
and Mr. Brown went in with him, thus 
arriving one day ahead of the vessel. Be- 
ing sick when he arrived, he remained in 
the hospital for six weeks, then hired to 
work on a railroad again, but worked only 
one and a half days. He went to New 
York, forty miles distant, and came 
across a Yankee, who gave him $6 a 
month during the winter. He then hired 
to A. Lanson Hubard, of Cortland Co., N. 
Y., for one year at $100. Mr. Hubard 
was a Church member, and with him Mr. 
Brown acquired steady habits He staid 
with Mr. Hubard three years, the last year 
receiving $160 dollars. Mr. Brown then 
married Susan Cordon, and moved to El- 
mira, Dodge Co., Wis., purchasing forty 
acres of timber land. Failing to pay for 
this land he sold it and removed on a 
farm belonging to Col. John Cochran, on 
which he lived one year. While on this 
farm they lost three sons with diphtheria. 
Mr. Brown lived in various localities near 
there one year, then moved to the pineries 
of Wisconsin, and, in 1862, enlisted in 
the 3d Wisconsin Volunteers. He was 
taken to Camp Randall, and failing to 
pass inspection returned home. Mr. 
Brown and his wife parted after living 
together eight years. They had one 
daughter — Emma Jane, eighteen months 
old, whom the mother claimed. He saw 
her six months after their separation, but 
not again for many years. His wife, 
however, gave Emma Jane away, as he 
learned afterwards, she having married 
again. She instructed Emma to find her 
father, and having C"ine to Black Hawk 
Co., Iowa, and hearing of a man in Kos- 
suth county of her father's name, wrote 



to him and received answer that he was 
really her father. In 1881 she made her 
father a visit, and they were re-united. 
She now lives with her husband, Francis 
A. Wood, five miles north of Mr. Brown's 
place. When Mr. Brown first came to 
Kossuth county, in 1864, he took as a 
homestead eighty acres of land on section 
36, township 97, range 29, Burt township. 
He now owns a quarter section. He put 
up the first sod house in the county. He 
married, in 1868, Adelia C. Coles. She 
died in 1880. In 1881 he married Olive 
R. Anderson. They have two children — 
Emma Jane and Effie Rosa May. In 1883 
Mr. Brown erected a neat frame house on 
his place, in which he now lives. He had 
a stable struck by lightning, killing his 
team, and has suffered severely by grass- 
hoppers. But he has surmounted all diffi- 
culties and now stands among Kossuth 
county's best farmers and most respected 
citizens. He is a republican and is sub- 
director of the township. Mr. Brown is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

The next to locate in the township was 
John Wilson, who on the 21st of April, 
1866, found the place he wanted and 
made a claim on the south half of the 
southeast quarter of section 24. He re- 
mained here until his death, which took 
place upon the 28th of December, 1869. 

John Wilson was a native of Ireland, 
born in the county Derry, in. 1813, but 
was of English descent. He emigrated 
to the United States in 1840, residing in 
Philadelphia, Penn., until 1861, when he 
enlisted in company B, 2d Pennsylvania 
Reserves, being discharged in 1864. He 
re-enlisted in company H, 91st Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, serving until Lincoln's 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



439 



assassination. He participated in the 
battles of Meclianicsville, South Moun- 
tain, Wilderness, Richmond, Petersburg, 
Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg, and 
was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., 
July 3, 1865. He came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, July 27, 1865, and took a homestead 
of eighty acres on the south half of the 
southeast quarter of section 24, township 
97, range 29, Burt township. He lived in 
Algona and worked the farm until 1869, 
when he moved on the farm. On Dec. 
18, 1869, he engaged to work for a rail- 
road company, and on the 28th of the 
same month was killed by a bank falling 
where he was excavating. Mr. Wilson 
was married before coming to this country 
to Ann Eliza Brown, of Scotland. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wilson had eleven children, 
eight of whom are living — Margaret J., 
John B., married and living in Phila- 
delphia; Eliza M., wife of James Faunce, 
of Philadelphia; Samuel J., married and 
living in Portland township; William 
C, a sailor; Robert J., clerking for an 
establishment in Algona; Edward and 
Thomas A. Four of the family are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

John B. Hutchinson located, in 1865, on 
the south half of the northeast quarter of 
section 8, upon which he still resides. 

John B. Hutchinson, the subject of 
this sketch, was born in Fifeshire, Scot- 
land, Aug. 21, 1839. He is a son of John 
and Agnes (Reed) Hutchinson, both of 
whom died and are buried in Scotland 
Mr.. Hutchinson came to America in 1856. 
He worked on a railroad in the State of 
New York for eighteen months after his 
arrival. He then removed to Illinois, lo- 
cating in Will county. He followed 



farming four year;; then engaged in min- 
ing coal for four years, when he removed 
to Boone Co., Iowa, locating in Moingona. 
He followed coal mining in that place 
about two years, then removed to Kossuth 
county, settling in Burt township, on the 
northeast quarter of section 8, township 
95, range 29. He has sixty-five acres un- 
der cultivation, and carries on mixed 
farming. One of the nicest groves in the 
township is growing on his farm. Mr. 
Hutchinson was married in November, 
1872, to Margaret Bradon, a native of 
Germany. Her people live in the State 
of Nebraska. The result of this union 
was six children — Emma L., Frederick J., 
Margaret J., Albert H., Noma A. and 
Clara A. Politically Mr. Hutchinson is a 
republican. He has been township super- 
visor for seven years. 

James and Edward Mario w located 
upon sections 32 and 33, during the year 
1865, also, and are still residents of their 
original claims. 

George Atdell, who is still a resident of 
the township, settled here in 1866. 

The same year section 24 received a 
settler, in the person of Hiram Norton, 
who took up a homestead on the south 
half of the northeast quarter of section 
24, where he still lives. 

Hiram Norton, son of Hiram and Betsy 
(Matson) Norton, was born in Steuben 
Co., N. Y., in 1839. When nineteen years 
of age he went to Bureau Co., 111., and 
worked on a farm. In the winter of 
1863-4 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
settling in Algona, and working on the 
farm of W. H. Ingham. In the fall of 
1864 he removed to Cresco township, 
where he lived until the summer of 1866. 



A. 



4-tO 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



He then took a homestead on the south 
half of the northeast quarter of section 24, 
township 97, range 29, Burt township, and 
built a sod house, 12x24 feet, in which he 
lived five years. In 1883 he erected their 
present residence, a neat frame building. 
He has a fine grave of four acres, a half 
acre planted in orchard, and makes a 
specialty of stock raising. Mr. Norton 
was married March 4, 186D, to Ellen, 
daughter of John and Jane (Gilmour) 
Piercy. Her mother is deceased. Her 
father is living with Mr. Norton. In 
politics Mr. Norton is a republican. He 
was elected trustee of Burt township for 
the year 1884. 

Elijah Hulburt was the pioneer of the 
year 1867, and settled down upon a home- 
stead on the south half of the southeast 
quarter of section 32, where he has re- 
mained ever since. 

Elijah Hulburt, son of Alonzo and 
Credulia (Sumner) Hulburt, was born in 
Erie Co., N. Y. When four years of age 
he removed to Stephenson Co., 111., where 
he lived on a farm for thirty years. He 
then removed to Kossuth county, locating 
in Burt township. He built a sod house, 
which burned down. In 1873 he built, 
the house he now lives in. He has nice 
and comfortable buildings in the midst of 
a beautiful grove of four acres. Mr. 
Hulburt was united in marriage with 
Margaret Marlow, daughter of Patrick 
and Mary (Judge) Marlow, Dec. 6, 1862. 
They have four children — Mary O, Ellen, 
John J. and Jonathan O, twins. Mary 
is engaged in teaching school. Mr. Hul- 
burt is a republican, politically. He has 
been school director for three years. Mrs. 



Hulburt's parents are dead; being buried 
in the Catholic cemetery in Algona. 

John Murray, another resident of his 
original homestead, came to Burt town- 
ship, with his three sons, and all took 
homesteads. The elder Mr. Murray on 
the south half of the southwest quarter of 
section 8. 

John Murray, son of William and Janet 
(Glass) Murray, was born in Janaury 1824, 
in Kinrosshire, Scotland. When thirty- 
one years of age, he went to Mahoning Co., 
Ohio, and worked in furnaces and rolling 
mills eight years He then went to Illi- 
nois and worked for eight years in the 
coal mines of Grundy county. From there 
he removed to Boone Co., Iowa, settling 
in Moingona, where he lived four years, 
mining coal. He then came to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, settling on the southwest quar- 
ter of the south half of section 8, town- 
ship 97, range 29, where he owns 320 
acres. In connection with his sons, each 
took a homestead of eighty acres, and 
have since bought eighty acres, making 
400 acres, 200 of which are under cultiva- 
tion, eight acres are in fine grove, be- 
sides having a good orchard. He was 
married Dec. 31, 1846, to Jean Jackson. 
They have three sons — William, David 
and John. William married Isabella 
Burt, and lives on section 8, Burt town- 
ship. David is at home. John married 
Margaret Burt, sister of William's wife, 
and lives on section 17. He is a republi- 
can, and member of the Presbyterian 
Church. He has been school director, 
and is now town trustee. 

The first regular services were held by 
the Rev. R. A. Paden, a Presbyterian 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



441 



minister, at the house of Henry McDon- 
ald, in August, 1882. 

The first frame house was built by 
Hiram Norton in 1870. 

The first school taught in the township 

of Burt, was in what was district No. 1 1, 
Algona district. This was initiated upon 
the 23d day of September, 1872, with 
Joseph M. Martin as teacher. A log 
house which had formerly been occupied 
as a dwelling house was used as the school 
house. The term ended upon the 20th of 
December, 1872. The following is a list 
of the scholars of this pioneer school, as 
taken from the record bookof the teacher: 
Adelaide R. Apel, Edward L. Apel, Min- 
erva A. Apel, Juliana L. Apel, William 
Apel and John A. Apel. The first sub- 
director of this district was Fletcher 
Ilofius, who was succeeded by Charles 
Brooks. Mr. Brooks resigning, J. J. Apel 
was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

The first school in district No. 10 was 
taught in a dwelling house formerly oc- 
cupied by Mr. Merten's family. This 
made a most comfortable house. The 
first term commenced the 2d of Novem" 
ber, 1874, and continued until the follow- 
ing February. L. Hutchinson was the 
first teacher. 

The first school taught in district No. 9 
began May 18, 1875. A frame house had 
been built for the purpose of a school 
house. This was the first frame school 
house in the township. The school term 
lasted until the 24th of September, and 
was conducted by Minnie Colby. 

Burt contains three sub-districts of the 
the district township of Algona known as 
Nos. 9, 10 and 12. 



^U 



Districts Nos. 10 and 12 were re-organ- 
ized out of the original one, and a new 
school house built in each, at a cost of 
about $400 each. The school house of 
sub-district No. 9 was erected in the vil- 
lage o Burt, in 1882, and cost $700. This 
is a neat, tasty building, 22x38 feet, and 
twelve feet to the ceiling, and affords ed- 
ucational facilities to quite a number of 
pupils. The suit-directors for these three 
districts are the following gentlemen: P. 
M. Barslow, Frederick Schultz and C. 
Hierstadt. 

The first child born in the township 
was John, son of Hiram Norton, whose 
birth occurred in November, 1867. 

The first death was that of John Wil- 
son, who was killed Dec. 28, 1869, and is 
buried in the cemetery at Algona. 

The first ground was broken by John 
Brown, in the fall of 1864, and he sowed 
the first wheat that same time. In the fol- 
lowing spring he planted corn, the first, 
also, in the township. 

The township was organized in 1883, 
and the first election was held at the 
October election, when the following 
offiers were chosen: Hiram Norton, John 
Murray, Sr., and Thomas Hanna, trustees; 
George E. Marble, clerk; A. D. Blanch- 
ard, assessor; P. M. Barslow and Isaac 
Ames, justices; Arthur Stow and John 
Douglas, constables. 

The village of Burt was laid out, sur- 
veyed and platted by the Western Town 
Lot Company, in connection with Am- 
brose A. Call and D. A. Buell, in Septem- 
ber, 1881. The plat was filed for record, 
at the court house in Algona, on the 19th 
of September, of the same year. The 
streets run north and south and the ave- 



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442 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



nues east and west. The village has but 
about thirty inhabitants at present, who 
are nearly all Americans of a most intelli- 
gent and enterprising class The Chicago 
& Northwestern railroad passes through 
the village and the company have put up 
at this point a very nice and cozy depot. 

In the fall of 1881, George E. Marble 
came to the incipient village of Burt and 
commenced the erection of the first store 
building. This structure is 20x24 feet, 
two stories high, and 14x16 feet, one 
story. In this building he opened a gen- 
eral merchandise store, which he is yet 
operating. 

George E. Marble was born in Saratoga 
Co., N. Y., June 17, 1850. When four 
years of age he went with his parents to 
Madison, Dane Co., Wis., where he re 
sided for thirteen years on a farm. He 
then went to Franklin Co., Iowa, settling 
on a farm there. In 1881 he came to 
Burt and erected the first store building 
in town. This building was two stories 
in height, the first floor being 20x24 feet 
in dimensions, with additions in rear, 
14x16 feet, and the second floor 20x24 
feet. In 1882 he started a hay press, in a 
building 40x42 feet, which he operated 
during 1882-3. He still continues in the 
general merchandise business. Mr. 
Marble was married Nov. 29, 1 Si"7, to 
Ella V. White, of Franklin county. They 
have two children — Arthur E. and Cressie 
E. Mr. Marble is a republican and holds 
the office of town clerk. He has also 
been postmaster since 1882. 

About the same time Joseph D. 
McDonald opened a lumber yard in Burt, 
which he yet is running. He handles, 
also, hardware, lime, salt, coal, and buys 



grain and stock. He is the owner of a 
hay press which he is operating, which 
has a capacity of eight tons per day. 

Joseph D. McDonald, son of William 
and Mary (Shanor) McDonald, was born 
in Butler Co., Penn. When ten years of 
age he went with his parents to Grundy 
Co., 111., where his father was engaged in 
farming. In 1862 he enlisted in company 
B, 129th Illinois Infantry, being mustered 
in at Pontiac. He participated in the 
battles of Pensacola, Lookout Mountain, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, July 20, 21 
and 22, with Sherman on his march to 
the sea and back to Washington, where 
he was mustered out in June, 1865. He 
then went to Dwight, Livingston Co., 
III., where he engaged in fanning, in 
the spring of 1S06 he came to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, settling on a homestead of 
eighty acres in Portland township. In 
1881 he moved to Burt and engaged in the 
lumber business. He owns one acre of 
land and a good house. Mr. McDonald 
was married March 9, 1871, to Nancy I. 
Y r oung, of Dwight, 111. They have 
five children — William E., Eugene M., 
Everett E., Lulu O. and Henry J., all liv- 
ing at home. Mr. McDonald has been 
.trustee of Portland township for ten years, 
and is now one of the supervisors of Kos- 
suth county. He is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church In politics 
he is a democrat. 

Comfort P. Stow came to Burt in 1881, 
also, and began blacksmithing, and put 
up the first hotel, which was 16x32 feet, 
with a wing 11x16 feet. This he con- 
tinued to operate until the summer of 
1883, and, although he has quit it as a 



rv 



k+ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



443 



business, still lie will keep the weary trav- 
eler rather than turn him away. 

Comfort P. Stow was born in Geneva 
Ashtabula Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1848. 
When one year old his parents moved 
to Paw Paw Grove, Lee Co., 111., where 
Comfort lived until eighteen years of 
age. In 1864 he enlisted in company 
E, 140th Illinois Volunteers, being mus- 
tered in at Camp Butler, near Springfield. 
He was sent to guard railroads, and was 
mustered out in the same year. In 1866 
Mr. Stow moved to Algona, Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, where he lived until the fall of 1880. 
When Burt was organized, in 1881, he 
he moved there, and engaged in work at 
the blacksmith trade. He built the first 
hotel in Burt. In 1882, in connection with 
his brother, Mr. Stow started a hay press. 
He was married May 11, 1872, to Eliza 
Godden, of Algona township. They have 
five children— James P., Mary A., Fred 
O., Laura E. and Caroline, all living at 
home. In politics Mr. Stow is a republi- 
can. 

Religious services were held first, in 
the town, in August, 1882, and on the 6th 
of June, 1883, an organization was affected 
and a Church started with the following 
officers: Rev. R. A. Paden, minister; I. 
G. Schryver and William Bailey, elders. 
The Sunday school is also in a nourish- 
ing condition under the superintend ency 
of Mrs. Rebecca McDonald. 

George W. Sweet was born Aug. 1 4, 
1830, in Crawford Co., Penn. When 
thirty-four years of age, he went to Ver- 
non Co., Wis., near Ilillsboro, and engaged 
in farming. After five years, he came to 
Kossuth county and settled in Fenton 
township, where he took a homestead. In 



1871 he sold, but remained there four 
years, then moved east of Algona, staying 
one year. He then bought the place where 
he now lives, on the southeast quarter of 
the northeast quarter of section 7, town- 
ship 97, range 29. He owns forty acres 
of good land, has good farm buildings, 
and everything looks prosperous. Mr. 
Sweet was assessor one year. He was 
married Jan. 5, 1868, to Eliza A. Hayden, 
of Hillsboro, Vernon Co., Wis. Mis. 
Sweet had been married before, and has 
fonrchildren — Hattie, Mary J., Nancy and 
Frank. Mr. Sweet enlisted Aug. 14, 
1861, in company B, 83d •Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, and served sixteen and a half 
months, participating in the battles of 
Hanover, and second Bull Run. He was 
wounded at Bull Run, being shot in the 
right arm, and confined in hospital three 
months. He is a Free Will Baptist. In 
politics, a republican. 

Peter Kriethe was born June 26, 1846, 
in Hanover, Germany. He is a son of 
Peter and Mary Kriethe. His father died 
when he was two years, and his mother 
when he was eighteen years of age. In 
1866 he left Germany. In 1869 he went 
to California. In September, 1871, he 
removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, remained- 
one week, and came to Kossuth county. 
He rented a farm east of Algona, of Mr. 
Hutchins. Mr. Kriethe was united in mar- 
riage May 19, 1878, with Anna Bearacle, 
daughter of Frank and Catharine Beara- 
cle, of Bohemia. The result of this happy 
union, was two children — Frances Annette 
ami Emma Florence. Mrs. Kriethe took 
their present place as a homestead — the 
southwest quarter of section 22. They 
also own the southwest quarter of section 



444 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



23. About 175 acres is under cultivation. 
Mr. Krietlie is engaged in both farming 
and stock raising. In the summer of 1883 
he erected a good frame house on his 
farm. He has a nice grove and orchard. 
Mrs. Kriethe's parents are dead. They 
are buried in Bohemia. 

Peter M. Barslow is a native of Canada, 
born near Montreal, Aug. 18, 1836. When 
eighteen years of age he went to Kanka- 
kee, 111., where he lived two years and a 
half, working at the blacksmith trade. 
From there he removed to Batavia, Kane 
Co., 111., where he resided one year, then 
spent one year in Oswego, Kendall Co., 
111. He then spent three years in Newark, 
Kendall county, going from there to Adell, 
Livingston Co., 111., where he resided 
thirteen years, working at the blacksmith 
trade. He was connected with a hardware 
and drug store for a short time while in 
Livingston county, and was also deputy 
sheriff for some time. In 1875 Mr. Bars- 
low came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling 
on section 20, Portland township, where 
he resided three years. He then pur- 
chased land on the north half of the north- 
east quarter of section 24, Burt township, 
and eighty acres on the north half of the 
• northwest quarter of section 19, township 
97, range 28, Portland township. He is 
engaged in general farming. Mr. Barslow 
was married, Oct. 20, 1 860, to Laura A. 
Fosgate, of Newark, 111. They have eight 
children — George F., Leon A., Clara B., 
Erne M., Laura A., Nellie L., Emma M. 
and Edna M. They are all living at home. 
Mr. Barslow has been school director in 
Kossuth county for five years. 

William Harsh, son of Charles and Car- 
oline Harsh, was born Oct. 24. 1858, in 



Prussia, Germany. At six months of age 
he emigrated to America, locating in Illi- 
nois, near Freeport, where he lived ten 
years. From that place he removed to 
Waterloo, Iowa. After remaining there 
two years, he removed to Fort Dodge. 
He lived in Fort Dodge until he came to 
Kossuth county. Upon coming to this 
county he located on the northwest quar- 
ter of section 2, Burt township. Mr. 
Harsh deals in live stock as well as rais- 
ing grain. He is a single man. His 
mother and two sisters live with him. In 
politics Mr. Harsh supports the demo- 
cratic ticket. Mr. Harsh is a member of 
the Lutheran Church. His mother and 
sisters are members of the same Church. 

James Leslie was born Feb. 16, 1819, in 
Allegheny Co., Penn. Here he grew to 
manhood, and was engaged in running a 
coal boat on the Allegheny canal. lie 
also made several trips to New Orleans 
by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. 
When twenty-three years of age he was 
married to Maria Boyd, of Taunton, Penn. 
He lived in the home of his birth until 
thirty-one years old, when he removed to 
Scott Co., Iowa, locating on a farm. His 
wife soon afterward died, leaving one 
child— Mary Jane. On Nov. 28, 1854, 
Mr. Leslie was married to Mary A. Stub- 
elfield, of Princeton, Iowa. This union 
was blessed with six children, four of 
whom are living — William B. C. F. C, 
Emeline, Jessie B. and James McBride. 
In 1859 Mr. Leslie went to Pike's Peak, 
remaining there one year, during which 
time he was foreman in a quartz mill. After 
returning from the west he purchased a 
hotel which he run for five years ; also 
dealt in stock during this time. In 1872 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



445 



he went to Tama Co., Iowa, where he 
was engaged in fanning for six years, 
near La Porte City. He then moved to 
Black Hawk county, and followed farming 
for three years, thence to Kossuth county 
in 1881. He bought the southwest quar- 
ter of section 32, township 98, range 29, 
of which he has seventy-five acres broken. 
He has an artificial grove of four acres, 
and fruit of all kinds. 

Francis A. Wood, son of Edward and 
Elizabeth ( Shimer ) Wood, was born in 
Black Hawk Co., Iowa, March 8, 1859. 
When twenty-three years of age he came 
to Kossuth county and purchased the 
north half of the northeast quarter of 
section 2, Burt township. He has forty 
acres under cultivation, and is interested 
largely in grain and stock raising. In 
1881 Mr. Wood was married to Susan E. 
J., daughter of John and Susan (Corton) 
Brown, the oldest settler in Burt town- 
ship. Mrs. Wood is the daughter spoken 
of in John Brown's biography, as being 
the child who had not seen her father 
since two years of age, until 1881. She 
was born Oct 10, 1862, in Wisconsin. 
When twi years of age her parents sepa- 
rated, Mrs. Brown taking Emma and 
going to live with a brother. Her mother 
two years afterwards married again, and 
Emma, after living at home five years, 
went to live with John Tennant, of Black 
Hawk Co., Iowa. She lived with Mr. 
Tennant until eighteen years of age, 
being educated while living there. She 



thinks as much of Mr. Tennant's family 
as she would of her own parents. Mrs. 
Wood hearing of a Mr. Brown in Kossuth 
county, and supposing him to be her 
father, wrote to him, and finding her 
hopes realized, came to visit him in 1881. 
Mr. Brown then prevailed on his new 
son-in-law to buy a place near him, and 
all are happy. 

George M. Meinzer, deceased, was born 
in Baden, Germany, June 28, 1812. In 
1849 he emigrated to the United States, 
locating in Racine, Wis., where he re- 
sided ten yeirs. He then went to Free- 
port, III., where he lived three years, 
after which he lived near Waterloo, Black 
Hawk Co., Iowa, for two years. He then 
removed to Tama county, residing there 
until his death, which was very sudden. 
On the morning of Sept. 12, 1874, he was 
as well as usual, but at about 4 o'clock in 
the afternoon he was stricken witli heart 
disease, dying instantly. Mrs. Meinzer 
resided on the farm until Sept. 6, 1879, 
when she removed to Waterloo, remain- 
ing there two years, sold her farm and re- 
moved to Kossuth county. In 1883 she 
bought her present farm, the northwest 
quarter of section 12, Burt township. Mr. 
Meinzer was married Feb. 6, If 40, to Eva 
R. Yaumorthal, of Baden. Mr. and Mrs. 
Meinzer had nine children — Charles W., 
Gustavus, Christena, Charles A., Caroline, 
Edward, Leo, John and Ellon. Mrs. 
Meinzer is sixty-three years of age, and 
lives with her daughter, Ellen, on the farm. 



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446 



HISTORY OF KOS&UTII COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVII 



CRESCO TOWNSHIP. 



This township, which lies in the south- 
western part of the county of Kossuth, 
contains all of congressional township 94 
north, ranges 29 and 30, and all of town- 
ship 95, ranges 29 and 30, except a tier and 
a half of sections cut off of the north 
part, and attached to the civil townships 
of Lott's Creek and Algona. It contains 
about 120 square miles, or 80,640 acres of 
the best land in the county. The surface 
is nearly flat except in the vicinity of the 
streams, where it breaks into gentle rolls. 
The soil of rich, warm, dark loam holds the 
promise of unlimited fecundity and fer- 
tility. The East Fork of the Des Moines 
river runs through the eastern part of the 
township, watering the land, and with its 
affluents draining it. In the western part, 
Lott's creek affords the necessary water, 
entering Cresco from the north, on sec- 
tion 11, and flowing in a southeasterly 
course makes its exit on section 31, town- 
ship 94, range 29. Along the margin of 
the streams, the Des Moines in particular, 
quite a heavy growth of timber is found, 
made up of the various deciduous trees of 
this latitude, among which ash, soft maple, 
basswood, poplar and burr oak take the 
lead. These belts of timber, together with 
the groves of soft wood trees that cluster 
around the habitations of the older set- 
tlers and residents, add beauty and pic- 



turesqueness to the landscape. The older 
settlements lie along the river and are 
made up of nearly all nationalities, Eng- 
lish, Irish, German, Swedish, Scotch and 
American. In the western partis a large 
German settlement, known as the Dor- 
weiler settlement. 

The first attempt at a settlement in 
Cresco was made by William Hill and 
Levi Maxwell, in the fall of 1854. The 
former of these parties was a decidedly 
hard character and always had around 
him a tough crowd, and as the settlers 
gathered into the county he was crowded 
out, Charles Osgood buying his claim. 
He drifted away, no one knows where. 
Levi Maxwell did not remain very long 
either, but removed to some other locality 
in the State. 

Christian Hackman and Daniel Hill lo- 
cated in this township in the latter part 
of the year 1854. Daniel Hill sold out 
his claim to Alexander Brown in the May 
following and left the county. Christian 
Hackman is still a resident on the origi- 
nal claim he made, and is one of the 
county's most influential men. 

Alexander Brown, Sr., and hisr son of 
the same name, were the next settlers in 
Cresco township, coming in May, 1855, 
and locating on section 14. Both are 
still residents of the county. 



rr^ 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



44 V 



Alexander Brown, Jr., was born June 
19, 1838, in the north part of Ireland, 
near the coast of Scotland. When four 
years of age he came with his parents to 
America, landing at St Johns, New Bruns- 
wick. After living there three years they 
went to Massachusetts, making it their 
home eleven years. He then came to 
Kossuth county and staid one year, after 
which he went to Massachusetts and 
worked for the government as a ma- 
chinist. All through the war, and before 
the war broke out, he worked in the navy 
yards, or anywhere the government saw fit 
to send him, being at different times in 
Springfield, Mass.; Trenton, N. J.; New- 
ark; Fort Warren; Boston Harbor; Port- 
land, Maine, and other points. In 1865 
he came back to Kossuth county, and has 
worked since on his farm on section 14, 
township 95, range 29, engaging exten- 
sively in stock raising, of which he keeps 
good blooded Durham "thoroughbreds." 
He also owns a quarter section on sections 
22 and 23. He was married March 25, 
1868, to Margaret Burt, of Algona. His 
father, who is eighty-seven years of age, 
lives with him. Mr. Brown is one of the 
successful farmers of Kossuth county, and 
a good neighbor and citizen. He and his 
family belong to the Presbyterian Church. 
In politics he is a republican. 

Robert Brown and Barney Holland 
both came to Kossuth county in May, 
1875, and were a portion of a colony 
from Whitinsville, Mass. Some located 
in what is now Algona township; these 
two settled, however, in Cresco, on sec- 
tion 24. Mr. Holland made but a short 
stay, when, not liking the idea of pioneer- 
ing, he departed the country, going back 



to Massachusetts. Robert Brown remained 
some two or three years, and he, too, re- 
turned to the "Old Bay State," where he 
now resides. 

In June, 1855, Dr. Robert Cogley made 
his appearance and bought the claim of 
Levi Maxwell, on section 13, now known 
as the Huntley place. He was the pio- 
neer physician of the county. 

Stephen Millen was also a pioneer of 
1855, and is yet a resident of the town- 
ship. 

Stephen W. Millen was born in Nor- 
wich, Windham Co., Conn., Oct. 4, 1818. 
He remained there until 1833, then went 
to Massachusetts, being employed for ten 
years in the woolen factory. In 1837 he 
went to Grafton, Vt., and engaged in 
farming. In 1845 he returned to Massa- 
chusetts and worked in the mills. In 
1855 he came to Kossuth county and pur- 
chased land on section 16, township 95, 
range 29, having 120 acres, fifty of which 
are under cultivation. He has good build- 
ings and a fine orchard on his place, and 
is engaged in farming and stock raising. 
In the fall of 1858 he went to Albion, 
Marshall Co., Iowa. In the spring of 
1860 Mr. Millen went across the country 
to Denver, Col., and California, returning 
the following fall. Mr. Millen was mar- 
ried Oct. 7, 1836, to Irene Amsden, daugh- 
ter of Jonas and Hannah Amsden, of 
Grafton, Vt. Mrs. Millen died Aug. 14, 
1871, leaving five children — George W.; 
Mary, wife of S. S. Rist, county treasurer 
of Kossuth county; William H, married 
to Lucinda Sawyer, living on section 16, 
township 95, range 29; Loan'ha, wife of 
George Humlong, of Marshalltown, Iowa; 



® > 



■)£. 



448 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



and Louis, married to Carrie Higley. 
Mr. Milieu is a republican 

John Hutchinson was among the early 
settlers of the year 1855. He endeavored 
to jump the claim of Dr. Cogley's, but 
was foiled, and after drifting around for 
a few months, moved up into Algona 
township and made a claim. He lived 
there until 1882, when he died. 

Henry Kellogg arrived in this township 
in 1856 and settled on sections 34 and 36, 
township 95, range 29. He lived on this 
place until the day of his death, in 1859 
or 1860. 

Grishington Jones, with his family, 
came in the spring of 1856. Mr. Jones 
was a Virginian of high family preten- 
sions and well educated — but somewhat 
cynical in manner. He left the county 
some years ago, but came back every little 
while to renew old friendships. He died 
about two years ago. 

W. D. Eaton settled on the northeast 
quarter of section 34, in 1856. Mr. Eaton 
was subsequently married to Nettie Kel- 
logg, daughter of Henry Kellogg. He is 
now running a paper in the southern part 
of the State. 

George W. Blottenberger, Howard, 
Mrs. Betsy Norton and Benjamin Clark, 
came during the summer of 1856. 

Among other prominent settlers of 1856, 
may be mentioned Barnet and John De- 
vine, who made their first settlement in 
the bend of the river, on section 24. They 
are both among the most prominent and 
influential citizens of the county. 

Barnet Devine was born July 11, 1823, 
in Ireland. At the age of thirteen or four- 
teen he emigrated to Quebec, in a sail- 
ing vessel, being three months on the 



passage, on account of storms. He lived 
three years at Three Rivers, then went to 
Chicago and lived five years. From there 
he went to California, and stayed six 
years, working in tl e gold mines three 
years, digging gold. Returning to Illi- 
nois, he soon moved to where he now 
lives, on section 24, township 94, range 
29, where he lived in a wagon-bed three 
months, building his first house twenty- 
seven years ago. He now owns 2,300 
acres of land, all joining, sixty acres of 
which is in timber. The Upper Des 
Moines river bounds him on the west. He 
was married in April, 1856, to Abig.iil 
Batterson. They have nine children — 
Mary, Sarah, Ellen, De ia, Clara, George, 
Charles, William and Nellie. Mr. Devine 
is the most extensive dealer in stock in 
the county. He is a member of the Catho- 
lic Church, and has been school director. 
In politics, he is a democrat. 

Addison Fisber was also a settler in 
what is now Cresco township in 1856. 

Addison Fisher was born Sept. 21, 1821, 
in Denham, Norfolk Co., Mass. When 
he was seventeen years of age, he re- 
moved to Medfield, iVass., and remained 
over ten years, learning the cabinet 
makers' trade with Mr. Robins. After 
working at this trade two years, he went 
to Newton, and stayed two years, work- 
ing at wagon making. He then went to 
Framingham and worked at his trade, 
and from there to Natick, where he still 
followed the wagon business, and also en 
gaged in the express business. In 1855 
.Mr. Fisher went to Delhi, Iowa, and lived 
there one year, when he moved to Har- 
din county, opened a farm and sold it, 
then moved, in 1856, where he now lives 



1- 



-fee 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



4411 



on 'ots 4, 5 and 6, which contains 140 
acres. He now owns 700 acres in one 
body, and 180 acres adjacent. Being a 
heavy dealer in stock, his grade of Short 
horns is of considerable note, besides he 
has 180 acres under cultivation. He was 
married at Framingliam to Martha Mol- 
ton. They had seven children, four of 
whom are living — George A., who mar- 
ried Fredonia Rickle; Mary, wife of 
Joseph Raney, of Irvington; Cora, wife 
of Walter Raney, and Martha. Mrs. 
Fisher died in 1869. Mr. Fisher after- 
wards married Caroline Meeker, of De 
Kalb Co., Ill In politics he is a republi- 
can, and belongs to the Order of Free 
Masons, of the Chapter Lodge. 

Jesse, Charles H. and John Magoon, 
were also among the pioneers that located 
in the county in 1856. Jesse, after look- 
ing around some little time, went to Al- 
gona, where he engaged in the blacksmith- 
ing business, but gave it up after a few 
month's trial and drifted back to the 
New England States, from which he had 
come. 

Charles took up a claim but never 
"proved up" on it, and after a stay of a 
year or so, went to Massachusetts, where 
he is engaged in the practice of dentistry 
and writes himself Dr. Charles H. Ma- 
goon. 

John took up a claim on section 21, on 
which he lived for several years, but he, 
too, left the county, and is now a resident 
of Honalulu, on the Sandwich Islands. 

The first building erected in the county 
was the log cabin put up by Ambrose A. 
Call and W. T. Smith, on section 14, in 
August, 1854. This building stood on the 
Chubb place, in township 95, range 29. 



The first child born was Lizzie Hutch- 
inson, daughter of John Hutchinson, the 
date of whose birth was Feb. 4, 1856. 

The first marriage was that which 
united the destinies of W. D. Eaton and 
Miss N. H. Kellogg, on the 20th of Decem- 
ber, 185?. Rev. Chauncey Taylor per- 
formed the ceremony. 

The first death that occurred in Cresco 
township was that of a party by the name 
of Mahuren, a Christian preacher, who 
died at the cabin of Ambrose Call, on 
section 14, in the fall of 1854. Malachi 
Clark, of Irvington, made a coffin for the 
corpse out of puncheons split from bass- 
wood logs, with his ax. 

The first wheat was raised by Alexan- 
der Brown in the summer of 1855. 

The first school taught in the township 
was presided over by Mrs. Hale, now Mrs. 
Steele, in the summer of 1857. This was 
held at the house of G. S. Jones, on sec- 
tion 10. 

The township of Cresco was ordered to 
organize March, 1857, by order of the 
county court, and at that time comprised 
"all that part of the county lying west of 
the middle of the channel of the East 
Fork of the Des Moines river, and south 
of the south line of Algona township." 
But for some reason the township failed to 
comply with the requirements of the law, 
and the organization was deferred. 

On the 18th of March, 1858, L. H.- 
Smith, then county judge, issued a new 
order that Cresco organize itself into a 
civil township, and to hold their first elec- 
tion for township officers on the first Mon- 
day in April, 1858. This was accordingly 
done, the election being held at the house 
of Robert Brown. 



-i — -* 



450 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



The first officers chosen were the fol- 
lowing named: James Robertson, Henry 
Kellogg and Levi Maxwell, trustees; W. 
D. Eaton, clerk, and Benjamin Clark, 
assessor. 

The school house in sub-district No. 1 
was built about 1858, and cost about $500. 
In this building M. Collins taught the 
first term. 

The settlers of Cresco, like many other 
portions of our fair land, suffered many pri- 
vations during the years of 1857 and 1858, 
consequent upon the financial crisis 
that swept the country, and partially on 
account of the newness of the settlement 
around them. When they had to go to 
mill fifty, sixty, or more miles, across the 
country, to have a little flour or meal 
ground, life could not be a bed of roses to 
them. Happy was he that had the grist 
to grind, for all were not so fortunate as 
to raise a crop the first season, as the labor 
of opening up a new farm was considera- 
ble, and necessitated an early start. When 
the hard times struck this portion of the 
county, many grew discouraged and 
packing up their few traps left for other 
quarters. As many as sixteen families 
are said to have left in one day. But now 
the township is settling up fast. 

In the western part of Cresco, settle- 
ments were not made until quite late, com- 
pared with the eastern portion. The 
Dorweiler settlement was about the first 
to spring up in that part of the township. 
The pioneers of this were: Philip, Henry 
and Paul Dorweiler, who located here in 
1865. In the following year they were 
followed by H. Buttgenbaeh and M. 
Bonnstetter. 1867 saw the arrival of Wil- 
liam and Jol n Andrig. Within a few 



years others joined the colony, prominent 
among whom are the following named: 
J. Bonwort, H. Rhinhart and F. Minger. 

Philip Dorweiler, oldest son of J. J., and 
Margaret (Seiler) Dorweiler, was born 
Nov. 2, 1831, in Lommersum, near Co- 
logne in Rhenish Prussia. In April, 1852, 
he came with his parents to America and 
settled in Clayton Co., Iowa. His father 
is dead, but his mother, at the advanced 
age of eighty years, is living with her 
youngest son, Henry, near Philip's home. 
He was married Feb. 2, 1861, to Anna 
Kann, a daughter of Geoffrey and Cath- 
arine (Jones) Kann, of Clayton Co., Iowa. 
His wife died Aug. 25, 1882, leaving 
seven children — Joseph, Alexander, Mar- 
garet, Catharine, Charles, Mary and Jose- 
phine. Cilly Kann, his niece, also makes 
her home at Mr. Doriveiler's. Mrs. Dor- 
weiler was buried in the Dorweiler ceme- 
tery, near her old home. In 1866, Mr. 
Dorweiler in company with his father 
and brothers Henry and Paul, came to 
Kossuth county, and settled in township 
94, range 30, being the first settlers in the 
township. He located on the north half of 
section 6, and also owns 560 acres of other 
land nearby. He has eight acres of as fine 
grove as can be found in the county, ash, 
cottonwood and maple trees, also a fine 
bearing orchard of one acre. Two hun- 
dred acres of his land is under cultiva- 
tion, where he raises an abundance of grain, 
and keeps fine stock, having twenty cows, 
eight horses, and nice wells of water 
twenty feet deep. His buildings are all 
neat and substantial, sheltered from all 
directions. Mr. Dorweiler is one of the 
most prominent men in this township is 
a well educated man, having received his 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



451 



education in Rhenish Prussia, and since 
coming to this country, has continued to 
to study the English language, so that he 
is quite proficient. In 1874 he was elected 
to justice of the peace, served four years. 
In 1875 was elected supervisor, and served 
six years. He is now school director of 
district No. 5. He and his family are 
Catholics. In politics, Mr. Dorweiler is 
an independent, and is one of the direc- 
tors of the Hank of Algona. 

Henry Dorweiler, youngest son of J. J. 
and Margaret (Seiler) Dorweiler, was 
born in Rhenish Prussia, Nov. 22, 184G. 
When six years of age he came with his 
parents to this country, settling on a farm 
five miles west of Guttenberg, Clayton Co., 
Iowa. Henry worked on the farm for 
fourteen years, receiving a good education 
in the country schools. When twenty 
years of age he came to Kossuth county 
and settled on the northwest quarter of 
section 4, township 94," range 30, Cresco 
township. He now owns 240 acres of 
college lands in addition to his original 
farm, two and a half acres of which is in 
a fine grove. He has 100 acres under cul- 
tivation, and is engaged in general farm 
and stock business. He has fifty head of 
stock. Mr. Dorweiler was married Oct. 
31, 1876, to Mary Marnach, a native of 
Dubuque county. Her parents are now 
living in St. Joseph, Cresco township. 
They have two children — Margaret S. and 
Philip H. Mr. Dorweiler's mother, now 
eighty years of age, resides with him. 
She is still quite active and is beloved by 
the children. He is a republican, and 
has been assessor three terms and town- 
ship trustee two terms. The family are 
members of the Catholic Church. 



Paul Dorweiler, second son of J. J. and 
Margaret Dorweiler, was born in Lom- 
mersum, Rhenish Prussia, Oct. 28, 1838. 
When twelve years of age he came with 
his parents to this country, settling in 
Clayton Co., Iowa, where he resided until 
1861. In October of that year*he enlisted 
in company K, 17th Missouri Infantry Vol- 
unteers. He was in the battles of Pea 
Ridge, Vicksburg, second attack on Jack- 
son, Lookout Mountain, Ringgold, where 
his brother, Christian, was killed, and 
Sherman's march to the sea. He was sent 
back and mustered out at St. Louis, Dec. 
16, 1864. He returned to Clayton county 
and worked on his father's farm one year, 
then removed to the southwest quarter of 
section 4, township 94, range 30, Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, where he now resides. He has 
two and a half acres planted in grove, a 
half acre in orchard, and the rest is devo- 
ted to general farming. He has good 
buildings on his place. Mr. Dorweiler 
was married Sept. 25, 1873, to Mary Jus- 
tine Barth, of Guttenberg, Iowa. Her 
parents are living in Germany. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dorweiler have five children — Mar- 
garet J., Catharine L., Louis, Paul and 
Henry J. Mr. Dorweiler is independent 
in politics, and has been township trustee 
for three terms. He has taught school 
eighteen terms in America. 

Michael Bonnstetter was born June 29, 
1826, in Baden. In 1848 he came to 
America, landing in New Orleans and go- 
ing from there to St. Louis, where he 
worked in a distillery for four years. 
From there he went to Downville, Sierra 
Co., Cal., where he Worked in the mines 
six years. In 1858 he went to Gutten- 
berg, Clayton Co., Iowa, and bought a 



TTa w 



14 



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452 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



farm. In 1865 he came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, where he bought 720 acres of land. 
He has 250 acres under cultivation, and 
raises stock and grain extensively. He 
has from sixty-five to seventy head of 
stock ; also from ten to twelve head of 
horses. His farm buildings and barns are 
in good order. He also has a large num- 
ber of fruit trees and a nice grove. Mr. 
Bonnstetter was united in marriage Sept. 
14, 185S. to Catharine Dorweiler. The 
result of this union is ten children — Mar- 
garetha, Martin, Paul, Josephine, Chris- 
tian, Helena, Pauline, Justine, Henry, and 
Joseph. All are members of the Catholic 
Church. In politics he is a democrat. 
Martin Bonnstetter was born Feb. 11, 

1832, in Baden. In 1852 he came to 
America, landing at New Orleans, and 
going from there to St. Louis, where he 
worked for two years at his trade, that of 
shoemaker, then moved to Waterloo, Mon- 
roe Co., 111., where he still carried on his 
shoe-making ten years. He next went to 
Fort Dodge, Iowa, ami worked at his 
trade eight years. In 1874 he came to 
Kossuth county, and settled on section 22, 
taking as a homestead, eighty acres, and 
afterwards buying forty acres. He was 
married in December, 1873, to Elizabeth 
Schaller, of Kossuth county, by birth an 
Austrian. They have no children, but 
Mary Faulkner lives with them. In poli- 
tics he is a democrat, and is a member of 
the Catholic Church. 

Frederick Minger was born Aug. 15, 

1833, in canton Bern, Switzerland. He 
emigrated to the United States, with his 
parents, John and Mary (Hoffer) Minger, 
in 1846. He went directly to Ohio, where 
he lived three years, then steamboated on 



the Ohio and Mississippi rivers until 1854, 
at which time he returned to Ohio, where 
he lived one year. In 1855 he removed 
to Guttenburg, Clayton Co., Iowa, and 
kept a wood-yard until 1860, then moved 
to Elkader, where he purchased a farm. 
He enlisted, in 1862, in company II, 38th 
Iowa Volunteers, being mustered in at 
Dubuque, and serving three years and two 
months. He was disabled at Vicksburg, 
and was mustered out at Houston, Texas. 
He then returned to Elkader, and engaged 
in farming. In 1869 Mr. Minger came to 
Kossuth county, purchasing the west half 
of the southwest quarter, and the north- 
east quarter of the southwest quarter of 
section 9, township 94, range 30. Also, 
the northwest of the northeast quarter of 
the same section. He has 140 acres un- 
der cultivation, fifty acres in grove and 
one and a half acres planted in orchard. 
He has 200 grape vines, and intends to 
make grape culture a specialty. He has 
good buildings on his place, also a house 
for renters. Mr. Minger was married 
Nov. 28, 1856, to Mary Beer. Mr. and 
Mrs. Minger have five children living — 
Franklin A., Adolph P., Amelia S., Mary 
A. and Alfred. They lost four children, 
in 1880, within eight days of each other, 
with diphtheria. Mr. Minger is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. In politics he 
is a republican. 

The Upper Des3foines, in speaking of 
this settlement, as early as 1871, says: 
"This portion of Cresco township is set- 
tled chiefly by men from Guttenburg, in 
Clayton county, the pioneers being Philip, 
Henry and Paul Dorweiler. They now 
number about twenty or thirty families, 
all in a prosperous condition. All have 



if 



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iv 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COITNTY. 



453 



large farms opened and in a fine state of 
cultivation. On inquiry as to the yield 
of grain this season, we were informed 
that the yield of wheat would average 
fifteen or sixteen bushels, barley about 
forty, oats sixty and corn was beyond 
computation. These men attend to their 
own business and in a few years will 
stand at the head of the list in point of 
wealth and intelligence. They have good 
schools, and as large a number of papers, 
both German and English, are taken and 
read, as in any other place of the same 
number of persons, within our acquaint- 
ance. This colony is located along the 
rich bottom lands on Lott's creek, about 
ten miles southwest from Algona." 

A congregation, calling themselves the 
Apostolic Church, have an organization 
in Cresco township. Like the Dunkards 
in many points, they mix but very little 
with the world's people and have nothing 
to say about themselves as they practice 
' humility. When the society was organ- 
ized, who were the officers, or what were 
the peculiar features of their belief, could 
not be found out. A plain, unpretending 
church, 20x32 feet, is erected on section 7, 
township 94, range 30, where they hold 
services. This was built in 1882. John 
Anliker was the first as he is their pres- 
ent pastor or elder. 

On section 35, in township 94, range 29, 
is located the thriving little village of 
St. Joseph, or "St. Joe" as it is familiarly 
called. This was formerly known as 
Hale's post office, sometimes Hale, in 
honor of Oscar Hale, of Algona, who was 
a land owner in the vicinity. The town 
never was laid out, as far as the records 
show, but grew by evolution. 



The first building was erected in 1865, 
by Hiram Howard, but it stood alone for 
some time. This was used as a hotel or 
general stopping place. 

In 1870, George Hollenbeck, from Wis- 
consin, came here and started a general 
store, which he run for about five years, 
and then rented the building, having 
closed out the stock to George Soevensky, 
of Milwaukee, who put in a new stock of 
goods, and "kept store" for two years. 
George Hollenbeck again took charge of 
the business and continued in this line 
until 1879, when he placed it under the 
charge of John Waldbillig, of Dubuque, 
and who managed it for two years longer. 
Joseph Schreiber came from Dubuque 
about this time and Mr. Hollenbeck dis- 
posed of the whole business to him. 
Schreiber ran it and a saloon in connec- 
tion with it for about a year when he sold 
out to Michael Smith, the present owner, 
ivho does not run the saloon part, how- 
ever. 

Caspar Waldbillig came to the neigh- 
borhood of "St. Joe," from Dubuque in 
1870, and located on a farm, but in 187s, 
he came into the village and started a 
store for the sale of general merchandise. 
In deference to the custom among his fel- 
low countrymen, he has opened a beer 
hall in connection therewith, and is doing 
a good business. 

The hotel is now kept by Hollenbeck 
& Waldbillig, who are prospering as such 
good men must. 

O. F. Hale, now the county surveyor, 
was the first postmaster at this place, but 
was succeeded by G. Hollenbeck. Cas- 
par Waldbillig is the present incumbent, 
and has the office in his store. 



t 



*Ah 



^ 



454 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



The Roman Catholic Church, at this 
village, grew out of a series of meetings 
held by Rev. Father Butler, in 1869 and 
1870, at the houses of John Mahahe and 
John Devine. The Church, however, 
was not organized until 1871, when Rev- 
Father Lenihan came here from Fort 
Dodge, as the successor af Father Butler, 
and at once set about the erection of a 
church edifice. He obtained the ground 
and got the subscription under way, and 
work was commenced on the church. 
He only stayed with this congregation 
one year, but in that time was happy in 
seeing his labors crowned by the comple- 
tion of the building. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Father J. J. Smith, of Emmets- 
burg, who was the spiritual director of the 
little flock until 1876. Father Theodore 
Weyman was the next incumbent, but 
held it for only thirteen months, when he 
gave place to the present pastor, the Rev. 
Father James B. Zigrang, late of St. Don- 
atus, Jackson Co., Iowa. The church is a 
beautiful building, 24x60 feet, with a 
belfry 10x10 and forty-six feet high and 
cost about $1,800. A line, large, comfort- 
able parsonage was also built in 1876 at a 
a cost of about $1,400. The first mem- 
bers of this Church were: George Hollen- 
beck, John Devine, Nicholas Brass, John 
Goedes, Peter Forman, John, Peter and Mi- 
chael Expelding, Nicholas and Peter Thil- 
ges, Barney Crowan, Michael Dunfrey, Mi- 
chael Melaven, Patrick, Michael and John 
O'Neill and John Murphy. There are now 
about fifty or sixty families in the Church, 
including both nationalities, Irish and 
German. In 1882 the greater part of the 
Irish portion of the Church seceded and 
erected a church of their own at Liver- 



more, in the north part of Humboldt 
county. 

Father J. B. Zigrang, son of Henry and 
Ann Zigrang, was born Oct. 18, 1850, in 
Luxemberg, Germany. When quite young 
he came with his parents to America. 
Landing at New York, they immediately 
came to Iowa, locating in Jackson county. 
In 1867 Mr. Zigrang attended St. Law- 
rence College, in Cavalry, Wis., remain- 
ing there until 1872. He next went for 
one year to St. Francis College in Mil- 
waukee. After this he went to Minnesota, 
and took a two years' course in St. John 
College in that State. Having now fin- 
ished his school studies, in 1877, he was 
ordained as a German Catholic priest. 
His first charge was the Church organiza- 
tions at St. Joseph, Algona and the Dor- 
weiler settlement, in Kossuth county, 
Livermore and Humboldt, in Humboldt 
county, and Mallard in Palo Alto county. 
Father Zigrang built the Catholic 
church at Britt, also the one in Liver- 
more. He is beloved by all the members 
of his congregation, and hosts of friends 
greet him wherever he goes. When he 
came to St. Joseph he found the Church 
deeply in debt, but by hard work and per- 
severance, he has paid off all indebted- 
ness, enlarged the Church, and has a neat 
little sum in the treasury. 

Just over the line, in Palo Alto county, 
lies the thriving little town of West Bend, 
which was laid out on the 16th of Septem- 
ber, 1881, by the Cedar Rapids & Iowa 
Falls Northwestern Town Lot Company, 
and contained, originally, forty acres. 
Since that time an addition of forty acres 
more has been laid out by William S. 
Admanson, of Scotland. The streets are 



•Ma- 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



455 



laid out to run east and west, and broad 
beautiful avenues north and south. The 
the town is located upon the line of the 
Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern 
railroad which is interested in the prosper- 
ity of the beautiful village. They have 
erected a depot that is architecturally one 
of the best in northern Iowa. 

So close does the town lie to the line of 
Kossuth county, that many of the dwelling 
houses are in the latter county, while the 
business places are in Palo Alto. Thus 
the interest of West Bend is in common 
with that of Kossuth county. The town 
is about eight miles south from Whitte- 
more,and southwest from Algona, eighteen 
miles, and is surrounded by some of the 
finest agricultural land in the State. The 
inhabitants are mostly Americans and are 
of an enterprising, thrifty class and valu- 
able citizens. The first store building was 
erected on the laying out of the town, in 
1881, by E. S. Bagley, and in it he opened 
the pioneer hardware store of the town. 
He has a large and new stock of all kinds 
of heavy and shelf hardware, and is 
the agent for the celebrated Bradley & 
Nicoulin wagon, made in Algona. 

The following business directory will 
give some idea of the prosperity of this 
new town, and convey the impression of 
its importance as a business center. 

Amos & Gray, heavy dealers in lum- 
ber, grain and stock, also handle salt,lime, 
coal, builders' materials, etc., are live, 
energetic men, who by their industry and 
integrity have won the confidence of the 
community among which they live. 

McFarland & Son are engaged in the 
general merchandise line and give evi- 
dence, by their close attention to the wants 



of their numerous patrons, that they are 
thorough business men. They carry a 
large and complete stock and are doing a 
large and profitable trade. 

H. H. Jacobs is also a heavy dealer in 
particular lines of dry goods, groceries 
and provisions, and deals out to his many 
customers and friends the wares that they 
are in need of. His pleasant affable man- 
ner is winning him hosts of friem 

Benjamin Franklin deals in drugs, 
paints, oils and is the postmaster of the 
little "burg." 

There is also in the town one harness 
shop, one wagon and paint shop, a livery 
stable, the latter run by Herbert LeClaire, 
a barber shop, butcher shop, millinery 
establishment and two saloons. 

Dr. E. W. Bachman, the practicing phy- 
sician, has a ride of ten miles in every 
direction and is a very popular man. The 
doctor was elected county superintendent 
of schools of Palo Alto county in 1883. 

This town will eventually be a rival of 
no mean pretentions to her sister towns 
that surround her. 

A beautiful new school house has just 
been erected at a cost of $1,750, by Amos 
& Gray, contractors. It is two stories 
high and surmounted with a neat belfry 
and makes a most presentable appearance. 

Edward S. Bagley was born in London- 
derry, Vt. When he was two years of 
age his parents removed to Windham, Vt., 
and engaged in farming. They remained 
there one year, then removed to White 
River Junotion, same State. After two 
years they removed to Lyme, N. H. Re- 
maining three years in that place, they 
removed to Palmyra, Wis. They lived 
in that place two years, thence removed 



O r - ■- 



456 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUr>TY. 



to Whitewater, where they remained nine 
years. While here the subject of our 
sketch learned the trade of tinner. He 
then removed to Whittemore, Kossuth 
county, and engaged in business for eigh- 
teen months. He then removed to West 
Bend, where he now resides. He erected 
a store building here, 18x28 feet, one 
story in height. He carries a stock of 
goods valued at about $2,500, and is doing 
a good business. He was united in mar- 
riage July 17, 1881, with Martha Vigren, 
of Hampton, 111. In politics Mr. Bagley 
is a republican. He is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. 

R. M. J. McFarland, son of John S. and 
Nancy (Wilson) McFarland, is a native 
of New York city. When in his twenty- 
first year he went to Wisconsin, and 
worked at different occupations three 
years, then went to Palo Alto Co., Iowa, 
in 1857. After traveling in Missouri, 
Wisconsin and Iowa, in the springof 1859 
lie returned to Palo Alto, West Bend 
township, remained till fall of same year, 
then went back to Wisconsin and lived 
five years, working in a lumber yard in 
Avocp, Iowa county. In the fall of 
1864 he moved his family on section 28, 
township 94, range 31, in Palo Alto 
county, and carried on farming until 
March 1, 1883. when he commenced busi- 
ness in West Bend, where he still lives. 
He was married April 17, 1861, to Jane 
Franklin, of Wyoming, Iowa Co., Wis., and 
has five children — Benjamin F., Arthur 
W., R. M. J., Jr., Jennie C. and Sophro- 
nia N., all living at home. He is well 
liked in Palo Alto, and lias been super- 
visor six years. In politics he is a demo- 



crat; also belongs to the Order of Odd 
Fellows. 

William M., son of William and Louise 
Amos, was born Nov. 20, 1856. When 
eight years of age he moved with his 
parents to Beaver Dam, Wis., remaining 
three years. He then went to Winnebago 
Co., Wis., where he lived ten years, after 
which he removed to Algona, Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, and worked three years for J. 
J. Wilson in lumber, grain and stock 
business. He then went to Whittemore, 
where he had control of the same gentle- 
man's business for four years, after 
which he opened a general store in Whitte- 
more and continued in business for him- 
self at that place for eighteen months. 
Mr. Amos then moved to West Bend, and, 
taking Mark Gray into partnership, he 
opened an extensive lumber yard at this 
place. They also deal in grain and stuck. 
Mr. Amos was married Feb. I, 1880, to 
Cora E. Heathman, daughter of George 
and Catharine II. Heathman, now living 
in Pocahontas Co., Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. 
Amos have two children — William G. 
and Ethel C. Although Mr. Amos has 
been in this place but two years, he has 
won the confidence and esteem of his fel- 
low citizens. He is a republican in politics. 

Henry H. Jacobs, son of George and 
Almira (Warren) Jacobs, was born June 
12, 1853, in Dane Co., Wis. When ten 
years of age his parents went to Palo 
Alto county and settled on section 22, 
township 94, range 31 , in West Bend town- 
ship. While in Wisconsin they lived on 
a farm; were also on a farm in Palo Alto 
till Jan. 1, 1882, when Henry went to 
West Bend and built the store which he 
now occupies for a general stock. The 



fr 



'Vl 9 — *- 



ii 



9 \f. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



457 



building is 20x62 feet, and two stories 
high, the upper part being used as living 
rooms. Mr. Jacobs is well liked by all 
who know him. He was married April 
31, 1882, to Jennie Brown, of West Bend 
township. He is now township trustee 
and school director. In politics he is a 
republican, and belongs to the Order of 
Odd Fellows. 

Mark Gray, son of Anson and Roxana 
(Cleveland) Gray, was born Sept. 10,1832, 
near Dorset, Bennington Co., Vt. When 
seventeen years old he went to Milwau- 
kee, Wis., and learned the mill wrighttrade, 
working at it in Milwaukee until 1810, 
when he went to Colorado. He was one 
of the discoverers of what is known as 
the Smith & Gray mines, they being 
named for him. He remained there min- 
ing till 1881, then came to Kossuth county, 
settling on the north half of section 30, 
township 94, range 30, Cresco township; 
he also owns the northwest quarter of the 
west half of section 29. He has a good 
house, one and a half stories high, and 
other buildings, besides being in business 
in West Bend (having built the first house 
there), and One of the most prominent 
citizens. He was married Sept. 4, 1855, to 
Mehitable Maby, of Stevens' Point, Wis. 
They have three children — Anson, Byron 
and Roxie, wife of George L. Smith, of 
Monarch, Chaffee Co., Col. In politics 
he is a republican. 

William Jones, son of Enos and Mary 
(Bingham) Jones, was born in Berks Co., 
Penn., June 20,1833. In 1851 he went 
to Du Page Co., 111., where he learned 
the mason's trade, and was engaged as a 
plasterer in that county until 1876. He 
then removed to Humboldt Co., Iowa, 



where he was engaged in farming for f our 
years. In 1883 he came to West Bend, 
Kossuth county, where he owns a house 
and lot and works at his trade. In 1861 
Mr. Jones enlisted in company E, 8th Illi- 
nois Cavalry. He participated in the bat- 
tles of Bull Run, Manassas Junction, 
Yorktown, Williamsburg and Richmond, 
in 1862 and 1863. He was at Mechanics- 
ville, and drove t< • Gaines Mill, thence to 
James River, Malvern Hill, Harrison's 
Landing, Fair Oaks Court House, Fred- 
ericksburg to South Mountain and Boones- 
boro, thence to Antietam, where he was 
wounded. On Sept. 15, 1862, he went to 
the hospital, staid six weeks, then ob- 
tained a fifteen days furlough home. He 
went into the recruiting service and re- 
mained home three months, after which 
he was discharged. He re-enlisted, in 
1863, in company C, 12th Illinois Cavalry, 
and served until the close of the war, 
taking part in a number of battles. Mr. 
Jones was married Sept. 5, 1858, to Mary 
M. Heidman, of Du Page Co., 111. They 
have five children — Ella L., Emma A., 
Dora M., William and Sumner. 

Michael Rourke is a native of Ireland. 
In 1840 he came to America in the sailing 
vessel, Virginia; the voyage lasting ten 
weeks and three days. He landed at New 
York city, went directly to Poughkeepsie, 
where he remained one winter. He was 
engaged in railroading in New York State 
until 1852, when he moved to Manchester, 
Iowa, where he remained five years. In 
1862 he enlisted in company H, 2 1st Iowa 
Infantry, being mustered in at Dubuque. 
He participated in the battles of Harts- 
ville, Mo., Grand Gulf, Vicksburg and 
Mobile. He served three years and three 



^ 



A 



A-r, 



458 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



days, and was mustered out at Clinton, 
Iowa. Out of 900 in his regiment, he was 
one of 330 who returned from the war. 
Mr. Rourke was married Feb. 10, 1866, in 
Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa, by Father 
Butler, to Ellen, daughter of David and 
Ellen O'Brien. They have seven children 
— Lizzie, Bartholomew, James, Michael, 
Mary, Edward and Ellen, all living at 
home. Mr. Rourke's present farm, of 000 
acres, is located on sections 2 and 11, 
township 94, range 29, Cresco township. 
He has 500 acres under cultivation, the 
remainder being timber and grass. In 
1883 he erected his present beautiful res- 
idence, at a cost of $7,000. It has all the 
modern improvements, and is one of the 
best houses in the county. Mr. Rourke 
has 35 mules, 300 head of cattle, 12?> hogs 
and 35 cows. The Des Moines river bounds 
his entire farm on the west. His entire 
family are Catholics. In politics he is a 
republican. 

Elhanan Winchester Clark was born in 
Penobscott Co., Maine, thirty miles north- 
west of Bangor, Dec. 22, 1822. He was an 
overseer in the Lancaster gingham factory 
in Massachusetts, three years. He became, 
as it appeared, a victim to that fell disease, 
consumption. He traveled in the south 
for his health, one year, without avail. He 
then came to Iowa in 1857, where, in a 
measure, he regained his health. He pre- 
empted 143^ acres of land in the then 
township of Irvington, but has since been 
set off into Cresco township, Kossuth 
county. He still lives on the original 
claim, in a comfortable vine clad cottage, 
24x33 feet in size, built largely from tim- 
ber of his own planting — one tree of which 
made 250 feet of lumber in fourteen years 



growth. He has a good barn; a well dug 
and bored fifty feet deep, supplying an 
abundance of water. Mr. Clark purchased 
eighty acres more of land in a few years, 
and Mrs. Clark came into possession of a 
135 acre homestead, through her parents, 
thus making quite a large farm. They 
have 230 acres under improvement, the 
remainder being in grass and timber land. 
He recently set off 100 acres to his son, 
Elhanan C'.esson Clark. Mr. Clark was 
married March 15, 1846, to Susan C. Tidd. 
They have five children — Ernest Eugene, 
Edward Prentiss, Elhanan Clesson, Wil- 
liam Albert and Charles Elmer. Mr. 
Clark and family are Universalists in re" 
ligion, strong republicans and advocates 
of the Maine liquor law, he being one of 
its founders. 

Henry H. Patterson was born in Lon- 
donderry .Windham Co.,Vt.,May 15, 1840. 
When two years of age he went with his 
parents, John M. and Sarah (Calef) Pat- 
terson, to Rochester, Kacine Co., Wis. 
After residing there four years, they went 
to Dodge county, where his father was 
engaged in wagon making and farming. 
Mr. Patterson then removed to Menomo- 
nee, (or Indian tract as it was then called) 
where he was engaged for two years in 
farming. In May, 1852, Mr. Patterson 
and family started for California with ox 
teams. They went as far as Salt Lake, 
and spent the winter of 1852-3 among the 
Mormons. They left there in the spring 
of 1853, took the southern route to Cali- 
fornia and arrived at San Diego, on the 
Pacific coast, some time during the month 
of June, 1853. They remained there 
two or three months. It being too warm 
to be agreeable, they went farther north 



ifT 



- — 4 ^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



459 



to Santa Clara valley, where he was 
engaged in farming two years. In the 
fall of 1855 he went on the Yuba river 
to seek his fortune in the gold mines, 
remaining there until the fall of 1856, 
when he returned to San Francisco, 
where he and family embarked on board 
the Golden Gate, for New York, where 
they took passage on the cars for Portage 
Co., Wis., arriving there in October, 1856. 
He remained in that place two years, 
working at his trade. He then went to 
Columbia county and worked on a farm 
two years. In the fall of 1860 Mr. Pat- 
terson removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and 
settled on section 1, township 94, range 
29, Cresco township, where he now owns 
375 acres of land. He went into the bor- 
der warfare in 1862 and was there protect- 
ing the frontier for fourteen months. He 
then returned to his farm, and there re- 
mained until Jan. 5, 1864, when he en- 
listed in company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, 
being in the 2d Cavalry corps. He par- 
ticipated in the engagement of Tupelo, 
and many others. Mr. Patterson was 
married April 5, 1877, to Mary C. Burtis, 
of Irvington township. They have two 
children— Jewell M. and Pearl P. In 
politics, Mr. Patterson is a republican. 
He has served as township trustee, town- 
ship clerk and school director. He is a 
Master Mason. 

Abel Wooster was born March 8, 1820, 
in Cheshire Co., N. II. In 1861 he moved 
to Jones Co., Iowa, remaining four years, 
and coming to Cresco township in 1866, 
when he bought 130 acres of land on sec- 
tion 14, township 94, range 29, and still 
makes it his home. He also owns a half 
section on section 12, same township. He 



was married Sept. 22, 1845, to Harriet 
Beels, of Chesterfield, N. II. They have 
six children — Carrie H.,who married An- 
thony Durant, a druggist in Algona ; 
Charles H., Edward B., Lyilia A., Law- 
rence M. and Merton E. He and his wife 
are both Church members. In politics, 
he is a republican. 

Rudolf Berringhauser, son of Gustave 
and Christian Berringhauser, is a native 
of Prussia, born Nov. 28, 1843. In 1856 
he emigrated to the United States, locat- 
ing in New York. He then removed to 
Wisconsin. Remaining there a few 
months, he came to Kossuth county, locat- 
ing on the northeast quarter of section 8, 
township 94, range 30, this township. He 
has eighty acres under cultivation. He 
also has a good orchard and a nice grove. 
He was married Aug. 21, 1881, to Mar- 
garet Bonnstetter, daughter of Michael 
and Catharine Bonnstetter. They have 
two children — Willie B. and Otto. He 
was educated at the Agricultural Insti- 
tute in Bonn. Mr. Berringhauser belongs 
to the Lutheran Church. His wife be- 
longs to the Catholic Church. 

George Stewart was born in Scotland, 
Nov. 8, 1826. He lived there until twenty- 
two years of age, when he emigrated to 
Quebec. The trip took eight weeks and 
eight days. He lived in«Quebec twelve 
years, when he started west. In 1862 he 
came to Iowa and settled on sections 
14 and 23. He has as fine land as there 
is in the county. He has a grove of five 
acres of willow, maple and cottonwood. 
Mr. Stewart has been married twice. 
First, to Jane Richmond. They had 
three children — George, Anna and James 
R. The two oldest children are married. 



' -f\& 



^ 

V 



kv 



460 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



He was married the second time, Jan. 25, 
1866, to Mary, daughter of Robert and 
Elizabeth (Liversage) Clark. This union 
has been blessed with five children — 
Lizzie O., Robert, Margaret, William C. 
and Amanda L. Mr. Clark has held the 
offices of school director and township 
trustee, the latter for nine years. In 
politics he is a democrat. 

Lafayette Turner was born near Elgin, 
Kane Co., 111., May 27, 1S50. When ten 
years of age he went to Benton Co., Iowa. 
His father owned a farm ten miles west 
of Vinton, in that county. He afterwards 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and purchased 
the north half of the southeast quarter of 
section 13, township 95, range 30, Cresco 
township, where he now resides. Mr. 
Turner cultivates forty acres of land, has 
four acres in grove and orchard; the re- 
mainder of his land is unbroken. He 
also lias good buildings on his place. He 
devotes more time to his trade, that of 
carpenter, than to farming. Mr. Turner 
was married Dec. 25, 1879, to Emma Mil- 
ler, of Cresco township. Her parents 
reside in Kansas. Two children have 
blessed this union — Miriam and Honor. 
In politics Mr. Turner is a republican. 
His father is deceased. His mother 
makes her home with him on the farm. 

John McKay, son of George and Janet 
(Morrison) McKay, was born in Callais, 
Washington Co., Maine, Aug. 12, 1814. 
He remained at the home of his birth 
until thirty-six years old, when lie re- 
moved to Manitowoc Co., Wis., and en- 
gaged in farming. In Maine, he worked 
at lumbering on the St. Croix river and 
on Grand lake. He was a contractor. 
On July 27, 1865, he came to Kossuth 



county and located in Algona. In the 
fall or winter he removed to a farm on 
section 14, remaining there until 1874, 
when he removed to the southwest quar- 
ter of the southwest quarter of section 
18. Mr. McKay was married Oct. 26, 
1836, to Margaret, daughter of Moses 
and Eliza ( Hamilton) Taft, of Callais, 
Washington Co., Maine. The result of 
this union was three children — William 
H., married to Jane Hollenbeck, of Mani- 
towoc, now living in Algona; George A., 
married to Christiana Ilonima, living on 
section 14, Cresco township, and MaryE., 
married to P. C. Phillips, of Cresco 
township. Mr. McKay is a republican, 
and has been school director. 

William Johnson was born in New 
Brunswick, June 26,1815. He received 
his education in the common schools of 
New Brunswick, by his own exertions, 
and taught school there for some time. In 
1847 he moved to Canada, where he taught 
school and engaged in farming. He af- 
terwards moved to Iowa City, thence to 
Washington county, where he purchased 
forty acres of land, living on that place 
three years. In 1866 he came to Kossuth 
county, and settled on section 18, town- 
ship 95, range 29, where he owns ninety- 
six and one-third acres of good land. He 
has sixty acres under cultivation. Since 
coming here he has taught school five or 
six terms. Mr. Johnson was married Jan. 
1, 1851, to Harriet Shiek, of New Bruns- 
wick. They have eight children — Ada, 
wife of Mina Willis of Algona; Augus- 
tus B., M. C, Ella, wife of Frank Potter, 
of Cresco township; Bertha, Maggie, 
Nathaniel and Lizzie. In politics Mr. 
Johnson is a greenback republican. He 



;V 



»k 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



461 



lias been clerk of Cresco township for two 
years, and is also secretary of the school 
board. 

Samuel B. McClelan was born in Put- 
nam Co., Ind., March 26, 1829. In 1844 
he removed to Illinois, locating in Henry 
county. In 1849 he was united in mar- 
riage with Sarah Rouse, of Clay Co., Ind. 
He came to Kossuth Co., Iowa and loca- 
ted on section 5. He has eighty acres of 
land on section 5, and forty acres on sec- 
tion 7, township 94, range 29. He has 
sixty acres under cultivation. Mr. and 
Mrs McClelan have five children — John 
Wesley, Edward, Dexter, Samuel B. and 
Amelia E. The three eldest of whom 
are married. Mr. McClelan is a republi- 
can in politics. In October, 1861, he en- 
listed in company E, 9th Illinois Cavalry, 
16th Army Corps, as blacksmith. He was 
in the battles of Tupelovand Corinth. He 
was principally engaged in keeping com- 
munications open, and was mustered out at 
Springfield, 111., Oct. 2V, 1864. 

William Robe, son of Dydrich and 
Martha (Fisher) Robe, was born in Hano- 
ver, Germany, June 15, 1840. In 1853 he 
emigrated to Clayton Co., Iowa, and en- 
gaged in farming near Guttenberg. He 
remained there about three years, and re- 
moved to Kossuth county, locating on the 
northwest quarter of section 15. He now 
owns 200 acres of good land. He was 
united in marriage with Augusta, daugh- 
ter of Charles and Caroline Harsh, who 
live two miles north of Algona. The re- 
sult of this union is five children — Anna, 
John, Minnie, William and Emma. Mr. 
Robe is a republican. 

Hiram A. Matson was born Jan. 4, 
1826, in Rochester, N. Y. His father, 



John Matson, was a large contractor on 
the Erie canal, and run caftal boats a num- 
ber of years. He built the first log house 
in Rochester. His mother, Mrs. Mary 
Matson, was a woman of excellent quali- 
ties. When six years old, he went with 
his parents to Dearborn, Wayne Co., 
Mich., where they lived ten years, and 
then moved to Henry Co., 111., twenty-six 
miles east of Rock Island. At the end 
of sixteen years, he moved to the north- 
ern part of Illinois, Jo Daviess county, 
making it his home twelve years. He 
then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he 
has since lived. He owns 160 acres of 
land on section 7, township 94, range 29, 
having 110 acres of it under cultivation, 
besides raising good Durham stock. His 
buildings cost probably $1,500. He was 
married Nov. 3, 1853, to Eveline McClel- 
an, of Indiana. They have five children 
— Clarence B., who has been for three 
years attending the Iowa State Universi- 
ty, with the intention of graduating. He 
is highly spoken of as a very nice and tal- 
ented young man; Henry O., Francis A., 
Selestia A. and Hannah F. The family 
are all Methodists. In politics he is a 
republican, and has been school director 
in district No. 6, also superintendent of 
Sunday schools a long time, at one time 
being superintendent of three different 
schools. 

Fred Lange was born Feb. 27, 1836, in 
Mecklenburg. When nine years old, he 
went to Chicago, remaining two years 
and a half. While here, his parents came 
over. He went from Chicago to Clayton 
county, then to Farmersburg township, 
where he lived eight years working on a 
farm. In 1870, he came to Kossuth 



462 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



county, settling on section 5, township 
94, range 30, where lie has 125 acres 
under cultivation, good improvements, 
and four acres of trees around him. He 
also keeps Poland China and Berkshire 
hogs, besides milking twelve' cows. One 
acre he devotes to a fine orchard. He 
was married in March, 1860, to Minnie 
Strucker of Clayton county. They have 
one child. In politics he is a republican, 
and belongs to the Lutheran Church. 

Alonzo A. Sifert was born May 31, 
1860, in Crawford Co., Wis. When ten 
years of age he came wkh his parents to 
Kossuth county, and has lived in different 
parts of the county, working for dif- 
ferent men. He has taught school in Ne- 
braska. In 1880 he returned from Ne- 
braska to Kossuth county and taught 
school one term, also taught one year in 
Humboldt county and three terms in St. 
Joseph, this county, being a very success- 
ful teacher. He is how running the farm 
of IS. Clark. He is a firm believer in 
Christianity, but not associated with any 
sect. In politics he is a democrat. 

William E. Sifert was born April 26, 
1855, in Vernon Co., Wis. When fifteen 
years of age he came to Kossuth county, 
and has lived in different parts of the 
county working for different men the 
most of the time since, except in grass- 
hopper times when he went to Floyd Co., 
Iowa, and engaged in working for A. W. 
Cook and Capt. Humphrey, returning in 
the fall to teach. In 1878 he spent the. 
summer in Wright county, breaking land 
for A. Overbaugh. He has been a suc- 
cessful farmer and has taught thirteen 
terms of school in Kossuth county. He 
was elected assessor of Algona township, 



in the fall of 1879, and served one term. 
He is a firm believer in Christianity, but 
not associated with any sect. In politics 
he is a republican. 

William Thruceker, son of Dederich 
and Mary (Shultz) Thruceker, was born 
in Prussia, Dec. 5, 1847. When ten years 
of age his parents emigrated to America, 
locating in Clayton Co., Iowa, where 
they purchased a farm. In 1871 the sub- 
ject of this sketch came to Kossuth coun- 
ty, and engaged in farming. In 1876 he 
purchased the southeast quarter of the 
northwest quarter, and the northeast quar- 
ter of the southwest quarter of section 32, 
township 95, range 30. He has since 
bought the northwest quarter of the north- 
west quarter of section 32. He has a good 
house 24x34 feet, one and a half stories 
high. He has a fine grove of six acres 
and a good bearing orchard. About 100 
acres of his land is under cultivation. He 
has held the office of school director. He 
was united in marriage July 11, 1870, 
with Mary Louck Dau, daughter of John 
and Dora (Louck) Dau, of Clayton county. 
This union has been blessed with five 
children— Alvina W. F., Maria W. L., 
Frederick W. H., Martha M. D. and Wil- 
li el ini M. L. The family are members of 
the Lutheran Church. He is a republi- 
can, politically. 

Hyman B. Butler, son of Moody and 
Lydia (Burt) Butler, was born in Green- 
field, N. H., Jan. 1, 1827. He was reared 
on a farm, having such educational ad- 
vantages as the district school afforded, 
with the opportunity of reciting latin for 
a time to the village physician. At sev- 
enteen years of age, he was sent to the 
Lebanon Liberal Institute at Lebanon, N. 



• "» B iL 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



463 



H., and for the next four years was at school 
most of the time, either here or at Mount 
Caesar Seminary, at Swansey, N. H., with 
one term at a Military Academy, estab- 
lished by Gen. Pierce, at Marlow, N. II. 
When grown to manhood, he was for a 
time in the paper manufacturing estab- 
lishment of his brother and brother-in- 
law, at Bennington, N. H. He was, in 
the meantime, married to Milliscent K., 
daughter of Caleb C. and Lydia (Sim- 
mons) Daggett. Mr. Butler now com- 
menced studying for the Universalist 
ministry which he had been for sometime 
contemplating. In 1852 he began preach- 
ing as an occasional supply for othercler- 
gyman, and in April of the next year 
(1853), became pastor of the Universalist 
parish at Bernardston, Mass., being or- 
dained in September of the same year, at 
a meeting of the Cheshire County Associ- 
ation at Marlboro, N. H. He was pastor 
in Bernardston until the fall of 1867, a 
period of nearly fifteen years, when he 
removed to Monroe, Wis., and became 
pastor of the Universalist parish. While 
residing there, he purchased land in Kos- 
suth Co., Iowa, and in 1872, sent two of 
his sons to occupy it and open up a farm. 
The next year (1873), he removed his fam- 
ily to Algona, Kossuth county, organizing 
and becoming pastor of a Universalist 
Church at this place. After preaching 
here four years, he went to Owatonna, 
Minn., and was pastor of the Universalist 
Church there for three years, his wife and 
children remaining on the farm. Becom- 
ing weary of this separation from his 
family, he came back to Iowa to live on 
the farm, where he at present remains with 
his sons. Their farm comprises section 



17, township 94, range 29, Cresco town- 
ship. They are engaged in stock raising 
and dairying, chiefly, having the only 
Holstein cattle in this part of the State — 
keeping from thirty to forty head of 
milch cows, and from eighty to 100 head of 
cattle in all. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have 
five children — H. W., a railroad conductor; 
Frank P. and Fred K. (twins), proprietors 
of "Prairie Stock Farm;" Edgar B., a 
graduate of the Iowa State University, in 
the class of 1878, and Minnetta, wife of 
G. M. Annis. Mr. Butler is a republican, 
and is now chairman of the board of su- 
pervisors. He is a Royal Arch Mason and 
a strong temperance man. 

Hermann Struckeris a native of Prussia, 
Germany, born March 19, 1850. When 
eight years of age he emigrated with his 
parents to the United States, settling on a 
farm near Clayton Center, Clayton Co., 
Iowa, on which they resided fourteen 
years. Mr. Strucker then came to Kos- 
suth county, locating on the southwest 
quarter of section 17, township 94, range 
30, Cresco township. He has 120 acres 
in general farming, five acres in grove 
and one-half an acre in orchard. He has 
thirty-one head of cattle, and good build- 
ings on his place. Mr. Strucker was mar- 
ried Nov. 2, 1876, to Anna Gayer. They 
have had six children, four of whom are 
living. Mr. Strucker is a republican, and 
is one of the road supervisors of the town- 
ship. He is a member of the Lutheran 
Church. 

Robbins Brown was born May 11, 1818, 
in Oxford Co., Maine. When seventeen 
years of age he went to Rome, N. Y., 
where he spent two years farming and 
lumbering about eight miles from the 



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464 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



city. He then moved to Potter Co., Perm., 
where he was engaged in the blacksmith 
business, and also in running rafts, for 
thirty-five years, on the Allegheny and 
Ohio rivers. Mr. Brown was married 
Feb. 14, 1844, to Polly Curtis, of Frank- 
linville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He now 
owns 160 acres of land, on section 26, 
township 95, range 29. Eighty acres of 
his land is in a good state of cultivation. 
Mr. Brown has been township trustee for 
three years, and school director for ten 
years. He is a Master Mason, and was 
formerly a member of the Odd Fellows's 
lodge, but has never become a member of 
the lodge in this township. In politics 
he is a democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Brown 
have one son — Edgar C, born Nov. 14, 
1836, and married in 1875. He has three 
children — Ethel, Elsie G. and Ralph. 

Sherman S. Potter, son of Sheldon and 
"Wealthy (Baldwin) Potter, was born in 
Erie Co., N. Y. When six years old his 
parents moved to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 
where they lived eleven years on a farm. 
He then went to Knox Co., 111., remaining 
twenty-six years, farming all the time ex- 
cept eight years, when he run a grocery 
store at Altona. From there he came to 
Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 30, 
township 95, range 29, where he owns 
eighty acres, and also eighty acres on sec- 
tion 25, township 95, range 30. He now 
has fifty acres under cultivation, raises 
stock and grain. He was married Aug. 9, 
1854, to Salome A. Fowler, at Knoxville, 
Knox Co., 111. They have four children — 
Celia A., wife of Charles Rist, of Algona; 
Frank E., who married Ella Johnson, and 
lives on section 18, Cresco; Martha M. 
and Will S. Mr. Potter is a republican. 



In 1876 he was elected township trustee, 
has been a justice of the peace four years 
and is now township assessor. 

Robert II. Henderson was born May 6, 
1840, in Delaware Co., N. Y. After four 
years he went with his parents to Orleans 
Co., N. Y. In 1848 they moved to Trum- 
bull Co., Ohio, and remained till the fall 
of 1854, then moved to Jackson Co., Iowa, 
and lived there till the spring of 1857. 
He then came to Algona, Kossuth count}', 
and enlisted at Spirit Lake,being musteri d 
in at Sioux City. He served in the army 
three years. He was in Gen. Zellar's ex- 
pedition in 1803 and 1864, but not 
wounded. Having been mustered out 
Nov. 23, 1864, he returned to Kossuth 
county, remaining at Algona until 1867, 
when he removed to Story Co., Iowa. 
From there he went to Nevada, and lived 
till the spring of 1869, then going to 
Boone Co., Iowa, he made it his home 
until Feb. 18, 1878, and again came to 
Kossuth county, where he has since lived 
on his wife's mother's farm on section 11, 
township 94, range 29, he having married 
Dec. 26, 1864, Nancy Martin, whose 
mother lives with them. They have four 
children — Cora, Williamll., Emma G. and 
Mary E. Mrs. Martin is a member of the 
Methodist Church. Mr. Henderson is 
director of district No. 8, and in politics 
a republican. 

Jerome Finnegan was born May 24, 
1853, in New York, and went to Winne- 
shiek Co., Iowa, with his parents when 
two years of age. He lived there about 
twenty years, then moved on section 7, 
Kossuth county, where he owns 160 acres 
of land, 100 acres of which is under cul- 
tivation. He has lived here eight years, 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



465 



and is a prosperous young farmer. He 
married Ida Jones, of Kossuth county) 
and they have two children — Mildred N. 
and Nellie M. In politics he is a repub- 
lican. 

David Zimmerman, son of John and 
Sarah (Capp) Zimmerman, was born Dec. 
29, 1856, in Woodford Co., 111. When 
twenty-three years of age he came to 
Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on the 
northeast quarter of the west half of 
section 15, which he owns. He was mar- 
ried Dec. 18, 1879, to Lena Falb, born in 
Switzerland. They have three children — 
Delia, Lydia and Louisa. He is inde- 
pendent in politics, and attends the 
Apostolic Church, though not a member. 

Walter W. Raney was born Sept. 6, 
1849, in Martin Co., Ind., and went with 
his parents to Muscatine, Iowa, where 
they lived two years, then moved three 
and a half miles south of Algona, and 
afterwards nine miles south of Algona. 
After remaining there twenty-two years, 
he went to California and staid two years, 
working in the lumber woods in the win- 
ter and on a farm in summer. He then 
came back and bought the place where he 
now lives, on section 3, township 94, range 
29, owning 106 acres, seven acres of which 
is timber. Mr. Raney pays considerable 
attention to the raising of live stock. In 
politics he is a republican, and was 
elected township trustee in 1879, but 
went to California before having time to 
do any service. He was married Feb. 1 1 , 
1882, to Cora M. Fisher. They have one 
child — Hugh. 

Marshall Leonard Roth was born in 
Clarion, Bureau Co., 111., April 23, 1854. 
He lived in the home of his birth until 



twelve years of age, when he removed to 
DuPage Co., 111., living there thirteen 
years. Thence to Buchanan county for 
one year; thence to Iowa in 1879. During 
his early days he followed farming; then 
learned the tinsmith's trade, which he 
worked at for several years. It can truly be 
said that Mr. Roth is one of the best 
farmers in this part of the State. He was 
united in marriage Oct. 18, 1874, with 
Ellen E., daughter of Edwin C. and Ade- 
line (Kenyon) Fuller. They have one 
child living — Myrtle. A child was born 
to them Sept. 5, 1876, and on Feb. 2, 
1881, it departed from this earthly sphere 
and passed away to its home prepared in 
Heaven, where trouble and sorrow will 
ne'er be known. Mr. Roth lives on sec- 
tion 28, township 95, range 29. In poli- 
tics he is a greenbacker. Mr. Roth's 
parent's live at Hinsdale, 111. 

Francis E. Roth was born in Bureau 
Co., 111., Jan. 22, 1862. He lived in that 
county until 1865, when he removed to 
Du Page county. He lived in that county 
for thirteen years, when he removed to 
Iowa, locating on section 20, where he 
owns a quarter section of land. He has 
a good house, with pleasant surroundings. 
He was married June 6, 1883, to Estella, 
daughter of Sumner and Louise (Kimball) 
Nelson. Mr. Roth's parents live in Hins- 
dale, 111. Politically Mr. Roth favors 
the greenbackers. 

David Porter Roth was born Feb. 5, 
1851, in Clarion, Bureau Co., 111. When 
fourteen years of age he went to Du Page 
county and worked ten years on a farm. 
He then went to Independence, Buchanan 
Co., Iowa, and lived four years, and in 
1879 came to this township and located 



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466 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



on his father's farm, which comprises the 
southeast quarter of section 21, where he 
still lives, farming and stock raising. He 
was married Dec. 14, 1870, to Cassie 
Dunroy, of Indiana. They have one 
child — Charles Eugene. In politics he is 
a greenbacker. 

Alexander Fraser was born Dec. 5, 1827, 
in Nova Scotia, where he lived till twenty- 
one years of age, engaged in farming, 
and working at his trade, carpentering. 
From there he went to Massachusetts, re- 
mained two months, then went to Maine 
and lived two years, and afterwards re- 
moved to Canada, where he made his 
home twenty-six years, farming and work- 
ing at the carpenter's trade. He spent 
the year 1866 in Minnesota, then returned 
to Canada, remaining until 1880, when he 
removed to Livermore, Iowa, and lived 
four months. He then bought the place 
where he now lives, being 110 acres on 
section 7, fifteen acres of which is in tim- 
ber. While living in Canada, he was a 
man of some prominence, having been 
councilman, returning officer for county 
and town, assessor several times, and 
school director. He carries a good letter 
of address from these, was also given a 
very nice secretary on his departure for 
his new home. Mr. Fraser was married 
May 31, 1854, to Ellen R. Anderson, and 
has seven children — John R., who married 
Caroline Raney; Henry A., Donald R., 
Walter, Isabelle, Mary J. and Duncan. 
In politics, he is a republican. A member 
of the Episcopal Church. 

Alfred Evans was born May 25, 1841, 
in Chenango Co., N. Y. When he was 
fourteen years old, he went to Tazewell 
Co., 111., and lived fifteen years. After 



this he went to Boonesboro, Boone Co., 
Iowa, and lived two years, then went to 
New York. At the end of one year and a 
half he returned to Boonesboro, Iowa, 
making it his home eight years, then 
came to Kossuth county, and settled on 
section 8, township 94, range 29, and has 
tilled all but ten acres, which he uses for 
pasture. He has four acres of nice trees 
set out on the farm, north of the house, 
soft maple, ash and willow. Mr. Evans is 
a wheelwright by trade, which he worked 
at fifteen years, and is also a blacksmith, 
but has turned his attention mostly to 
farming. He married Martha J. Sher- 
man, of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., 
and they have three children — Lester C> 
Cora A. and Arthur B. In politics, he is 
a republican. In August, 1861, Mr. Evans 
enlisted in company B, 47th Illinois Vol- 
unteers, and was honorably discharged in 
January, 1863, on account of disease con- 
tracted while in the service. 

David Gilmore was born twenty miles 
from Detroit, Mich., in 1833, and went 
with his parents to Lee Co., 111., where 
his father was one of the first settlers. 
In 1881 he moved to Kossuth county, 
settling on section 18, township 94, range 
29, where he owns all of the section, it 
being splendid land, and his buildings are 
worth $vi,000, all in good repair, being 
new and nicely painted. He has been 
twice married, first in 1855 to Mary Bar- 
rett of Lee county, who died, leaving four 
children — Lillie M., Frank J., Edwin J. 
and Raymond D. Lillie married James 
Nicol, and is now living in Minneapolis, 
Minn. Frank married Fannie Foster, and 
is now living in Kossuth county. Oct. 9, 
1877, Mr. Gilmore married Eunice Foster, 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



467 



of Mendota, 111., and they have one child 
five years old — Mabel A. He and his 
wife are both members of the Methodist 
Church. In politics, he is a democrat. 

J. B. Henderson, a native of Ohio, was 
born July 27, 1849. In 1852 his parents 
removed to Jackson Co., Iowa. They re- 
mained there five years; thence to Algo- 
na, Kossuth county, and lived there twenty- 
one years. They then removed to Hum- 
boldt county, remaining there four years, 
then came back to Kossuth county, locat- 
ing on the southeast quarter of section 7, 
township 9-t, range 29. Mr. Henderson 
was married Sept. 28, 1874, to Lillie Berk- 
shire, of Muscatine, Iowa. They have 
three children — Bertram B., Eugene T. 
and EstellaL. Mr. Henderson has always 
followed farming, with the exception of 
four years that he carried the mail be- 
tween Algona and Dakota City, He is a 
democrat. 

Christian Bell, son of John and Dora 
Bell, was born in Balderbach, Mecklen- 
burg, Germany, June 22, 1837. When 
twenty-eight years of age he emigrated 
to the United States, going first to Buf- 
falo, N. Y., where he worked six months 
in a saw-mill. He then went to Elmhurst, 
111., where he lived sixteen years, being a 
part of the time engaged in farming, and 
afterward in keeping hotel. In 1882 he 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled 
on section 33, where he owns 240 acres of 



land, 200 of which is cultivated. He also 
owns eighty acres on section 29. Mr. 
Bell has a new house on his place, 16x32 
feet, and a barn, 24x50 feet. He has 
eleven and a half acres planted in grove, 
and one-half of an acre in orchard. He 
deals largely in stock. Mr. Bell was 
married in Mecklenburg to Maria Bass, 
daughter of John and Mary Bass. They 
have had eleven children, ten of whom 
are living— Christian, Sophia, Charles, 
Anna, Henry, Minnie, John, Emma, Etta 
and Mary. William died at Elmhurst, 
111. Mr. Bell is a republican in politics. 
He is a member of the Lutheran Church. 
Henry Bell, son of John and Dora 
(Warkentien) Bell, was born Jan. 18, 
1842, in Mecklenburg. When he was 
twenty-six years old he came to Chicago, 
settling on a farm sixteen miles west of 
the city. In the fall of 1882 he came to 
Kossuth Co., Iowa, and bought 248 acres 
of land on section 5, 140 acres of which 
is under cultivation, where he raises grain 
and stock. He has just built a new stock 
barn, 28x74 feet, and his buildings are all 
in good repair, looking neat and clean. 
Lott's creek runs through the farm near 
the house. He was married Nov. 4, 1868, 
to Anna Kroger, of Ilolstein. They have 
two children — Ferdinand and Ada Wil- 
helmina Maria. The family all attend 
the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a 
republican. 



15 



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468 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



The territory in the western part of 
the county of Kossuth, comprised in con- 
gressional township 97 north, range 30 
west, is known as Fen ton. The surface 
of the land is of the same general charac- 
ter as that of Burt, and is watered by the 
stream known as the Black Oat creek. 
This stream rises on section 21 and flow- 
ing through 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35 and '36, 
makes its exit on the southeast quarter of 
the latter. 

Lyman Hawkins enjoys the credit of 
having been the pioneer of this township, 
making a claim on section 23, in the fall 
of 1868. 

Next came John L. Davis who made a 
claim upon section 22, in the spring of 
1869, taking up eighty acres under the 
homestead law. Here he broke land and 
put in the first seed and grain in the town- 
ship, consisting of wheat, oats and corn, 
and raised a good crop, although the sea- 
son was very dry. He built the first 
frame house in the township, hauling the 
lumber for the same from Mankato, M inn., 
a distance of 100 miles. 

About the same time the Waterhouses 
settled in this township, on section 26, 
and took up claims H. Waterhouse now 
lives in Algona. 

Edward Bailey, together with C. and II. 
Bailey, located upon section 10, in June, 



1869, and were the next pioneers of this 
section. Edward now lives in Minnesota 
but the others are still residents of their 
original claims. 

W. E. Ranney and James L. Blunt were 
also settlers of 1869. 

James L. Blunt is the son of John L. 
and Louisa Blunt, natives of New York. 
He was born Oct. 16, 1850, in Walworth 
Co., Wis., where he lived with his parents 
until the spring of 1870, when he came 
with his family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and 
took up a homestead of forty acres, on 
section 26, township 97, range 30, in Fen- 
ton township, and has since bought eighty 
acres on section 25. He has fifty acres 
under cultivation, and has a good frame 
house and barn on the same. He makes 
farming and stock raising his main pur- 
suit. He was married to Susie E., daugh- 
ter of Henry H. and Harriet R. Pbcenix. 
Her father was a native of New York, 
and lier mother of Pennsylvania. Mrs. 
Blunt was born Nov. 5. 1852, in Wal- 
worth Co., Wis. They had one child — 
Harry L., who died Aug. 17, 1879, at the 
age of five years. Mr. and Mrs. Blunt 
are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
Blunt votes the republican ticket. 

S. M. Clark settled on section 22, in 
the summer of 1869, and is still a resi- 
dent of the township. 



~71a 



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k 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



469 



James E. Webster, in March, 1870, took 
up a claim on the southwest quarter of 
section 14. 

Joachim Holtz settled in this township 
in November, 1869, and was the pioneer 
of the German settlement known as the 
"Holtz." With him came S. Bars and 
William Dow. 

In the spring of 1S70 these received ac- 
cessions to their number by the coming of 
Henry Wilson, Fred Mulso and F. Kluse. 
These are all still residents of their orig- 
inal claims. Of this knot of farmers, 
the Upper Des Moines, in 187 '2, has the 
following, which is as true of them to-day, 
as then: 

"The 'Holtz Settlement' is located on 
the head waters of the 'Black Cat' creek, 
and about the same distance northwest 
from Algona. The leading man in th< 
commencement of this flourishing colony, 
was and still is, Joachim Holtz, a thoroug 
farmer and stock grower, as any one cai 
see by lookingover his improvements an< 
examining his fine blooded stock. 

"The first settlement, was made about 
three years ago and now numbers over 
fifty families. Large and well tilled farms 
are seen in every direction, where three 
years ago nothing but the bare, unbroken 
prairie met the eye. The quantity of grain 
raised in this neighborhood the past sea- 
son, is enormous. Hundreds of acres of the 
dark, rich soil have been broken and made 
to yield bread stuff to feed the laborers in 
eastern factories. Good schools have been 
established, the children and many of the 
older people speak and read the English 
language with wonderful facility. Pa- 
pers, both German and English, find a 
liberal patronage with these people." 



Joachim Holtz, one of the oldest set- 
tlers of Fenton township, was born in 
Germany on the 19th of March, 1825. 
He was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
and followed that vocation in Germany 
until 1858, when he concluded to cast 
his lot with the citizens of the United 
States; consequently, he emigrated to this 
country, locating in McHenry Co., 111., 
where he remained until the fall of 1869. 
At that time he came to Kossuth county 
and purchased a large tract of land, for 
he brought with him a colony of his 
countrymen, and he was instrumental 
in procuring homes for them. Mr. Holtz 
is located on section 20, where he has 160 
acres of good land, and is quite exten- 
sively engaged in raising sheep. Mr. Holtz 
was united in marriage with Wilhelnia 
Vierck, a native of Germany, on the 1st 
day of March, 1846. They have one child 
living — Augusta. Mr. and Mrs. Holtz 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
He was one of the first township trustees 
of Fenton, and holds the same position at 
the present time. 

The first marriage occurred in 1876, and 
was between James L. Marlow and Lina 
E. Algiers. 

The first grain sown was by John L. 
Davis in the spring of 1869. 

The first justice of the peace was L. 
Hawkins. 

The first school was taught by Jose- 
phine Winters, in the fall of 1870, in the 
school house on section 1 1. 

The postoffice was established in 1870 
and James L. Blunt received the com- 
mission as posttaaster, but he refusing to 
accept it, it was handed over to W. E. 
Ranney who kept it for about two years, 



\ 



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470 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



when he was succeeded by J. L. Edmund 
who, after three years service, was, in 
turn, succeeded by Frank Pomp, the pres- 
ent incumbent. This office has always 
been held at the dwelling of the post- 
master, and bas had no other abiding 
place. 

Feiiton township was organized on the 
7th of April, 1873, and the first election 
for township officers was held at the 
school house on section 12, tbe October 
following, when the following were 
elected: T. M. Clark, M. L. Bush and 
Joachim Holtz, trustees; F. L. Ranney, 
clerk. 

The present board of trustees is com- 
posed of the following named: H. Chris- 
tianson, J. Holtz and S. Wilcox. John 
E. Webster, is clerk. 

What is known as the Webster school 
house was built, in the fall of 1870, on 
section 11. This was a sod building, and 
Josephine Winters was installed the first 
teacher. This was the pioneer school of 
the district. The present building stands 
on section 14, and was erected in the fall 
of 1873, and is a good, neat structure, 
10x26 feet, and cost about $750. The first 
teacher here was Elmer Caulkins, the 
present, (fall of 1883) Maggie McArthur. 

The Field school house, on section 35, 
was built in the winter of 1871, and cost 
$750. 

Thomas M. Clark was born Oct. 18, 
1828, in Oneida Co., N. Y. His parents, 
Thomas and Rebecca (Watson ) Clark, 
were natives of England, coming to this 
country in 1825, and settling in New 
York. Thomas was reared in his native 
county, being there engaged in farming 
and blacksmitbing until 1851. He then 



removed to Walworth Co., Wis., being 
one of the oldest settlers in that county. 
In 1869 Mr. Clark settled on his -present 
place, and engaged in farming for about 
six years, then went to Adair county. 
After remaining there one year he went 
west, locating near Portland, Oregon, but 
not being satisfied, he returned to Adair 
county. In the spring of 1883 he re- 
moved to his old farm in this county, 
where he has eighty acres of good land. 
Mr. Clark was married in October, 1849, 
to Marietta Orcutt, a native of New York. 
Two children blessed this union — Esther 
A. and Edward F. Mrs. Clark died in 
1852, and in May, 1866, Mr. Clark mar- 
ried Harriet Noyes. In 1878 he lost his 
second wife. In October, 1879, Mr. Clark 
was again married, to Amelia Noyes. 

William Peck, one of the most thriving 
and prosperous farmers of Fenton town- 
ship, is the sou of Joseph and Elenor 
Peck, natives of St. Lawrence Co., N. 
Y. He was born Oct. 21, 1S40, and came 
to Dane Co., Wis., with his parents in 
1845. In 1849 his father went by team 
to California and returned in 1852, hav- 
ing heard from his family but once dur- 
ing that time. In 1860 Mr. Peck started 
out in the world for himself, and worked 
on a farm for $13 per month. He en- 
listed Aug. 11, 1862, in company K, 2d 
regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. 
His company was sent to Washington, 
and transferred to battery A, 1st Wiscon- 
sin Artillery, and were stationed during 
the winter of 1862, in Fort Cass, on Gen. 
Lee's farm. In the spring of 1863 they 
removed to Fort Ellsworth, Va., and re- 
mained there five months, then went to 
Fort Worth ( near Fairfax cemetery), 



?|«r 



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ik. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



471 



thence to Alexandria, Va. In the fall of 
1864 they were on a march in the Shen- 
andoah Valley, with Gen. Sheridan; they 
then returned to Alexandria. Mr. Peck 
was wounded in this march, by the recoil 
of a gun, which broke three of his ribs. 
He was discharged from service April 27, 
1865, and returned to his home in Jeffer- 
son Co., Wis. In 1S66 he went to Dane 
Co., Wis., and remained there until 1872, 
when he removed with his family to Kos- 
suth Co., Iowa, and took up a homestead 
on section 26, township 97, range 30, Fen- 
ton township. His present farm has 130 
acres under cultivation. He has a good 
house and barn on the same. He was 
twice married. His first wife was Louis 
Tubbs, to whom he was married Oct. 23, 
1861, and by whom he had three children 
—Ella, Alma and Edith. Mr. Peck mar- 
ried Hannah Moore, Feb. 8, 1870, daugh- 
ter of John and Loretta Moore, natives of 
Ohio. Mrs. Peck was born Oct. 21, 1852. 
They have four children — Alida T., 
Stella, Mabel and William J. Mr. Peck 
is a member of the Algona Lodge of I. O. 
O. F., also of the Grange, No. 19. He 
votes the republican ticket, and is en- 
gaged to some extent in stock raising. 

Francis L. Ranney is the son of Philo 
and Sally Ranney, natives of New York. 
He was born Dec. 16, 1846, and lived 
with his parents until his eighteenth year. 
On Feb. 21, 1865, he enlisted in company 
G, 49th Wisconsin Volunteers, for one 
year. His regiment was stationed in 
Rolla, Mo., where they did provost duty 
for five months. They then removed to 
Schofield Barracks, No. 1, in St. Louis, 
and did provost duty there until Nov. 8, 
1865, when he was discharged and sent 



*^; 



home. He was married Jan. 1, 1868, to 
Hannah, daughter of Joseph and Elenor 
Peck. Mrs. Ranney was born Aug. 19, 
1849. In the fall of 1872, he came with 
his family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and set- 
tled on section 35, township 97, range 30, 
in Fenton township, C'jllege land grant. 
He paid $5.40 per acre, cash. Since then 
he has bought eighty acres in Lott's 
Creek township. He has about 100 acres 
under plow, with good house and im- 
provements on the same. They have 
eight children — Frank E., Mary Jane, 
John W., Orvis J., Hulda E., Joseph P., 
Josephine E. and Daniel E. Mr. Ranney 
was a member of the Grange for a num- 
ber of years. They are both members of 
the M. E. Church. He votes the repub- 
lican ticket, and is a strong prohibitionist. 
A. J. Bush, an energetic farmer of 
Fenton township, was born in Lewis Co., 
N. Y., July 18, 1829. He is the son of 
Luther and Unice Bush, natives of the 
eastern States. He remained at home 
with his parents until the spring of 1S52, 
when he went to California, overland, with 
four yoke of oxen. He left home May 1, 
and got to his journey's end the last of 
August. While there he worked in the 
mines, and in 1857 he returned to New 
York city on the steamboat Arrazebee 
from San Francisco to the Isthmus, 
thence on the Tennessee to New York city, 
where he landed in December, 1857, where 
he took the train and came to Sterling, 
111., and worked at his trade, as mason and 
plasterer, until the spring of 1864. He 
then went to Montana with a team with 
some other emigrants, and while crossing 
Powder river valley, they were attacked 
by the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians, and 



^ 



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472 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTS. 



had to fight for one whole day, losing five 
men (killed); the Indians lost thirteen. 
While in Montana he worked in the mines. 
In 1868 he returned to Sterling, 111., where 
he followed raising and moving build- 
ings until 187-2, when he came to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, and purchased the southeast 
quarter of section 35, township 97 range 
27, college land grant in Fenton township, 
for which he paid $5.40 per acre, cash. He 
has eighty acres under cultivation. He 
has a good two story frame building on 
the same, also a good barn He has a 
grove of nine acres of timber around his 
house and barn. Mr. Bush is a single 
man, never having been married. Politi- 
cally he is a greenbacker. 

John T. Davis is a son of Charles and 
Martha Davis, natives of Westchester 
Co., N. Y. He was born Jan. 9, 1813. 
At the age of eighteen he learned the car- 
penter trade and followed it in New York 
city until 1854, when he went to Califor- 
nia. There he worked at his trade and 
followed mining until 1860. He returned 
to New York city in 1861, and enlisted as 
carpenter's mate on the bark Arthur, Uni- 
ted States Navy, stationed in Corpus 



Christi bay, Texas, where he remained 
until some time after the capture of New 
Orleans. He was sent by steamboat to 
Boston, on account of sore eyes to a hos- 
pital. He was discharged from the United 
States service Oct. 16, 1862. He worked 
in the quartermaster department in Hil- 
ton Head, thence to Charleston, S. C, 
thence to New York, where he followed 
his trade until the fall of 1878, when he 
came with his family to Algona, Kossuth 
Co., Iowa. In the spring of 1S79 he lo- 
cated on his homestead of eighty acres 
on section 22, township 97, range 30, in 
Fenton township and has it all cultivated, 
and a good house and barn on same. He 
has been twice married. His first mar- 
riage was in 1841. His second and pres- 
ent wife is Anna, daughter of John C. 
and Lucy Burgess, natives of England. 
They were married Aug. 21, 1868. Mrs. 
Davis was born in England, Aug. 17, 
1840. He had five children by his first- 
wife, who are all dead except Charles A., 
who is married. He is a member of the 
Grange, No. 17, Fenton township. Mrs. 
Davis belongs to the Episcopal Church. 
Mr. Davis is a republican. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



e' _ 



GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 

This is the largest township in Kos- j river traverses the two lower townships 
suth county, containing six congressional in a southeasterly direction, and along 
townships in the northwest corner of the this stream is nearly all the settlement in 
county. The East Fork of the DesMoines Greenwood. The land is rich and fertile, 



JL 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



473 



however, and the country has a great fu- 
ture before it. 

The first attempt at any settlement was 
made in March, 1865, by D. D. Wadsworth 
and L. K. Garfield. 

Capt. Wadsworth, on receiving his dis- 
charge from the army, where he had been 
doing valiant service, came to this place 
and took up a claim of 160 acres, eighty 
on section 22 and eighty on section 27. 
He was a native of Wisconsin, from which 
State he had volunteered. He remained 
here about six years and a half when be 
removed to Grand Island, Neb. 

Dr. L. K. Garfield located upon 160 
acres on section 21, in township 98, range 
29, and remained about five and a half 
years, and is now a practicing physician 
at Algona. 

In April, 1865, A. P. Buker made his 
appearance and made a settlement on sec- 
tion 20. Here he built him a sod house, 
and commenced to open up a farm. Mr. 
Buker still occupies the old homestead 
and is the oldest resident of the town- 
ship. 

With Mr. Buker, came John Hawkes, 
who settled down upon a farm of 160 
acres, on section 20. He remained for 
about ten or twelve years, when he re- 
moved to Dakota. 

James Dundas and his family became 
settlers, at what is called Armstrong's 
grove, in 1865, where they are living at 
the present time. 

Section 21 received a settler in May, 
1865, in the person of George O. Austin, 
a native of New York State. He imme- 
diately took up a homestead on which he 
is living yet. 



George O. Austin was born in Dela- 
ware Co., N. Y., March 13, 1827. He 
lived in his childhood's home until twen- 
ty-six years of age. In 1854 he removed 
to Illinois, locating on a farm in Buffalo 
Grove, Ogle county. In 1865 he came to 
Kossuth county and took a homestead of 
1 00 acres on section 21, Greenwood town- 
ship. He purchased a half section of col- 
lege land in the fall of 1865, but after- 
wards sold it. Mr. Austin has been mar- 
ried twice. In November, 1852, he was 
united in marriage with Bertha, daughter 
of Samuel and Jane (Buck) Sands, Of 
Hancock, Delaware Co., N. Y. The re- 
sult of this union was six children, four 
of whom are living — Hathaway, Oscar, 
Louise and Audell. Mrs. Austin died in 
July, 1875. She was a member of the 
M. E. Church. Mr. Austin was man ied 
on the 29th of January, 1881, to Lucy D. 
Shield, daughter of S. S. N. and Clarissa 
A. (Day) Fuller, of New York. They 
have one child — George. Mr. Austin is a 
republican. He has held many local 
offices of trust in this township. 

Oscar Austin, son of George O. and 
Bertha A. Austin, was born in Ogle Co., 
111., Dec. 16, 1857. In 1865 he came with 
his parents to Iowa, locating in Green- 
wood township, Kossuth county. In 1879 
he went to Dakota, remaining there until 
1883. He then returned to his home in 
Iowa, where he raises cattle, hogs and 
horses for market. Mr. Austin was mar- 
ried March 2, 1879, to Adelaide, daughter 
of Nun and Diadama Carpenter, of Kos- 
suth county. 

About the 1st of June Joseph Burt, a 
Mr. Hallett and G. W. Kinney came to 
the township and made settlements. 



\ 



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474 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Joseph Burt located in the western 
part of the township, where he now lives. 

Mr. Hallett remained in this vicinity 
until 1873, when he left the county, going 
to Minnesota. 

G. W. Kinney located on section 15, 
where he took up a homestead of 160 
acres. He is now a resident of the grow- 
ing town of Bancroft. 

Samuel Sands was another settler of 
1S65. He located on section 35, where 
he took a homestead of 160 acres. He is 
still a resident of the township. 

Samuel Sands, son of Samuel and Arte- 
mesia Sands, was born in Hancock, Dela- 
ware Co., N. Y., Aug. 30, 1830. When 
seven years of age he removed with his 
parents to Broome Co., N. Y. In 1842 
they removed to Illinois and purchased a 
farm in Boone county, where Mr. Sands 
engaged in farming until 1863, also study- 
ing veterinary surgery and training horses. 
He then removed to Mitchell Co., Iowa, 
where he practiced his profession. In 
1865 he came to Kossuth county, taking 
a homestead of 160 acres on section 35, 
township 98, range 29, Greenwood town- 
ship. He has since purchased forty acres 
on section 35, adjoining his original farm 
on the south. Mr. Sands was married 
Dec. 10, 1857, to Harriet Tyler, daughter 
of John and Parmelia Tyler, of Delaware 
Co., N. Y. They have had eight chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living — Wallace 
B., Paul, Clausen, Mark, Ruth, Ezra and 
John. Mr. Sands is a republican in poli- 
tics. 

During the winter of 1868 Samuel 
Sands, one of the residents of Green- 
wood, was employed in Algona. He re- 
ceived a letter from his family that they 



were out of provisions, but a terrible 
"blizzard" having just commenced that 
day, it was impossible for him to get to 
them with anything. In the meantime 
his wife at home, watching for the coming 
of her husband, espied a deer in the gath- 
ering gloom of the winter's twilight, hud- 
dling in the door yard, where it had 
sought shelter from the chilling blast. 
Knowing that she must do something, and 
looking on the animal as a providential 
deliverance from the pangs of hunger, 
soon unloosed two powerful bull-dogs 
that she had, and urged them on to the 
chase. They soon overtook the poor, be- 
numbed deer, and while they held it. she 
ran out into the night and storm, and 
with a common butcher knife cut its 
throat. She then, assisted by her chil- 
dren, took the carcass to the house on a 
hand-sled, and for the balance of the time 
during which the storm lasted feasted 
royally on venison. 

In September, 1865, Thorn Connell,'a 
native of Vermont, took a claim of 160 
acres on section 24, where the town of 
Bancroft now stands. He lived here 
about twelve years, when he emigrated to 
Oregon. 

John Carroll came to this township in 
the fall of 1865. He camped here until 
he could get his house built, and here, 
while the family were living out of doors, 
as one might say, was born the first child 
that saw the light of day, in the town- 
ship. Mr. Carroll died a few years ago, 
but his family are still residents of the 
old homestead. 

William Gibbon was a settler of July, 
1865. He was an Englishman and settled 
upon section 27. About twelve years ago 



'i 



IV 



" »f >? 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



475 



he sold out and removed to the Pacific 
slope, and is now a resident of Oregon. 

His son, Joseph Gibbon, at the same 
time took up a homestead on section 26, 
on which he lived until the departure of 
his father, when he packed up and went 
with him. 

Greenwood township was organized 
Jan. 4, 1869, and the first election was 
held in the October following. As to 
who were the first officers, the records are 
silent, and the proper data for getting 
them is inaccessible. 

The present officers are as follows: R. 
I. Brayton, Nils Martin and George O. 
Austin, trustees; J. B. Johnson, clerk ; 
W. W. Alcorn, assessor; George O. Aus- 
tin, G. V. Davis and Charles A. Molinder, 
justices; William Ormiston, E. Tallman, 
Charles Olson and M. Olson, road super- 
visors, and S. P. Haglund, constable. The 
two other constables elected failed to 
qualify. 

The first death was that of Abner, son 
of Abel and Mary Buker, who died in 
November, 1867, and was buried in a 
private burial place. 

The second death was that of Cyrus O., 
son of Cyrus and Mary Hawks, on the 12th 
of January, 1871. He, also, was buried 
on a private burying ground, there being 
no cemetery in the township at that time. 

The first marriage was that which 
united the destinies of John Dundas and 
Jane R., daughter of William and Jane 
Gibbon. Seymour Snyder performed the 
ceremony, which took place upon the 7th 
of April, 1868. 

The first birth was that of a son of 
John Carroll, born in the fall of 1865. 



The first grist mill was a plantation 
mill run by hand, and was taken into the 
township by Dr. L. K. Garfield, when he 
went there in 1865. This he run for a 
while, and then purchased a larger and 
better one, with a windmill attachment. 
This was in use largely by the settlers 
during the famine year of 1868. 

Dr. Garfield also enjoys the credit of 
having built the first frame building in 
the township, a neat dwelling for his 
family, erected in 1869. 

The first school in the township was 
taught by Abel P. Buker, in the winter 
of 1865. This was in a sod house, built 
on the side of a hill at Greenwood Cen- 
ter. The house, which was about 12x16 
feet inside, was furnished with blocks and 
slabs for seats, where some fourteen 
scholars found resting places. There was 
no money on hand to build a school house, 
so the citizens made a bee and put up 
this place, that the educational interests 
of the growing generation might not be 
neglected. It was mainly through the 
instrumentality of Dr. L. K. Garfield, Abel 
Buker and George O. Austin that this 
school was established, and to them be- 
longs the credit. 

The second school house was built on 
section 36, in 1866. This was also a sod 
house, and the first teacher was Manila 
Oonnell. It is told for a fact that the door 
was used for a blackboard. 

The postoffice at Seneca was established 
about 1870, and E. Woodworth was com- 
missioned as first postmaster. He was 
succeeded by Mr. Califf, William Ormiston 
and Charles Gray. The latter had charge 
of it for about six years, when in Febru- 



1 7 



T 



476 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



ary, 1882, he handed it over to W. W. 
Alcorn, who is the present incumbent. 

W. W. Alcorn was born in Warren Co., 
Penn., Dec. 10, 1645. He lived there 
until he was twenty-one years old, then 
he went to Elkhart Co., Ind. He was 
there engaged in farming for twelve 
years, with the exception of one year 
spent in Missouri. In 1879 he came to 
Iowa, and in 1882 purchased 160 acres of 
land on section 17, township 98, range 30, 
in Greenwood township, Kossuth county. 
Mr. Alcorn was married Dec. 10, 1868, to 
Lydia, daughter of F. D. Maxon, of Jack- 
son, Mich. They had four children, three 
of whom are living — Edith M., Minnie G. 
and Hubert Roy. Mrs. Alcorn died Nov. 
16, 1879. Mr. Alcorn was married Oct. 
2, 1880, to Ida, daughter of C. H. and F. 
A. Gray. They are the parents of two 
children — Florence F. and Harry E. Mr. 
Alcorn is engaged in raising sheep and 
farming. He is assessor of the township, 
also postmaster at Seneca, having received 
his appointment Feb. 2, 1831. He is a 
republican in politics. 

A Good Templars' lodge was organized 
in January, 1880, and meetings were held 
for a time at the Carroll school house at 
Seneca, but the members lived too far 
apart and the charter was suspended and 
the lodge died out. 

Seneca Cemetery was established by 
the township in October, 1876. It is lo- 
cated near the school house in sub-district 
No. 7. 

Robert I. Brayton, son of William and 
Elizabeth Brayton, was born, in 1836, in 
Winnebago Co., 111. When quite young 
his parents moved to La Porte Co., Ind. 
He lived there until twenty-three years 



of age, then went to Kankakee Co., 111., 
purchasing a farm and remaining one 
year. In 1861 he enlisted in company K, 
4th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and served 
three years. He participated in the bat- 
tles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Pitts- 
burg Landing, Shiloh, siege of Corinth 
and many others of minor note. He was 
wounded in the hand while out scouting. 
He was discharged at Springfield, 111., 
Nov. 3, 1864, and returned to his home in 
La Porte, Ind., in time to vote for Abra- 
ham Lincoln the second time. In 1865 
Mr. Brayton returned to Illinois and 
shortly after came to Iowa, locating on 
section 8, Greenwood township, Kossuth 
county, where he now has 360 acres of 
land. He was married Sept. 3, 1857, to 
Abigail, daughter of Aaron and Phrebe, 
Foster, of LaPorte Ind. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brayton have had ten children, six of 
whom are living — Walter E., Phoebe E., 
Effie F., Cora, Alta and Ray Irwin. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brayton are members of the Bap- 
tist Church. Mr. Brayton is a republican 
in politics. He was county supervisor six 
years ; he has also been justice of the 
peace, township trustee, school director 
and road supervisor. 

Charles O. Fish, son of Thomas J. and 
Lavina Fish, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., 
Nov. 16, 1840. In 1866 he went to Olm- 
sted Co., Minn., where he remained six 
months. He then moved to Chicago, 111., 
accepting the position of overseer on a 
farm sixteen miles out of Chicago. In 
1868 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, tak- 
ing a homestead of 160 acres on section 
8, in Greenwood township. He has since 
purchased eighty additional acres on sec- 
tion 8, and eighty acres on section 16. 



tfv* 



A 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



477 



When Mr. Fish moved on his farm he 
built a sod house. This was done by cut- 
ting timber with a crotch in the top for 
corner posts, then laying poles across and 
up and down from the cornice to the 
cones, for rafters. Covering this with 
willow brush and hay, then with alternate 
layers of clay and sod. The floors were 
made, of boards and the walls plastered. 
This made a very warm and comfortable 
house. Mr. Fish was married in 1864, 
to Lucy M. Hare, of Essex Co., N. Y. 
They have seven children — Meldrid, Sa- 
rah and Sylvia, twins; Edith, Willie, Wal- 
ter and Emma Isadore. Mr. Fish is a dem- 
ocrat, and has held the office of township 
trustee. 

Rev. O. Littlefield, the youngest of nine 
children, was born Dec. 23, 1802, at Cole- 
rain, Mass. His parents were of Eng- 
lish descent, his father being a Baptist 
minister. The family removed to Ellis- 
burg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where his fa- 
ther died, Aug. 28, 1805, leaving his in- 
fant son to the care of a good mother. 
He always spoke of his mother as being 
a very pious woman, and felt himself 
greatly indebted to her for her prayers, 
pious instruction and godly example. His 
whole life showed that his moral charac- 
ter had been well laid in his early years. 
His boyhood life was spent on a farm in 
manual labor. He entered Belleville Acad- 
emy, New York, in 1828, and passed his 
collegiate course at Union College, Sche- 
nectady, N. Y., in 1832. He began his 
Christian life in 1829, advocating Univer- 
salism, but still felt it his duty to love and 
serve God. It was after one of those 
great revivals that swept through New 
York, led by C. G. Finney, Burchard and 



others, that he visited his home at Ellis- 
burg, which was being visited by a power- 
ful revival. It was seeing the great 
change in his old companions that led 
him to consider his own condition as a 
sinner and yield his heart to Christ with 
a fixed resolution to serve the Lord. He 
started west in 1832 on the Erie canal, 
but was stopped at Rochester by the freez- 
ing of the canal. Here he spent the win- 
ter in teaching, and here, after along and 
thorough study of the subject of baptism, 
he joined the Presbyterian Church, in care 
of Dr. Wisner. In the spring of 1833 he 
resumed his journey west to Steubenville, 
Ohio, where, like many other young men 
before entering a profession, he spent 
some years in teaching. He thus strength- 
ened what he had acquired, and fitted 
himself for a more noble work. In 1835 
he entered the Theological Seminary at 
Allegheny City, Penn. He was licensed 
to preach by the Presbytery in 1837. In 
1837 he visited his brother in Greenfield, 
La Grange Co.,Ind., and spent five weeks, 
then he proceeded on his journey west to 
Galena, 111., where he spent a year preach- 
ing at Sand Prairie, Apple River and 
Craig's Point. In 183S he returned to In- 
diana, and was ordained and set apart to 
the Gospel ministry by the St. Joseph 
Presbytery, April 4, 1839,at White Pigeon, 
Mich. Then he preached at Algansee, 
Sturgis Prairie, Mich.; Pretty Prairie and 
Angola, Ind. Here he suffered a year 
and a half with inflammation of the eyes 
and was three months blind. Though 
sight was at length restored he never 
fully recovered. In 1841 he visited Steu- 
benville, Ohio, traveled and preached in 
various places, assisting in protracted 



Vis — 



t 



J. 

] 



478 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



meetings. During this time he preached 
or attended meetings nearly every night, 
and frequently during the day. On the 
3d of March, 1843, he bade adieu to his 
friends in Indiana and went west with a 
view of settling there. In November, 
1843, he visited Jackson Co., Iowa, 
spending two weeks. For the next six 
years he preached in Daviess Co., Ind.; 
Apple River, Elizabeth and Lancaster, 
Grant Co., Wis. His last field in Wis- 
consin was at Blake Prairie, Beetown 
and Patch Grove. In the fall of 1849 he 
visited friends in Indiana, . and returned 
in November and removed to Garnavillo, 
Clayton Co., Iowa. In Garnavillo he 
preached to a Congregational Church and 
joined that Church. In November, 1851, 
he visited Indiana and was married to 
Sarah A. Watkins, of Orange, Noble Co., 
Ind. After visiting a few days they re- 
turned west, arriving in Garnavillo, De- 
cember 5. He preached in Garnavillo, 
Elkader and Farmersburg three years. 
In 1854 he was colporteur for the American 
Tract Society. In May, 1855, he removed 
to Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, where 
he organized a Church, and preached at 
Charles City and Floyd Center, in Floyd 
county. He afterwards removed to Van 
Buren, Jackson county, preaching in Van 
Buren, Fairfield, and in Charlotte, Clinton 
county, one year. The next year he 
preached at Big Rock and New Liberty, 
Scott county. In 1864 he removed west 
and spent one year in Linn county, preach- 
ing at Troy Mills, Valley Farm and Cen- 
tral City. From thence he removed, in 
1865, to Bristol, Worth county, preaching 
at Bristol and Forest City for three years. 
In 1869 he removed to Seneca, Kossuth 



county. Here, assisted by Father Taylor, 
of Algona, he organized a Congregational 
Church, to which he ministered, in all, 
four years. For the last few years of his 
life he labored on a farm, preaching only 
on funeral occasions, the last being the 
funeral sermon of the death of the infant 
child of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Canon, in Em- 
mett county. Mr. Littlefield lived a roam- 
ing life, and no one will ever be able to 
tell the amount of good he has done. He 
had but little sickness, and his last was 
very short. He died as he had lived — a 
very devoted and good man, and his work 
shall certainly follow him. His funeral 
sermon was preached by Rev. R. A. Paden. 
He bade adieu to earthly scenes Dec. 23, 
1883, leaving a loving wife and adopted 
daughter to mourn his loss. 

Abijah Batterson was born in Scioto 
Co., Ohio, March 6, 1822. He was reared 
on a farm. In 1851 he went to Washing- 
ton Co., Iowa, and purchased two farms 
of 172 acres. In October, 1875, he came 
to Kossuth county, purchasing 137 acres 
of improved land on section 14, township 
98, range 30, Greenwood township. Mr. 
Batterson was married Nov. 7, 1858, to 
Miss N. A. Morgan, daughter of William 
and N. A. Morgan, of Washington Co. 
Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Batterson have had 
seven children, five of whom are living — 
Eleanor, Abijah, Mary A., Laura R. and 
Sally. Mr. Batterson is a member of the 
Congregational Church, Mrs. Batterson of 
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Batterson 
is an old ironsides democrat. 

Swea postoffice, in the north part of 
township 99, range 30, was established in 
October, 1872, and J. B. Johnson commis- 
sioned postmaster. He held the office 



4 



:r 



j±=?kc 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



479 



until the 1st of October, 1882, when he 
was superseded by 01 e Olson, the present 
incumbent. 

Ole Olson was born in Norway in 1860. 
When eight years of age he came with his 
parents to the United States, locating in 
Winneshiek Co., Iowa. After remaining 
there two years, they removed to Algona, 
and two years afterward came to Swea, 
Greenwood township, and purchased 
eighty acres of land on section 4, township 
99, range 30. He is still living here with 
his father and now holds the position of 
postmaster. Mr. Olson is a member of 
the Augustan a Lutheran Church. In pol- 
itics he is a republican. Mr. 01 son's father 
is a native of Sweden, his mother of Nor- 
way. They also belong to the Lutheran 
Church. 

The first settler in what is called the 
Swea settlement was J. E. Hadin, a native 
of Sweden, who located here in the fall of 
1871 and is yet a resident. 

J. B. Johnson came next. He, too, was a 
Swede, like all of the balance of the settle- 
ment, and located here in the fall of 1871. 
Mr.Johnson built the first house here, in the 
spring of 1872. He is quite a prominent 
citizen of the township now, and lives at 
Bancroft. 

H. E. Anderson made a settlement 
where»he now lives, in 1871. With him 
came Carl Anderson, who is also a resident 
of his original claim. 

These are the pioneers of a settlement 
that is daily increasing in numbers, and 
will eventually form quite a community 
of their own. 

On the 17th of September, 1875, the 
Rev. B. M. Holland organized a Church at 
this point, under the name of the Swedish 



Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church. The 
pioneer members were: S. Anderson and. 
wife, A. Erickson and wife, Carl Anderson 
and wife, Anders Anderson and wife, 
Peter Olson and wife, C. Person and wife, 
Carl Moeller and wife, P. Monson and 
wife, Olef Anderson and wife, M. Olson 
and wife, J. Martin and wife,.Gustaf An- 
derson and wife, C. Larson and wife, 
Bengt Kronliolm and wife, Olaf Molin, 
C.J.Anderson, A. Bengtson, A A. Hale, A. 
Molin, C. L. Erickson, Annie Larson, J. 
Wilson, Cecilia Akerson and N. Monson. 
The first officers were as follows: deacons: 
A. A. Hale, Olaf Molin and Sol Anderson; 
trustees : P. Monson, Gustaf Anderson 
and Anders Erickson. The Church pulpit 
has been vacant most of the time until the 
spring of 1881, when the Rev. S. J. Lilje- 
gren took charge and is the present incum- 
bent. The present officers are : C. L. 
Erikson, Carl A. Niord and Anders 
Bengtson, deacons; John Bengtson, S. P. 
Hagland and A. Niord, trustees. There 
is a neat parsonage provided for the min- 
ister, which was built in 1881, at a cost of 
$500. There are about forty-nine com- 
municants. 

TOWN OF BANCROFT. 

In September, 1881, the Western Town 
Lot Company and Ambrose A. Call, laid 
out a town site upon section 24, in town- 
ship 98, range 29, in Greenwood, which 
they called Bancroft, after the great his- 
torian of that name. The pioneer build- 
ing was erected by that enterprising mer- 
chant, C. B. Lake. In December, 1881, 
he came here from Indianola, Iowa,and put 
up a building, 20x40 feet, and one story in 
height. This he proceeded to fill with 
goods of all kinds and description, and on 



>:' <. 



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480 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



the 20th of December, opened his doors. 
He has since built an addition to his 
building to accommodate his increasing 
business, making his store room some fifty- 
six feet long. The first conveyance of land 
on the new town plat was the deed of the 
lot upon which his store now stands, this 
bears date of September, 1881. The build- 
ing was constructed before any regular 
trains came here, the lumber being brought 
up by construction trains. 

Dr. C. 15. Lake was born in Erie 
Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1826. In Decem- 
ber, 1832, his father, Daniel Lake, 
died. In 1836 his mother, Mrs. Polly 
(Brown) Lake, moved to Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y., and three weeks afterward 
died, and was buried in Westfield. In 
about a year the subject of this sketch 
removed to McHenry Co., 111., with his 
eldest brother, Henry Lake. He com- 
menced farming, and followed it up until 
1846 when he commenced studying medi- 
cine under Dr. Lewis N. Wood, of Wal- 
worth Co., Wis. His last year of study 
was under his brother, L. L. Lake, M. D., 
of McHenry Co., 111. He also began to 
practice medicine in Decatur, Green Co., 
Wis., that year. In 1849 he graduated 
from Rush Medical College of Chicago, 
having attended two full terms. He is of 
the allopath school. After he graduated 
he went back to Green Co., Wis., and re- 
sumed his practice for one year. In June, 
1S49, he was married to Clarissa M. 
Wood, daughter of Dr. Lewis N. Wood. 
His wife being troubled with lung disease, 
he gave up business, and for the next 
four years they traveled. But all to no 
avail, for that dread disease, consumption, 
had taken fast hold on her and she departed 



this life in September, 1853. She was 
buried on Big Foot Prairie, Walworth 
Co., Wis. In the spring of 1854 Mr. 
Lake started on an overland trip to Cali- 
fornia. He located at Horse Town, near 
Shasta, where he followed the practice of 
medicine until the fall of 1856, then he 
returned to his old home in Illinois. In 
April, 1857, he was married to Mary B. 
Kennedy, of Aurora, Portage Co., Ohio. 
They have had two children — Harry and 
Otis K. He then removed to Iowa, locat- 
ing in West Union, Fayette county, where 
he resumed the practice of his profession. 
In March, 1862, he was examined by the 
State board of examiners and commis- 
sioned as surgeon in the 7th Iowa Infan- 
try. He was in the service until October, 
1863, when he was discharged by order of 
Gen. Grant, on account of physical disa- 
bility. He returned to his home in Fay- 
ette county, remaining there until the 
fall of 1866, when he removed to Indian- 
ola, Warren Co., Iowa. He followed his 
profession in that place for several years, 
but was finally forced to quit on account 
of ill health. He owned 200 acres of 
land which he rented out. In 1878 he 
purchased the Indianola Republican, a 
republican paper in Indianola, which had 
been closed up a short time before. He 
christened it the People's Advocate, and 
run it in the interest of the greenback 
party. He retained possession of the pa- 
per for about a year and a half, and then 
sold it to F. B. Taylor, of Indianola. In 
May, 1880, Mr. Lake went to Colorado, 
remaining there all summer. He then re- 
turned to his home and bought a grocery 
store, which he r,»n for a short time, and 
in the fall of 1881 he removed his stock 



Sis 



A 



>> 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



481 



of goods to Bancroft, Kossuth Co., Iowa. 
He opened his store in Bancroft, Nov. 20, 
1881, having erected the first building in 
the town. Mr. Lake is equally as good a 
business man as he was a physician, and 
is now doing a very successful business. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lake are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics 
he is a greenbacker. He owns his store 
building and a very nice residence prop- 
erty in the village of Bancroft. 

A small building, about 8x10, feet had 
been moved up from Greenwood Center, 
before this building of Mr. Lake's was 
finished, by Nathan Hawkes. In this he 
kept a small stock of general merchandise. 
In December he too erected a store build- 
ing and put in a larger stock of goods. 
This building was 22x24 feet in size. In 
December, 1882, he sold out the entire 
establishment to John Henry, by whom 
the business was run until C. W. Goddard 
bought him out in April, 1883. 

C. W. Goddard, son of Robert and 
Maria M. (Bailey) Goddard, was born in 
Rutland, Vt., April 8, 1833. When seven 
years of age his parents moved to Ro- 
chester, Windsor Co., Vt., his father en- 
gaging in fanning. Mr. Goddard here 
received a good common school education. 
In 1854 he removed with his parents to 
Monona, Clayton Co., Iowa., where he 
was engaged in farming for sixteen years, 
with the exception of one year spent on 
the plains while taking a trip across the 
western States. In May, 1870, he came 
to Kossuth county, taking a homestead of 
eighty acres on section 6, Lott's Creek 
township. After living on this farm three 
years he moved to Algona. In 1875 he 
took charge of the Grange store in that 



place, which he ran for two years. He 
then formed a partnership with his son, 
R. E. Goddard, in the hay business, deal- 
ing in baled hay. They had the first hay 
press in this part of the State. In 1882 
they dissolved partnership, and Mr. God- 
dard came to Bancroft and engaged in 
the mercantile business. He was married 
in July, 1855, to Mary E. Bent, daughter 
of Earl and Leafy (Clark) Bent, of Wells, 
Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have had 
four children, three of whom are living — 
Robert E., Lora E. and Dell M. In poli- 
tics Mr. Goddard is a greenbacker. 

The next building was put up by John- 
son Brothers, in December, 1881. On 
Jan. lj 1882, they opened the new store. 
The building is 22x32 feet, and cost about 
$1,200 when complete. In this they kept 
a large stock of the merchandise usually 
known as general. In July, 1882, they 
rented the room adjoining and divided 
the stock, putting the grocery department 
in the new room. This they continued 
until in October, 1883, when their quarters 
proving still too confined they were com- 
pelled to rent still another building. 
These gentlemen have also a large ware- 
house where they handle all kinds of 
agricultural machinery. This latter 
branch of their business was established 
in 1882. 

The hardware store of Woodworth & 
Bush was the next to be erected, which 
was finished in December, 1881. On the 
18th of June, 1883, M. L. Bush sold his 
interest in the store to O. A. Searles, and 
returned to Sterling, 111. The new firm 
of Woodworth & Searles are winning 
golden opinions and are among the most 
prominent men in the business community. 



5 

3 iy * 



482 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



They carry a large stock of all kinds of 
hardware as well as an extensive line of 
stoves. 

Charles Woodwortk, son of L. D. and 
Melinda (Silvernail) Wood worth, was 
horn in Ohio, near Cleveland, Nov. 20, 
1846. When about a year old his parents 
removed to Kenosha Co., Wis., where 
his father followed farming. Mr. Wood- 
worth, the subject of this sketch, lived 
there twenty-one years, when lie took 
Horace Greeley's advice and came west. 
He located in Fenton township, section 
30, in Kossuth Co., Iowa, taking a home- 
stead of eighty acres. He followed the 
threshing business for about six years, 
traveling through Minnesoto and southern 
Iowa in the meantime. He then came 
back and settled on his farm, remaining 
there until January, 1882. In November, 
previous, he had formed a partnership 
with M. L. Bush, of Sterling, 111., and 
started a hardware store at Bancroft, 
selling the first hardware ever sold in 
that village. In January, J 882, Mr. 
Woodworth removed to Bancroft. In 
June, 1883, Mr. Bush sold his interest in 
the store to O. A. Searles, of Greenwood 
township, this county. The firm name 
then being Woodworth & Searles. Mr. 
Woodworth was married in March, 1875, 
to Mary Gilmore, daughter of Arthur and 
Mary Gilmore, of New York. They have 
four children — Jane, Theren, Alice and 
an infant. Mr. Woodworth is republican 
in politics, but in local elections votes for 
whom he thinks the best man, regardless 
of party. 

The lumber business was initiated by 
McGregor Brothers, Oct. 4,1882, and they 
are doing a most excellent trade. 



Brner Brothers are also extensively en- 
gaged in the lumber trade, and receive a 
large share of the public patronage. 

The drug business of Berryman Bros., 
was established in April, 1882, and was 
the pioneer in that line of trade. A fine 
large stock of first class drugs, etc., are 
carried by them, as well as a line of 
books, stationery and notions. 

E. F. Clark deals in sewing machines 
and farm machinery. 

E. L. Ward represents the furniture 
business, which he established in May, 
188-3. This business was initiated by N. 
L. Caulkins, in the spring of 1882. Mr. 
Caulkins, however, sold out to the pres- 
ent proprietor in May, 1883, and removed 
to Dakota. 

E. L. Ward, son of Horace and Eliza- 
beth Ward, was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., 
Nov. 9, 1854. He received a good educa- 
tion, after which he engaged with his 
father in the saw-mill and lumber busi- 
ness. In September, L881, he came to 
Iowa, locating at Algona, Kossuth county, 
and working at the carpenter trade. In 
November, 1881, he came to Bancroft, 
working at the carpenter and joiner trade 
until May, 1883, when he bought out N. 
L. Caulkins' furniture business, also pur- 
chasing the store building. When not 
being in the store, he works at his trade. 
Mr. Ward was married Jan. 4, 1883, to 
Adelia C, daughter of S. S. N. and 
Clarissa A. Fuller, of Bancroft. 

John G. Edwards has a good sale, 
livery and boarding stable, which he es- 
tablished in April, 1882. 

John G. Edwards is a native of England, 
born in London Jan. 3, 1848. When sev- 
enteen years of age he came to the United 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



483 



States, locating in Waukegan, Lake Co., 
111. After a seven years residence there, 
he went to Kenosha Co., Wis., where he 
was engaged, for five years, in farming. 
In 1877 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and 
took charge of the Algona House, at Al- 
gona, for T. II. Langtry. He then came 
to Bancroft and bought out IT. Smith's 
saloon and livery business, in which busi- 
ness he has continued since. His father, 
John G. Edwards, died in London in 1S57. 
His mother died in 1858. Mr. Edwards 
is the proprietor of the best livery, feed 
and sale stable in Bancroft, and has the 
best driving teams in the city. He makes 
a specialty of buying, selling and trading 
horses. 

Samuel Hutchinson, meat market, estab- 
lished by Higley & McDonald, in June, 
1882. 

Wickwire & Wood are also engaged in 
the general merchandise line, which busi- 
ness they commenced in Bancroft, on the 
25th of November, 1882. 

Morton & Coan are engaged in the hay 
press business, and are doing a most ex- 
cellent business. 

II. L. Walters is also established in the 
business of baling hay, and handles a 
large quantity of that article. 

W. E. Jordan is the most prominent 
grain dealer in the community, and stands 
as high in the estimation of his fellow 
townsmen as is possible. He has done 
much to develop the resources of this 
village, and is liked and respected by all. 
He commenced the purchase of grain in 
the spring of 1883, having purchased the 
warehouse of P. A. McGuire, at that time. 

W. E. Jordan, son of Frederick and 
Adeline Jordan, was born in Linn county, 



near Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Aug. 17, 1848. Mr. 
Jordan was engaged in farming until 1881, 
when he came to Bancroft, Kossuth county, 
and engaged in the lumber business, also 
handling coal and wood. This was the 
first lumber yard started in Bancroft. In 
October, 1882, he sold out to McGregor 
Bros., of Chicago, 111., and purchased grain 
interests of P. A. McGuire, which busi- 
ness he still follows. Mr. Jordan was 
married in 1870, to Mary Kepler, daugh- 
ter of Henry and Emirine Kepler, of Mt.. 
Vernon, Iowa. They have five children — 
Edith V., Floeta S., Maggie I)., Fred 11. 
and Leo P. Mr. Jordan owns 240 acres 
of land in Greenwood township, 100 acres 
within four miles of Bancroft. He also 
owns fine residence property. He also 
owns the Phoenix Hotel, which is the sec- 
ond hotel built by him in Bancroft, the 
first one being burned, when nearly com- 
pleted, in October, 1882. Mr. Jordan was 
one of the first men to come to Bancroft, 
ind has been largely instrumental in build- 
ing up the town, for which he deserves 
great credit. 

One of the institutions of the town is 
the establishment of Tallman & Son, where 
is manufactured both sulky plows and 
ditching machines. 

Elias Tallman was born in Castile, Wy- 
oming Co., N. Y., June 1, 1-829. When 
fourteen years of age he removed with 
bis parents to Racine Co., Wis. After 
living there two years they removed to 
Dodge county, remaining eight years. 
They then lived two years in Sauk county, 
and from there went to Columbia county. 
In 1867 Mr. Tallman came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, taking a homestead claim on Buffalo 
Forks, Portland township, where he was 



a r- 



16 



♦2- 



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484 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



one of the pioneer settlers. Mr. Tallman 
was postmaster at Buffalo Forks for seven 
years. In June, 1881, Mr. Tallman, with 
his son, F. D. Tallman, took a contract 
for grading the Chicago & Northwestern 
railroad, commencing work that summer. 
In 1882 he built the Globe House at Ban- 
croft, being now proprietor of the same. 
Politically Mr. Tallman is a greenbacker. 
He was married, in 1855, to Harriet J., 
daughter of Samuel and Louisa Stahl, of 
Wisconsin. They have three children — 
Firman D., Willis B. and Frank G. His 
eldest son, Firman D., was born in Lodi, 
Columbia Co., Wis., in 1 857. He removed 
to Iowa with his father, and lived with 
him until 1881, when he came to Ban- 
croft and engaged with his father in grad- 
ing the road. He afterwards ran a livery 
stable for six months, and then engaged 
in farming, during which time he invented 
a sulky plow and a ditching machine. 
Both are patented. He formed a partner- 
ship with his father for the manufacture 
of the implements and erected a factory, 
20x32 feet, where they are engaged in 
making plows and ditching machines. In 
1876 he married Mary Stockwell, daugh- 
ter of William Stockwell. They have two 
children — Afton C. and Bertha. He is a 
republican in politics. 

S. Andrene put uf> the first forge in 
Bancroft, in September, 1 881, and is I he 
first blacksmith of that town. 

B. Stenson is also a worthy representa- 
tive of the Vulcan ian craft, who yet pre- 
sides at the anvil, in Bancroft. 

John A. Johnson, has a good shoe shop 
for the manufacture and repair of these 
parts of apparel. 



G. W. Smith is the general agent of the 
Crystal Well Cement Curb, and is also 
carpenter and well-digger. 

G. W. Smith was born in Yorkshire, 
near Leeds, England, June 14, 1844. 
When thirteen months of age his parents, 
Benjamin and Emma (Winterbtirn) Smith, 
moved to Kent county, province of On- 
tario, Canada. In 1S68 Mr. Smith went 
to Floyd Co., Iowa, purchased a farm and 
lived there five years. He then sold out 
and came to Kossuth county, locating in 
Greenwood township, and purchasing a 
farm on section 26, township 98, range 29. 
He lived on this farm five years then re- 
moved to Algona, where he took charge of 
the Harrison House, now called the Kos- 
suth County Hotel. After running this 
one year, he engaged in carpenter work. 
In 1880 Mr. Smith took the general agency 
for the Crystal Well, a cement wall or 
tubing, buying the right for the State of 
Illinois and ten counties in Iowa. In 
1882 he came to Bancroft. Mr. Smith 
was married April 1, 1867, to Margaret, 
daughter of Henry and Hannah (Cull) 
Lee, of Kent Co., Canada. They have 
seven children — Henry, Benjamin F., 
Emma H., Ella M., George A., Frederick 
A. and William O. Mr. Smith is a repub- 
lican in politics. 

The bank of Bancroft was established 
in November, 1882, by Zachariah Roberts, 
and of which that gentleman is president 
and J. C.Jones, cashier. 

The harness making business is ably 
represented by H.L. Walters, who opened 
the present shop in December, 1883. 

A hotel, which cost some $5,000, was 
erected by W. E. Jordan, in the summer 
of 1882, which was 36x36 feet in size, 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



485 



with a mansard roof, making it three 
stories high. To this was attached a wing 
16x24 feet, and only two stories high. It 
had hardly been completed, and was, as 
yet, unoccupied, when the flame of the 
incendiary was touched to it and it was 
totally destroyed. This occurred on the 
13th of October, 1882. With his charac- 
teristic energy, Mr. Jordan at once set 
about the erection of the present struc- 
ture, which is the same size and shape as 
the old one, except that the third story is 
not a mansard roof. On its being com- 
pleted, Mr. Jordon called it the Phoenix, 
for it had risen from its own ashes, and 
rented it to J. F. Jordan, who makes one 
of the most accommodating and affable of 
hosts. 

J. F. Jordan, son of John and Bridget 
Jordan, was born Nov. 3, 1850, in White- 
hall, Vt. When three years old his par- 
ents moved to Sheboygan Co., Wis., 
where his father engaged in farming. In 
1875 Mr. Jordan began to learn tele- 
graphy under J. C. Frazier, of Waldo, 
Wis. Six months afterwards he was 
given charge of Fredonia station, on the 
Wisconsin Central railroad, which posi- 
tion he held three years, going from there 
to De Pere, Wis. In 1882 he came to 
Bancroft, taking charge of the station on 
the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, and 
being express, station and freight agent 
and telegraph operator. In April, 1883, 
Mr. Jordan rented the Phoenix House 
at Bancroft, of which he is now pro- 
prietor. He was married July 25, 1879, 
to Mary Magrave, daughter of Patrick 
and Alice Magrave, of Sheboygan Co., 
Wis. They have two children — Wil- 
liam Henry and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. 



Jordan are members of the Catholic 
Church. Politically Mr. Jordan is a 
greenbacker. 

The Clark House was established by E. 
F. Clark, in February, 1882, and is one of 
the institutions of the town. 

The Globe House was opened by the 
present proprietor, Elias Tallman, in Jan- 
uary, 1882. 

City Restaurant was first thrown open 
to the public Nov. 10, 1882, by E. F. 
Knapp, who also does a large business in 
insurance. 

E. F. Knapp, son of Stephen A. and 
Maria Knapp, was born in Orleans Co., 
N. Y., March 27, 1825. In 1840 his par- 
ents moved to Rockford, III., where they 
engaged in farming. The father of the 
subject of this sketch was in the War of 
1812, and was at the burning of Danbury, 
Conn. He was married at Southeaston, N. 
Y., Nov. 2:i, 1815, to Maria Fowler. They 
bad live children. He died in Rockford, 
[11., June 7, 1880, aged eighty-seven years. 
His wife died June 18, 1862. The subject 
of this sketch followed farming a few 
years after moving to Rockford, then he 
took contracts for grading the Galena & 
Chicago Union railroad (the first road 
built west of Chicago), and the Illinois 
Central railroad, which business he fol- 
lowed for seven years. In 1855 he went 
to Freeport, 111., and engaged in the gro- 
cery business. In 1862 went to Mechan- 
icsburg, 111., engaging in grocery business 
there. In 1866 he went to Clinton, 111., 
where he engaged in the hotel business, 
running the Barnett House for one year. 
He then went into the grocery business, 
following it until 1876, when he removed 
to Webster City, Iowa, where he took 



^C « — *~ 



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_rf 9 



A 



480 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



charge of the Hamilton House, running it 
for five years. He then engaged in the in- 
surance business. On Nov. 8, 1882, he re- 
moved to Bancroft, Kossuth county, and 
engaged in the insurance business there. 
He also runs the City Restaurant. He 
was married Aug. 10, 1854, to Maria Hol- 
lenbeck, of Freeport, 111. They have one 
child — Merton H. Mrs. Knapp's father, 
W. H. Holleubeck, was born April 20, 
1809, in Great Barrington, Mass. He was 
a farmer, and was also engaged in the 
grocery business. He was married to 
Harriet Stevens, Oct. 26, 1831. She was 
born April 22, 1811, at Yates, Ontario Co., 
N. Y. Mrs. Knapp was the first white 
child born in Macon Co., 111. Her sister, 
Mrs. Sarah J. (Ilollenbeck) Graham, was 
the first white child born in Stephenson 
Co., HI. Mr. Knapp is engaged in the 
insurance business in Bancroft. 

George V. Davis is also the proprietor 
of a hotel, which he put up in December, 
1881, and is numbered among the pioneers 
of the town. 

The first school was taught by Miss 
Audell Austin, in the building owned by 
Mr. Richmond, during the winter of 1SS2. 

The school house at the village of Ban- 
croft was erected during the year 1882. It 
is a good, substantial building, 28x40 feet, 
and cost about -$2,000, to put up. It is 
two stories high and has one department 
in the first and another on the second 
floor. The first teachers were Laura Bush 
and Mrs. .1. F. Jordan. The present ones 
are James Crose and Emma Anderson. 

The postoffice * as established on the 1st 
of January, 1882, with E. F. Clark as post 
master, who is also the present incumbent. 



This was made a money order office last 
July. 

E. F. Clark was born in Batavia, N. Y., 
Feb. 22, 1833. In 1855 he removed to 
Pepin, Wis., teaching writing school at 
that place for eighteen months. He then 
spent a year and a half at St. Croix Falls, 
being clerk in the United States land 
office. He then went to Hudson, Wis., 
where he obtained a position as book- 
keeper in a steamboat warehouse. In 
1865 he started for New Orleans, reached 
Hannibal, Mo., made a short stay, and 
went to Leavenworth, Kansas, obtaining 
a situation as clerk in a store. He came 
that winter to Burlington, Iowa, being 
employed as shipping clerk in the Bur- 
lington & Missouri Riverrailway office for 
a few months. In March, 1866, he took 
charge of Ogden & Copp's books, on a 
steamboat line, with whom he remained 
six months. He then went to Boonesville, 
Mo., operating the Boonesville House for 
one year, after which he quit the hotel 
business and removed to Omaha, Neb., 
remaining there eighteen months as ship- 
ping clerk in the Union Pacific railroad 
office. He then took a homestead in 
Washington Co., Neb., where he remained 
five years, then sold out and went to 
Laramie City, Wyoming territory. Af- 
ter remaining there one winter he went to 
Fort Dodge, Iowa, and clerked for Boyn- 
ton & Plum and W. B. Siirdam, dry 
goods merchants, for three years. In 1878 
Mr. Clark came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
purchasing 160 acres of land on sections 
22 and 27. Greenwood township. He re- 
sided on this farm until Jan. 1, 1882, 
when lie removed to Bancroft to take 
charge of the postoffice, having been ap- 






HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



4S"i 



pointed postmaster while living on the 
farm. He lias held that position five 
years. He also runs the Clark House at 
Bancroft. Mr. Clark still retains his 
farm, and has forty acres in Portland 
township. He was married Nov. 21,1802, 
to Mary Fuller, of Hudson, Wis. They 
have had eight children, six of whom are 
living — Agnes, Arthur, Lucie C, Cecelia 
E., Willis H. and Ernest R. Mr. and 
Mrs. Clark are members of the Congrega- 
tional Church. In politics Mr. Clark is a 
republican. While at St. Croix Falls he 
was town treasurer and deputy sheriff. 
He has held the office of school director, 
and has been clerk of the board for four 
years. 

Bancroft Literary and Library Associa- 
tion was organized Sept. 4, 1883, having 
for its object the care, development and 
use of the library by the association. 
The following named were elected the 
first officers pro tern: James Crose, chair- 
man; J. C. Jones, .secretary; Mrs. W. E. 
Jordan, Mrs. M. H. Knapp and Mrs. L. 
H. Walters, committee on finance; Mrs. 
M. II. Knapp, librarian. At the regular 
meeting held Oct. 2, 1883, the following 
officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
E. F. Clark, president; Z. Roberts, vice- 
president; J. C. Jones, secretary; Mrs. L. 
II. Walters, treasurer; Mrs. M. H. Knapp, 
librarian; Z. Roberts, Mrs. W. E. Jordan 
and A. J. Berryman, trustees. The asso- 
ciation has a membership of about fifty, 
and quite the nucleus for a good library; 
some 110 volumes were included in the 
first purchase, and Bancroft, the historian, 
after whom the town has been named, has 
donated $1,000 worth of books to the 
new library. In kindly recognition of 



his liberal gift, the association has made 
him au honorary life member of the 
society. 

The religious interests of the commu- 
nity are by no means neglected, as there 
are divine services held by the Rev. R. 
A. Paden, a Presbyterian clergyman, who 
first made his appearance here, and 
preached the initial sermon, during the 
summer of 1882. There is as yet no 
church nor society, but services are held 
at the Phcenix Hotel. 

The first religious services in the town 
were held in the building owned by R. 
M. Richmond. This was conducted by 
Rev. William Spell, a Congregational 
minister, in January, 1882. 

R. M. Richmond, son of Rufus and Ann 
Richmond, was born in Walworth, Wayne 
Co., N. Y., June 4, 1852. When three 
years of age, his parents moved to Dallas 
Co., Iowa, his father engaging in business 
near Dallas Centre, where he has lived 
ever since, except three years, which he 
served in the late Rebellion. Mr. Rich- 
mond lost his two oldest brothers in this 
Rebellion. He has two brothers and a 
sister living in Dallas county, and his 
father, at the age of seventy years, enjoy- 
ing good health. His mother died in 18(57. 
In 1869 Mr. Richmond returned to Colum- 
bia Co., N. Y., where he lived with an 
uncle six years, spending his school days 
in the Ciaverack College and Hudson 
River Institute, near Hudson City, be- 
tween New York and Albany. He then 
spent one year in New York city. In 
1870 he returned to Dallas Co., Iowa, en- 
gaging in farming and speculating, for 
two years. He then engaged in the mer- 
cantile business until 1881, at which time 



+*\ 



*r 



488 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



he moved to Kossuth Co., Iowa, since 
which he has been engaged in the real es- 
tate business in the town of Bancroft. 
Mr. Richmond erected one of the first 
buildings in this village. He now has two 
business houses, which he rents; also has 
several farms and tracts of wild land in 
this county. 

Warren Coffen was born in Herkimer 
Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 1833. When two 
years of age, his parents, John and Cla- 
rissa (Nelson) Coffen, removed to St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., where they engaged in 
farming. When about sixteen years of age, 
he went to Worcester, Mass., and engaged 
in the stock business. In 1854 he removed 
to Rockford, III., engaging in the stock 
business there for two years. He then 
went to Huntsville, Ala., and engaged in 
raising cotton. He went from there to 
New Orleans and shortly afterward the 
war broke out. He returned to his home 
in Ogle Co., 111. lie enlisted in company 
B, 7th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and 
served until he was disabled, when he was 
discharged. In about a year he again en- 
Listed. This time in company L, same 
regiment. He was in the battles of Cor- 
inth, Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, Iuka and 
several other hard fought battles. He re- 
ceived his discharge at Nashville, Tenn., 
and returned to Ogle Co., 111., remaining 
there until he got well. In 1864 he had 
taken a claim of 160 acres of land on sec- 
tion 9, township 98, range 30, in Green- 
wood township, Kossuth Co., Iowa. In 
July, 1866, he came out and took posses- 



sion. He raises cattle, horses and hogs, 
and is one of the most systematic farmers 
in this county. He was married Oct. 26, 
1868, to Ellen De Rusha, daughter of Eli 
and Caroline De Rusha, of Fairibault Co., 
Minn. They have had nine children, 
eight of whom are living — Ella, Albert, 
Minnie I., Julia, Ellen, Electa, Rosanna 
and Warren. Mrs. Coffen is a member of 
the Catholic Church. Her parents live in 
Fairibault Co., Minn. They are of French 
descent. Mr. Coffen's father died in 
March, 18*75, and is buried in Ogle Co., 111. 
His mother lives in Ogle county, on the 
old homestead. Mr. Coffen is a republi- 
can, politically. 

J. G. Graham, son of John and Hannah 
J. Graham, was born in Hastings Co., 
Canada, June 6, 1859. In 1876 he went to 
Lapeer Co., Mich., engaging in the lum- 
ber business until 1879. He then came to 
Iowa, and worked for the Chicago & 
Northwestern Railroad Company. He 
helped to build the road into Bancroft, 
and in December, 1881, located in that 
city. In 1882 he began to clerk for John- 
son Bros., with whom lie still remains. 
Mi-. Graham was married Dec. 25, 1881, 
to Artie M. Coffen, daughter of C. S. and 
Aurilla Coffen, of Portland township, her 
parents being among the first settlers in 
that township. Mr. Graham's father is a 
native of Ireland. He now lives in Can- 
ada, being engaged in farming. His 
mother died in 1876. Mr. Graham is a 
democrat, in politics. 



~T 



% 



ft" 



:e 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



489 



CHAPTER XX 



IRVINGTON TOWNSHIP. 



This territory lies in the second tier of 
townships, from the south line of the coun- 
ty and the second from the east line. It 
consists of all of congressional township 
95 north, range 28 west, and contains 
about 23,000 acres, and is abundantly wa- 
tered by numerous small creeks and runs, 
affluents of the East Fork of the Des Moines 
river, which flows along the western border 
of the township. The surface of the 
ground is most beautifully diversified, 
gently undulating in some localities, it 
becomes quite rolling in others; prairie 
interspersed with timber and in some 
parts, especially the western sections, 
heavy groves make up a picture of great 
natural beauty. Along the river, the 
strip of forest extends sometimes a mile 
in width. In this the woodman's ax lias 
seemed at times to make sad havoc, but 
other trees sprung up in their place, rapid- 
ly assume goodly proportions, as if in de- 
fiance of man's puny attempt at extermin- 
ation. The population of Irvington is to 
a great extent, of American birth, and are 
an enterprising, thrifty people, and some 
of the finest farms in the county are to be 
found in this township. Considerable em- 
ulation seems to exist among the farming 
community, to see who can have the best 
tilled land, the finest crops, or the choicest 
herd. 



The first settlement made in this town- 
ship was made by Malachi Clark and his 
son, William G.Clark, in the spring of 1855- 
William Clark settled upon the north- 
west quarter of section 19, and in August 
he built a house here. This was the sec- 
ond house raised in the township. Mal- 
achi Clark continued to reside here for 
some years and then removed to Oska- 
loosa, where he died. His son, William, 
removed from Kossuth county in 1859 or 
1860, and is now living in Keokuk county, 
this State. 

Almost at the same time that the Clarks 
made their settlement, Hiram Wiltfong, 
Reuben Purcell, Philip Crose, Thomas and 
John Robison, selected land in this town- 
ship and settled down as pioneers and 
prospective farmers of Irvington town- 
ship. 

Reuben Purcell, settled upon a portion 
of section 20 at a place since called Pur- 
cell's point. Here he built a log cabin, 
the first in the township, and lived for 
some little time. This farm, upon which 
lie settled, is now a portion of the Albe 
Fife land. 

Hiram Wiltfong located near the 
Clarks, on section 19. The house he 
built here, and resided in was the third 
house erected in the township and is yet 
standing on the farm of William Carter, 



a^~- 






490 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



where it is used as a granary or barn. 
Wiltfong was a queer genius, and is chiefly 
noted for his selling the settlers seed corn, 
which, by the way, he would take out of 
his crib, of corn just gathered perhaps. 
He did not stay here long but strayed 
away after selling his claim. 

Philip Crose at first located upon the 
southwest quarter of section 19, in Au- 
gust, 1855, and here he erected his hum- 
ble cabin of logs. This historic building, 
having outlasted the days of its useful- 
ness, has been torn down and the mate- 
rial of which it was built, used for fire 
wood. Mr. Crose sold out his claim a 
short time after his settlement, to James 
Parnell, of Indiana, who had some idea 
of coming here to locate. In the spring 
of 1856, he (Mr. Crose,) took another 
claim on the northwest quarter of the 
southwest quarter of section 18, where he 
is living to this day. 

Philip Crose, son of Solomon and Fan- 
nie (Campbell) Crose, was born Nov. 18, 
1812, in Ohio. When quite young, he 
left Ohio, and went with his father to 
Shawneetown, 111., where he lived five 
years, and then removed to Vigo Co., 
Ind., near Terre Haute. After living here 
a while, he moved to Tippecanoe Co., 
Ind., and lived with his father until he 
died in 1845. He was married Jan. 22, 
1834, to Mary Crouch, born in Ross Co., 
Ohio. They had seventeen children, 
eleven of whom are living — John, Syntha, 
Sarah, Abram, Thompson, James, Joseph, 
George, Louisa, Frank and Philip. Mr. 
Crose owns 163 acres of fine land on sec- 
tions 13 and 18, having his residence on 
section 18, Irvington township. Politi- 



cally he is a democrat. Mrs. Crose is a 
member of the M. E. Church. 

Thomas Robison remains upon his 
original claim. 

Thomas Robison, son of William and Sa- 
rah (Lane) Robison, was born Jan. 8,1824, 
near Shawneetown, Gallatin Co. ,111. When 
quite young he moved with his parents to 
Tippecanoe Co.,Ind., living at home until 
the time of his marriage, which took 
place June 15, 1844, he taking to wife, 
Mary Martin, born in Ohio. There are 
six children living — J. !>., F. E., T. W., 
S. M., A.J. and M. A. Mr. Robison came 
to Iowa in July, 1855, and settled on sec- 
tion 31, township 95, range 28, what is 
now Irvington, Kossuth county, and where 
he still lives, owning 205 acres of good 
land, and raising grain and stock. He has 
been township assessor several times, also 
has served as school director, and town- 
ship trustee several terms. Politically, he 
is a Jackson democrat. 

John Robison settled upon the north- 
east quarter of section 1, where he re- 
mained until during the year 1858, when 
he left this section, going to Johnson 
county. He afterwards removed to Brook- 
lyn, Poweshiek county, where he died. 

During that same year, 1855, O. J. 
Smith. L. L. Treat, Benjamin Ilensley 
Jacob C. Wright, Kendall Young, Elijah 
Lane and George Smith came to the 
township. 

Lyman L. Treat, a keen, shrewd busi- 
ness man, came to this locality to speculate 
and manipulate the county seat location, 
and had a principal hand in the contest 
over that question as detailed in the gen- 
eral county history. He afterwards kept 
the store at Irvington, the first in that vil- 



;? 



it 



4 



^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



491 



lage. He is now a wealthy and influen- 
tial merchant of Webster City. 

Jacob C. Wright continued a resident 
of the township of Irvington until the 
day of his death, Feb. 17, 1875. 

Kendall Young has removed to Web- 
ster City, where he has acquired consid- 
erable of this world's goods, and is at 
present the president of the First National 
Bank at that place. 

Benjamin Hensley settled upon section 
31, but did not remain any length of time. 
In 1857 he drifted away, and his after 
movements have been entirely lost sight 
of. 

Jason Richmond and Charles Osgood, 
also made a settlement in this locality 
during the year 1855. They were Massa- 
chusetts men, who came here from Whit- 
insville, in that State, to found a settle- 
ment. Mr. Richmond remained several 
years and then removed back to his native 
hills. Mr. Osgood made a short stay also, 
and went east again. He was prosecuting 
attorney of the county court in an early 
day. 

Elijah Lane is still a resident of the 
original claim he made at that time, but 
has recently been cut off and is now a res- 
ident of Sherman township. 

Elijah Lane, a native of Ohio, was born 
June 21, 1832. When he was six years 
of age his parents removed to Tippeca- 
noe Co., Ind. When he was fifteen years 
of age he went to Will Co., 111., and re- 
mained there one year, when he returned 
to his home in Indiana. In about three 
years he went back to Illinois. This lime 
he located in McIIenry county, and en- 
gaged in farming with Thomas Robison 
as partner. He next engaged in farming 



about twelve miles south of Bloomington, 
111. On the 22d of October, 1S55, he 
came to Kossuth county, locating on sec- 
tion 6, township 95, range 28, Irvington 
township. In 1859 he removed to Wash- 
ington Co., Iowa, and followed farming 
until in the fall of 1863, when lie returned 
to Kossuth county. He settled on his old 
farm, where he resided until 1881. At 
that time he removed to section 31, town- 
ship 95, range 28. He has eighty-five 
acres of good land, well improved. He 
was married April 14, 1853, to Martha A. 
Wright, born in McLean Co., 111., Jan. 7, 
1835. This union has been blessed with 
three children — Carrie F., Sarah A. and 
Chloe A. Mr. Lane belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity, Prudence Lodge, No. 
205, Algona. Mrs. Lane is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. He is a repub- 
lican in politics, and has held the offices 
of township trustee and supervisor in 
Irvington township. 

Coryden Craw also was among the set- 
tlers of Irvington, during the year 1855, 
and at the election held in August, that 
year, he received the nomination for 
county judgeship, from the Irvington fac- 
tion, but was defeated by a few votes, and 
Judge Asa C. Call elected in his stead. 

Among the most prominent arrivals of 
the years 1856-7, were: D. W. Sample, 
Kinsey Carlon, Richard Hodge, William 
Carter, Addison Fisher, O. W. Robinson, 
B. Howard, who was familiarly known as 
"Bing," Barnet Devine, George Wheeler 
and others. Most of these parties are at 
present residents of the county. O. W. 
Robinson, who was a man of some means, 
bought a farm here, but in 1861 or 1862, 
he returned to his native State, Vermont, 



-. » 






492 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



where he remained some time, but is now 
living in the copper region of Michigan, 
where he has acquired considerable wealth. 

D. VV. Sample was born April 17, 1822, 
in Pennsylvania. He lived there until 
1856, and then came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, locating on section 32, township 95, 
range 28, where he has 470 acres of good 
land, under a high state of cultivation, 
raising grain of various kinds, but makes 
a specialty of stock. He was married in 
May, 1859, to Josephine Austin, born in 
Jackson Co., Iowa. They had ten chil- 
dren, eight of whom are living — -Charles 
B., Margaret E., Anna, Miss Franc, 
William G., Henrietta, Addie M. and 
Leota R. Mr. Sample is a member of 
the Order of Free Masons, Prudence 
Lodge, No. 205, Algona. In politics he is 
a republican. 

William Carter was born June 2, 1831, in 
Lawrence Co., Penn., where he lived until 
1853, and then came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa. In 1857 he bought 160 acres of 
good land on section 30, township 95, 
range 28, where he has since lived and 
carried on a general farming business. 
He has held the offices of township trus- 
tee and justice of the peace, also is a 
member of the Order of Free Masons, 
Prudence Lodge, No. 205, Algona. He 
was married in June, 1864, to Martha 
('rose, born in Indiana. She died April 
2, 1882, leaving five children — Mary E., 
George, Henrietta, Lucy and Abram. 

Luther Bulbs was a pioneer of 1856, in 
Irvington township. He located on what 
is now the King place, where he remained 
until the fall of 1859, when he traded his 
land for cattle which he drove off. He is 
now a resident of Montana territory. It 



is told of him that he had caught a young 
beaver, which he kept in the house, and 
one night down came the bedstead; the 
pet had gnawed off one leg of that piece 
of furniture. 

John Ramsey settled in this township 
in 1856, where he remained until 1868. 
His present location is unknown, or 
whether he is alive or not. 

R. Parmenter was another of the set- 
tlers of this year. He located in the vil- 
lage of Irvington, and after a time was 
engaged as a merchant in that place. He 
left the county, going to Pike's Peak, 
from which he returned, but for a short 
time, when he left the country for good, 
and his present whereabouts are unknown. 

The first cabin was erected in Irv- 
ington township by Reuben Purcell, on 
section 20, during the spring and summer 
of 1855. The second was built by Mala- 
chi and William G. Clark, the same Aug- 
ust; the third by Hiram Wiltfong. 

The first birth in the township was that 
of the twin sons of Philip and Mary 
Crose, James and Joseph, who were born 
upon the 28th day of August, 1855. These 
are the first children born in Kossuth 
county. 

The first marriage was that which 
united the destinies of William Moore 
and Sarah Wright. This occurred upon 
the 22d of April, 1857, at the house of 
the bride's father, Jacob C. Wright. By 
whom performed seems to be hard to de- 
termine; parties who were present think- 
ing that Rev. Chauncey Taylor solem- 
nized the rite, while the record in the 
office of the clerk of the court says that 
George Wheeler performed it. Both par- 
ties are now dead, the husband dying 



-» — »pT 



8 fk_ 



* A .» v* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



493 



while a soldier in the service of his 
country. His body was brought back to 
his home and now reposes in the cemetery 
of Irvington. 

The first death was that of Ambrose 
Craw, in June, 1855. He was buried 
about a mile and a half west of Algona. 
At that time his friends had no lumber 
with which to make a coffin, so they, with 
the help of some neighbors, split out 
puncheons from bass-wood logs, and 
nailed them together, that they might 
bury him, at least, decently. 

The first land broken for the purpose 
of agriculture was by Malachi and Wil- 
liam Clark, in the spring of 1855, on sec- 
tion 19. On this piece of land the follow- 
ing year Clark secured a small crop of 
corn, the first raised in the township. 

The first wheat was raised by Jacob C. 
Wright, in 1856. 

The first religious services were held in 
November, 1855, at the cabin of William 
G. Clark. A Rev. Mr. Skinner, a Con- 
gregational minister from Polk county, 
preaching the sermon. The second ser- 
mon was preached by that good man, 
Father Taylor, in August, 1856. 

The first school was taught in the town 
hall at Irvington, in the summer of 1857, 
by Andalusia Cogley. 

Irvington township was organized at 
the March term of the county court, 1857, 
with the following described boundaries: 
"beginning at the quarter post on the 
east line of section 7, township 95 north, 
of range 27 west, of the 5th principal 
meridian, and running from thence due 
west, along the center of sections 13, 14, 
etc., to the middle of the channel of the 
East Fork of the DesMoines river, and 



thence down the middle of said channel 
to the south line of township 94, and 
thence east along said line to the east line 
of the county, and thence along said 
county line to the place of beginning." 
The following is a list of the first officers 
of the township, the election taking place 
at the house of R. Parmenter: S. W. 
Parsons, W. T. Crockett and T. O. Came- 
ron, trustees; William Moore, clerk; John 
G. Allison and Elijah Lane, constables; 
William Carter and John Robison, road 
supervisors. 

In this connection is given a list of the 
present officers of the township: Nathan 
Gates, M. Stephen and D. W. Sample, 
trustees; Z. C. Andruss, clerk; J. W. Bates, 
assessor; B. C. Minkler, justice of the 
peace and David Blythe, constable. 

The village of Irvington was the first 
laid out in Kossuth county, being filed for 
record upon the 27th day of September, 
1856, by George Smith, Lyman L. Treat 
and Kendall Young. The town was start- 
ed by these parties with an eye to captur- 
ing the county government, but were de- 
feated as detailed elsewhere. The first 
merchant in the village was Lyman L. 
Treat, who opened a general merchandise 
store in the fall of 1855. This he contin- 
ued to operate until about 1861, when he 
disposed of the stock and business to J. 
A. Armstrong, who was the merchant until 
1878, when he closed out the stock and 
discontinued the store. 

The first blacksmith was "Bing" How- 
ard, who started a shop in 1856. He was 
succeeded shortly after by a man by the 
name of Louppe. Both of these parties 
have left the county. Howard going to 
Webster City, where he is engaged in the 



¥ 



^L 



494 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



hardware business. Louppe drifted back 
to Indiana and lias been lost sight of. 

The school district of Irvington was 
organized in 1856. At a meeting of the 
qualified electors held upon thellthof 
August of that year, at the village of Ir- 
vington J. C. Wright was made president 
and L. L. Treat, secretary. Ballots were 
then prepared and voting commenced- 
For sub-director, Rev. Gills received nine 
votes and was declared elected; for sec- 
retary, William Moore received ten votes, 
defeating Leicester Fox, who polled but 
one; L L. Treat was elected treasurer, 
having ten votes, while his opponent, H. 
A. Davidson, had but one. 

The present board of the school dis- 
trict township is composed of the follow- 
ing named: President, C. J. Harvey; 
secretary, Z. C. Andruss; treasurer, Perry 
Burlingame; sub-directors, Perry Purlin- 
game, A. Lambke, R. Hodges, Michael 
Smith, Henry Curran, John Connors, 
Addison Fisher, C J. Harvey and Nelson 
Swizzer. 

The first school in the township was 
taught by Andalusia Cogley, in the sum- 
mer of 1857, in the town hall at Irving- 
ton, then just finished. This school only 
lasted for two weeks. 

In 1858 William P. Davidson opened a 
school in the same place, and taught a 
lull term. 

The first regular school house built 
here was erected for a dwelling house, 
but in 1860 it was purchased and moved 
on to section 19, where it at present 
stands. This is called No. 2, the one 
called No. 1 was built in Irvington and 
hauled to its present location on sec- 
tion 28. 



There are at present five school houses 
in all, in the township, all of them fine 
buildings. Three of them are 20x36 feet, 
the others 18x30 feet and they were erect- 
ed at a total cost of $600 a piece. Be it 
said to the credit of Irvington township, 
that the educational interests are the best 
managed of any locality in this section of 
country, employing only the best class of 
teachers and paying good salaries to the 
right people. This bears its fruit in a 
more intelligent class of young people, 
that are growing up in Irvington, and in 
the better condition of the schools gener- 
ally. During the year 1883 the folio wing- 
named were among the teachers in the 
township: Emma Johnson, A. A. Crose, 
Cora E. Morford, May Halgerson, Letitia 
Hodges, Dora Barker, Joseph Crose, 
Hattie Parsons, Ida M. Miller, Celestia 
Reed and James B. Reed. 

In November, 1855, the little knot of 
settlers gathered together at the cabin of 
William Clark, to hold the first religious 
services ever held in Irvington. A Con- 
gregational divine by the name of Skin- 
ner, from the neighborhood of Des 
Moines, had come up here for that pur- 
pose and the service was held. No other 
meeting, for the same object in view, was 
held until in August, 1856, Rev. Chaun- 
cey Taylor, one of the most indefatigable 
laborers in the Lord's vineyard, came to 
Irvington from Algona, and preached 
several times. In 1859 services were held 
several times by Rev. Mr. Lawton, a Meth- 
odist Episcopal divine. He was followed 
by a Rev. Mr. Mallory, also a Method- 
ist, as this place had been made a point in 
a circuit of that Church. He was suc- 
ceeded by a Rev. Mr. Billings, who lived 



b y 



J*l« 



MA 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



495 



at Irvington. Mr. Billings removed from 
here about 1860 or 1861, going to Boones- 
boro, Boone county. Irvington after this 
had regular religious services until 1881, 
when they were discontinued, aud the 
people go to Algona to attend Church. 

The old town hall of Irvington, around 
whose hallowed walls cluster so many 
pleasing associations of by-gone days, and 
which so many in the community recall in 
the glamour that memory throws around 
their youth, was built in 1857. Being in 
want of a suitable place for public meet- 
ings, a joint stock subscription was raised, 
and with the proceeds the edifice was 
built. This was opened with a dance, 
and as that was the principal enjoyment 
of the period, many an old settler tells 
with infinite glee, how that the mini-ter 
who held forth to them had to hurry his 
sermon, that the young folks might enjoy 
an innocent dance. This building was 
for many years the general rendezvous 
for the whole township, and stood until 
1881, then having become decrepid with 
age, it tumbled to the ground. 

The Irvington Juvenile Band was or- 
ganized by the young people of that town, 
in 1868, and was the first cornet band 
within the limits of Kossuth county. The 
members were the sons of old ami promi- 
nent citizens of that part of the county. 
The following is a list of the organizers 
as far as could be gathered from the 
memories of those concerned, and is be- 
lieved to be complete: B. F. Reed, leader; 
J. O. Holden, A. T. Reed, C. B. Holden, 
E. P. Crockett, Rolla Bush, Fulton Fill, 
J. W. Green and 'George Fisher. The 
baud existed for several years, but as the 
members drifted away from their homes 



to seek new ones farther west or south, 
the organization dissolved and has not 
been revived to this day. 

The present village of Irvington is of 
late origin, the railroad going near but 
not touching the old town site, hence the 
springing up of a new place. The Wes- 
tern Town Lot Company, laid out and 
platted this village in the fall of 1881, on 
the southeast quarter of section 29, and 
the northeast quarter of section 31. On 
this site, B. C. Minkler erected the first 
building, having it ready for occupancy 
by the 27th of May, 1S82. In this he 
opened the first stock of goods and is to- 
day the most prominent merchant, dealing 
in general merchandise. The store build- 
ing that he erected was 18x28 feet, two 
stories high, and built of frame. He has 
since added a dwelling addition to it of 
the same size. 

B. C. Minkler was born OcJ. 4, 1855, in 
Delaware Co., Iowa. When twelve years 
of age he removed with his father's fam- 
ily to Edgewood, Clayton Co., Iowa, 
where he lived until 1882. While at 
Edgewood he spent the most of his time 
educating himself for the actual duties of 
life. He graduated Jan. 13, 1875, at Bay- 
lies Commercial College, at Dubuque, 
Iowa. He was married July 4, 1876, to 
Katie Gilcrist, born at Halifax, Nova 
Scotia. They have one child — Pearl, born 
Jan. 30, 1878. In May, 1882, Mr. Minkler 
moved to Irvington, Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
and engaged in a general mercantile 
trade. He first erected a good store 
building two stories high, which he filled 
with a stock of dry goods, groceries, hats, 
caps, boots and shoes. He is now post- 
master in Irvington, justice of the peace, 



^ 



496 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



and a notary public. Politically, Mr. 
Minkler is a republican. 

David Blythe opened the first black- 
smith shop in the new town on the 20th 
of May, 1882, and is the present represent- 
ative of that craft. 

J. Jacobs established the hardware busi- 
ness here on the 4th of June, 1883, and 
carries a good line of building hardware, 
barbed fence wire. In addition to this he 
deals in groceries and wooden-ware and 
wagon material. 

There is also at this point one elevator 
owned and built by the Chicago & 
Northwestern Railroad Company, and 
operated by Butler, Molstre, & Co. 

The first postoffice at Irvington was es- 
tablished during the year 185V. 

The next to the last postmaster was Dr. 
J. R. Armstrong, who gave up his com- 
mission and the office was run fora while 
by D. Chapman, and was finally discon- 
tinued in 1875. The present postoffice 
was established in July, 1882, and B. C, 
Minkler was the first, as he is the present 
postmaster. Mr. Minkler is a native of 
Delaware Co., Iowa, but passed most 
of his life in Clayton county, coming to 
Kossuth county but a short time before 
his appointment. 

Prairie fires were very destructive to 
the new settlers previous to 1860, owing 
partially to the tall grass that surrounded 
them, and partially to their inexperience 
in protecting against it. It was no un- 
common thing for a settler to lose house, 
fence and grain by its ravages. But as 
the country gradually settled up, and the 
the pioneers learned the lesson of experi- 
rience, these became less and less danger- 
ous. 



Matthew H. Hudson, M. D., was born 
in the town of Southold, Suffolk Co., L. I., 
in 1818. He studied medicine and grad- 
uated from the Berkshire Medical College, 
in 1844, immediately commencing to 
practice in Brooklyn, N. Y. In the spring 
of 1846 he was married to Esther P. Hal- 
lock, of Southold. They have five chil- 
dren— J. Q. A., Stella E., Henry H., 
George C. and Josie E. Dr. Hudson re- 
tired from practice eighteen years ago, 
and settled on a farm east of Algona, and 
turns his attention more especially, of 
late years, to stock raising and dairying. 
This farm has one of the oldest and finest 
cultivated groves in the county. Mrs. 
Hudson's ancestors, on both sides, were 
in the colony that made the first settle- 
ment in Southold, that being one of the 
first settled towns in New York. 

Jesse W. Green was born in Mercer 
Co., Penn, Dec. 16,1849. In the spring 
of 1856 he came to Kossuth county, and 
located on section 32, township 95, range 
28, Irvington township. After residing 
on that place five years, he removed to 
Marshall Co., Iowa, remaining there one 
year he came back to Irvington township, 
and located on section 29, where he now 
resides. He was united in marriage Jan. 
13, 1872, with Laura E. Crammend, a na- 
tive of New York State, born Oct. 3, 1852. 
This union has been blessed with-four 
children — Eva, Francis, Rosa and Jose- 
phine. Mr. Green has 200 acres of land. 
Politically he is a republican. 

N. A. Pine, a well known farmer of Irv- 
ington township, was born Feb. 4, 1831, 
in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. In 1835 his 
parents removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio. 
His parents afterwards removed to Paw 






-dt 9 



l£* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



497 



Paw Grove, Lee Co., 111. In 1866 the 
subject of our sketch came to Kossuth 
county, and located on section 2, town- 
ship 95, range 28, Irvington township. 
He has 160 acres of good land, and is one 
of the substantial farmers of the township. 
He was married Sept. 16, 1850, to Susan 
Gleason, born in New York, and they 
have had four children, two of whom are 
living — Myron W. and Carrie B. Ella L. 
and Eddie W. are deceased. Mr. Pine 
and his wife are members of the Baptist 
Church. He enlisted in March, 1865, in 
company K, 15th Illinois Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served eight months. After 
being mustered in at Dixon, he went to 
Chicago, and from there to New York 
city, where he took a steamer to More- 
head City, N. C. Going from there on 
foot through the swamps to Raleigh, N. 
C, he went from there to Richmond, Va., 
and then to Washington City, where he 
witnessed the grand review. He then 
went by rail to Parkersburg, where he 
took a boat for Leavenworth, Kan., and 
remained two months, when he went to 
Springfield, 111., received his discharge and 
came back to Paw Paw Grove. 

Zebina C. Andruss was born Feb. 7, 
1843, in Ontario Co., N. Y. In the spring 
of 1864, he moved to Michigan, where he 
lived until the summer of 1867, when he 
returned to New York. In the fall of 
1868 he came to Iowa, arriving at Irving- I 



ton in September of that year. In the 
fall of 1869, he settled on the southwest 
quarter of section 20, township 95, range 
28, Irvington township, where he owns 
180 acres of well improved land and 
is engaged in dairying and stock rais- 
ing. He was married March 24, 1863, 
to Amanda S. Armstrong, born June 27, 
1837, in Steuben Co., N. Y. They have 
one child — S. Luella. Mr. Andruss and 
his wife are members of the Baptist 
Church at Algona. He has been town- 
ship clerk eight years, and was re-elected 
to fill the term for 1884. He has also 
been secretary of the district township 
of Irvington twelve years. 

Stephen Sharp, a native of Wisconsin, 
was born Sept. 30, 1842. He resided in 
the home of his birth until he removed to 
Irvington, Kossuth county. He has re- 
sided in Irvington township ever since, with 
the exception of oneyear when he followed 
farming in Cresco township. He now re- 
sides on section 6, township 95, range 28. 
On Nov. 5, 1870, he was united in mar- 
riage with Josephine Hill, born in Ver- 
mont, Nov. 10, 1848. They have three 
children — Dora, Stephen J. and George A. 
Mr. Sharp enlisted in March, 1865, in com 
pany K, 45th Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantry, and served about six months. He 
participated in the battle of Nashville. 
He was discharged from service in Au- 
gust, 1865. Politically he is a republican. 



IF? 



498 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT V. 



CHAPTER XXI 



LOTT'S CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



This township comprises all of con- 
gressional township 96 north, range 30 
west, and all of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, 
8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and the north half of 
sections 13, 14, 15, 16,17 and 18, of town- 
ship 95, range 30. It contains, therefore, 
fifty-one square miles, or 32,640 acres of 
land. It is bounded on the north by 
Fenton, on the east by Algona, on the 
south by Cresco townships, and on the 
west by Palo Alto county. The surface 
is nearly level, except in some places, 
where it takes on a more rolling character. 
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul rail- 
road crosses its most southern range of 
sections, and the important station of 
Whittemore is located within the limits 
of Lett's Creek. 

The first settler in this portion of the 
county was G. Smith, who located upon 
the northeast quarter of section 10, Sept. 
1, 1865. 

In the spring of 1866 several other 
families moved in, among whom were: 
II P. Hatch, S. B. Hatch, B. F. Peasley, 
M. Leach and A. Ilinton. 

II. P. Hatch located a claim on section 
32, as did M. Leach. 

S. B. Hatch settled upon a portion of 
section 9, and commenced to open up a 

farm. 



I}. F. Peasley made the choice of some 
land on section 5. 

A. Ilinton located upon section 29, 
where he lived some years, but is now a 
resident of Whittemore. 

Charles Wilkins, in the spring of 1866, 
also made a settlement on section 22, in 
what is now called "Sod town." At the 
same time P. Wilkins, Mrs. Taylor and 
her sons located upon the same section. 

The first marriage in the township took 
place in October, 1869, and united II. L. 
Goodrich and Maria Wilkins. At the 
time of this marriage, however, this town- 
ship was a part of Algona. 

The school district township of Lott's 
Creek was organized in 1874; and at the 
first election, held in March of that year, 
the following were elected the first board 
of directors: A. Hinton, pfesident; ILL. 
Goodrich, secretary; John Wallace, treas- 
urer; A. Hinton, A. Tintinger, Charles 
Wilkins and J. Brown, directors. At the 
present the school matters are in the 
hands of a board, who were elected in 
March, 1883, and which is composed of 
the following named: R. R. Chapman, 
president; A. Hinton, secretary; H. P.' 
Hatch, treasurer; John Gcetsch, S. L. 
Scott, R. Stevenson, A. Sawvel, J. Chris- 
chilles, A. Margraf and R. R. Chapman, 
directors. 



D *y 



^Js 



3L 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



499 



When the township was set off from 
Algona, the schools in most instances 
were found to be organized and in run- 
ning order. These, under the old order of 
things, were known as districts 4, 5, 6 and 
7, of Algona, but have been changed as 
follows: The school known before as No. 
5 is now called the Hatch school, or No. 
2, and was taught the summer of 1883 by 
Mrs. Edna Love; what was before No. 4, 
is now No. I, or Gcetseh school, and was 
last taught, by Nettie Mattison; No. 6 has 
become No. 3. or "Sod town" school, and 
was last presided over by Hattie Chase. 
No. 7 having become No. 4, is known as 
the Sawvel school house, and is presided 
over by Helen Weaver. No. 6 school 
being in Whittemore it will be found 
mentioned in the account of that village 
further on. The school house in district 
No. 6, called the Pomp school, was erected 
during the summer of 1881, at a cost ol 
$700. This school was first taught that 
same fall by Alice Sherwood. The pres- 
ent teacher is Hattie Chase. 

Sub-district No. 7 has a school called 
the Archer, the edifice of which was 
erected in the summer of 1882, and was 
taught for the first term by Hattie Acres. 
School had been held in this place before 
this, however, by Fannie Calkins, but 
that was before the erection of any school 
house. This building cost about $700, 
and is at present underthe charge of Vina 
Acres. A branch school is also taught at 
the house of J. Rawson, by Rena Thomp- 
son. 

The township was organized Feb. 3, 
1873, and the first election was held at the 
school house in what was then district No. 
C. At that time there were elected the 



following named: II. L. Goodrich, clerk; 
A. A. Brunson, justice; Peter J. Walker 
and S. L. Scott, trustees; and J. DeGraw, 
constable. At present the board of trus- 
tees is composed of these gentlemen : J. 
M. Farley, F. Tietz and Adam Sawvel. 
James Archer is the township clerk. 

In 1 870, the Hatch postoffice was estab- 
lished, at the house of S. L. Scott, on sec- 
tion 32, that gentleman having been ap- 
pointed postmaster. After about three 
years, Mrs. H. P. Hatch was commissioned 
postmistress and she kept it for two years, 
until 1875, when the office was discon- 
tinued. 

The following account of the organiza- 
tion and building up of the German 
Lutheran Church, on section 2, has been 
prepared for this history by the pastor, 
Rev. C. F. W. Maass. 

UERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN IMMAN- 
UEL CHURCH. 

A number of German Lutheran Chris- 
tians, who, in the course of time, settled 
themselves as farmers in Kossuth county, 
and for a number of years were served 
by the Rev. T. Merteus, located at Fort 
Dodge, and belonging to the Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and 
other States, in the year 1 875 organized 
themselves into an Evangelical Lutheran 
Congregation and tendered Mr. E. II. 
Scheips, from the Theological Seminary 
at St. Louis, Mo., a call, and adopted the 
following constitution on the 6th of May 
of that year : 

Resolved, That this congregation shall be 
called and known as The German Evangelical 
Lutheran Immanuel Congregation of the Unal- 
tered Augsburg Confession, in the county of 
Kossuth, State of Iowa. 



17 



+±.1 



*k+ 



500 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Resolved, That this congregation recognizes 
all the canonical books of the Old and New 
Testaments as the revealed word of God; and 
therefore, also, as the only rule and canon of 
our faith and life, and that it furthermore re- 
cognizes all the symbolical books of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church, contained in the so- 
called "Books of Concord" of the year 1580, as 
that form and rule derived from the word of God 
according to which (because it is derived from 
the word of God), not only the doctrine to be 
preached and promulgated in this congregation, 
shall be examined, but also all doctrined and 
religious controversies, that may arise in this 
congregation, shall be decided and adjudicated. 
The Symbolic Books herein referred are the fol- 
lowing: The three chief Symbols, the Apostoli- 
cal, Nicene and Athanasian,the Unaltered Augs- 
burg Confession of the year A. D., 1530, the 
Apologie of the same, the Schmalkald Articles, 
Luther's Smaller and Larger Catechism and the 
Formula of Concord. 

Resolved, That the foregoing confession of 
faith shall be forever unchangeable and unal- 
terable. 

Resolved, That if a schisma for doctrines sake 
should arise in this congregation (which God 
may mercifully prevent!, the property of the 
congregation and all benefices thereof shall be- 
long to those members, who adhere to the doc- 
trines laid down in the Unaltered Augsburg 
Confession, and who accordingly require that 
the minister of this congregation be pledged to 
adhere to the doctrines of all the Symbolical 
books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
above enumerated, and thereby adjudicated; 
and furthermore, that if a member of said con- 
gregation should be excommunicated out of 
this society after ineffective application of ad- 
hortation, as commanded in the word of God, 
St. Matthew 18, 15-20, where the same are pos- 
sible, such a member shall forfeit all the rights 
as a member of said congregation, as well as all 
claims on all property belonging to said congre- 
gation, as long as said member is not reinstated 
into said society, the same shall apply to those 
members of congregation, who voluntarily retire 
from said Bociety or effect their retirement by 



removal and cease to act with said Society. This 
article and resolution shall also be unchangeable 
and unalterable forever. 

N. B. — The above is only a part of the 
constitution. 

The first members of the congregation 
were: Ferdinand Tietz, William Schmidt, 
John Schmidt, Frank Pompe, Christian 
Bierstedt, Christoph Bierstedt, William 
Meyer, Fred Stamer, William Dau, Fred 
Meyer, Henry Rambath, Henry Behreus, 
Henry Legenhausen, August Zumach, 
Fred Pompe, Oottlib ISohn and E. H. 
Scheips, minister. 

On Sept. 20, 1875, ihe congregation re- 
solved to build a church, 24x36 feet, on 
section 2, and Sept. 9, 1877, they resolved 
to build a parsonage on the same place, 
14x22 feet, one and a half stories high, 
with a ten foot addition. On Jan. 19, 1879, 
the congregation resolved to becon e a 
member of the Evangelical Lutheran Sy- 
nod of Missouri, Ohio and other States, 
and for this purpose, in the month of Au- 
gust, sent a deputy to the district Synod 
of Iowa, in session at Fort Dodge. 

In November, 1879, the pastor of the 
congregation received a call from Ohio, 
which he accepted. On March 8, 1880, in 
a brief session, the congregation resolved 
to send a call to Rev. C. F. W. Maass of 
Spirit Lake, Iowa. He accepted the call 
as a divine one. On Sunday, May 4, 1880, 
he was installed by Rev. E. Wiegner, pas- 
tor of St. Ansgar, Iowa. On April 3, 
1881, the congregation determined to be- 
come incorporated as the Evangelical 
Lutheran Immanuel Congregation, by 
having their aforesaid constitution record- 
ed at Algona, the county seat. On June 
24, 1882, the congregation met with a 



i* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



501 



great loss in the destruction of their 
church by a tornado. For the course of 
one and a quarter years services were now 
held in a public school house. During 
this time the congregation resolved to 
build a new church, 32x50 feet. The 
steeple to be eighty feet high. The church 
was to have an addition of 16x20 feet for 
a school room, the whole to cost #2,500. 
The plan was drawn by Rev. M. Stephan, 
of Waverly, Iowa. The contractors were 
Fred Wegener & Bro., members of the 
congregation. The foundation was laid 
on the 6th of May, 1883, Rev. H. W. 
Rabe, of Webster City, preaching, and 
Mr. II. F. Eggert, student of theology, 
reading the documents to be placed in the 
foundation stone. The pastor of the con- 
gregation laid the foundation in the name 
of the Holy Trinity. 

The dedication of the new church took 
place Sept. 23, 1883. The Rev. E. Wieg- 
ner preaching in the German and Rev. C. 
Weber in the English language. 

Service is held ev^ery Sunday in the new 
church in the German language; and the 
pastor of the congregation also teaches a 
parochial school, in which English and 
German are taught. Average of scholar- 
ship twenty-five. At present, Dec. 1, 1888, 
fifty families attend services. The parish 
consists of the congregations of Lott's 
Creek township, of Estherville, Emmett 
county, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto county, 
Whittemore, West Bend and Luverne, 
Kossuth county, Livermore and Humboldt, 
Humboldt county. The latter three con- 
gregations have lately, Nov. 18, 1883, re- 
ceived their own pastor, in the person of 
Rev. R. P. Budach, who has his residence 
at Whitman, Kossuth county. This con- 



y 



gregation consists of about twenty-five 
families, the majority of them coming from 
Bloomington and Geneseo, 111. 

In the whole former parochie, from the 
year 1875 to November, 1883, 263 children 
were baptized, eighteen couple were mar- 
ried and thirty-two persons buried. 

Rev. C. F. W. Maass, pastor of the German 
Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Fenton, 
was born in Mecklenburg Strelits, Ger- 
many, July 2, 1854. His parents, Fred 
and Minnie (Hirchert) Maass, were also 
natives of Germany. His mother died 
Oct. 4, 1875. His father makes his home 
with him. Mr. Maass was reared in his 
native land, and when seventeen years <>f 
age emigrated to America. He located, 
first, at Detroit, Mich., residing there un- 
til 1873. He then entered Concordia Col- 
lege, at Fort Wayne, Ind., being a student 
there until 1*75. He then entered the 
Cheological Seminary at Springfield, 111., 
graduating therefrom, in 1878. Mr. Maass 
then took a trip to his native land, re- 
maining two mouths, then returning and 
taking a charge at Spirit Lake, Iowa. Re 
ministered to the people there, of his 
faith, until May, 1880, when he took charge 
of his present congregation at Fenton. 
He was united in marriage April 24, 1879, 
with Anna Harte, a native of Watertown, 
Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Maass have two chil- 
dren—Rosa W. H. and Dora M. A. 

WHITTEMORE. 

The village of Whittemore was laid out 
and platted by W. H. Ingham and Lewis 
II. Smith, of Algona, in the fall of 1878, 
when f'e railroad reached thatpoint. The 
plat was not filed for record, however, un- 
til the 12th of April, 1879. 



M' 



j?u- 



502 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



The first settler upon the town site was 
J. C. Foster, who located thereon in the 
fall of 1878, closely followed by Charles 
Camp and William Amos. 

William Amos came to buy grain and 
manage the lumber business of J. J. Wil- 
son, of Algona, by whom he was employed. 

The first building erected upon the site 
of the town of Whittemore, was the depot 
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
railroad. This was built in the fall of 
1878, being completed during the month 
of October. 

The first grain warehouse was erected 
in the fall of 1878, by J. J. Wilson, of Al- 
gona, and who was and is yet engaged 
largely in the purchase of the great 
cereals of this vicinity. 

The pioneer store, in the line of general 
merchandise, was opened ou the 22d of 
February, 1879, by H. Munch, in a build- 
ing that he had just built. He is still en- 
gaged in the same business, and carries a 
large and complete stock of all kinds of 
goods, that will invoice about $7,000. His 
store room. 20x62 feet, is well fitted up 
and attractive, and his trade is respectably 
large and remunerative. He may be justly 
entitled one of the solid representative 
business men of the place. 

Henry Munch is a native of Germany, 
born March 17, 1840. He lived in Ger- 
many thirteen years when he came to 
America and located in Astoria, N. Y., 
where he lived two years. He then re- 
moved to Grant Co., Wis., where he re- 
mained until 1861. He enlisted in com- 
pany E, 9th Wisconsin regiment, and 
served two years. He was taken prisoner at 
Newtonia,Mo.,and remained a prisoner till 
November, 1862, when he was paroled and 



afterward discharged in March, 1863. He 
re-enlisted in company H, 44th Wisconsin 
regiment, and served tillJune, 1865. Re- 
turning to Wisconsin he engaged in hotel 
business for one year in Cassville. At 
the close of the year he removed to Ben- 
ton Co., Iowa, and was in the grocery 
business for three years. Removing to 
Luzerne, Iowa, he remained until 1869 
when he removed to Emmetsburg, Iowa, 
where he remained until coming to Whitte- 
more. In 1869 he was united in marriage 
with Mary B. Trottman, of Grant Co., 
Wis. Five children blessed this union — 
Susie K., Frederick E., John H., Sadie and 
George E. He is a member of the I. O. 
O. F., and while at Emmetsburg was 
chairman of the board of supervisors and 
was also one of the first aldermen of that 
place. 

C. D. Creed established the first drug 
store in the village in February, 1878, 
but in June, 1879, having found a pur- 
chaser for the same, disposed of the busi- 
ness to Dr. J. M. Pride, who has con- 
tinued it to the present. The doctor car- 
ries a good stock and by close attention to 
business and a desire to please his numer- 
ous patrons, he has worked up an excel- 
lent trade, and has become one of the 
leading merchants of the place. 

E. Chrischilles came to Whittemore in 
March, 1*79, and established a saloon, 
which he ran until the following fall. He 
then opened a general merchandise store 
in the building he had just completed, 
and which he occupies at present. This 
edifice is 22x40 feet, and is well filled with 
goods of all descriptions and kinds, 
and the trade he does is large and lucra- 
tive. 



T 



Va_ 



ti 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



503 



In February, 1879, Jacob Strandberg 
came to Whittemore and built part of the 
Grand Central Hotel, which he still runs. 
In 1881, William Amos established a store 
for the sale of general merchandise at 
this point, but as he had a store at West 
Bend, Palo Alto county, to which he gave 
his personal attention, he looked around 
for a manager. He employed Mr. Strand- 
berg, after giving him a trial, from May, 
1882, a position which he yet fills. 

The National House was rebuilt from a 
store building into a hotel, in the spring 
of 1880, and was run by C. D. Creed until 
June, 1883, when he closed out to Dr. A. 
F. Dailey, the enterprising dentist of the 
community, who makes a good landlord. 

The hardware trade was initiated by J. 
M. Farley, in April, 1879, a business he 
follows at present. 

The first harness making business was 
started by D. J. Cain, in May, 1881. He 
continued this trade only about six 
months, when his father, J. W. Cain, 
took it and has monopolized the business 
ever since. 

Rev. Jesse W. Cain was born in Mont- 
gomery Co., Ind., Dec. 26, 182S. When 
six years of age he removed with his par- 
ents to Putnam Co., 111. After a resi- 
dence there of nearly two years they re- 
moved to Bureau county, where Jesse was 
reared and learned the harness making 
trade. In 1869 Mr. Cain became a min- 
ister in the Free Methodist Church, being 
for the year following assigned to the 
Churches of Amboy and Ashton, 111. He 
was then given a charge at De Witt, 
Clinton Co., Iowa, where he remained one 
year. For the following two years he 
had charge of a circuit near Cedar Rapids, 



Iowa. In the fall of 1S73 he took charge 
of the New Diggings circuit, Grant Co., 
Wis., remaining one year. He then went 
to Rock Co., Wis., being there engaged 
in farming for two years, and the two 
years following having charge of the 
Church at Sharon, Wis. He then re- 
moved to Piersville, Wis., where he 
preached six months. He then went to 
Whitewater, Wis., following his profes- 
sion and his trade, that of harness maker, 
for four years. In July, 1881, he came to 
Whittemore, where he has since been en- 
gaged in the harness business, and also 
preaching the word of God as occasion 
offers. Mr. Cain was married Feb. 24, 
1853, to Maria McElvain, a native of 
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have five chil- 
dren — David J., Clara, Louisa, Mary and 
Isabella. 

The first shoe maker was A. Doering, 
who yet attends to that branch of the 
business interests of the town. 

The first physician to locate in Whitte- 
more was J. M. Pride, now the druggist 
of the village. 

The pioneer blacksmith was L. M. 
Moosaw, who located here in 1878. 

The business is now represented by J. 
De Graw, who made his advent in the 
village in July, 1881. 

Jonas De Graw was born in Canada 
West, Aug. 29, 1848. When an infant 
his parents removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, 
where Jonas was reared and educated. He 
there learned the blacksmith trade. In 
1871 Mr. De Graw came to Kossuth 
county, engaging for one year at work at 
his trade in Algona. He then engaged in 
farming, which occupation he followed 
until 1882, in which year he came to 






\ 



504 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Whittemore and established his present 
business, that of practical blacksmith. Mr. 
De Graw was married Oct. 21, 1S7T, to 
Emma E. Rice, a native of Vermont. 
They have two children — Lucius J. and 
George E. Mr. De Graw is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity. 

The livery business is well represented 
by C. D. Creed, who established this busi- 
ness in November, 1831, and has con- 
tinued to operate it ever since. He is lo- 
cated in the rear of the National House. 

The postoffice was established in Octo- 
ber, 1879, and William Amos was ap- 
pointed postmaster. This office remained 
in his possession until January, 1882, when 
he was succeeded by C. D. Creed, the 
present incumbent. 

Charles D. Creed was born June 21, 
1844, in Lucas Co., Ohio. When twelve 
years old he went to Chicago, 111., re- 
maining till 1861, when he enlisted for 
three months with the Chicago Zouaves. 
After that time he returned to Chicago, 
and in August enlisted in company A, 4th 
Illinois Cavalry, serving till 1865, and 
having charge of Gen. Grant's Orderlies. 
Coming again to Chicago, he clerked in 
the postoffice for nine years. In 1876 he 
removed to Havana, 111., remained there 
till 1878, then removed to Humboldt, 
Iowa, and engaged in the drug business. 
In February, 1879, he removed to Whitte- 
more, erected a building and opened a 
drug store. After remaining a few 
months he sold out and returned to Chi- 
cago, 111., remaining there one year, then 
came to Kossuth county and engaged in 
the hotel business as proprietor of the Na- 
tional House. In 1882 he was appointed 
postmaster, has also been justice of the 



peace and school director of the town- 
ship. Nov. 15, 1866, he married Carrie 
J. Judd, of Ohio. They have one child — 
Austin W. 

The school house in the village was 
completed in January, 1880, at a cost of 
$800. Hattie Acres was the first, as she 
is the present teacher. 

In the spring of 1881 many of the best 
people in Whittemore and the surround- 
ing country gathered together and organ- 
ized what is called the Whittemore Cem- 
etery Association, with the following 
officers: II. B. Hatch, president; J. M. 
Farley, secretary; William Amos, treas- 
urer. This society purchased ten acres of 
ground on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 7. This is a private enterprise, but 
most of the best people in the community 
are interested in it. 

The first marriage in the village of 
Whittemore took place upon the 2d of 
February, 1879, and united William Amos 
and Cora Heath man. 

The following is a complete directory 
of the business men of Whittemore, and 
will serve as a recapitulation of the histo- 
ry of the town: 

Amos, William, general store. 

Or tyton, John, agricultural implements. 

Chrischilles, E., general store. 

Corlish, S. H., furniture. 

Cain, J. W., harness maker. 

Cady <& Chapman, hay press. 

Dailey, A. F., National House and den- 
tist. 

UeGraw, J., blacksmith. 

Doering, A., shoemaker. 

Farley, J. M., hardware, grain and lum- 
ber. 

Munch, H., general store. 



s ^y 



\iu 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



505 



Pride, J. M., M. D. and druggist. 

Reilings, H., hay press. 

Scottish-American Land Co., hay press. 

Smith, A., hay press. 

Solomons, hay press. 

Strandberg, J., Grand Central Hotel. 

Wilson, J. J., lumber and grain. 

Waggoner, N., meat market. 

Adam Sawvel was born March 5, 1832, 
in Harrison Co., Ohio, being there reared 
and educated. He there followed the oc- 
cupation of a farmer until the spring of 
1S55, when he removed to Clayton Co., 
Iowa, being one of the early settlers in 
that county. He resided in that county 
until 1809, then came to Kossuth county, 
locating on his present place on section 
6, Lott's Creek township. His farm con- 
tains 240 acres of good land. Mr. 
Sawvel was married Sept. 13, 1853, to 
Lydia Hahn, a native of Pennsylvania. 
They have five children — Simon A., James 
I., Mary E., Ida A. and Leslie E. Mr. 
and Mrs Sawvel are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Saw- 
vel was trustee of Lott's Creek township 
for two years, beginning with the first af- 
ter its organization. He was justice of 
the peace from 1876 to 1880, and has been 
school director of his district for the past 
six years. He served three years in the 
war as a member of company I, 27th Iowa 
Volunteers. 

Peter J. Walker, son of James and 
Dorothy A. Walker, was born in Askrigg, 
Wensleydale, Yorkshire, England, Nov. 
23, 1832. He was left an orphan at an 
early age, his mother dying when he was 
one and a half years old, and his father 
died when he was nine years old. After 
the death of his father he was sent to 



Loudon to live with a brother. From 
that time until he emigrated to the United 
States, in 1849, he had a wide and varied 
experience. In 1849 he located in New 
Diggings, Wis., and engaged to clerk for 
G. W. Adams. In June, 1852, he went 
to Chicago, 111. Remaining in that place 
for a short time, he returned to Wiscon- 
sin. In 1853 he removed to Big Patch, 
Wis., and engaged in business. In 1855 
he commenced farming, which he fol- 
lowed until 1869. He removed from 
Grant Co., Wis., in 1869, to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, locating in Lott's Creek town- 
ship, where he purchased 320 acres of 
land. He now owns 480 acres of good 
land, with good comfortable buildings, 
nice groves, orchards, etc. He deals ex- 
tensively in live stock. He was married 
in 1855 to Jane Clayton, of Wisconsin. 
By this union there were two children — 
Mary A. and Saidonia. Mrs. Walker 
died in March, 1861. He was again mar- 
ried, in July, 1863, to Sarah A. Hunting- 
ton, daughter of William Robinson, of 
Platteville, Wis. The result of this union 
was nine children — Ella I., Robert M. and 
James E., born in Wisconsin; Emma R., 
Sarah J., William F., Albert S., Archie 
B. and Leslie R., born in Lott's Creek 
township. Mr. Walker has held several 
township offices of trust. In religion he 
is free and outspoken. In politics he 
favors the republican party, but abhors 
corruption, and is a man who is not afraid 
to stand up and speak out his convictions. 
Mr. Walker is one of the best farmers 
and stock raisers in northern Iowa, and 
can truly be said to have made life a suc- 
cess. There are few men, left orphans 
at an early age, and compelled to work up 



+?i 



^ 



JL 



506 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



step by step, that can show as clear a 
record or as successful a business career 
as Mr. Walker. 

Ferdinand Tietz is a native of Germany, 
born July 26, 1833. He was there reared 
on a farm and followed farming for a 
livelihood in his native country until 1859. 
In June of that year he emigrated to 
America, settling in Dodge Co., Wis. 
There he engaged in farming until the 
spring of 1860. He then for two years 
resided in Janesville, Wis., after which 
time he returned to Dodge Co., Wis., 
where he resided until 1873, when he re- 
moved to Kossuth county, settling on his 
present farm. He was married Nov. 13, 
1802, to Minnie Kroening, also a native of 
Germany. They have seven children liv- 
ing — Martha, Mary, Bertha, Otto, Eddie, 
Frank and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Tietz are 
members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. 
Tietz is at present one of the trustees of 
Fenton township. 

Frank Pompe, the present postmaster 
of Fenton postoffice, is the son of Fred- 
erick and Johanna Pompe, natives of 
Pomern, Germany. He was born Oct. 4, 
1836. In 1856 he camt to America, and 
the following year, 1857, he sent for his 
parents, in Germany, and located in 
Dodge Co., Wis., where they bought a 
farm on which they remained until the 
fall of 1873, when with his family he 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled 
on section 3, Lott's Creek township. He 



now owns 480 acres of good land, of 
which 300 acres are under cultivation. 
He has a good house and barn on same. 
He was married May 1, 1863, to Bertha, 
daughter of Karl and Caroline Schuma- 
cher, natives of Pomern, Germany. Mrs. 
Pompe was born Aug. 7, 1844. They 
have five children — Charles F. W., Ame- 
lia S., Robert F., Bertha J. and Albert J. 
The youngest child died when an infant. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pompe are members of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Pompe 
is neutral in politics. 

Charles N. Oliver was born in Wash- 
ington Co., Ohio, Dec. 8, 1846. When 
fifteen years of age he removed with his 
parents to Fayette Co., 111., where he en- 
gaged in farming. On Jan. 1, 1S64, he en- 
listed in company F, 14th Illinois Cav- 
alry regiment, and served in that com- 
pany until the close of the war. In June, 
1865, he returned to Illinois, where he 
lived until 186S and then removed to 
Martin Co., Minn. After a four years 
residence there he returned to Illinois, 
and in 1874 removed to Kansas. After 
remaining there four months, he came to 
Iowa, locating in Polk county. Then in 
1878 he came to Kossuth county, and the 
following year located on his present 
place, on section 32, Lott's Creek township. 
Mr. Oliver is one of the progressive and 
successful farmers of the county. He 
was married Oct. 14, 1880, to Ellen, daugh- 
ter of A. Sawvel, of this county- 



to 



Js 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



50"! 



CHAPTER XXII. 



LUVERNE TOWNSHIP. 



The first settler in township 94 north, 
range 27 west, now known as Luverne, 
was Joseph Walker, a native of Illinois, 
who came here and located upon section 
20, in 1870. During the fall of that year, 
he, and a cousin that lived with him, broke 
the first ground in the township. He was 
also the builder of the first frame house, 
and sower of the first grain. He moved 
back to Illinois, sometime since, being 
dissatisfied with his surroundings. 

The next settler was Valentine Zoelle, 
who settled upon section 31, during the 
year 1873, where he at present resides. 

Valentine Zoelle, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Germany, Feb. 10, 
1843. When nine years of age his parents 
emigrated to America, locating in Jeffer- 
son Co., Wis., where he worked at the 
carpenter trade. When fifteen years of 
age, he left home and commenced work 
on a farm. He followed farming for about 
four years. In 1862 he enlisted in com- 
pany K, 3d regiment, Wisconsin Cavalry. 
He served until the close of the war, when 
he returned to his home in Wisconsin. He 
commenced farming again. In the spring 
of 1866, he came to Iowa, locating near 
Fort Dodge. Iu a short time he came up 
to Kossuth county, locating in Irvington 
township. He worked for Samuel Reed, 
one and a half years. He purchased 175 



acres of land in Irvington township, (now 
called Luverne township) section 31. Tie 
then went back to Wisconsin, and worked 
in the pineries, near Wolf river, for one 
winter. From there he went to Illinois, 
where he farmed for a year. Then he 
went back to Wisconsin, locating in Jef- 
ferson county. He remained in Wiscon- 
sin until 1873, when he came back to Kos- 
suth Co., Iowa, and settled on his farm in 
Luverne township. Mr. Zoelle was mar- 
ried, in 1870, to Mary L. Friday, of Jeffer- 
son Co., Wis. Mrs. Zoelle is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
is independent in politics. Mr. Zoelle 
deals considerably in live stock. 

These seem to be all the settlers, until 
the building up of the embryo city of 
Luverne, a sketch of which is herewith 
given, taken mainly from the columns of 
that sprightly little sheet, the Revieiv, 
published at the village in question: 

''Luverne is a thriving young town of 
nearly 400 inhabitants and is situated at 
the junction of the Minneapolis & St. 
Louis, and the Toledo branch of the 
Chicago & Northwestern Railways. It is 
not a station on either of these roads, but 
is situated between Vernon station, on the 
M. & St. L , and Whitman, on the C. &N. 
W. R. R. 



508 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



"Luverne has had an almost unparal- 
leled growth among the towns of Iowa. 
When the Minneapolis & St. Louis Kail- 
way ran through this section of the coun- 
try, no town was laid out between Cor- 
wiih and Liverinore, but in the fall when 
the Chicago & Northwestern Company 
were building their road through here, 
the officials of the former road, saw it was 
necessary to survey a town near the cross- 
ing. Accordingly they laid out a town 
on the farm of L. D. Lovell, across the 
line in Humboldt county, who was offered 
a reasonable amount for the plat, or a half 
interest in the same. He chose the latter 
and was appointed sale proprietor of the 
lots in the town, which was named Vernon. 

In October, 1880, Messrs. George W. 
llanna and B. B. Bliss came to Vernon 
with the intention of buying a lot and 
erecting a building in which to carry on a 
general mercantile business, but not being 
suited with the location and lay-out of the 
streets, they bought fifteen acres of land 
of Valentine Zoelle, and on October 20, 
had it surveyed and platted. The sale of 
lots was slow at first, as the competing 
town, Vernon, had gained quite a busi- 
ness. But these gentlemen were deter- 
mined to succeed, and immediately began 
the erection of their present building on 
the corner, where they opened their store 
for business on the 15th day of Decem- 
ber following. They treated all incomers 
with liberality, and soon created agreater 
demand for lots in Luverne than they had 
in Vernon. Lots were sold at reasonable 
prices, ranging from $50 to $75 according 
to location. The town was given the 
name of Luverne, by ex-Governor Carpen- 
ter. 



"Although the town of Vernon was laid 
out several months previous to the pur- 
chase of the land for this town site, the 
postoffice was established at Luverne about 
three months after the town was started, 
and George W. Hanna was appointed 
postmaster, who now holds the office. 

"The second business building was the 
one now occupied by S. Pearson, for his 
drug store, and was built by Dr. Dunlap 
about a month after Hanna & Bliss began 
business. W. J. McNally, of Cedar Falls, 
erected the third building, which is now 
occupied by C. F. Fisher for his store. 
Other buildings were added at short in- 
tervals apart. 

"In April, 18S2, Valentine Zoelle made 
an addition to the town on the north and 
has sold several lots." 

The following historical account of the 
business development of the village may 
not be without interest in this connection. 

As has been mentioned, the first build- 
ing erected upon the present town site 
was put up by Hanna & Bliss, in Decem- 
ber, 1880, and in which they carry a large 
stock of general merchandise, principally 
dry goods. This firm, although composed 
of young men, has a reputation not con- 
fined to the town and township, but of 
wider range, of being wide-awake, up- 
right, business men. They are doing an 
extensive business, as the reward for their 
enterprise and business tact. 

The next mercantile pursuit opened, 
was the drug store of Dr. Dunlap, who 
came here in the early part of 1881, from 
Delaware county. In August, of the same 
year, he disposed of it to Samuel Pearson, 
a farmer of Humboldt oounty, who placed 
it in the hands of A. J. McLean, a native 



s> ^V 



**>. T« — v. 



-< — nf 



t 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



.-.(19 



of Illinois, who ran it until the day of his 
death, in July, 1883. His widow, Mrs. 
McLean, has charge at present. 

About the same time a general mer- 
chandise store was opened by W. G. Mc- 
Nally. 

C. E. Fisher came from Geneseo, 111., to 
this place in September, 1881, and also 
established a store for the sale of general 
merchandise. In July, 1S83, he closed 
out the entire stock and quit business, 
although he still resides in the village. 

G. C. Burtis established the pioneer 
lumber yard at Luverne. In March, 1881, 
he had delivered to him the first carload 
of lumber, and from that time he has 
always taken the lead in this line. He 
formerly sold hoes, spades, forks and 
other farming implements in connection 
with his lumber yard, but has given that 
up in order to devote his whole attention 
to his specialty in building materials. He 
carries quite a large stock of hard and 
pine lumber, sash, doors, lime, brick, etc. 
He has also the agency for the most ap- 
proved modern farming machinery, and 
being a wide awake, enterprising business 
man, does a large and profitable business. 

Gay lord C. Burtis, son of John and Lu- 
cina Burtis, was born at White's Corners, 
Potter Co., Penn., May 29, 1847. When 
fifteen years of age his parents removed 
to Kalamazoo, Mich., where his father 
purchased a farm. They lived there 
three years, when they came to Iowa, lo- 
cating in Irvington township, Kossuth 
county, where his father bought 160 acres 
of land near Algona. Mr. Burtis, the 
subject of this sketch, received a good 
education. In 1866 he commenced teach- 
ing school, and has taught eighteen terms 



in this county. About 1868 he bought 
160 acres of land on section 31, Irvington 
township. In \S1:i he sold out and bought 
eighty acres on section 23, same township, 
where he lived until 1881, when he re- 
moved to Luverne, being one of the first 
settlers in the town. He retains his old 
farm, also owns eighty acres on section 
25, and 160 acres on section 26, same 
township. He has eighty acres of land 
in Humboldt county, an eighty acre tree 
claim in Irvington township, and six acres 
of timber in same township. He also 
(.whs considerable property in Luverne. 
When he came to Luverne he engaged in 
the lumber business, which business he is 
engaged in at present. In 1872 he was 
married to Martha E. Reed, daughter of 
Samuel and Fay Reed, of Irvington town- 
ship, this county. They have one child — 
Cole C. Mr. Burtis is a republican. 

The meat market was established in 
July, 1882, by John Oscarscheler, a native 
of the German Empire, and is under his 
control at the present. 

L. D. Lovell, who came to Luverne, 
from Livermore, Humboldt county, estab- 
lished the first harness shop, in 1881. He 
shortly afterwards bought out the stock 
of groceries owned by M. B. Luchsinger, 
and ran the business in connection. In 
June, 1883, he disposed of the harness 
making part of his establishment to 
Thomas Daughton, and is devoting his 
entire energies to the grocery and provis- 
ion branch. 

D. Park is engaged in the lumber and 
building material trade. He commenced 
the business in May, 1881, and carries a 
good stock of all kinds of lumber, brick, 
lime, paints, sash, door, and all the various 



r 



510 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



commodities in use by the architect and 
builder. A coal yard is also run in con- 
nection. 

S. Finley also established a general 
store in August, 1881, and divides the 
trade in that line with his competitors in 
trade. 

The hardware business is in the hands 
of Hanna Brothers, who commenced ope- 
rations in October, 1881. 

The general merchandise establishment 
of Wartman Brothers commenced opera- 
tions in November, 1882, with S. S. and C. 
II. Wartman at the helm. These gentle- 
men came from Indiana, and carry most 
excellent stocks in the various lines rep- 
resented. Dry goods, boots, shoes, hats, 
caps, groceries and notions, are disposed 
of by them in large quantities and their 
trade is increasing fast. Mrs. S. S. Wart- 
man has a most excellent and complete 
stock of millinery goods, which she runs 
in connection with the store. 

S. S. Wartman was born April 8,1835, in 
western Canada, where he lived until 1865, 
being engaged since 1851 in a general 
merchandise business. Three years pre- 
vious to his coming to the States, he pur- 
chased a tannery in Yarker, Canada. Af- 
ter coming west, he located in Illinois, 
and lived there two years, when he moved 
t > Newton Co., Ind., engaging in farming, 
and raising stock. In 1880, he came to 
Iowa, locating in Vernon, Humboldt coun- 
ty, where he rented a farm. In February, 
1882, he came to Luverne, and engaged in 
the grocery and shoe business, afterwards 
purchasing a store building, and forming 
a partnership with his brother, C. H. 
Wartman, engaged in the general mer- 
chandise. Mr. Wartman was married 



Dec. 25, 1861, to Maggie Claney, of Can- 
ada. They have had five children, of 
whom four are living — Minnie E., Luella 
B., Susan E. and Frank A. He and his 
wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He is a successful 
business man, one well liked by his neigh- 
bors, who speak his highest praises. In 
politics, he is a republican. 

Werner Eggerth,. a contractor and 
builder, controls the furniture business 
which he established in 1881. 

The Godfrey House, owned and operated 
by W. II. Godfrey, is the only first class 
hotel. It stands just across the line in 
Humboldt county, but is apart and parcel 
of the business interests of Luverne. This 
house was erected in May, 1881, by W. J. 
Godfrey, father of the present proprietor, 
who, however, died on the 4th of October, 
18S2, when it passed into the hands of the 
son. 

The Luverne House, restaurant, was 
established by F. D. Williams in March, 
1883, and already enjoys a good patronage. 

The first blacksmith shop was built in 
1881, and was the second building in Lu- 
verne. This was put up by Fred Legler. 

J. M. Preston is also engaged in the 
business of blacksmithing, having opened 
a forge for the purpose in 1881. 

Mrs. Barbara Patton, a native of Ohio, 
has, also, a good stock of millinery, and 
has a large amount of patronage from the 
ladies of the neighborhood. 

F. C. Needham, of Wesley, started a 
creamery in Luverne in the spring of 1882. 
In about a year he left and now is at Ren- 
wick, Humboldt county. 

The Luverne school house, which is the 
only one in the township, is a beautiful 



5 V 



■M<SL- 



HISTORT OF KOSSUTH COUNT Y 



511 



building and was erected in 1882, at an 
expense of $1,400; it is 28x44 feet, and one 
story high. Alice Daggett was the first 
teacher and Bessie Fisher the present. 

The first birth in the township was a 
son of Joseph Walker, born in 1874. 

The first marriage in the town of Lu- 
verne, took place upon the 26th of July, 
1882, and was between Ida Root, of Hum- 
boldt county, and Andrew J. McLean. 

The first death was that of the wife of 
Rufus Gage, who died in December, 1881. 
The remains were taken to Jackson county 
for burial. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. 
Martha E. Burtis, in the building now 
used as a saloon, on De Witt street. This 
was in the early winter of 1881. 

Luverne is situated in the southeastern 
part of Kossuth county and borders on 
the Humboldtcounty line. It is justacross 
the line and a little to the east of Vernon; 
about six miles northeast of Livermore 
and nine miles southwest of Corwith sta- 
tion on the Minneapolis & St. Louis rail- 
road. About eight and one half miles 
southeast of Irvington; about the same 
distance from Renwick, northwest, and 
forty rods south of the Whitman depot, 
all stations on the Chicago & Northwest- 
ern. It will no doubt, some day absorb 
what is now known as Vernon and Whit- 
man, and be known as Luverne on both 
lines of railroad. 

Luverne township was organized Sept. 
4, 1882, and the first election was held in 
the following October at the school house 
in the village. The following named 
were elected to fill the respective offices: 
John Kingery, G. C. Burtis and R. W. 
Hanna, trustees; C. E. Fisher, clerk; M. 



Luchsinger, assessor; S. Finley and F. C. 
Needham, justices; S. Godfrey and Wil- 
liam Futterer, constables; Valentine 
Zoelle, road supervisor. At the present 
the officers are: C. E. Fisher, clerk; L. 
D. Lovell, assessor; John Kingery, R. W. 
Hanna and V. Zoelle, trustees; J. C. Ray- 
mond, justice; H. E. Olmstead and F. H. 
Patton, constables; and John Kingery, 
road supervisor. 

Levi P. Crandall, son of Capt. George 
and Maria Crandall, was born May 10, 
1847, in Pierpont, St. Lawrence Co., N. 
Y. When twenty-one years of age, he 
went to Wyoming Territory, and pur- 
chased an interest in a gold mine. After 
remaining in the territory four years he 
returned to New York, and immediately 
came west to Iowa, locating in Osceola, 
where he commenced railroading. After 
living in Osceola three years, he went to 
Minnesota, locating in Minneapolis, where 
he learned telegraphy. He lived in Min- 
neapolis six years, during which time he 
worked a year and a half for a street car 
company, and then went to work for the 
St. Paul »fe Milwaukee railroad, remaining 
with them two and a half years. After 
this he commenced to work for the Min- 
neapolis & St. Louis railroad, coming to 
Luverne in 1880, and taking charge of 
the new station, just built, called Vernon 
station. Here he acted as operater, ex- 
press agent, station agent, freight agent, 
etc., for about three years. In 1869 Mr. 
Crandall married Edna P. Cox, of Ells- 
worth, N. Y. They have three children — 
Henry B., Elmer G. and Gertie J. In 
1863 he enlisted in company A, 17th New 
York Artillery, and participated in eight 
general engagements. He was wounded 



°f 






512 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT Y. 



at Cold Harbor, June 4, 1864, being hit 
in the forehead by a ball, leaving a scar. 
Being unable to join his regiment he was 
honorably discharged and returned home, 
and for two years was unable to do any 
work on account of the wound. In poli- 
tics he is a republican. 

Whitman station, or depot, was built in 
September, 1881, by the Chicago & 
Northwestern Railroad Company, and is 
at the junction of this road with the Min- 
neapolis & St. Louis road. The first 
agent appointed to this point was E. A. 
Adams, who was succeeded by Fred 
Babcock, and he by S. D. Drake, the 
present incumbent. 

Rev. Richard Paul Budach, the present 
pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church, of Whitman, Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
was born in Guben, Prussia, July 31, 
1860, and is the son of J. G. and Anna E. 
Budach, natives of Prussia. He came 



with his parents to America in 1866. They 
settled in Chicago, where they now reside. 
The subject of this sketch, at the age of 
fourteen years, entered the University of 
Fort Wayne, Ind., and remained six years. 
In 1879 he entered the theological semi- 
nar}' at Springfield, 111., to prepare for the 
ministry. He was ordained a minister of 
the gospel, Nov. 18, 1883, and soon after 
assumed the charge of his present Church. 
His congregation consists of about thirty 
families, who erected, in the fall of 1883, 
a neat and comfortable parsonage, which 
he at present occupies. The lot upon 
which it stands was donated to the Church 
by the Northwestern Railroad Company. 
His congregation intends to erect a house 
of worship during the present year. He 
was married Jan. 13, 1S84, to Helena Pil- 
grim, daughter of William and Wilhel- 
mina Pilgrim, of Chicago, III. She was 
born in Chicago, Sept. 6, 1S63. Mr. Bu- 
dach votes the democratic ticket. 



CHAPTER XXIII 



PORTLAND TOWNSHIP. 



The sub-division of Kossuth county 
which bears the name of Portland, con- 
tains all of congressional townships 96 
and 97, range 28, and the four western 
tiers of sections in townships 98, 99 and 
100, range 28. It is bounded on the north 
by the State of Minnesota, on the east by 
the townships of Wesley and Ramsey, on 
the south by Irvington township, and 



west by Algona, Burt and Greenwood 
townships. Some of the finest portions 
of the county are included in its limits. 
Early settlers made claims within v the 
boundaries of this township in the first 
years of the county's existence, and the 
lower part of the township is well peoplod 
with as good a class of citizens as is to be 
found anywhere. 



±1t+ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



513 



The honor of being the pioneers of 
this township belongs to two among the 
earliest settlers in the county. In the win- 
ter of 1854-5 Robert Parrott and Lyman 
Craw took up claims in what is now Port- 
land. Mr. Parrott, who was one of na- 
ture's noblemen, an American, from Har- 
din county, located upon the northwest 
quarter of section 30, but shortly after- 
ward sold out his claim and returned to 
his old home in Hardin county. Lyman 
Craw located upon the northwest quarter 
of section 20. 

Next to make a settlement was Henry 
Lindner, a native of Indiana, who laid 
claim to the land on section 8 at the 
mouth of the creek now called after him. 

Henry Hauzerman made a settlement 
in 1856. He was a miserly, penurious 
man, hard-working and industrious, and 
honesty itself. During the hard winter 
of 1856-7 he had the misfortune to freeze 
his feet, and he managed to get to the 
cabin of one of the settlers, where he at- 
tempted to thaw them out. A difference 
of opinion at once arose, he contending 
for hot water, they for cold, but being an 
obstinate German, he prevailed, and when 
he put them into the hot water the out- 
side thawed faster than the inner portion 
of the flesh, and they burst open. In this 
condition he managed to crawl to the de- 
serted cabin on the Parrott place, and re- 
fusing to have a physician or nurse (for 
that would cost money), tried to cure him- 
self. The settlers, large-hearted, as pio- 
neers ever are, would not let him suffer 
more than necessary, and were in the 
habit of going over to see him and help- 
ing him. He finally recovered so as to be 



around, but he was lamed for life. He is 
now a resident of Cresco township. 

The next settler in this locality was An- 
drew L. Seely, who came to Kossuth 
county in 1855, and settled in Portland 
township in 185V, where he still resides. 

Andrew L. Seely was born Dec. 15, 
1829, in Columbia Co., Penn. "When four 
months old his father died, leaving twelve 
children. When six or eight months old 
his mother removed to Lower Sandusky, 
from there to Richland Co., Ohio, where 
she died. Andrew was now nine years 
old, and went to live with Mr. Sweet, his 
wife being a cousin. At the end of six 
or seven months he went back to Rich- 
land county to live with his sister; was 
afterwards bound to John Sidell till four- 
teen years of age, but at the end of one 
year Mr. Sidell left him and went to Penn- 
sylvania. He then went to live with Mr. 
Hulsopple, and remained with him till 
fourteen, he promising to give him three 
months schooling and board and clothes. 
After this he worked for Mr. Hulsopple 
six months at $2.50 a month. He now 
went to Plymouth and served an appren- 
ticeship of five years as tailor with P. F. 
Burgoyne. Taking a trip to the southern 
part of Ohio, near Columbus, he went 
back to Plymouth, worked through the 
winter till spring, then went to visit his 
brothers in Illinois. Going to Freeport, 
he worked six months for Mr. Cannon, 
visited his brothers in the country some 
time, then went to Cedar Rapids and 
opened a tailor shop of his own. In 1855 
he left there and came to Kossuth county, 
settling on Black Cat creek and building 
a cabin at mouth of the creek, on W. H. 
Ingham's land, into which he moved Feb- 



lU- 



514 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



ruary 17. In the fall of 1856 Mr. Ingham 
sold out and bought another claim. Mr. 
Seely moved with him, and staid with 
him till 1857. In the spring of 1855 Mr. 
Seely made a claim, joining the old town 
site, where the Northwestern depot and 
the Stacy farm are, which tract he sold 
for $-150, and afterwards made a claim on 
Black Cat, on section 10 and section 15, 
half section. Here he partly built a cabin, 
sold out, removed and took a quarter sec- 
tion claim on Des Moines river, held it 
two or three years, entered it, built a 
cabin and lived on it six months. He 
was married May 30, 1861, to Alice E. 
Benschoter, born in Erie Co., Ohio. Mr. 
Seely took a homestead, joining his squat- 
ter's claim, built a log cabin, and moved 
in Nov. 21, 1864, living there till 1880, 
when he erected a new frame house, which 
he still occupies. It is situated on section 
17, he owning eighty acres on the north- 
east quarter of this section, and also owns 
241 acres on section 8. The Upper Des 
Moines and Plum creek run through his 
farm. When Mr. Seely first came here 
with Mr. Ingham, they were very early 
pioneers, and spent their time trapping, 
and prospecting for better locations. Hav- 
ing killed a buffalo, and run 100 buffaloes 
into the creek, they named it Buffalo 
Fork. They also named Lindner's creek, 
and Plum creek, on account of the quan- 
tities of plums found here; also named 
Black Cat creek, that being a favorite 
creek of Mr. Ingham's in northern New 
York. In early days they traveled around 
visiting, with two yoke of cattle hitched 
to one wagon. Mr. Seely has five chil- 
dren — Grant C, Emma C, Nettie E., 
James C. and Minnie H. He has been 
school director. In politics he is* neutral. 



Abram Hill came into the township in 
1857, purchased the claim of Hauzerman, 
and settled down to open up a farm. Here 
he resided until his death, in 1872 or 1873. 

Edward Moll, also a settler of 1857, 
died while a resident of his place. 

The Wheelock brothers, during 1857, 
made a claim, or claims, on the southwest 
quarter of section 26. They did not stay 
very long but left the country and have 
been lost sight of. 

Joseph W. Moore now appeared upon 
the scene and taking up claims and pur- 
chasing others made quite a respectable 
place. Mr. Moore was a man of excellent 
education, and fitted to shine in every 
society, but his wife being opposed to 
frontier life, lie sold out and went back 
east, and now lives in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
where he has attained a goodly share of 
wealth. 

Dr. Amos S. Collins was another of the 
hardy argonauts of 1857. 

William Wilson was another pioneer of 
the year 1857. He, however, soon sold 
out and went to Black Hawk county, where 
he is living at present — one of the wealthy 
fanners of that section of country. 

Jacob Altwegg made a claim in Port- 
land, in 1858, where he died. 

Jacob Altwegg is a native of Switzer- 
land, born near Constance, March 4, 1836. 
He received his education in Constance. 
When twenty years of age, he came to 
the United States, and procured employ- 
ment as book-keeper in a machine shop in 
Philadelphia, Penn. He remained with 
this company one year, then went to Port 
Clinton, where he lived two or three 
months. He then spent one month in Del- 
aware Co., Iowa, and in 1858 came to Kos- 



o. 



£+. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



515 



sutli Co., Iowa, pre-empting land on the 
northwest quarter of section 15, township 
96, range 28. He has sixty acres under 
cultivation. Mr. Altwegg was married, 
Nov. 1, 1804, to Jennie, daughter of Alex- 
ander and Rosetta Brown. They have 
six children — Louisa V., Anna R., John 
A., Mabel E., William II. and Ruth M. 
Mr. Altwegg is a republican. He is a 
member of the Dutch Reform Church. 

Next, George and Willis Brown made 
their appearance, in 1858, and taking up 
claims, prepared to stay. But like others 
they soon tired of it and pulled up and 
left the county never to be heard of 
more. 

Jerome Bleakman settled on section 8, 
during the year 1858. He was originally 
from Fulton Co., N. Y., and is engaged 
at present in getting out lumber for 
pianos in Ohio. 

Jonathan Calender also settled in the 
township in 1858, as did William II. Ing- 
ham. 

William B. Carey moved from Algona 
township into Portland about the same 
time. 

In the beginning of 1859 James Eg- 
gers and his son-in-law, Hui'lburt Lake, 
moved on to a claim owned by them in 
Portland township, on section 19. Mr. 
Eggers had come to this county with a 
stock of goods, but with too large ideas. 
He dealt on too large a scale for a new 
country, and consequently went to pieces. 
He staid on this farm but a short time, 
when lie started for the mountains, where 
he wandered around in search of wealth, 
and finally died of the small-pox some 
where in Colorado, not very long ago. 
Mr. Lake is now living in Oregon. 



The first marriage in the township, 
united the destinies of Andrew L. Seely 
and Alice Beuschoter, on the 30th of 
May, 1861. 

The first birth was that of Harvey Ing- 
ham, now the senior editor of the Upper 
Des Moines, which occurred on the 8th of 
September, 1858. 

The first death was a son of William 
B. Carey, who was accidentally killed by 
a gun shot, while hunting in the fall of 
1862. lie was crawling through the 
grass, pulling his gun after him when the 
hammer catching in some weeds, exploded 
the charge which killed him instantly. 

Since the two items above were written, 
it has been determined that the following 
is the first birth and death occurring in 
Portland township: 

The first birth was a child by name of 
Lake. 

The first death was that of a person 
named Roberts. 

The Hist ground was broken by Lyman 
Craw, on the northwest quarter of section 
20, in the spring of 1855. Mr. Craw also 
planted the first corn on the sod the same 
spring. 

The first wheat was sown by William 
II. Ingham, in the spring of 1858. 

The first preaching was by James Eg- 
gers, who would take a text and expound 
the Word, if he never was ordained. 
This was in the fall of 1859, in his own 
house, on section 19. 

The first sermon by a regularly or- 
dained or commissioned minister, was de- 
livered by the Rev. Chauncey Taylor, at 
the residence, of J. Dunton, on section IT, 
in the spring of I 8ii l. 



18 



-aPV 



A 



A 



516 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



The first frame house was built by 
James Eggers, in 1859. Mr. Ingham put 
up the second but a short time behind 
him. 

The first postmaster in Portland town- 
ship was W. H. Ingham, now of Algona. 

The first school house was built in 1859 
or 1860, on section 30, but the name of 
the teacher bas perished 'neath the 
weigbt of years. 

The postoffice in Portland was estab- 
lished in 1859, with W. H. Ingham as 
postmaster. It was then removed to sec- 
tion 11, and Sylvanus Ricard made cus- 
todian of the mail. He was succeeded by 
Edward Moll, E. Tallman and John Cha- 
pin, the present incumbent. 

The cemetery of Portland was laid out 
on section '21, township 97, range 28, in 
February, 1880, by a private corporation, 
and contains five acres. This is managed 
chiefly by a board of directors of whom 
John Chapin is chairman. The officers of 
the association are: J. H. Grovei, presi- 
dent ; E. S. Streeter, treasurer ; R. E. 
Davison, secretary. 

Portland township was organized as a 
civil township Oct. 13, 1869, by resolution 
of the board of county supervisors, and 
the first election took place at the Rice 
school house on section 17, on the 11th of 
October, 1870. At that time the first 
officers of the township were chosen, and 
are as follows: George W. Paine, James 
llohnan and D. Rice, trustees ; Henry 
Smith, clerk; Edward S. Streeter, assessor; 
John Chapin and A. S. Gardner, justices. 
The first officers of the school board were 
elected at the same time and were : John 
W. Henry, president ; R. E. Davison, 
secretary; D. Rice, treasurer. 



The present officers are the following 
named: 

Peter Ferguson, L. Hohn and John 
Wood, trustees; Rodolph Jain, clerk; II. 
Gilbert, assessor; W. B. Carey and John 
Chapin, justices; James Whalley, consta- 
ble. E. P. Keith, president of school 
board; Rodolph Jain, secretary; D. Rice, 
treasurer. 

The schools of Portland are in a most 
prosperous condition They are well 
attended and although there are eleven 
buildings they are all kept in most excel- 
lent repair. These structures are all 
frame and neat and tasty affairs. Schools 
were taught the last of 1883, by Mrs. 
Stoughton, Miss Sissen, Emma Seely, 
Thomas McDermott, Eva Jackson, Susie 
Gilbert, W. L. Nichols, Ida Swanson, Fan- 
nie Caul kens, Miss Fairbanks, Lizzie Hohn 
and Nellie Teeley. 

We are indebted to Andreas' State 
Atlas of Iowa, for the facts in regard to 
the Indian fight which took place within 
the limits of Portland township, on sec- 
tion 8. In 1854, when the settlers first 
viewed this ground, they found the sod 
strewn with the skeletons of men and 
horses. These were all in a state of per- 
fect preservation, ami the number and 
position of these silent witnesses of the 
dire affray verifv the story here given. 

INDIAN FIGHT. 

"About six miles above Algona, on the 
west side of the river, in April, 1852, a 
conflict took place between the Mus<piaka 
band of the Sacs and Foxes and a band 
of Sioux Indians. The incident* of the 
fight were given to the early white set- 
tlers by William Burgort, a trapper, who 
subsequently lived at North wood, Worth 



-»v 



-sb 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



51' 



county. The Musquakas were under the 
leadership of a subordinate chief named 
Ko-Ko Wall, who went up with his party 
l>y way of Clear lake to what was then 
'neutral ground.' At Clear lake they re- 
ceived information that the Sioux were 
encamped on the west side of the East 
Fork of the Des Moines river; Ko-Ko-wah, 
with sixty of his warrors, determined to 
attack them. They arrived in the night, 
and concealed themselves in the grove on 
the east side of the river about one mile 
above the Sioux encampment, where, im per- 
ceived, they learned the exact position of 
the enemy. 

"In the morning, after many of the 
Sioux warriors had gone away to hunt, 
Ko-Ko-wah and his men crossed over the 
river and attacked the Sioux, before they 
were prepared to make a successful resist 
ance. For a short time the conflict wa> 
desperate, but the advantage was all 01 
the side of the attacking party, and tin 
Sioux were completely vanquished. Six- 
teen of them were killed, including some 
of their women and children. A numhi i 
of their horses were also killed, and a bo_\ 
fourteen years of age taken prisoner. 
The Musquakas lost four braves, among 
whom were Kear-Kurk and Pa-tak-a-py, 
both distinguished warriors. As the Mus- 
quakas rushed into the camp of the Sioux 
a squaw shot Pa-tak a-py in the breast. 
He started to run away, and the same 
squaw, at a distance of twenty rods, shot 
him through the body with an arrow, 
when he fell and expired. But few of 
the Sioux made their escape, and all their 
dead were left on the ground unbiiried. 
The Musquakas hastily buried their own 
dead, and with their prisoner, returned as 



rapidly as possible to their home in Tama 
county, and when they arrived spent six 
or seven days and nights fortifying their 
village, and in the meantime burned their 
young Sioux prisoner." 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Among the most enterprising, live, 
wide-awake farmers of Kossuth county, 
are the following, who reside in Portland 
township. 

Oliver Benschoter was born Oct. 21,1816. 
In the latter part of 1817 his father 
removed to what is now Erie Co., Ohio, 
where he resided until death called him 
away to a better land. Oliver continued 
to live with his mother until 1833, when 
she too passed away into a better world. 
The subject of our sketch remained in 
Erie county until 1856, when lie started 
west. He stopped in Delaware Co., Iowa, 
that winter, and in the spring of 185V 
came to Kossuth county and located in 
Algona. lie immediately started a black- 
smith shop, being the pioneer blacksmith 
of the county, lie run his shop in Al- 
gona for several years. In 1861 he pre- 
empted the farm in Portland township, 
where he now lives, section 32, township 
96, range 28. He has 160 acres of land, he 
also has twenty-four acres of timber on his 
place. lie held the office of sheriff of 
Kossuth county from 1^60 to 1866. In 
1836 he was united in marriage with 
Martha Kemp, of Ohio. She was born in 
Vermont, in 1819. She died in 1 859, 
leaving six children — William, Alice, 
Polly, George, Grant and Evaline. On 
Dec. 11, 1362, Mr. Benschoter was mar- 
ried to Sarah Crose, born in Indiana, June 
30, 1841. By this union there were ten 
children — Frank, Nel and Nellie, twins, 



■<»r<r- 



|1" 



518 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Jennie, Herbert, Olive, Louisa and George. 
One of Mr. Benschoter's sens enlisted 
during the War of the Rebellion and died 
at Little Rock, Ark., in 1863. Mr. Ben- 
schoter is a republican. He is truly a 
pioneer of Kossuth county, and is most 
highly respected by his fellow citizens 
and neighbors. 

John A. Millis, a native of Warren Co., 
N. Y., is a son of John and Louis (Holmes) 
Millis, born April 4, 1823. When twenty- 
six years of age he removed to Sheboy- 
gan Co., Wis., and worked at the carpen- 
ter trade, which he had learned in Troy, 
N. Y. In 1858 he came to Kossuth 
county, locating in Algona, and worked 
at his trade for six years. He then pur- 
chased eighty acres of land on section 10, 
township 07, range 28, Portland town- 
ship. He also cwns eighty acres adjoin- 
ing this farm on the north. In 1874 he 
erected a nice house on his farm. He is 
engaged principally in stock raising. On 
the 9th of January, 1847, he was united 
in marriage to Elsie Vanzandt, of Al- 
bany Co., N. Y. They have had seven 
children, two of whom are living — My- 
ron H., married and living in Algona, 
where he works at his trade, that of car- 
penter; Lilly, who lives with her parents. 
Mr. Millis is a republican. They are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. 

Thomas Gilbride was born April 11, 
1831, in Ireland. Coming to America in 
1856, he landed at New York, ami in [857 
went to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, where 
he lived two years, and pre-empted the 
land where he is now living, on sectioii 
29, township 90, range 28, owning 320 
acres. For one year he kept house alone 
on section 19, making his own Johnnie 



•V 



cakes. If he made more cakes than he 
could use up at one time, the timber 
squirrels were so plenty, they would come 
in through the cracks, and steal the John- 
nie cakes left, eating them as they sat on 
the limbs of the trees close by. He then 
moved to DeKalb Co., 111., and worked for 
money to make a start, there being no 
money at this time in northwestern Iowa. 
In 1865 he returned to Kossuth county 
and took possession of his claim, went to 
farming in earnest, and is now one of the 
successful farmers of the county. He 
makes a specialty of stock raising, and 
takes his own stock to Chicago and Mil- 
waukee for market. He built him a cabin, 
and in 1869 married Ann Stokes, a native 
of Ireland. They have five children — 
Mamie, Libbie, William II. and James P., 
twins; and Aggie. Politically he is a re- 
publican. 

Rodolph Jain, son of Benjamin and 
Anna Jain, was born July 3, 1841, near 
Lake Geneva, Switzerland. When he was 
six years old his parents came to America, 
landing in New York, and going from 
there to Jefferson Co., N. Y., where they 
lived seven years on a farm. They then 
moved to Dane Co., Wis., making it their 
home ten years. From there Rodolph 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled, 
taking a homestead in 1864 and working 
for some time in its vicinity. He was 
married Jan. 1, 1866, to Alice Chapel. 
They have four children — Charles I<\, 
Emma L., Eva L. and Harry. In politics 
he is a republican, is now township clerk, 
also secretary of the board of directors, and 
takes some interest in county affairs. 

Moses L. Godden was born Feb. 26, 1843 
in Wiltsshire, England. His parents emi- 



-»IV 



fc> 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



519 



grated to America in 1852, settling in 
Will Co., 111. They remained there about 
two years, when they removed to Iowa, 
locating in Monona, Clayton county. Af- 
ter remaining in the latter place twelve 
years, the subject of this sketch removed 
to Kossuth county, locating on the south- 
west quarter of section 6, township 96, 
range 28, then Algona township, now 
Portland, where he still resides. Mr. 
Godden was married, May 21, 1S70, to 
Charlotte Hudson, a native of Ohio. They 
have six children — David, Carrie, Clark, 
Ida, Jacob and Charlotte. Mr. Godden is 
an enterprising young farmer and deals 
extensively in stock. 

Henry A. Smith, sou of William H. and 
Esther J. Smith, was born July 21, 1829, 
in Milford township, Knox Co., Ohio. 
He lived with his parents until Jan. 12, 
1846, when he went to Pennsylvania, liv- 
ing two years in Crawford and Mercer 
counties, and learning the trade of a black- 
smith. He started home, and while at 
Wooster, Ohio, he enlisted in the loth 
United States Infantry, and was sent im- 
mediately to Newport Barracks, Ky., to 
drill. The war with Mexico closing at 
this time his services were not needed, so 
he was discharged on Feb. 11, 1848, and 
arrived at his home on the 13th. He 
lived with his parents until Oct. 19, 1852, 
when he was married to Dorcas A., daugh- 
ter of David and Abigail L. Ash. He 
afterwards removed to Linn Co., Iowa ; 
remained there about one year, and re- 
moved to Dane Co., Wis., arriving there 
in April, 1855. He located in Primrose 
township, and lived there until May, 1861. 
He enlisted in the State service at Madi- 
son, Wis., and on June 11th, enlisted for 



three years, in company H, 2d regiment, 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was 
immediately sent to Washington, D. C. 
Fie participated in the battles of Black- 
burn's Ford, July 18, 1861; Bull Run, July 
21, 1861, and the battles of the Rappa- 
hannock, on Aug. 21 to 27, inclusive, in 
1862. Having contracted granulation of 
the eyelids, he was unfitted for active field 
duty, and was detailed on light duty un- 
til he received his discharge, June 14, 
1864. He arrived home on the 2d of July, 
remaining only a few days, when he came 
to Iowa to look up a location. In August, 
1864, he entered as a homestead, the north- 
east quarter of section 27, township 97, 
range 28, Portland township. He imme- 
diately removed his family to their new 
home and where they have since resided. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children 
— William H., married and living in Hum- 
boldt, Iowa ; Walter H. and Esther O. 
Mr. Smith was a democrat before the 
war, was a republican after the war, 
and is now a greenbacker. He has been 
a member of the Grange ever since its 
organization in Portland township. Mr. 
Smith draws a pension of $30 per month. 
He has served four terms as township 
clerk, and one term as assessor. While 
living in Wisconsin, he was a member of 
the Free Will Baptist Church, but has 
not identified himself with any Church 
since coming to Iowa. 

Daniel Rice was born Oct. 25, 1837, in 
Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he lived until 
1857, and then started for California in 
June, by way of the Isthmus, being four 
weeks on the journey. He remained in 
California six years, farming and lum- 
bering, then returned by the same route 



-=sr 



TV' 



«_d Q 



Al* 



520 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



to New York, and stayed one year at 
home. In January, 1664, lie came west ; 
sealing on section 20, township 96, range 
28, where he has since lived, owning 15. r i 
acres of tine land, raising grain and caring 
for all kinds of stock. Mr. Rice was 
county supervisor ten years, and is now 
township treasurer. He was married 
Sept. 19, 186:3, to Sylvania Griffin, born in 
Herkimer Co., N. Y. They have five 
children — Clark, Lora, Forest, Minnie and 
Caroline. In politics, he is a republican. 
Patrick Kain was born, in 184.'), in lie- 
land. At the age of twenty years he came 
to America, landing in New York. From 
there he went to Massachusetts, and re- 
mained a short time, then went to Phila- 
delphia, and worked for two years on a 
farm six miles from the city. He then 
removed to DeKalb Co., III., and after 
working six years for James Byers, he 
purchased a farm of his own, on which he 
lived one year. From 1862 to 1864 he 
was hired by the government as a laborer 
at $40 a month. In 1864 became to Iowa, 
settling in Portland township, on section 
14, township 96, range 2^, where he owns 
675 acres of good land, well cultivated. 
He makes a specialty of raising, buying 
and selling stock, from eighty to 100 head 
yearly. His residence is on section 14. 
Mr. Kain had the first pine shingles on 
his house ever used in the township. He 
built a house of native lumber, 14x22 feet, 
cut the logs, had them sawed into lumber, 
then went to Cedar Falls for shingles and 
sash with a yoke of cattle. In 1880 he 
added a fine two story frame to his home, 
16x24 feet, so that he now has eight good 
rooms and is prepared to enjoy the fruits 
of his labor. In 1861 he married Ann 



Wall, a native of Ireland. They have ten 
children — Thomas, Robert, John, Mary, 
Patrick, James, Ann, William, Christo- 
pher and Martin. The family all belong 
to the Catholic Church in Algona. 

Thomas Gallion is a native of Scotland, 
born near Edinburgh. "When twenty 
years of age he came to America and en- 
gaged in the fur trade in the Hudson Bay 
Company for seven years, lie then re- 
turnid to Scotland, remaining there one 
year; thence to Canada, where he followed 
farming ten years near Montreal. In 1865 
he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and 
settled on section :',6, township 96, range 
28. In 18-10 Mr. Gallion was united in 
marriage with Jane Reed, of Scotland. 
The result of this union was six children — 
Thomas, John, Margaret, James, William 
J. and Robert R. Thomas married Alva 
Sproat and lives in Illinois. Margaret 
married J. C. Sthall and lives in Columbia 
Co., Wis., near Lodi. James married 
Nettie Smith. The other children live at 
home with their mother. Mr. Gallion 
died in 1881, and is buried in Portland 
cemetery. William J. owns a threshing 
m chine, which he has run for thirteen 
years in succession. He is a blacksmith 
by trade. 

George C. Alien was born near Plattes- 
burg, Clinton Co., N. Y., in 1832. When 
two years of age he went to La Salle Co., 
III., with his parents, Ethan Z. and Lydia 
S. Allen. His parents still reside in 
Freedom, La Salle county. He enlisted 
Aug. 5, 1862, in company G, 129th 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was in 
the service three years and participated 
in the following battles : Resaca, New 
Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Pumpkin 






•Jo * 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



521 



Vine Creek, Burnt Hickory, Peach Tree 
Creek, etc. He was mustered out at 
Washington, D. C, and returned to Illi- 
nois. Mr. Allen married July 3, 1854, 
Manlia C. Larkin, of La Salle Co., 111. 
They have had ten children, seven of 
whom are living — Frank E., Nora M., 
Scott M., Grace L., George C, Milfred J. 
and Milton E. Mr. Allen is a republican, 
and has been school director of his dis- 
trict, lie is a Mason, and a member of 
Blue Lodge. He came to Kossuth county 
in 1865, settling on the north half of the 
northwest quarter, and the north half of 
the southwest quarter of section 36. He 
has 160 acres' of land. 

C. S. Coffin was born March 29, 1834, 
in Herkimer Co., N. Y. When six years 
of age, he went with his parents to St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., where his father was 
engaged in farming. When nineteen years 
old, he came west, in company with an 
elder brother, W. D. Coffin, to BooneCo., 
111. After he had lived there about three 
years, his father's family came from St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., to Illinois. They 
then settled near Polo, Ogle Co. C. S. 
Coffin went to Denver, Col., in 1862, re- 
turning home to Polo, Ogle Co., 111., after 
being absent about eighteen months. In 
1865 he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
taking a homestead, one quarter on sec- 
tion 32, and one quarter on section 29, 
Portland township. He now owns eighty 
acres on the adjoining section, having 400 
acres altogether. He makes stock raising 
a specialty. Mr. Coffin was married Nov. 
30, 1864, to Aurilla E. Woodard, of Ogle 
Co., 111. They have seven children — 
Artie M., Clara M., George H., Agnes L., 
Delia S., Clark S. andZellaL. Mr. Coffin 



is a republican, and was school director 
in district No. 5, Portland township, for a 
number of years. 

John Chapin, son of Thomas and Susan 
(Lee) Chapin, was born in Buffalo, Erie 
Co., N. Y., May 19, 1822. When six years 
of age he moved with his adopted parents, 
Francis and Abigail (Joslin) Wooley, to 
Crawford Co., Penn., where he remained 
engaged in farming till 1842, when at the 
age of twenty, Mr. Chapin went to St. 
Catharine's, Lincoln Co., Canada West, 
where he was engaged in operating a lum- 
ber yard, the marble business, carpenter 
work and general collecting agency for 
different manufacturing companies, until 
1857, when he moved to London, Canada 
West, engaged in collecting and selling 
agricultural implements, till the winter of 
1860, when he removed, with his family, 
to Dubuque Co., Iowa, where he worked 
at carpenter work and farming, at Dyers- 
ville, for three years. Jan. 2, 1864, he 
enlisted in company C, 21st Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry; was mustered in at Du- 
buque, and served twenty months as a 
private in the Rebellion. Was mustered 
out at Houston, Texas, in August, 1865. 
Was at the storming of Forts Spanish and 
Blakely. In the fall of 1865, he moved 
to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 15, township 
97, range 28.. His oldest son occupied the 
southeast quarter of section 15, township 
97, range 28. Both are homesteads and 
are in Portland township. He was mar- 
ried Aug. 27, 1848, to Rockcena M. Mc- 
Callister, of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and 
daughter of Jesse and Polly (Mosier) 
McCallister, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. 
Chapin have had seven children, six of 



>rr 






HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



whom are living — Henry J., residing in 
Kossuth Co., Iowa; Albert J., living in 
Palo Alto Co., Iowa; Mary, married to W. 
II. Smith, living in Humboldt, Iowa; 
Martha, her twin sister, is a teacher; Laure, 
wife of William 11. Wolf, lives in Ban- 
croft, Iowa; Ida, resides at home. She is 
a tine singer and player. The girls are 
all good singers. Delia died in Canada, 
and is buried in St. Catharine's. Mr. 
Chapin is a good citizen, and is interested 
in all the improvments of the township. 
He was elected justice of the peace in 
1 872, and has continued in the office to the 
present date. He lias been a sub-director 
four years, and has been postmaster at 
Buffalo Forks since 1874. He is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
belongs to the I. O. O. F., and has been a 
member of the Sons of Temperance and 
Good Templars. 

.1. H. Grover was born in Joliet, III., 
July 27, 1837. When four months old be 
went with his parents to Chicago, thence 
to Benton's Port. They afterward moved 
to Iowaville, where his father died. Mr. 
Grover then went to Wisconsin and lived 
with a half brother, James McCloud, until 
fifteen years of age, then went to Illinois. 
He worked by the month for a short time 
in Vermilion county, after which he went 
to Paxton, where he resided a short time. 
He then spent a short time in Columbia 
Co., Wis. He stayed in the Wisconsin 
pineries the next two winters, working in 
other localities in the summer. He then 
went back to Lodi, Columbia county, 
where he remained until the spring of 
1861, when he enlisted in company II, 2d 
Wisconsin Volunteers. He served three 
months, then re-enlisted for three years. 



He went direct to Washington, D. C, 
serving in Virginia three years. He was 
with the Army of the Potomac in the 
battles of Bull Run, Wilderness, Gaines- 
ville and Chancellorsville. He was 
wounded at the first day's fight at Bull 
Run and was laid up for five months. He 
was mustered out at Washington, went to 
Lodi, Wis., and remained until Oct. 11, 
1864, then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
stopping the first winter with Henry 
Smith, in Portland township. On Oct. 
30, 1864, he took a homestead on the 
southeast quarter of section 26, built a log 
house, 16x16 feet, in which he lived until 
1869, then built a frame house. In 1883 
he erected a new house, two stories high, 
18x24 feet and 20x32 feet, respectively, 
at a cost of $1,200. He now occupies this 
house. Mr. Grover has also a barn on 
his place, 36x42 feet, and the longest culti- 
vated grove in the county, comprising 
seventeen acres. He deals largely in 
cattle. He has also 520 acres of land ad- 
joining his homestead. Mr. Grover was 
married Oct. 4, 1864, to Mary E. Stall 1, of 
Lodi, Wis. They have five children — 
Louesa R., Clara C, William E., Myrtie 
M. and Raymond J. G. Mr. Grover is a 
republican, and has been township trustee. 
Benjamin Smith was born May 15, 
1815, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. At three 
years of age he went to Holmes Co., Ohio, 
then to Coshocton Co., Ohio; lived there 
about seventeen years. From Coshoc- 
ton he went to Allen Co., Ind.; thence to 
Lagrange Co., Ind., staying two years; 
thence to Defiance Co., Ohio, where he 
lived eight years; thence to Lagrange Co., 
Ind., where he was married to Jane M. 
Dod. He removed from that place to 



A 

■k 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



523 



Grundy Co., 111., where li is wife died. 
He afterwards married a lady named Ann 
Duckmanton. He resided about seven- 
teen years in Illinois. He enlisted in 
August, 1862, in eompany C, 76th Illinois 
Infantry, and was mustered in at Kanka- 
kee. He was discharged for disability. 
In the spring of 1865 he came to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, settliug on section 8, on an 
eighty acre homestead. He now owns 
200 acres of land, 160 of which is under 
cultivation. Mr. Smith rents his farm; 
being one of the solid men of the county, 
he takes life easy, enjoying himself to the 
fullest extent. Politically, lie is a demo- 
crat. 

Leonard Ilohn was born Jan. 24, 1834, 
in Obenheim, Kreisworms, Germany. He 
came to America in 1854, landing in New 
York and going from there to Green Co., 
Wis., where he lived for two years, and 
was then married to Elizabeth A. Clark, 
Dec. 9, 1856. In 1865 he removed to 
Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 16, 
township 96, range 28, Portland town- 
ship. After living there nine years, he 
sold to James llolman, and bought 165 
acres on section 20, township 96, range 28, 
where he still lives and continues farm- 
ing, raising all kinds of grain ; also pays 
some attention to the raising of stock. 
He and his wife are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and belong 
to the Grange. They have four children 
living — Daniel W., Elizabeth G, John 
VV. and George F. Mr. Hohn has held 
the offices of school director and road 
supervisor, and is at present one of the 
township trustees. In politics he is a re- 
publican. 



William P. Winter was born Nov. 6, 
1822, in Bath, Maine. When twenty-one 
years -of age he went to sea, trading in 
cotton two years, between New Orleans 
and Liverpool. The next four years he 
spent coasting on the Gulf of Mexico, 
then went to California, where he busied 
himself seven years mining, and in the 
Redwood timber. In 1857 he went to 
Allamakee Co., Iowa, near Columbus, re- 
maining four years. He enlisted Sept. 
30, 1861, in company B, 12th Iowa Vol- 
unteer Infantry, serving till the spring of 
1862. At the battle of Pittsburg Laud- 
ing, he was captured, and confined in 
Macon prison, but released Oct. 17, 1862. 
He then went to St. Louis, taking part in 
the Vicksburg campaign, in W. T. Sher- 
man's 15th Corps, and was transferred to 
the 16th Corps, Smith's Guerrillas, in the 
fall of 1S63, being mustered in at Dubu- 
que, and mustered out Jan. 26, 1866, at 
Memphis. He received no wounds, but 
had many narrow escapes. Was corporal 
and sergeant during all his time of ser" 
vice. In the spring of 1866 he came to 
Kossuth county, settling on the northeast 
quarter of section 6, township 97, range 
28, and now owns 148 acres of land. He 
was married Nov. 17, 1866, to Mary A. 
Schenck, of Algona township. They had 
four children, three of whom are living — 
Alden H., Frances W. and Sarah Alice. 
In politics, he is a republican. 

Abbie A. Holman, widow of Charles T. 
llolman, was born in Windham Co., Vt., 
July 26, 1831. When twenty-three years 
of age, was married and removed to De 
Kalb Co., 111., where she resided two 
years, then went to Rockford, Winnebago 
Co., 111., and lived there two years. She 



>lv 



524 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



then resided eight years in Ogle Co., 111., 
after which, in 1866, they came to Kos- 
suth Co., Iowa. They brought; their 
goods in a wagon, driving one horse and 
camping out at night. They were twenty- 
one days on the roach Mr. and Mrs. IIoI- 
man settled on section 20, township 96, 
range 28, Portland township, paying $5 
per acre for their land, arriving in May. 
There being no house on the place, they 
camped out until fall, then lived in a part 
of Mr. Kice's house until the spring of 
18C7, when they moved to their own place. 
Mr. Ilolman was a native of Vermont, 
born in 1830. He died Sept. 30, 1880. 
Mrs. Ilolman has four children — Zina L. 
George A., Fred II. and Rosie M. 

Alexander S. Gardner was born in Ot- 
sego Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1803. When 
eight years of age his parents moved to 
Herkimer Co., N. Y., where Mr. Gardner 
lived until 1866, being engaged in farm- 
ing. In April, 1866, he came to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, and purchased 1 10 acres of land 
on section 19, township 96, range 28, Port- 
land township. He afterwards added fif- 
teen and a half acres to his possessions. 
He gave, his son, R. M. Gardner, thirty 
acres, leaving ninety-five and a half acres 
on section 19, on which he resides. Mr. 
Gardner was married in 1828, to Phebe 
Taloott, born in New York. March 17, 
1817. She subsequently died, and in 
July, 1847, he married Mrs. Ann Hunt, a 
native of Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N. Y. 
They hive three children — Myndret W., 
Kelly M. and Ida A. Mr. and Mrs. Gard- 
ner are members of the Universalist 
Church. Mr. Gardner has held the offices 
of school treasurer and justice of the 
peace. 



Albert II. Phillips was born April 2, 
1837, in Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y. 
When twenty-one years of age he went to 
Bureau Co., 111. where he lived about one 
year; from there he went to Whiteside 
Co., 111., where he was married to Ellen 
A. Nicols Oct. 3, 1860. Th'ey have two 
children — Cyrus A. and Harry E. He en- 
listed Aug. 26, 1S61, in the 34th Illinois 
Infantry and served until 1864, when he 
was veteranized, serving until July, 1865. 
He took part in the battles of Shiloh, Cor- 
inth, Claysville, Lavergne, Stone River, 
Liberty Gap, Missionary Ridge, Rocky 
Face, Resaca, Rome, Dallas, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, siege of At- 
lanta and Jonesboro, besides marching 
through Georgia, North anil South Caro- 
olina, Averysboro, Bentonville, Goldsboro 
and Raleigh. He was never wounded or 
missed a single fight. He witnessed the 
grand review at Washington, D. C, and 
went from there to Chicago, 111., where 
he was mustered out. He then returned 
to Whiteside Co., 111., where he followed 
farming for one year. He then thought 
he would try the northwest, coming to 
Kossuth county Sept. 23, 1866, and renting 
land for two years. In 1868 he took a 
homestead claim on section 34, township 
96, range 28, where he built a cabin, and 
in 1879 built the house where he now 
lives. He owns 160 acres of good land. 
In politics he votes the greenback ticket. 

R. J. Hunt was born Oct. 23, 1837, in 
Wyoming Co., N. Y. When nineteen 
years old his parents moved to DeKalb 
Co. 111., where he resided with them until 
1861, with exception of one year. On 
Aug. 26, 1861, he enlisted and served 
two years and four months; then in 



Js, 



HISTORY 'OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



525 



December, 1863, lie veteranized, serv- 
ing until July, 18*15, when lie was mus- 
tered out with his regiment, 34tli Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry at Chicago, III., hav- 
ing participated in the battles of Shiloh, 
siege of Corinth, Claysville, Lavergne, 
Triune, Stone River, Liberty Gap, and 
Missionary Ridge, Term; Rome, Peach 
Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, and Jones- 
boro, Ga.; march through Georgia and 
siege of Savannah, campaign of the Car- 
olinas, Averysboro, Bentonville, Golds- 
boro and Raleigh, N. C, from there to 
Richmond, thence to Washington ( ity; be- 
ing there at the grand army review, from 
which place he went toParkersburgby way 
of Harper's Ferry. Afterwards by river to 
Louisville, Ky. and from thence by rail to 
Chicago, III. After his discharge he-re- 
turned to DeKalb Co., Ill, and purchased 
a herd of young cattle. In the spring of 
1866 he drove his stock to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, where he purchased 573 acres of 
land. His residence is on section 27, 
township 96, range 28. Mr. Hunt was 
married July 5, 1865, to Laura A. Steven-, 
born in Lake Co., 111. They have four 
children — M. Elsie, Lewis A., S. Wilbur 
and .Maggie A. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church. In 
politics he is a republican and is a strong 
advocate of temperance. 

Hugh McDonald was born July 15, 1856, 
near Prospect, Butler Co., Penn. When he 
was one year old his parents went to Illi- 
inois, settling near Morris, in Livingstone 
county, where they lived ten years. In 
the fall of 1867, they came to Kossuth 
county, and settled on section 8, township 
97, range 28. Hugh owns eighty acres 
on the north half of the northeast quarter 



of section 7, but lives with his widowed 
mother on section 8, his father having 
died March 3, 1880. In 1883 he raised 
5,000 bushels of grain, but intends to 
make stock raising a specialty. He was 
married, May 7, 1881, to Mary Alice God- 
den, of Burt township. They have one 
child, two years old — Hattie Maud. Mr. 
McDonald is a democrat. 

Jesse D. Davison, son of Daniel and 
Almira (Coon) Davison, was born in Kan- 
kakee Co., 111. He enlisted Aug. 17, 
1861, in company II, 42d Illinois Infantry, 
and served three years, nine months and 
twelve days, being mustered in at Camp 
Douglas, Chicago, and discharged at Jef- 
ferson Barracks, Missouri, hav.ing taken 
part in the battles of Stone River, Chick- 
amauga, Mission. Ridge, Resaca and Ken- 
esaw Mountain, where, on June 22, 1864, 
he received a wound in the rightthigh, for 
which he draws a pens'ion; he was also in 
the first boat of picked men who run the 
gauntlet at Island No. 10. After his dis- 
charge, he went back to Illinois, where he 
lived until 1868, when he came to Kossuth 
county and settled on the east half of the 
southeast quarter of section 12, purchas- 
ing a homestead, six acres of which is in 
timber. He was married April 25, 1871, 
to Elizabeth Piercy, of Kossuth county 
They have five children— Elwin I., Mary A., 
Edith E., Grace R. and Ethel J. Mr. Dav- 
ison is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, his wife of the Baptist. In 
politics, he is a republican, and was con- 
stable four years. 

John Lochtu was born June 15, 1844, in 
Dontheim, Norway. His father still lives 
in Norway, having never lived in any 
house but the one he now occupies, it be- 



¥ 



_*> K> 



526 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



^. 



ing his borne for eighty years. When 
twenty-two years of age, John started, on 
his birthday, for America, landed at Que. 
beck, and went from there to Red Wing, 
Minn., where be lived on a farm four 
years. He then came to Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, settling on section 32, southeast 
quarter as a homestead, and cultivates 
eighty acres. In the fall of 1870, he set 
out a nice grove of poplar, cottonwoodand 
willow trees, but makes stock raising a 
specialty. He was married, Oct. 10, 1868, 
to Mary Pattengell, of Red Wing. They 
have four children — Emma L., May, 
Frank E.and Alice M., all at borne. When 
Mr. Locbtu came to Kossuth county, be had 
$40 in money, no house, but he went to 
work, and built a rough board shanty, liv- 
ing in it two years. Then the grasshoppers 
came, but be was compelled to build a sod 
bouse to-keep warm, many times gather- 
ing snow off the bed before Mrs. Locbtu 
could arise. The doctor's bill the 
first winter was $40. They lived in the 
sod house five years. During this time 
there was no settlement north of them, to 
the State line. In 1877, he built the house 
where he now lives, and is in good, com- 
fortable circumstances. In politics, be 
is a republican. He is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church,, also belongs 
to the Good Templars. 

Grant Benschoter was born Nov. 12, 
1849, in Erie Co., Ohio. When seven 
years old, he moved with bis parents to 
Kossuth county, settling in Algona. His 
father, Oliver Benschoter, was the first 
blacksmith, and the only one, for a great 
many years in Algona. When seventeen 
years of age, he started out to work for 
himself, and bought eighty acres of land 



on section 23, Portland township, where 
he makes a specialty of stock raising. He 
also rented land from 1873 to 1877, work- 
ing it for himself, but he now owns 240 
acres of good land with a residence on 
section 23, township 96, range 28. He 
was married April 13, 1873, to Frances 
Ferguson, a native of Fulton Co., N. Y. 
They have three children— George, Eda 
and Edna. In politics be is a republican. 
William Ringstorf was born in Nassau, 
Germany, Oct. 7, 1836. When eighteen 
years of age he emigrated to the United 
States, residing in Chatham six months, 
and in Nassau, New York, for some time, 
after which he went to Columbia Co., 
Wis., where he resided two years, work- 
ing on a farm. He then went to Wal- 
worth Co., Wis., and in December, 1858, 
married Elizabeth Buffmier. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ringstorf now reside on the south 
half of the southeast quarter of section 36, 
township 97, range 28, which they took 
as a homestead in 1868. Mr. Ringstorf 
deals largely in stock and grain. His 
farm is provided with good substantial 
buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Ringstorf are 
members of the Lutheran Church. They 
have had six children, five of whom are 
living— John, Frederick, F. Thomas, 
Mary E.and Lizzie B. Mr. Kingstorf is 
a republican in politics. 

Elijah Caulkins was born in New Hamp- 
shire, July 24, 1836. He lived in the 
home of his birth until 1856, when he re- 
moved to Vernon Co., Wis. He remained 
in that county until September, 1861, 
when he enlisted in the 1st Wisconsin 
Battery Light Artillery. He served until 
in October, 1864, when he was discharged. 
He participated in the battles of Tazewell 



ft 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



527 



and Chickamauga, Term., Chickasaw 
Bluffs, Port Gibson, Champion Hills and 
siege of Vieksburg,Miss. He was at Arkan- 
sas Post, Jan. 11, 1863. He was with Gen. 
Banks in the Red river expedition, thence 
to New Orleans, where he remained until 
discharged. He then returned to New 
Hampshire, where he' lived until 1867, 
when he removed to Defiance Co., Ohio. 
In 1869 he removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, 
and located on section 26, township 96, 
range 28, Portland township, where he 
now resides. He has 160 acres of good 
land, will improved. He was married in 
March, 1867, to Fannie Hoxey, born in 
Pennsylvania, Aug. 18, 1838. They have 
six children— Ella May, Carl E., Ordell 
H., Harmon L., Estella and John W. 

Daniel Davison, a native of Canada, 
was born Feb. 9, 1835. He is a son of 
Daniel P. and Almira A. (Coon) Davison. 
The father is dead, being buried in Kan- 
kakee Co., 111. The subject of this sketch 
lived in Canada one year, thence to Illi- 
nois in 1841, where lie resided for twenty- 
eight years, working at different places. 
He then came to Kossuth county and set- 
tled on the southeast quarter of section 
34, where he has eighty acres under cul- 
tivation, lie has a magnificent grove of 
six acres on the premises, consisting of 
willow, cottonwood, elm, maple and ash, 
which he set out himself. He also has a 
fine orchard of two acres. On Jan. 1, 
I860, lie was united in marriage with 
Catharine Hendricks,, of Kankakee Co , 
111. She is a daughter of Walter and An- 
na (Stutton) Hendricks. Her mother is 
dead, but her father lives in Illinois. This 
union has been blessed with eight chil- 
dren — Martha A., married to M. S.Allen; 



Hattie A., Charles H , John W., Willie J., 
Luman A., Lydia L. and Bertha A. Mr. 
Davison is a republican. He has held 
the office of road supervisor, and made a 
very efficient officer. 

Rasselas E. Davison was born Nov. 10, 
1840, in Ohio. When one year old his 
parents removed to Illinois, settling in 
Momence, Kankakee county. He remained 
at home till twenty years of age, then 
went to Wisconsin and settled in Spring 
Creek, Sauk county. He enlisted April 
9, 1861, in company II, 2d Wisconsin In- 
fantry, and served three years, taking 
part in the first and second battles of 
Bull Run, Gainesville, Fredericksburg and 
South Mountain; was wounded at Antie- 
tam in the right shoulder by a musket 
ball; was also seven days in the battle of 
the Wilderness. After being discharged 
he went back to Momence, 111., and on 
February 1, re-enlisted in Chicago, in the 
2d regiment, United States Veteran Vol- 
unteers, serving one year, stationed at 
Washington. After this he went to El- 
mira, N. Y., and stayed till some time in 
the fall, then went to New Haven, Conn., 
and was discharged at Hartford, Conn. Mr. 
Davison has a beautiful floral photograph 
of a flag which was presented by the 
daughter of Capt. Calwell, of the 2d 
Wisconsin Volunteers, who was killed at 
the battle of South Mountain, to the sol- 
diers belonging to the Iron Brigade, of 
which he was a member. After his dis- 
charge he again went to Momence, and 
from there to Lodi, Columbia Co., Wis., 
where he was married, by Rev. Jesse D. 
Scarles, to Almira A. Stahl. They have 
had nine children, seven of whom are 
living — Ida M., Edwin F., Ada A., Lela 



A, 



528 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



L., II. Glews, Sammy R. and J. Clark. 
Eva II. and Othello are deceased. Mr. 
Davison is a greenbacker, ami lias been 
township trustee and clerk of the school 
board. 

Calvin F. Kyes was born near Cleve- 
land, in Lorain Co., Ohio, Aug. 17, 1830. 
In 1844 he removed to McHenry Co., 111., 
and in 1862 to Bremer Co., Iowa. He has 
always been a farmer, and at present is 
agent for the Kimball organ, which busi- 
ness he conducts in addition to farming. 
He owns the southeast quarter of section 
35, Portland township, six acres of which 
is a fine grove. He has 3,000 evergreens 
set out on his place for timber and pro- 
tection. Mr. Kyes is a democrat politi- 
cally. He is also a Master Mason. He 
was married May 2, 1850, to Martha A. 
Smith, of McHenry Co., 111. They have 
one child— Wilson Alfonso. 



P. T. Ferguson was born in Broadalbin, 
Fulton Co., N. Y. When thirty-seven 
years of age he went to Cedar Falls, Iowa, 
and remained three years. He then came 
to Kossuth county, settling on section 0, 
south half of southeast quarter, where he 
still lives. He also owns one quarter on 
section 10, and eighty acres on section 11, 
besides five acres in grove. He cultivates 
125 acres, but makes stock raising a 
specialty. He was married Feb. 26, 1854, 
to Emeline Dingman, of Fulton Co., N. 
Y. They have six children— Frances E., 
who married Grant Benschoter, of Port- 
land township, Iowa; Alice A., James H., 
living in Algona; Melvin W., Adelbert, 
and Wilbur. Mr. Ferguson is now town- 
ship trustee, and has held the office some 
time. He and his wife are members of 



the Baptist Church. In politics he is a 
republican. 

John Gilbride is a native of Ireland, 
born in 1836. In 1856 he came to 
America, landing in New York. After 
living in Mercer Co., N. Y., two years, he 
removed to De Kalb Co., 111., making his 
home there eleven years. In 1870 he 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on 
section 32, township 96, range 28, where 
he now owns 200 acres of good land, well 
improved, raising grain of all kinds, and 
also being interested in stock. He was 
married June 8, 1878, to Anna Gurdett, a 
native of France. They have three chil- 
dren—Louis, Charles and Ester. 

Lemuel Stockwell, son of W. S. and S. 
A. (Tubbs) Stockwell, was horn in Dela- 
ware Co., Ohio, Sept. 29, 1848. He lived 
in Delaware county until 1868, when he 
removed to Hancock Co., Iowa, locating 
in Amsterdam township. He remained 
there two years, when he came to Kos- 
suth county and located on the southeast 
quarter of section 29, township 97, range 
28. lie has 100 acres of land under cul- 
tivation, and is engaged in mixed farm- 
ing. In 1803 he enlisted in company D, 
12th Ohio Cavalry, under Gen. Kilpatrick. 
He was assigned to Stoneman's 23d 
Corps. He was mustered in at Cleveland 
and served almost three years. He par- 
ticipated in the battles of Murfreesboro, 
Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, 
Marietta and siege of Atlanta. Mr. Stock- 
well was wounded three times, but not 
seriously. He was united in marriage on 
the 10th of May, 1870, with Rosetta 
R.,bins, of Hancock Co., Iowa. He is a 
republican in politics. 



-a V 




z^k^. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY 



529 



Gotleb Bohn was born in the province 
of Brombah, Germany, May 1,1819. His 
father died when he was but a child. In 
1858 Mr. Bohn emigrated to the United 
States, locating in Washington Co., Wis. 
He remained in that county until' 1871, 
when he removed to Iowa, locating in 
Kossuth county, on the southwest quarter 



Lowell, Dodge Co., Wis.- This union has 
been blessed with two children— Lewie 
M. J. and Nettie V. Mr. Owen is a re- 
publican. He deals in live stock, and 
makes that his business as well as farm- 
ing. 

Hollis J. Gilbert was born in 1841 in 
When twelve years of age 



l.a.l twelve ehildren-A,,.,,., I , Vermont, wbere he lived t»o 

*«* — m„ .,„ « „„,,„;:„: rs "L":t; 1 - ^'r c 

settling i„ Algona. After six years he 
removed on the place where he now lives, 
on section »9, township 96, range 28,' 
where he owns 120 acres of well improved 
land, and carries on general farming. He 
is now township assessor. He was mar- 
Wed Oct. 23, 1861, to Lucy J. Ensign, born 
in Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn. They 
have six children— Susie, Ernest, Louisa 
Laura, Lee and Clare. Mrs. Gilbert is a 
member of the Congregational Church 
In politics, Mr. Gilbert is a republican. 

B. H. Winkie is a native of Germany, 
bom March 19, 1855. When qui le young 
he emigrated to America with his parents 
locating i„ Dodge Co., Wis. In 1876,' 
they removed to Kossuth Co., Iowa, pur- 
chasing eighty acres of land on section 
7, township 96, range 29, this township. 
In 1881 they removed to Algona, where 
they now reside. The subject of (his 
sketch now owns and resides on the old 
homestead. On Dec. 25, 1881, he was 
married to Ida Potter, a native of Ulinoi. 
born Jan. 8, 1859. Mr. Winkie has sixtv 
acres of land under cultivation. He is 



voyage to this country; Paulina V. K 
William L., Martha T, Bertha M., Clara 
M., who died when five years old- Her 
man K; G. and Edward J. Augusta B 
■named William Bohn, and lives in Clear 
Lake, Iowa. The oldest son is contrac- 
tor on the railroad; the rest are at home 
The family are all members of the Lu- 
theran Church. Mr. Bohn is a democrat 
Martin A. Owen, son of Alvah and 
Catharme (Christman) Owen, was born 
Feb. 2, 1838. His father is dead. His 
mother was born in Oswego Co., N. Y | 
and now lives at Whitehall, Trempealeau I 
Co., Wis. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years old, he went to 
Sheboygan, Wis., remaining there one 
and a half years. He then went to 
Lowell, Dodge Co., Wis., remaining 
there thirty years. He then came to Kos- 
suth county, locating on section 4, town- 
ship 96, range 28, Portland township 
where he now owns 120 acres of good 
ia«d. Mr. Owen was united in marriage 
Feb 17, 1861, with Josephine Tattle,' 
daughter of Nathan and Jane Tattle, of 



&j(v"* 



530 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 




now turning his attention to raising fine 
stock. He one of the most enterprising 
young farmers in the county. He is a 
republican. 

Edo-ar P Keith was born March 6, 1853, 
in Johnstown, Rock Co., Wis. In 1881 he 
came to Kossuth county, settling on sec- 
tion 9, owning the north half of the north- 
west quarter of section 9, and the south 
half. of the southwest quarter of section 
4 He also owns another quarter section 
adjacent, which he intends to make a 
stock farm, having already a good many 
Short Horn cattle, brought from Rock 
county. The Upper Des Moines crosses 
his farm ; also, Lindner's creek. He was 
married Dec. '25, 1873, to Louisa M. W ood. 
They have three children-Lyman Wood, 
Harry W. and Flora. Mr. Keith is sub- 
director of the 5th district, and presulent 
of the board. In politics, he is a repub- 
lican. 

Willie A. Chipman was born near Mo- 
mence, Kankakee Co., 111., Sept. 18, 1845- 

He enlisted March 21, 1864, in company 
H 42d Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being 
mustered in at Chicago. He participated 
in the following battles : Resaca, At- 
lanta, SpringhUl, Nashville, and also went 
into the New Orleans and Texas campaign. 
He was wounded in the side at the siege 
of Atlanta, but does not draw a pension. 
Discharged at Port Lavaca, Texas, Dec 
16, 1865, reaching his home in Illinois, 
Tan 12, 1866. Mr. Chipman was married, 
Dec 17, 1867, to Dorothea Davison, of 
Momence, 111. They have had live chil- 



dren, three of whom are living-Myra M., 
Elmer O. and Chauncy B. They buned 
their two oldest near Momence, 111. I" 
April, 1881, Mr. Chipman, came to Kossuth 

Co Iowa, bringing the best of all recom- 
mendations, an unsullied character, and 
a determination to make a home and 



friends in the grandest State in the Union. 
He now owns the whole of the southeast 
quarter of section 25, township 97, range 
23 Portland township. He gives special 
attention to stock and grain raising, and 
has forty acres under cultivation. Polit- 
ically he is a republican, and is now a sub- 
director of district No. 4, Portland town- 
ship. Mr. and Mrs. Chipman are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Be- 
ing class leader, Sunday school superin- 
tendent and trustee almost continuously.^ 
Ellis McWhorter was born Feb. 16, 
1854 in Franklin Co., Ind. He is a son 
f Tyler and Rhoda (Ward) McWhorter. 
When two years old his parents moved to 
Whiteside Co, 111., where they still re- 
side. His father is a practical and suc- 
cessful farmer and stock raiser. He has a 
well improved farm of over 500 acres, 
also 640 acres in Portland township, Kos- 
suth Co.. Iowa. Ellis McWhorter moved 
to Kossuth Co., Iowa, in March, 1883, 
where he bought 2S7 acres of land in 
Portland township. The Des Moines 
river crosses the southwest corner of his 
farm. One hundred acres is under culti- 
vation. He intends making stock rais.ng 
a specialty. He is a republican, as his 
father has always been. 



Aj 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



531 



CHAPTER XXIV 



PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 



The territory s known as congressional 
township 95 north, range 27 west, was 
taken from the townships of Wesley and 
Irvington, in 1882, and organized into a 
separate civil township under the name 
of Prairie. The election was held in Oc- 
tober, 1882, at what is known as the Pel- 
ton school house. At that time the first 
officers were chosen, and are at present 
yet in office. They are the following 
named gentlemen: John Taylor, Martin 
Rahm, Jr., and August Studer, trustees; 
Matthew Studer, clerk; David Arbuckle, 
assessor; A. J. Pelton and George Elfrich,' 
justices; Joseph Rahm, constable. 

Prairie township is six miles square and 
contains 23,040 acres of most excellent 
land. The surface is rolling to a slight 
degree, and the soil a rich dark loam, sus- 
ceptible of high cultivation. It is well 
watered by Prairie creek, which rises in 
Wesley township and enters Prairie on 
the northeast quarter of section 4. Run- 
ning in a general southerly course, it 
intersects the entire township and on sec- 
tion 34 making a confluence with the 
small creek that rises on section 13, forms 
the West Fork of the Boone river. 

David Arbuckle was the first to locate 
in the township, settling upon the 'north- 
west quarter of section 30, in ls7i. He 
is still a resident of this homestead that 



he has carved out for himself upon the 
prairies of Kossuth county. 

A Mr. Burdick also settled in Prairie 
township in 1871, locating upon the north 
half of the northeast quarter of section 
30. After living here for some time he 
removed from the county, and his present 
whereabouts are unknown. 

The first school in the township was 
erected in 1876 on section 23. 

The second was built in 1883 on section 
1 8. It is a large, commodious edifice and 
sost $844. It was put up by George Mc- 
i?.ae, under contract, and is built in a 
thoroughly workmanlike manner. The 
first teacher was Justina Tumach. The 
school board is composed of John Taylor, 
George Elfrich and August Studer. 

School is also held for the present in 
two private dwellings, the law not allow- 
ing the directors to build a school house 
for less than fifteen pupils. 

The cemetery of Prairie township was 
purchased of Herman Studer, in 1882, 
for the sum of $24, and contains about 
one acre. Before this the people buried 
their dead on railroad land on section 
19, but upon the location of the cemetery, 
which is upon section 17, it was deter- 
mined to remove all the bodies to this 
consecrated ground. This will be done 
in the near future. The first interments 



r 



19 






532 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



here were two Hungarian boys, whose 
bodies were brought from Algona, but 
whose names are unknown. The next 
were children of Meyers and L. Klein- 
peter. 

The only church in the township is lo- 
cated on section 17, and is of the Roman 
Catholic denomination. This is the Ben- 
edict Church of the Bavarian settlement. 
It was built under the supervision of Rev. 
Father Eberhard Gahr, in 1879, at a cost 
of $900, besides the large amount of gra- 
tuitous labor done thereon. The edifice, 
which is a fine one, is 20x36 feet, and is 
ornamented with a bell, that rings out the 
Angelus at noon and eventide, and calls 
the worshiper to the shrine of devotion. 
Before the erection of the church, ser- 
vices were held at the parsonage — a nice, 
comfortable house, which was built during 
the summer of 1878, at an expense of 
$675. The congregation includes some 
fifty or sixty families, and services, held 
every Sabbath, are always well attended. 

Rev. Eberhard Gahr, who is the present 
pastor of Benedict Church, in Prairie 
township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
Sept. 18, 1833. He was the son of George 
and Catharine Gahr, natives of Bavaria. 
Rev. Gahr commenced his studies for the 
the ministry, in 1846, at the gymnasium in 
Regensburg, and in 185t, after he had 
completed his studies he came to Ameri- 
ca, and went to the Vincent Monastery in 



Westmoreland Co., Penn., where he re- 
mained two years. He then went to New- 
ark, N. J., where he remained almost 
three years, and in the fall of 1858 he re- 
moved to Shakopee, Scott Co., Minn., 
where he took charge of his first Church 
in that place, and also had charge of all 
the Churches of faith in Scott, LeSueur 
and Sibley counties, besides east Minne- 
apolis and missions in Hennepin county, 
where he remained for five years. In 
1864 he was sent to Castorville, Texas, to 
take charge of the Church there, and a 
number of missions in the country. In 
1869 he was called to Augusta, Bracken 
Co., Ky., and remained there until 1872, 
when lie was removed to Ottawa, 111., on 
account of poor health in Kentucky. In 
the fall of 1877 he came to Prairie town- 
ship to look at lands; his object being to 
locate a colony, which he did the follow- 
ing spring, 1S78. He built the parsonage, 
and the year following, 1879, he built the 
church. The first service was held in 
the same, Aug. 15, 1879. His congrega- 
tion numbers from fifty to sixty families. 

The first birth in the township was that 
of a child of M. Studer, born in 1882. 

The first death, that of a daughter of 
M. Studer, who died in 188-2, and was 
buried in the cemetery attached to Ben- 
edict church. 

The first marriage was that of August 
Germar and Francesco Foerstel, in 1879. 



<j: 



« w. 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



533 



CHAPTER XXV. 



RAMSEY TOWNSHIP. 



This township lies in the extreme north- 
eastern portion of Kossuth county, and 
comprises all of congressional townships 
99 and 100 north, range 27 west, all of 
township 98 north, range 27 west, except 
the nine sections in the southeast corner; 
also the two eastern tiers of sections in 
townships 98, 99 and 100 north, range 28 
west. This gives it an area of 127 square 
miles, or 81,280 acres. The surface is 
rolling prairie and in some instances 
somewhat broken. The soil is the same 
rich, black loam that is found nearly 
everywhere in the county, and promises 
inexhaustible fertility. The Blue Earth 
river rises in the northern part of town- 
ship 98, range 27, on section 4, and run- 
ning in a general northwesterly course 
passes out of the township and county on 
the line between Ramsey and Portland 
townships. The southern part of the 
township is pretty well settled up, but in 
the northern half there is plenty of room 
for the incoming immigrant. The town- 
ship was named for Wayne Ramsey, the 
president of the First National Bank of 
Madison, Wis., who is the owner of large 
tracts of land in this precinct. 

The Chicago & Northwestern railroad 
crosses diagonally the northwest portion 
of the township, entering on the west 
line of section 26, and making its exit on 



the north line of section 7, both in town- 
ship 100, range 28. There is no station 
within the limits of Ramsey, the sparse- 
ness of the population not warranting it 

as yet. 

The first settler who came to Ramsey 
township and took up land with the in- 
tention of making a home was Norman 
Collar. On the 13th day of July, 1867, 
he arrived here from his old home in 
Grundy Co., 111., and located on the south- 
east quarter of section 24, township 98, 
range 28. He came all the way in his 
wagon, and with him were, besides his 
own immediate family, De Witt and Emily, 
nephew and niece of Mrs. Collar. Al- 
though the party leftMendota on the 8th 
of May, it was, as has been said, the 13th 
of July before they reached their future 
home in Kossuth county. After their 
arrival, as there was no house prepared 
for them, they were compelled to camp in 
their wagon until the 25th of August, by 
which time a sod house was erected, and 
into which they moved. In this they re- 
sided until 1872, when Mr. Collar built 
a neat frame house, which he has since 
enlarged and added to. While they were 
living in the old sod house, travelers, 
landseekers, speculators and tourists gen- 
erally made it a point to stop with them 
when in their neighborhood. No point 






534 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



in this section was so well known as the 
"Old Sod Tavern," as it was called. They 
sometimes realized quite a nice little sum 
from this accommodation of the traveling 
public, amounting to as high as $600 per 
year. Mr. Collar is still a resident of the 
original claim on which he first located. 

Norman Collar was the first settler of 
what is now Ramsey township, and is a 
prosperous and thriving farmer and stock 
raiser. He was born in Jefferson Co., N. 
Y., April 16, 183S, and removed to St. 
Lawrence county in 1839. He is a son 
of Lyman and Eliza Jane Collar. His 
father was a native of Vermont and his 
mother*of New York. In 1848 he went 
with his parents to Grundy Co., III., 
where he remained and farmed until 1867, 
when he removed with his family to what 
is now Ramsey township, Kossuth Co., 
Iowa, and settled on section 24, where he 
now resides. Mr. Collar was married 
Feb. 14, 1861, to Almira, daughter of 
Edsel and Berintha Drake, natives of the 
Eastern States. Mrs. Collar was horn in 
Oneida Co., N. Y., April 28, 1830. They 
have no children. They have had living 
with them, ever since they came to Iowa, 
DeWitt and, until married, Emma Dralce, 
nephew and niece of Mrs. Collar. De- 
Witt is still living with them. Emma 
was married April 16, 1871, to A. II. 
Johnson, and now resides in Blooming 
Prairie, Minn. In politics Mr. Collar is a 
republican. 

On the 15th of July, 1867, Mr. Collar 
turned the first furrow that was ever 
plowed in the soil of Ramsey township. 
He, at this time, broke about seven acres, 
and the next spring pu( in his first, crop. 



Caleb Pearce was the next to settle in 
this township, in 1869. He came here 
from Mendota, 111., and settled upon sec- 
tion 19, township 99, range 27. Timber 
being wanting in this locality, he built for 
himself and family a sod house, in which 
they lived for some seven years. In 1877, 
circumstances having improved with him, 
he erected a neat frame dwelling which is 
now occupied by his son, Frank. Mr. 
Pearce died in February, 1881, his wife 
having preceded him by nearly a year. 
When Mr Pearce settled here his nearest 
neighbor was distant, seven miles, ami he 
had to go twenty-two miles to have his 
grist ground. He had two children — 
Frank, who lives on the old homestead, 
and Amelia, who is married to Alfred 
Bartlett, and who lives at Blue Earth City, 
Minn. 

Willet F. Pearce, is the son of Caleb 
and Ann Pearce, one of the early settlers 
of Ramsey township. Mr. Pearce was 
born in New York city, Dec. 12,1854. At 
the age of four years, his parents removed 
to Mendota, III. In 1869 he came to Ram- 
sey township, Kossuth Co., Iowa, and set- 
tled on section 19. He owns 240 acres of 
land, has about 100 acres under cultiva- 
tion, and makes stock raising his pursuit, 
lie was married to Mary, daughter of 
John and Eliza Wolfe, Jan. 9, 1877. Mrs. 
Pearce was born in Deeorah, Winneshiek 
Co., Iowa. They have had three children 
—Edwin C, Lillie V. and George S. Lil- 
lie V., is dead. Mrs. Pearce is a member 
of the M. E. Church. In politics, Mr. 
Pearce is a republican. 

Case Wiltse was the third settler in 
Ramsey township, locating here in IsTI. 
In the spring of that year, lie came to this 



jA 



w_ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



535 



vicinity and took up his land on section 
30, township 98, range 27, and the same 
year had about twenty acres broke by 
Cunningham and Gray. In the fall of 
1S72, he brought his famly from Black 



O, J. Frank, Effie E. and Glenn H. Laura 
A. and Guy E. are dead. Mr. Wiltse was 
formerly a member of Buffalo Grange 
Lodge, No. 94, organized in 1874. In pol- 
itics, he is a republican and strong abo- 



Hawk Co Iowa into Kossuth county, litionist. And he is a prohibit! 
Having no house built to receive them, he | every sense of the word 



occupied a sod house in Wesley township, 
that belonged to S. P. Hartshorn, all that 
fall and winter, but in the spring of 1873, 
having built a frame house on his own 
land, he moved his family into it. This 
house, in which he yet resides, was built 
by his own hands, he being a carpenter by P , r 
trade. J I 

Case Wiltse, one of the first settlers of 
Kamsey township, is a son of James and 
Electa Wiltse, natives of Canada. He 
was born April 9, 1834, in the village of 
Farmersville, county of Leeds, Canada. 
At the age of nineteen, he learned the 
carpenter trade and followed it until the 
fall of i860, when he came to the United 
States, locating in Shiawassee Co., Mich., 
where he worked at his trade until 1805,' 
when he returned to Canada. In 1S69 he 
remove,! to Black Hawk Co, Iowa, where 
he followed his trade and farming. In 
the fall of 1872, he removed with his fam- 
ily to Kossuth Co, Iowa, and settled on 
action 31, Ramsey township, where he 
resides at present. Stock raising and 
farming is his main pursuit. He owns 
160 acres of land, about ninety of which 
is under plow, and has good improve- 
ments on the same. He was married Jan. 
21, 1856, to Elizabeth Steffens, daughter of 
Richard and Catharine Steffens, natives 
of Canada. She was born Dec. 25, 1840, 



Ramsey township was organized upon 
the 3d of June, 1879, and the first elec- 
tion was held at the school house, on sec- 
tion 13, township 98, range 28, in the fol- 
lowing October. A petition had been 
presented to the board of supervisors, 
iT e year previous, by P. G. Schneider, W. 
L. Green and J. Liesveld, asking that 
body to authorize the organization of the 
township, but the prayer was denied. At 
the first election, the following were 
among the officers chosen : Case Wiltse, 
clerk; J. G. Schneider, assessor; Case 
Wiltse, justice of the peace. The pres- 
ent officers are: D. A. Duitman, clerk ; 
P. G. Schneider, assessor; D. A. Duitman 
and Case Wiltse, justices; C. Duitman 
and J. Meinbers:, constables. 

Ramsey township has four school 
houses. The one in district No. 1 was 
the first built, being erected during the 
year 1877. The first school in the town- 
ship was taught here by Silas Schenck, 
during the summer of the same year. 
The house is 18x28 feet in dimension 
and was built by Thomas Gallion, and 
cost $650. Mary Hoffman, of Dubuque, 
taught in 1S83. 



School house in district No. 2 was 
erected in 1880, on section 12, by II. C. 
Kleist, at an expense of $600. The first 



;„ n„„j, r,,, , , , ' "'"' 1 "° 1Bl 'i <" an expense of $600. The first 

^,,"z^x:^Xz I sr/czr M "" ; the —> 



3> 



±k 



536 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



That in district No. 3 was built in 1881 
by H. C. Kleist, and cost $600, and is a 
neat frame structure 16x24 feet. It stands 
on section 32, township 98, range 27. The 
first teacher was Alice Ferguson. 

District No. 4 has a good school house 
located upon section 4, township 98, range 
27, built during the year 1882, by Wil- 
lard Miles, and cost about $600. Louise 
Austin taught the first school here during 
the summer of 1883. 

The first preaching in the township 
was done by the Rev. J. Liesveld, during 
the year 1877. After him came Rev. A. 
Krebs in 1880, and who remained only 
one year, to be succeeded by Rev. F. 
Schmidt, the present pastor of the society. 
All these were of the Presbyterian de- 
nomination. 

Rev. Frederick Schmidt is a native of 
Prussia. He was born in Saar Bruecken, 
Rhine province, March 21, 1832, and is 
the son of Christian and Charlotte 
Schmidt. He lived with his parents until 
1849, when he came to America. He 
landed in New Orleans, after being forty- 
nine days in making the trip across the 
ocean. From there he took passage on a 
steamboat and went to Cincinnati, where 
he remained about six months ; thence to 
Platteville, Wis. In 1850 he went up into 
the pineries on the Menomonee river and 
staid there eight months. He then re- 
turned to Platteville and remained until 
J 857. While there he joined the Ger- 
man Congregational Church and after- 
wards joined the Old School Presbyterian. 
In 1854-5-6, he went through a the- 
ological course in Dubuque, Iowa. In 
1857 he was licensed to preach. His first 
appointment was in Clayton City and Mc- 



Gregor, Iowa, and Wyalusing, Wis. In 
1858 he was sent to Lyons. In 1859 
he went to Monroe and Beloit, Wis. 
In 1860 he was called to Muscatine, 
Iowa, where he remained until 1865, when 
he went to Mt. Pleasant and Burlington, 
Iowa, where he remained until 1873. He 
then went to Riley Center, Kan., and re- 
mained there until the fall of 1882. He 
then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, anil set- 
tled in the village of Ramsey. He 
preaches in three different places in Ram- 
sey township. As they hare no church 
as yet, he holds service in school houses. 
He is now (1884) gathering funds to build 
a church, to be 28x40 feet in size, and 
cost about $1,200. His congregation 
numbers from eighteen to twenty fami- 
lies. Rev. Mr. Schmidt was married June 
1, 1857, to Adrianna Vyverberg, a native 
of Holland, by Rev. A. Van Vliet. This 
union was blessed with nine children — 
Charlotte, Augustinus, August, Frederick 
T., Werner A., Calvin, Hannah, Sophia 
and William. Augustinus, August and 
William are dead. Charlotte is married 
to A. C. McCreary, and resides in Kansas. 
In politics Rev. Mr. Schmidt is a republi- 
can. 

There are two cemeteries located in this 
township. The one on section 13, town- 
ship 98, range 27, was donated to the 
township by D. B. Hutching, and contains 
some five acres of land. The first person 
buried therein was a child of William 
Kleint, in June, 1879. The second was 
A. Wagner, in 1880. 

The other cemetery is located on section 
32, and was donated by Bernard Meyer, 
in the spring of 1882. It contains but one 
acre, now, but it will be enlarged as occa- 



-4* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



5-. 7 



sion requires. It is surrounded by a good 
substantial board fence. At present there 
are but two bodies interred in this beauti- 
ful little "Gott's acre," one a child of A. 
Wagner, buried in November, 1882, and 
the other, John Feldraan, buried in Sep- 
tember, 1883. 

The first land was broke on the loth of 
July, 1867, by Norman Collar, on section 
19. 

The first house was one built of sod by 
Norman Collar, and finished Aug. 25, 1807. 

The first death was that of Albert, son 
of John C. and Eliza J. Wolfe, who died 
during the year 1873. 

The first marriage was between Frank 
Pearce and Mary E. Wolfe. Rev. Free- 
man Franklin performed the ceremony on 
the 9th of January, 1877. 

First frame dwelling house was built by 
Case Wiltse, in the spring of 1873, and in 
which he at present resides. 

The first child born in Ramsey town- 
ship was Effie, daughter of Case and Eliz- 
abeth Wiltse, the date of whose birth was 
March 1, 1874. 

The first school house was built in 1877, 
on section 13, township 98, range 28, and 
in this the first school was taught in the 
summer of that year by Silas Schenck. 

The small post village of Ramsey is 
located upon section 14, township 98 north, 
range 28, and is the only village in the 
township. The postoffice, the blacksmith 
shop, and a few dwellings is all there is 
of it at present, but the future may bring 
it increase, and it grow to be quite a place. 
The country surrounding it is of the very 
best quality and is gradually filling up 
with an intelligent class of agriculturalists. 



The postoffice, which bears the same 
name as the village, was created in 1877, 
and P. G. Schneider commissioned the 
first postmaster. After holding this posi- 
tion for three years, he was succeeded by 
F. Esebrandt, who held it for two years. 
John Meinburg was the next incumbent 
of the office, until in the summer of 1883, 
B. F. Smith was appointed and is the 
present postmaster. This office is supplied 
with its mail by the stage from Algona, 
semi-weekly. James L. Payne, of that 
town, was the first mail carrier to this 
point in 1877, when the office was first 
established. 

B. F. Smith, the son of A. D. and Polly 
Smith, natives of New York, was born in 
Marquette Co., Wis., June 2, 1852, and 
lived with his parents until the fall of 
1872, when he went into the pineries and 
worked there until the spring of 1873, 
when, with two friends, he made a trip 
by wagon through Minnesota and Dakota. 
In 1878 he went to Grand Rapids. Re- 
maining there six months, he removed to 
Colby, Wis., and in 1879 went to Wau- 
kesha Co., Wis. In 1880 he went to 
Durand, and in 1882 removed to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, and settled in the village of 
Ramsey, where he now resides. He is 
the present postmaster, being appointed 
to that office July 12, 1883. Mr. Smith 
was married Dec. 2, 1878, to Catharine E. 
Jones, daughter of James and Eleanor 
Jones. Mrs. Smith was born Aug. 3, 
1857, in Marquette Co., Wis. In politics 
he is a republican. 

Peter G. Schneider, one of the promi- 
nent farmers of Ramsey township, is the 
son of Peter and Catharine Schneider, 
natives of Germany. He was born in 



rpr 



A 



GL. ^ 



v> 



538 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUMTY. 



Galena, Jo Daviess Co., 111., Dec. 7, 1851. 
At the age of fifteen years be learned the 
blacksmith trade with his stepfather, 
George Rittweger, who had a shop at 
Scales' Mound, and with whom he re- 
mained until of age. In 1 8V2 lie opened 
a shop of his own in Scales' Mound. In 
the spring of 1874 be was married, and 
removed to Malvern, Mills Co., Iowa, 
where he worked at bis trade for three 
years. In 1877 he removed with his 
family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and settled 
on section 13, Ramsey township. He has 
200 acres of land on section 18, of which 
1G0 acres are under cultivation. Mr. 
Schneider was married Nov. 9, 1S73, to 
Johanna G., daughter of Rev. J. and 
Gesiena Leisveld, natives of Holland. 
Mrs. Schneider was born July 9, 1855, in 
Platteville, Grant Co., Wis. They have 
five children — Herman J., George A., Wil- 
liam L., Benjamin Peter and Lydia G. K. 
Mr. Schneider has held the office of town- 
ship assessor for five years, that of school 
treasurer two years, road supervisor three 
years, and school board one year. He 
was the first postmaster in Ramsey, and 
held that office for three years; has been 
a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Al- 
gona for over nine years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Schneider are members of the Presby- 
terian Church. He votes the republican 
ticket. 

The first house in the village of Ram- 
sey was erected in 1877, by W. L. Green. 

The first blacksmith shop in the village 
of Ramsey was built in 1877, by P. G. 
Schneider, who ran it for about four years, 
when he disposed of it to Martin School- 
man, who is the present representative of 
that business. 



David A. Duitman, is a prosperous and 
thriving farmer of Ramsey township. He 
is the son of Garret and Johanna Duit- 
man, natives of Holland. He was born 
Sept. 3, 1856, in Fond du Lac Co., Wis. 
He remained with his parents until twen- 
ty-two years of age, when he was married 
to Eva, daughter of John Henry and Eva 
D. Berning. Her father was a native 
Prussia; her mother of Holland. Mrs. 
Duitman, was born April 1, 1857, in Fond 
du Lac Co., Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Duitman 
were married Feb. 24, 1878. They have 
two children — Winnie E. and John Henry. 
In 1878 Mr. Duitman came to Kossuth 
Co., Iowa, and settled in Ramsey town- 
ship, on section 19. He owns 160 acres, 
ami has ninety acres under cultivation, lie 
has a good house and barn on the same, 
and makes stock raising his main pursuit. 
In politics he is a republican. 

Thomas W. Tinker is the son of Hilton 
and Emma Tinker, natives of England. 
He was born Aug. 9, 1848, in Springfield, 
Dane Co., Wis., and lived with his parents 
until twenty-two years of age. In 1869 
he went to Trempealeau Co., Wis., where 
he fanned during the summer ; and in the 
winter he worked in the pineries. In 
1871 he went to Winona Co., Minn., and 
worked on what was then called the Ma- 
ple Dale farm, one year, and rented the 
same the next year. In 1874 he bought a 
farm in the same county. In the spring 
of 1881 he sold his place and moved with 
his family to Kossuth Co., Iowa, and set- 
tled in Ramsey township, on section 13, 
where he now resides, and makes stock 
raising bis pursuit. He was married Oct. 
10, 1873, to Maggie, daughter of William 
and Eliza McKnight, natives of Scotland. 



V 



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t^ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUJNT1". 



539 



Mrs. Tinker was born in Walworth Co.', 
Wis., Sept. 30, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Tin- 
ker have five children -Burnie W., Ho- 
mer II., Myrtle E., Sidney A; and Thomas 



McKnight. Homer is dead. Mr. Tin- 
I ker has held the offices of trustee and 
secretary in Ramsey township. In poli- 
ties he is neutral. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



SHERMAN TOWNSHIP. 



This township is the second from the 
east line of the county on the most south- 
erly tier, and is known as congressional 
township 94 north, range 28 west, of the 
5th principal meridian. It is bounded on 
the north by Irvington, on the east by Lu- 
verne, and on the west hy Cresco township. 
On the south is Humboldt county. It con- 
tains just thirty-six sections of land or 
23,040 acres. It is crossed diagonally by 
the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, 
which enters it on the northeast quar- 
ter of section 30 and makes its exit about 
the center of section 5. The surface is 
gently rolling and the soil dark, alluvial, 
loam, of uncommon richness. A small 
creek, an affluent of the West Fork of the 
Boone river, crosses the northeastern cor- 
ner, crossing in its course, sections 2, 12 

and 13. 

The first settlement was made on the 
8th of December, 1855, by Richard 
Hodges, locating upon section 8, where 
he yet lives. 

Elijah Lane, one of the pioneers of the 
the county, settled upon section 0, where 
he pre-empted eighty acres, in 1855. Mr. 



Lane is a native of Ohio, and one of the 
present residents of Irvington township. 
Joseph Raney came to this township in 
1856, and pre-empted a claim of 160 acres 
on section 18, where he now lives. 

Joseph Raney, son of Joseph and Cic- 
cla Raney, was horn July 14, 1824, in Mar- 
tin Co., Ind. In 1854 he came to Iowa, 
stopping first in Muscatine county, where 
he engaged in farming for two years. He 
then came to Kossuth county, and located 
in Irvington township, pre-empting 160 
acres of land on section 18. Irvington 
township has since been divided, placing 
Mr. Raney in Sherman township, where 
he now owns 176 acres of land, all under 
cultivation, and where he raises a large 
amount of sheep, horses, hogs, cattle, etc. 
Mr. Raney has been married twice. First, 
Jan. 31, 1847, to Polly Gootee, daughter 
of Thomas and Nancy Gootee. The re- 
sult of this union was nine children, six 
of whom are now living — Virginia, wife 
of William Johnson; they moved to 
Lower California where he died; she then 
married A. J. Down; Walter W., who 
married Cora M. Fisher, and lives in 



-« — * jf- 



540 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Cresco township; Sheldon, who married 
Isabella (lilmore, and lives in California; 
John; Caroline, wife of John R. Frazer, 
living in Cresco township; and Joseph F. 
Sheldon and Virginia have taught school. 
Sheldon now teaches in California. Mrs. 
Raney died in March. 1862. In May, 
1863, Mr. Raney married Mary, daughter 
of Addison and Martha Fisher, of Massa- 
chusetts. They had twelve children, 
eleven of whom are living — Mary A., wife 
of E. C. Clark, living in Cresco town- 
ship; Phoebe O., William H., Cora M., 
Charles A., David E., Carrie I., Adol- 
phus J., Martha E., George S. and Robert 
F. Mr. Raney at different times has held 
the offices of school trustee, school direc- 
tor, township assessor, treasurer and road 
commissioner. He is now township trus- 
tee. Politically he is a republican. 

Henry Wheeler made a claim on section 
6, in 1857, and remained about four years. 
He was a native of New York State and 
when he left this county went to Min- 
nesota. 

A Mr. Sissens made his selection on 
section 6, also, in the same year. He 
came here from Illinois, and after a short 
trial of pioneer life, gave it up and re- 
moved to eastern Iowa. 

Abram Knight, a native of England, 
came to this township from Canada, in 
1858, and took a claim of 160 acres on 
section 5, where he lived until the day 
of his death in 1861. 

The first death in the township was 
that of Abram Knight in September, 1861; 
1) is remains were buried on Mis. Crock- 
ett's farm, in Irvington township. 



The second death was that of Mrs. 
Polly R., wife of Joseph Raney, who died 
in March, 1862. 

The first birth was that of Caroline, 
daughter of Joseph and Polly R. Raney, 
born Oct. 16, 1858. She is now married 
to John Frazer, and lives in Cresco town- 
ship. 

The first marriage occurred upon the 
22d of May, 1863, when the Rev. Mr. 
Billings united in the bonds of wedlock, 
Joseph and Mary Fisher. 

The first school was held at the school 
house built in 1859, but the name of the 
pioneer teacher has not been preserved. 

Sherman township w.as organized in 
February, 1883, and the first election, for 
township officers, was held in October of 
that year. The following named were 
chosen to manage the affairs of the town" 
ship: John Connors, John Brass and II. 
C. Parsons, trustees; D. D. Dodge, town- 
ship clerk ; A. Rutherford, Jr., assessor ; 
Max Miller and D. D. Dodge, justices ; 
Joseph Raney and W. G. Beardsley, con- 
stables ; Nick Marso and A. Lorimer, road 
supervisors. 

In the Curran school district,school was 
first held by Ella Sparks, at the residence 
of Mr. Curran, in 1866. In 1867, a school 
building was erected, and Asa Story pre- 
sided as pedagogue. Of this school, John 
Reed, the present county recorder, relates, 
that in 1867, whilst he was county super- 
intendent, he visited this school in the 
course of his duties. The building was but 
an apology for a school house, 8x10 feet, 
and but loosely put together. Mr. Story 
lived in and held the school in the same 
room. He had but about six scholars 
and he, of course, in the presence of the 



^ 



.1, 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



541 



superintendent, wanted them to behave 
their best, but as usually happens, when 
children are wanted to do their best, then 
they behave the worst. One luckless 
urchin, brimmingover with fun and frolic, 
could not contain himself, and Mr. Story- 
turned an empty barrel over him and tak- 
ing a seat thereon, proceeded to hear the 
class recite. Literally barrelling up the 
boy. 

The school house in sub-district No. 3 
was erected, in 1871 , and James Clapp was 
installed as teacher for the first term. 

The Connor's school house was built in 
1880 and Miss Rutherford was the first 
teacher. 

Henry Currarj was born in August, 
1831, in the county of Louth, Ireland. 
His mother died when he was quite a 
child. In 1850, he came with his father 
to America, landing in New Orleans. 
Shortly after their arrival, his father, one 
brother, and two sisters died, with what 
is called ship-fever. The next year he 
removed to St. Louis, Mo., where his sister 
was married. In a short time, he went to 
Galena, 111 , and from there to Allamakee 
Co., Iowa, where he purchased land and 
built him a house. The following year, 
he went to St. Louis Co., Mo., and en- 
gaged in farming. Remaining there two 
years, lie went to Montgomery county and 
staid two years. He then went up the 
Mississippi river on a speculation. He 



purchased 250 sacks, intending to buy 
potatoes, but failing 'to find any, he had 
to give it up. So lie purchased a boat 
limning it six months. After this, he 
went to Hampton, Rock Island Co., 111., 
and bought a cooper shop. The next 
summer he hauled logs, and in the fol- 
lowing spring commenced making brick, 
lie continued in that business until the 
war broke out in 1861, his men all enlisted, 
and he was obliged to suspend. In the 
spring of 1865 he went back on his farm 
in Allamakee Co., Iowa. In the fall he 
sold out, and came to Kossuth county, lo- 
cating on section 22, Sherman township, 
then call Irvington township. He pur- 
chased 160 acres of land, and built him a 
house, which burned down in February, 
1872. He then built a house half a mile 
away from where the old one stood, and 
that year, he took a contract to make 
brick for the Algona court house. In 
1874 he took a contract to carry mail from 
Spencer, Clay Co., to Sioux Falls, a dis- 
tance of 100 miles. He remained on this 
route one year, then for two years carried 
mail from Sibley to Algona. He then 
went back on the farm where he now 
lives. He was married April 12, 1857, to 
Jerusha Parker Knights, born in Danville 
Caledonia Co., Vt. They had ten children, 
of whom eight are living — Mary M., 
Henrietta, Helen J., Lillian L., Caroline 
B., Artemus F., Archibald M. and John 
P. Politically, Mr. Curran is a republican. 



rrr 



a w_ 



542 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



WESLEk' TOWNSHIP. 



This township is in the extreme eastern 
part of the county of Kossuth, and com- 
prises all of congressional townships 90 
and 97, and sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 
34, 35 and 36, of township 98 north, all 
west of range 27, and contains eighty-one 
square miles, or 51,840 acres of land. 
The soil is a rich dark loam, with a slight 
admixture of tjand. The surface is slightly 
undulating, and in some sections nearly 
level, and where covered with the indige- 
nous grasses, presents a beautiful appear- 
ance. It is well drained and watered 
by several creeks, the most important of 
which is the Buffalo fork, that rises in 
Hancock county on the east, enters Wes- 
ley township on section 1, township 97, 
range 27, intersecting its whole breadth 
from east to west, and makes its exit on 
section 6. There is one railroad, passing 
diagonally across the lower corner of 
Wesley township. This is the Iowa & 
Dakota division of the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul, entering on the north half 
of section 36, and making its exit on the 
south half of 32. There is but one vil- 
lage in the township, the village of Wes- 
ley. This is considered an excellent 
agricultural township, and consists almost 
entirely of prairie. Although having 
quite a number of settlers, they are scat- 
tered over such an immense territory that 



a great deal of land is as yet unimproved, 
awaiting the tide of emigration that must 
turn this way. 

The first settlement made in this town- 
ship (as near as we can learn) was by 
Alexander K. Kennedy, in the fall of 
1865. He came alone, but in the spring 
of 1S66 he moved his family here. This 
was in May. He took up a homestead of 
eighty acres on section 22, and also pur- 
chased 160 acres of agricultural college 
land on section 28, besides some five acres 
of timber. 

Alexander K. Kennedy was born in 
Stoughton, Mass., Dec. 1, 1837. When 
two years of age his parents removed to 
Lake Co., 111. In the spring of 1862 he 
enlisted in the service, but as no more 
men were needed, he was not called into 
the Held. He worked on a farm, also do- 
ing some carpenter work. In 1865 he 
came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, taking a 
homestead of eighty acres on section 22, 
Wesley township. Healso purchased 160 
acres of land on section 28, and five acres of 
timber land in Cresco township. Mr. 
Kennedy was married, Feb. 14, 1865, to 
Anna Thain, of Lake Co., 111. They have 
had eight children, seven of whom are 
living — John T., Mary I., Alice E., Wil- 
liam T., Fannie T., Ralph and Rubie. 
Mrs. Kennedy is a member of the Disci- 



v 



9 W. 



-*lx\ 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



543 



pie Church. Mr. Kennedy is a republican 
in politics. He has been school director 
and trustee, road supervisor, and lias sev- 
eral times been president of the school 
board. He is now serving his eighth 
terra as justice of the peace. 

In the spring of 1866, Charles, Joseph 
and George Hubbard came to Wesley 
from Wisconsin and made a settlement 
on sections 18 and 20. George remained 
here about a year, and then removed to 
Illinois. Joseph emigrated to Kansas af- 
ter a slay of two years, and Charles, how- 
ever, stayed until 1878, when he. too, left 
Kossuth county, going to Kansas. 

Zenas Sabin, during the summer of 
lb'66, located in Wesley township. He 
came from Illinois, and had his home par- 
tially built, when, becoming disgusted 
with the looks of things around him, the 
newness of the country, and suffering, 
perhaps, with homesickness, he went to- 
ward Minnesota, but soon journeyed back 
to Illinois. 

Edgar Stevens came from DeKalb Co., 
III., to Wesley township in the spring of 
1867, and located upon section 30, where 
he took up a homestead of eighty acres. 
• He since then purchased another eighty 
on the same section and a forty on sec-linn 
19, all of which he owns at the present 
time, although he is no longer a resident 
of the county, being engaged as a minis 
ter of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
llai'ilcy,in the northwestern part of Iowa. 

Frederick, Peter and Mary Dorney, 
from DeKalb Co., 111., also came to this 
place the same spring, and located cm sec- 
tion 6. The boys took up a homestead of 
eighty acres each, and proceeded to open 
up farms. In 1879 Peter died; Fred got 



married, and in 1880, he with his wife and 
sister moved to Algona, where they still 
reside. 

In the fall of 1867, Silas Stevens, a 
cousin of Edgar Stevens, located a home- 
stead claim on section 6, of eighty acres. 
He came from DeKalb Co., III., also. He 
was killed by a threshing machine in 
1869. His widow now resides in New 
York. 

About the same time Corbin and E. 
Hyde, came from the same place to Wes- 
ley township and each took up a home- 
stead of eighty acres, on section 30. 
Corbin removed to Algona about 1873, 
where he still lives. Edward moved out 
of the county in about 1875. 

The same autumn, of 1867, Edward 
Thomas, a native of Massachusetts, left 
DeKalb Co., 111., where he had been liv- 
ing, and came to Wesley township, loca- 
ting upon a homestead of eighty acres on 
section 30, where he still lives. 

Wesley township was organized in June, 
1871, and the first election was held at 
the house of A. Ward, on section 8, town- 
ship 96, range 27, in November, of the 
same year. The following were the officers 
chosen: E. Thomas and E. L. Stevens, 
trustees; Orrin J. Emmons, clerk. 

The present officers of the township 
are as follows: George W. Eddy, J. J. 
Gannon and J. A. Cunningham, trustees; 
George J. Lawson, clerk; E. W. Gurren, 
assessor; A. K. Kennedy and Joseph 
Hartshorn, justices; C. Brisbois, consta- 
ble; and the following road supervisors : 
District No. 1, J. P. Gray; No. 2, A. 
Ward; No. 3, John Dyke; No. i, Frank 
Hume; No. 5, II. Ward; No. 7, C. Iteibs- 



*W 



544 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



amen; No. 8, John Zumsteg; No. 9, C. 
Hugi. 

The first death in the township was 
that of a son of Edgar and Emeline Stev- 
ens, who died in November, 1867, but a 
few hours old. It was buried on his 
father's farm. This child was also the 
first birth in the township. 

The first marriage united in the golden 
bonds of wedlock. Austin Eastwood and 
Rebecca McPherson, on the 3d of June, 
1872. This couple came to residence of 
M. Taylor, who was a justice of the peace, 
and he tied the marital knot. They now 
live at Coral, Mich. 

The first school house was built in the 
fall of 1870, at a cost of $575, on section 
6. This school, now called the Ward 
school, was in district No. 4, and the first 
teacher was William Ward. 

The first school, ftowever, was taught 
by Florence Calkins, at the residence of 
Samuel Witter, on section 22, in the sum- 
mer of 1869. Nine scholars are reported 
to have comprised the list of this pioneer 
school. 

The first ground appears to have been 
broken by Zenas Sabin, in 1866, but A. K. 
Kennedy planted the first seed and sowed 
the first grain in the township. 

The first birth, where the child lived, 
was that of John T., the son of A. K. and 
Anna S. Kennedy, who was born Dec. 21, 
1868. He still resides with his father in 
this township. 

The first divine service was held in 
Wesley township, in a sod house belong- 
ing to a man by the name of Mickleson. 
This was held by the Rev. Mr. Torge- 
son, a Norwegian Lutheran preacher of 



Worth county, during the summer of 
1870. 

The first services of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, were held at the house of 
John Smith, in September, 1872. Mr. 
Smith lived in a sod house, 16x22 feet in 
size, about one and a half miles northwest 
from the village of Wesley. Elder Obed 
Robinson, at that time a resident of Port- 
land township, conducted the exercises. 
He labored in this place, preaching some 
four or five times before the winter set in. 
By this time he had organized the Church 
with the following list of officers: Obed 
Robinson, John Bennett, Mr. Paine, Corey 
Currie and T. Gallion, trustees ; C"rey 
Currie, recording steward ; Obed Robin- 
son, class leader; Case YViltse and T. Gal- 
lion, stewards. Services were suspended 
until in the spring of 1 873, when Elder Rob- 
inson again commenced his work, preach- 
ing this time in what is now called the 
McPherson school house. Here religious 
services were held until September, 1873, 
when the little Church was moved to the 
village of Wesley, a Church having been 
started there at the same time as this one. 

Obed Robinson, son of Isaiah and De 
lilia Robinson, was born in Swanton, 
Franklin Co., Vt., March 15, 1824. He 
received a good education in the home 
of his birth. In 1847 he attended St. Al- 
ban's Seminary. He was joined in marri- 
age, in 1849, to Ammyrilla Campbell, 
daughter of William and Fanny Campbell, 
of Vermont. They had eleven children, 
nine of whom are living — Edna, Merrit, 
Franklin, Fanny, Julia, Elmer, Charley, 
Clarence and Mayrilla. In 1849 Mr. Rob- 
inson removed to York State, constantly 
exhorting, holding meetings and prayer- 



ir 



- 19 



4« 



-» u 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



545 



meetings. In 1852 he moved to Winne- 
bago Co., 111., where he worked at the 
trade of carpenter and joiner, which he 
had learned sometime before. During 
that summer he was licensed as local 
preacher in'the M. E. Church. He worked 
at his trade for about six years, also 
preaching during this time on what 
is now Durand's circuit. In 1859 he took 
charge of Chain Lake circuit in Martin 
Co., Minn., and continued on the same 
until 1869, when he removed to Portland 
township, Kossuth Co., Iowa. He re- 
moved, in October, 1873, to the village of 
Wesley in the same county, and where he 
now resides, and embarked in the hotel 
business, which he yet follows. He also 
took charge of Wesley circuit. During 
the same year he organized a class of six 
members in Wesley ; the first ever organ- 
ized in the village. In 1875 lie took 
charge of Crystal Lake circuit, leaving 
the hotel in charge of his wife. In issj 
Mr. Robinson was appointed deputy sher- 
iff. 

In the fall of 1870 the school house in 
district No. 3, on section 14, was erected 
at a cost of $600. The first teacher was 
Jennie Alden. 

School house in district No. 6 was built 
in 1874, at a cost of $600. Jennie Groat 
was the first teacher, and Bertha Carey 
the last. 

District No. 9 has two buildings, the 
first built in 1876, of which Mrs. Mary 
Hopkins was the first teacher,the other in 
1878, in which Amelia Fairbanks handled 
the ferule. 

School house in district No. 4 was 
erected at a cost of $600, in 1871, and 
William Ward was the pioneer teacher 



That in district No. 3 was built-in 187), 
over which Mrs. B. M. McPherson was the 
first to preside. 

There are in all some fourteen schools 
in this district township, all fine buildings 
and in most excellent repair. The educa- 
tional interests are generally well cared 
for and good teachers alone are employed. 

In the midst of a beautiful plain near 
the southeast corner of the township, sur- 
rounded by an intelligent and enterprising 
class of farmers, lies the village of Wes- 
ley. Although yet a small place, and the 
various branches of trade not numerously 
represented, yet a considerable business 
is done. It is located on the southeast 
quarter of section 35, township 96 north, 
range 27 west, and was platted by J. H. 
Merrill, of McGregor, Iowa, in 1871, but 
the plat was not filed for record until the 
10th of October, 1873. The depot and 
the sectiou house were both erected before 
the town was laid out, and the town was 
named after the head mechanic who built 
the depot. 

The first building erected on the town 
site after the survey was made, was a 
granary built by Taylor & Ormsby, during 
the month of September, 1871. 

Comstock & Baker built the next edifice 
in the town in 1873. It was a store build- 
ing and in it they placed the first stock of 
goods ever offered for sale at this place. 
This pioneer store was operated by G. J. 
Baker, one of the partners, and a good 
stock of general merchandise was carried. 

The next building put up was the Wes- 
ley House, a hotel 20x24 feet, of which O. 
Robinson was the landlord. This was in 
1873. 



ft? 



.546 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNT 



In 1874, G. J. Baker put up a residence 
for himself, 1(5x24 feet, the first dwelling 
house in the village. 

The first blacksmith here was Henry 
Baker, who put up a shop and residence 
in Wesley, in 1875. He only run the 
shop for a few "months, and removed to 
Boon esboro, Iowa, the following year. 

S. B. Bassford, now a resident of Clear 
Lake, Cerro Gordo county, came to Wes 
ley, from New York State, in 1874, and 
built a grain warehouse, 30x50 feet, and 
engaged in the buying of wheat. 

Christian Olsen was the next settler, 
whose advent here was in 1S75. He put 
up a small residence but did not remain 
long, and now lives at Forest City, Win- 
nebago county. 

In 1875, II. C. Hollenbeck put up a res- 
idence here, and was the next to settle, in 
point of time. He is still a resident of 
the place. 

Henry C. Hollenbeck, son of Isaac and 
Hannah (Gage) Hollenbeck, was bom in 
Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1852. 
When one year old his parents moved to 
Manitowoc Co., Wis. He lived at home 
until sixteen years of age, then came to 
Kossuth Co., Iowa, locating in Algona. 
He drove a stage and worked on a farm 
until 1871, when he went to Hancock 
county. He remained there until 1873, 
working on a farm and taking care of 
stock for J. B. Daggett. He then came 
to the village of Wesley. He soon after- 
wards took a trip to Kansas and Missouri, 
being absent several months. He has 
since that time resided in Wesley, with 
tin- exception of a year and a half, when 
he was section foreman on the Chicago, 
Milwaukee &■ St. Paul railroad, in Palo 



Alto county. Mr. Hollenbeck was mar- 
ried in 1874, to Mrs. Edna (Robinson) 
Hudson, of Wesley. They have had five 
children, three of whom are living — Ada 
D.,Enos L. and Harry M. Mr. Hollenbeck 
is now engaged in the hay business in Wes- 
ley. He is a republican in politics. Mrs. 
Hollenbeck is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Hollenbeck be- 
longs to the I. O. G. T., of Wesley. 

The first death in the village was that 
of Helen, daughter of Edward and Helen 
Lloyd, who died in the summer of 1876. 
Elder F. Franklin preached the funeral 
oration over the remains, which were 
afterwards interred in the Wesley ceme- 
tery. 

The first birth was that of John Leman 
Lloyd, son of Edward and Helen Lloyd, 
who was born Aug. 6, 1871. lie resides 
with his parents in Hancock county. 

The first marriage, which took place 
upon the 7' li of October, 1874, united O. 
.1. Emmons and Fannie J. Robinson. 
Elder A. S. R. Groome officiated on the 
occasion. Mr. Emmons and wife are still 
residents of the village. 

O. J. Emmons, son of Benjamin and 
Rhoda E. (Willis) Emmons, was born in 
Chateaugay, Franklin Co., N. Y., June 1 , 
1842. He lived in that place until 1S61, 
when he enlisted in company A, 96th 
New York regiment, served one year and 
was discharged. lie returned to his home 
in New York, and in 1863 moved west to 
Oconto, Wis., where he engaged in the 
lumber business. In 1864 he again en- 
listed in the service, this time in com- 
pany II, 39th Wisconsin Volunteer Infan- 
try, serving six months. When discharged 
he returned to his home in Wisconsin 



T PV 



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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



547 



J- 



and continued in business until 1867, when 
he came to Iowa. He took a homestead 
of eighty acres on section 26, Wesley 
township, Kossuth county. In November, 
1883, on account of ill health, he rented 
his farm and removed to Wesley village. 
Mr. Emmons was married in 1874 to Fan- 
nie J. Robinson, daughter of Obed and 
Amyrilla Robinson, of Wesley. They 
have had three children, all of whom are 
living — Nellie May, Millard O. and Curtis 
L. Mr. and Mrs. Emmons are members 
of the M. E. Church. Mr. Emmons is a 
republican. He was the first town clerk 
of Wesley township. 

The first school was held in the granary 
building of Taylor & Ormsby, in 1873, 
and Mrs. M. J. Colby was the teacher. 
Her school consisted of just seven sunny- 
faced urchins, of which the following is 
a list: Nellie Trowbridge, Becca Smith, 
Frank, William, Julia, Clarence E. and 
Charles Robinson. 

Marcel lus Taylor was elected the first 
justice of the peace in the village, in 1871, 
and served in that capacity five years. 

The pioneer carpenter to locate at Wes- 
ley and open a place of business was 
John Thompson, who came here from Al- 
gona in 1878. Mr. Thompson is noted 
throughout this country as a contractor 
and builder of no mean ability, and work 
entrusted to him will be always well 
done. 

John Thompson, son of Norman and 
Susan Thompson, was born in Hamilton 
township, Northumberland Co., Canada 
West, Oct. 12, 1833. His mother died 
when he was only six months old. He 
lived in Canada until twenty-one years of 
age, when he and his father removed to 



Ogle Co., 111., and purchased a farm. lie 
lived in Ogle county until September, 
1862, when he enlisted in the 8th Illinois 
Volunteer Cavalry. He served through 
the war. In 1863 he was out with a scout- 
ing party, and was severely wounded by 
his horse falling down a stone quarry and 
falling upon him. He received his dis- 
charge in St. Louis in August, 1865. He 
participated in many hard fought battles, 
his company or regiment being a part of 
the army of the Potomac. Among the 
hardest battles were: Williamstuwn, seven 
days fight on the peninsula, battle of the 
Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg, Manas- 
sas, second battle of Bull Run, and Bev- 
erly Ford, a strictly cavalry battle, which 
lasted one whole day. He returned to 
Ogle county after the war, and followed 
farming. In 1S67 he helped get up a 
map of Ogle county. In April, 1876, he 
came to Iowa, locating in Algona, this 
county. Before coming west, however, 
he had traded some property for 240 acres 
of land in this county, 160 acres in Wesley 
township, and eighty acres in Lott's Creek 
township. In 1878 he removed from Al- 
gona to the village of Wesley and en- 
gaged in carpenter work. Mr. Thompson 
has been married three times. In IS.,4 
he was married to Sarah M. Hardy, of 
Canada. They had four children — Teresa 
J., Norman E., Everett W. and Charles 
W. Mrs. Thompson was a member of 
the Presbyterian Church. After she died 
he was again married, but his second wife 
died in the summer of 1875, and was 
buried in Byron, Ogle Co., 111. In 1876 
he was married to Mrs. Mary (Clemens) 
Artz, of Ogle Co., 111. Mrs. Thompson 
had two children bv her first husband — 



20 



— r— * 



Jk 



t. 



u48 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



Ozzy and Ella. Mr. Thompson is a re- 
publican. He owns nice residence prop- 
erty, and also a good carpenter shop, 
which, by the way, is the building erected 
by Corastock & Baker, and the first one 
built in Wesley village. 

The first load of hay brought to the 
village of Wesley, was hauled by John 
Finnemark, in 1870, and was sold to Mr. 
Clark, at that time section foreman. 

Carl Oleson is the present gentlemanly 
agent in charge of the depot of the C. M. 
& St. P. R. R. having taken charge there- 
of on the 1st of June, 1881. The first 
agent here was L. B. Ormsby, appointed 
in 1*70. He was followed, in succession, 
by G. J. Baker, Charles Brisbois, C. J. 
Howard, A. W. Davis and the present in- 
cumbent. As is usual, at many stations 
on this road, the agent in charge is also 
the agent for the express company. 

Carl E. Oleson, son of Erick and Kath- 
rine (Jensen ) Oleson, was born in Chris- 
tiana, Norway, Dec. 16, 1862. When 
eight years of age he emigrated with his 
parents to the United States, coming im- 
mediately to Iowa and locating i:i Calmar. 
After living there one year they removed 
to Ionia, Chickasaw county. Mr. Oleson 
received a fair education, studying hard 
dming vacations as well as while in 
school. When sixteen years of age he 
commenced to learn telegraphy under 
Theodore Huber, of Chickasaw station. 
In 1881 he was given charge of Wesley 
station, which postion he still occupies, 
being telegraph operator, station agent, 
express agent and freight agent. He is a 
careful and energetic business man. In 
politics Mr. Oleson is a republican. 



The postorfice was established in the 
fall of 1871, and S. B. Ormsby was com- 
missioned postmaster. This position he 
held until 187-3, when he was succeeded 
by G. J. Baker. In 1880 another change 
was made and the present incumbent, G. 
J. Lawson,was installed, in charge of the 
mails. At the present this is not yet a 
money order office, although about to be 
made one, the order creating it having 
been issued by the department at Wash- 
ington. 

G. J. Baker established the first store, 
as mentioned before, in 1873, in company 
with J. M. Comstock, of Algona, and 
carried quite a heavy line of goods in 
general merchandise. In 1879 he sold 
out the stock and business to Mrs. Mary 
Thompson, who, however, only ran it 
until March, 1880, when she closed out 
the whole concern. 

George J. Baker, son of Henry J. and 
Ann Baker, was born in Waukesha Co., 
Wis., Dec. 21, 1847. When about twenty- 
six years of age he came to Algona, Iowa, 
and formed a partnership with J. M. 
Comstock, engaging in a general merchan- 
dise business. The same year they started" 
a branch store at Wesley village, Mr. 
Baker taking charge of it. In 1874 he 
dissolved partnership with Mr. Comstock 
and continued the business alone until 
1879. He then purchased a farm of 160 
acres on section 14, Wesley township, and 
removed thereto. He was married in 
June, 1874, to Jennie Groat, of Emmets- 
burg, Iowa. They have two children — 
Eunice E. and Ada N. Mr. and Mrs. 
Baker are members of the M. E. Church. 
He is a republican and is director and 
president of the school board of Wesley 



**y1'2 ©w 



-^* 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



549 



township. He travels for Blossom Bros., 
creamery, of Algona, gathering up cream. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of 
Wesley. 

The Sherman House, one of the model 
hotels of northwestern Iowa, was built by 
the present proprietor, August Dinger, in 
the summer of 1883. The building is 
thirty-six feet square, and two stories in 
height, well finished and artistically 
painted. It is located conveniently near 
the depot, and is in the enjoyment of con- 
siderable patronage, although so new an 
enterprise. Mr. Dinger knows his busi- 
ness, and with a well furnished house, and 
a well supplied table, with the rate estab- 
lished at $1.50 per day, he can not help 
but draw the patronage of the traveling 
public, for whom he caters. The house 
is named after our honored governor, 
Buren R. Sherman. 

August Dinger, son of George and Mary 
Dinger, was born in Baden, Germany, 
Oct. 30, 1839. When he was eighteen 
years of age his parents came to America, 
locating in Monroe Co., Wis. The next 
year Mr. Dinger went to Grant Co., Wis., 
and followed farming until 1868, when he 
went back to Monroe county. He re- 
mained there until 1870, when he came to 
Iowa, settling in Wesley township, Kos- 
suth county. lie purchased 100 acres of 
good land on sections 15 and 22, in what 
is now called Prairie township. He fol- 
lowed farming until 1882, when he re- 
moved his family to Wesley village, and 
engaged in the lumber business. In 1883 
he built a hotel in Wesley, called the 
Sherman House. Mr. Dinger is a very 
genial and accommodating landlord, and 
is building up a first-class business. He 
was married in October, 1863, to Catha- 
rine M. Kielinger, of Pennsylvania. They 
have had eight children, six of whom are 
living — Ira, Ida, James, Jessie, Charlie 
and Mary. Mrs. Dinger was born in 
Crawford Co., Penn. Her parents, James 
and Sarah E. Kielinger, removed from that 
State to Wisconsin when she was quite 
young, where they live at the present time. 



Mr. Dinger's mother lives in Monroe Co., 
Wis. His father died in 1S67. Mr. Din- 
ger is a republican, politically. 

The general merchandise merchants, 
McCutchin & Lawson, commenced busi- 
ness on the 1st of May, 1881, in a build- 
ing belonging to M. Taylor, where they 
remained until the fall of 1883, when they 
removed into their new store, under the 
Sherman House. This room is 22x36 feet 
in size, and finished up in good taste. 
They keep on hand a large and well se- 
lected stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, 
hats and caps, groceries, school books, 
hard and tinware, and the countless other 
commodities that go to make up the usual 
village store. Although this is a young 
firm, they already command a large pat- 
ronage, which they should do, as they 
merit the confidence of the community. 

George J. Lawson, son of John and 
Mary (Curren) Lawson, was born near 
Oconomowoc, Dodge Co., Wis., Dec. 9, 
1856. When seven years of age, his 
parents moved to Tama Co., Iowa, where 
his father purchased a farm. In the spring 
of 1877, Mr. Lawson came to Wesley, 
Kossuth county. In 1881 he formed a 
partnership with II. McCutchin, and went 
into the general merchandise business, 
which business he still continues. Mr. 
Lawson is a republican, in politics. In 
1882 he was elected town clerk of Wesley 
township. Mr. Lawson is a member of 
the I. O. G. T., of Wesley. He was ap- 
pointed postmaster of Wesley Feb. 25, 
1880, and was still postmaster in 1884. 

F. M. Butts, one of the representative 
business men of the village, started in the 
general merchandise line, in the spring of 
1879. At that time he had but a small 
room, 20x30 feet, but now his business has 
increased to such an extent that he occupies 
two rooms, each 20x46 feet. He keeps 
everything usually for sale in stores of 
this class, and his stock looks clean and 
fresh. 

F. M. Butts was born in Manchester, 
Boone Co., 111., June 8, 1847. When four- 
teen years of age, he went to Porter Co, 






I 



J. 



550 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTS. 



Ind., where lie remained one year, then 
removed to Lake Co., Ind. He resided in 
Lake county two years, then moved to 
Falls township, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, 
and purchased a forty acre farm. In 1 87 1 he 
moved toW esley township, Kossuth county 
taking a homestead of eighty acres, on 
section a4. He afterwards purchased forty 
acres on section 22. He sold the home- 
stead in 1877 and bought eighty acres 
joining his farm on section 22. in J 878 
he sold this land and moved into Wesley 
village, engaging in the general merchan- 
dise business. Mr. Butts was married 
Aug. 11, 1808, to Susan McPherson, of 
Indiana. They have had three children, 
two of whom are living — Guy and Charles. 
Mr. Butts owns ninety acres of land in 
Prairie township, this county, and lou 
acres in Hancock county. He also owns 
considerable property in the village of 
Wesley. He is a member of the I. O. O. 
F., of Wesley. Mr. Butts is a staunch 
democrat. 

S. E. Grove handles furniture, farm 
implements and machinery, flour and feed. 
This place was established in July, 1S83, 
and meets a want long felt, as there is no 
other party in the village engaged in the 
sale of these goods. 

During the year 1874, Marcellus Taylor 
made the first step toward starting the 
coal business here. At the present he 
has a good patronage. He handles the 
Oskaloosa coal, principally, as that seems 
to give the most satisfaction. His coal 
yard is managed, for him, by his stepson, 
F. Hume. 

Marcellus Taylor was born in William- 
son, Wayne Co.,N. Y., in December, 1821. 
When two years of age his parents re- 
moved to Vermont. When seven years 
of age they removed to Erie Co., N. Y., 
where his father was engaged in farming. 
In 1847, Mr. Taylor removed to Wiscon- 
sin, residing in Racine county six years. 
He then removed to Elkport, Clayton 
Co., Iowa, where he purchased 320 acres 
of land and engaged in farming. In 1871 
he came to Kossuth county, purchasing 
160 acres of land on section 35, Wesley 



township, where he now resides. Mr. 
Taylor still owns 154 acres in Clayton 
county. He was married in 1850 to Miss 
(J. M. Dana, of McHeury Co., 111. They 
had no children. Mrs. Taylor died in 
March, 1802. In February, 1804, he was 
married to Mrs. Delia Hume, of Illinois. 
Mrs. 1 ay lor has one child by her former 
husband — Frank Hume. He is married 
and lives in Wesley. Mr. Taylor is a re- 
publican, and has held the office of justice 
of the peace, being the first one elected 
in Wesley, county supervisor, school 
director and school trustee. Mr. Taylor 
deals principally in stock. He controls 
the coal interests in Wesley village. 

Frank W. Hume was born in Aurora, 
Kane Co., 111., July 21, 1852. When one 
year old his parents moved to Earlvilie, 
La Salle Co., 111., his father being station 
agent at that place for the Chicago, iiur- 
lington & Quincy railroad. In 1803 ;v.r. 
Hume removed v. ith his mother, (his fa- 
ther having been killed in the war) to 
Fine Island, Goodhue Co., Minn. They 
lived there one year, then went to Clay- 
ton Co., Iowa, Mr. Hume engaging in 
farming. In 1870 he came to Kossuth 
county, purchasing eighty acres of land 
on section -ia, Wesley township. He lives 
on the farm, all of which is cultivated, 
and also tends to the coal and lumber in- 
terests of M. Taylor in the village of 
Wesley. Mr. Hume was married, in 1872, 
to Elizabeth Ilenrich, of Clayton county. 
They have one child — Delia A. Airs. 
Hume is a member of the German Luther- 
an Church. Mr. Hume is a republican, 
and has held the office of town clerk, and 
school director. He is one of the pre cut 
road commissioners of the township. 

S. B. Ornisby initiated the lumber busi- 
ness at this point in 1 871, and ran it until 
two years later, when Comstock & Baker 
took it. Since that time it has passed 
through the hands of several parties, 
prominent among whom were Mr. Taylor, 
Sweigard it Hacker t and George Huber. 
In 1882, August Dinger and S. Grove each 
started a yard, but in the spring of 1883, 
Dinger bought out his competitor and uni- 



ajT 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



551 



ted the two yards in one. Mr. Dinger 
continued to operate this business until 
the finishing of his hotel, when taking 
charge of that he gave up tlie lumber 
business for that of landlord. 

The pioneer hay press of Wesley was 
brought here by Saxton & McCutchin on 
the 31st of July, 1880. After operating- 
it for two years, Mi-. Saxton disposed ot 
his interest to J. S. Gallagher and retired 
from the business. The firm name was 
now changed to that of McCutchin it 
Gallagher. They own a Dederick perpet- 
ual press, which was run for the first two 
years by eight horses, but the last year by 
steam. This has the capacity of pressing 
and baling about twenty tons of hay per 
diem . 

J. S. Gallagher, son of Robert and Ann 
Gallagher, was born near Mt. Morris, N. 
Y., May 23, 1845. When two years old 
his parents moved to Dane Co., Wis., his 
father purchasing 100 acres of land with- 
in seven miles of Madison. Mr. Gallagher 
attended the State University at Madi- 
son, Wis., for three years, and took a 
course in penmanship at the commercial 
college in Madison. Then taught school 
fifteen terms in Wisconsin. lie is a re- 
publican in politics, and held the office of 
justice of the peace in Blooming Grove, 
Wis., for eight years, while all the other 
officials were democrats. In 1875 he 
helped to incorporate the Cottage Grove 
Fire Insurance Company, of Wisconsin. 
He was one of the first officers and after- 
wards was an agent, insuring over $ 1 ,000,- 
00)i worth of property. From 1879-81 
he was secretary of the Cottage Grove 
Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. In 1882 
he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, purchasing 
a farm of 120 acres on section 33, Wesley 
township. He located, however, in Wes- 
ley village, where he formed a partnership 
with II. McCutchin, dealing in baled hay. 
Mr. Gallagher was married March 14, 
l s 73, to Mary A. Anderson, of Iowa Co., 
Wis. They have had six children, lour 
of whom are living; — Robert S., Carrie F., 
Mildred G. and Susan E. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gallagher are members of the Methodist 



Episcopal Church. Mr. Gallagher is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. and the I. O. 
G. T., of Wesley. 

Wesley, lying as it does in one of the 
best portions of the grass land of the 
State, has always been noted for being one 
the great markets for hay. George W. 
Eddy, quick to see the advantages to arise 
from such an enterprise, in 1883 erected a 
hay press. The building is 16x24 feet 
with an additional wing of 14x16 feet. In 
this he has a perpetual circle reversible 
press, and turns out daily a car load of 
hay baled for market, which is Chicago. 

George W. Eddy, son of Pel eg and 
Arvilla Eddy, was born in Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., April 16, 1 841. He received a good 
common school education and worked on 
a farm. In September, 1861, he enlisted 
in company I, 35th New York Volunteer 
Infantry. He served two years, after 
which he was discharged at Washington. 
He re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1864, in company 
F, 18th New York Volunteer Cavalry, 
serving until May, 1866. He then re- 
turned to his home in Jefferson county. 
In 1871 he moved to Orleans Co., N. Y., 
where he remained two years, traveling 
for a photograph firm. In the spring of 
1873 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, set- 
tling on a homestead of eighty acres in 
Irvington township. He afterwards home- 
steaded a soldiers' additional eighty acres, 
but soon disposed of it. In 1875 Mr. 
Eddy purchased a farm in Hancock county, 
on which he lived two years, then sold it 
and moved to Wesley village. He en- 
gaged in the livery business in Wesley, 
and also handled flour and feed and farm 
implements to a small extent. In Janu- 
ary, 1883, he purchased a hay press, and 
commenced buying, pressing and shipping 
hay. He owns considerable residence 
property in Wesley, in addition to his 
hay buildings. In the winter of 1884 he 
purchased an eighty acre farm in Wesley 
township. Mr. Eddy was married July 
25, 1871, to Florence E., daughter of Asa 
and Levonia Sprague, of Orleans Co., 
N. Y. They have had two children, a hoy 
and girl; the boy, G. W. Eddy, Jr., is liv- 



V s- 



-F 



<S k_ 



in 



552 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



ing. Mr. and Mrs. Eddy are members of 
the Baptist Church. Mr. Eddy is a re- 
publican in polities. He has held the of- 
fice of constable seven years in Hancock 
and Kossuth counties, and is now town- 
ship trustee and has been since 1875. Mr. 
Eddy's father died in 1879. His mother 
lives in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Mrs. 
Eddy's father died in 1849. Her mother 
lives in Sauk Co., Wis., removing there 
one year ago from Buffalo, N. Y., where 
she had resided for twenty years. 

Edward Kune established a hay press 
at Wesley, in the summer of 1882, which 
he continues to operate at the present. 
He i-i doing a good business in this line. 

The blacksmith shop is conducted by 
Gustin Tyler, a good and accommodating 
mechanic, who came here from Algona in 
the fall of 1883, and opened a shop for 
that business. 

A blacksmithy was established in Janu- 
ary, 1878, by E. Perry, who continued to 
operate it, until 1881, when he sold out, 
and it was run by a man in the employ of 
G. W. Eddy, who had purchased it. The 
following year Perry returned, bought 
back his old forge, and started anew, only 
to sell out to Mr. Eddy again in the fall 
of 188:i. 

The livery business is in the hands of 
George W. Eddy, who originated this 
line of business here, in 1875. He has a 
stable full of good rigs and his charges 
are reasonable. 

In September, 1872, some religious ser- 
vices were held at this village, but not 
until the following year was there any- 
thing like a Church society instituted. 
The first meetings were held in the 
granary of Taylor & Ormsby, which was 
but 12x16 feet, without windows, although 
it could boast of two doors. After a short 
time here, services were instituted at the 
depot, where thev were continued until 
the fall of 1874. "At that time Elder A. 
S. R. Groome, of the Irvington circuit, 
came to Wesley and preached to this 
little flock, in the new school house which 
had been just built. He was succeeded 
in March, 187(S, by Elder Freeman Frank- 



lin, who re-organized the class, and re- 
mained two years. The first protracted 
meetings were held during the adminis- 
tration of Elder Groome, in 1874, when 
five converts united with the t hurch. In 
October, 1877, Elder F. E. Drake, was ap- 
pointed on this circuit and served until 
1880, when, in September of that year, 
he was succeeded by John M. Woolery. 
On the 7th of October, 1883, he in turn 
gave place to his successor, the present 
shepherd of the flock, Rev. A. L. Tryon. 
This gentleman came to Wesley, from 
Comanche, Clinton county, and gives evi- 
dence of his peculiar fitness for the work. 
A man of culture and a fair speaker, he 
will do good work in most any field. 
The parsonage of this Church stands 
upon the east half of block 27, and cost 
some $400 to build, and is a nice cosey little 
home. The present officers of the Church 
are as follows: 

A. L. Tryon, pastor; E. E. Thomas, G. 
J. Baker, Frederick Anderson, J. W. Hop- 
kins and J S. Gallagher, trustees; F. 
Anderson, district steward; J. S. Gal- 
lagher, recording steward; J. W. Hop- 
kins, G. J. Baker ami Mrs. G. B. Hall, 
stewards; G. N. II. Ransom, chorister. 
The Wesley class numbers about twenty- 
five members in good standing and bids 
fair to do good work in the community. 
J. H. Merrill, the proprietor of the town 
site, has donated the north half of block 
31 to the society for a place on which to 
erect a church edifice, which they will 
probably build next year. In connection 
with the society is a fine Sabbath school 
which has a membership of about fifty 
under the superintendency of J. S. Gal- 
lagher. This is in excellent condition 
and great interest is taken in it by all. 

Rev. A. L. Tryon was born in Signory 
of Nyon, Rouville Co., Lower Canada, 
July 25, 1825. His early education was 
with the French language. When twenty 
years of age he moved to the States, lo- 
cating in Westport, Essex Co., N. Y. He 
resided there six years, during which time 
he worked at the carpenter and joiner's 
trade. He then removed to Iowa, locat- 



ac* 



J£< 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



553 



ing at Le Claire. While there he worked 
at his trade, and for three years was fore- 
man of a gang in the ship-carpenter yard. 
In 1 87 1 he removed to Comanche, 
Clinton Co., Iowa, where lie worked at his 
trade. In September, 188], he came to 
Kossuth Co., Iowa, purchasing eighty 
acres of land on sections 24 and 25, Wes- 
ley township, where he now lives. When 
eighteen years of age Mr. Tryon was 
licensed to exhort by the Wesleyau 
Church. He preached at different times, 
and is now in charge of the Wesley 
circuit in Kossuth county. During the 
late war Mr. Tryon enlisted three times, 
was twice rejected and the third time was 
appointed chaplain of the 22d Iowa, hut 
was not called into service. Mr. Tryon 
was married, in 1849, to Hulda A. Slaugh- 
ter, of Essex Co., N. Y. They have had 
eight children, six of whom are living — 
Aimeda, Hulda I., Albert L., Zenas A., Bas- 
com B. and Ralph E. Mrs. Tryon is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Meridian Lodge, Independent Order of 
of Good Templars, was organized on the 
7th of August, 1878, by J. M. Com stock, 
of Alcona, district deputy. The first offi- 
cers were: George W. Eddy, W. C. T.; 
F. E. Eddy, W. V. T.; O. J. Emmons, W. 
Chap.; A. Daggett, W.S.; Mary L Leggett, 
W. A. S.; O.' Robinson, W. F. S.; Mrs. G. 
J. Baker, W. T.; F. D. Robinson. W. M.; 
Julia Kobinson, W. I. G.; B. Daggett, 
W. O. G.; Sarah Ritchie, W. D. M.; M. 
Taylor, lodge deputy; G. J. Baker, P. W. 

C. T. The lodge is at present in a good 
condition, but, like all bodies of like na- 
ture, it has had its tips and downs. One 
year ago it had a membership of only 
nineteen, but now has about fift-y-five. The 
present officers are: H C. Hollenbcek, 
W. C. T.; Mrs. Coasant, W. V. T.; C. E. 
Oleson, W. S.; M. C. Waite, W. A. S.; 
Harry Waite, W. F. S.; John Thompson, 
W. T.; G. N. H. Ransom, W. Chap.; 
John Woodcock, W. M.; Ida Dinger, W. 

D. M.; J. S. Gallagher, P. W. C. T.; Etta 
Daniels, W. I. G.; Oza Arte, W. O. G. 



Success Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Wesley, 
was organized March 16, 1883, by deputy 
grand master, Joseph Nicoulin, of Algona, 
with the following six charter members: 
Thomas Presnell, F. M. Butts, Fred An- 
derson, Joseph Laws,J. M. Orthel and Wil- 
liam Orthel. At this organization eight 
new members joined and the lodge thus 
started with a membership of fourteen. 
The first officers were the following named: 
Thomas Presnell, N. G.; F. M. Butts, V. 
G.; Fred Anderson, secretary. The lodge, 
which now has a membership of nineteen, 
meets every Saturday evening in their 
hall, which is a fine room, 20x38 feet, with 
an ante-room 8x20 feet. Although a new 
lodge, yet by a determined effort it has 
been brought into most excellent working 
order, and is a credit to the order to which 
it belongs. 

Wesley cemetery was laid out in 1878. 
The first interment was that of the body of 
Charles Hardin, of Irvington township, 
who was killed by lightningas related else- 
where. He was buried at first on the open 
pairie, in 1875, north of the railroad track, 
but on the institution of this graveyard, his 
body was exhumed and reburied therein. 

J. W. Hopkins, son of Benjamin and 
Elizabeth Hopkins, was born in Burslem, 
England, May 31, 1S44. When three 
years of age he emigrated with his par- 
ents to America. His father purchased a 
farm in Columbia Co., Wis., where Mr. Hop- 
kins lived until October, 1868, then came 
to Iowa, locating near Charles City, Floyd 
county. He remained there one year, then 
removed to Nora Springs, where he re- 
sided until March, 1871, when he came to 
Kossuth county and took a homestead of 
eighty acres on section 10, Wesley town- 
ship. He resided on his farm until 1880, 
when, on account of his wife's health, he 
removed to Wesley village, where he now 
hns good residence property. Mr. Hop- 
kins was married Oct. 20, 1867, to Mary 
A. Church, of Dekorra, Wis. They have 
five children — Richard H., Minnie A., Li- 
ona M., Myrtle E. and Ruth E. In poli- 
tics Mr. Hopkins is a republican. He is 



5 



■lira 



— -4 *1 



5-54 



HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



connected with the Phoenix & Farmers 
Insurance Company, of Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa. Hi- commenced traveling for the 
Decorali marble works in 1883. Mr. 
Hopkins is a member of the I. O. O. F. of 
Wesley. 

George Dickman a native of Germany, 
was born in Holstein, March 4, 1845. He 
emigrated to America, locating in Chi- 
cagu, where he lived eleven years. For 
six years of that time he was engaged in 
the milk business. He then came to Kos- 
suth county and located on the northeast 
quarter of section 9, and erected a house 
24x26 feet. He was married on the 22d 
of March, I860, to Margaret E. Gruhl, a 
native of Germany. They have four 
children — Henry, John, Christina and 
Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Dickman and family 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
His parents are buried in Germany. He 
keeps one of the neatest looking farms in 
the county. He is energetic, enterprising 
and a useful citizen. Mrs. Dickman's fa- 
ther is buried in Germany; but her mother 
is living. 

Joseph A Cunningham is a native of 
Virginia, born in Monongalia county, 
Oct. 2, 1881. When he was two years oi 
age his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth 
(Walker) Cunningham, removed to Ohio. 
He lived in Ohio thirty-two years, then 
removed to Oimsted Co., Minn. He re- 
mained in that county three years, when 
he came to Kossuth county and took a 
homestead of eighty acres in Wesley 
township, on section 16. lie immediately 
put up a sod house, and in two years 
erected a log house, which he lived in 
until 1882, when he built the neat frame 
house he now occupies. He was united 
in marriage, Feb. 3, 1854, with Matilda 
Price, of Washington Co., Ohio. Her 
parents are dead. This union has been 
blessed with six children — Mansel S., 
Price, Margaret C, Joshua, Joseph P. and 
Efh'e. Politically he is a republican. He 
has held the office of township trustee for 
several years. 



James P. Gray was born in Washington 
Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 1837. When nine- 
teen years of age he went to Olmsted 
Co., Minn., working two years in Jesse IJ. 
Hawthorn's saw mill at that place. He 
then went to Dubuque Co., Iowa, where 
he worked for eighteen months on a farm. 
lie then went to Wright Co., Iowa, work- 
ing there on a farm for two years. He 
then spent seven years on a farm and in a 
saw mill in Fayette county. Mr. Gray 
enlisted March 29, 1864, in company C, 
6th Iowa Cavalry, being mustered in at 
Davenport. He was in the battles of 
Bad Lands, Totolooke hills. He was a 
corporal, and had charge of the ropes 
which they tied horses with. After the 
close of the war Mr. Gray returned to 
Rochester, Minn., remaining there two 
years. In 1870 he removed to Kossuth 
county, settling on the south half of the 
southwest quarter of section 4, township 
97, range 27. He now owns forty acres 
adjoining. He was married Nov. 10, 
1869, to Emma J. Hoffman, of Rochester, 
Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have seven 
children — William R., Henry M., Nancy 
J., Frederick R., Charles, James ami 
George. Mr. Gray is a democrat in poli- 
tics. He has been justice of the peace for 
three years, and school director four years. 

George F. Holloway was born in 
Columbia Co., Wis., June 30, 1854. 
When six years of age he went with his 
parents, James and Ann (O'Dwyer) Hol- 
loway, to Dane county. In 1876 he came 
to Kossuth county, remaining three years, 
then going to Kansas, where he resided 
eighteen months, then returned to this 
county. He now resides on section 20, 
township 97, range 27, Wesley township. 
He is employed in threshing in proper 
seasons. Mr. Holloway also owns eighty 
acres of land in Portland township. He 
was married Jan. 8, 1878, to Mary Gur- 
ren, of Wesley township. She is a 
daughter of Patrick and Bridget Gurren. 
.Mr. Holloway is a democrat in polities. 
He is a member of the Catholic Church. 
He is also engaged in the dairy business, 
keeping eleven cows. 



HISTORY 



OF 



HANCOCK COUNTY. 



iowj^. 



HAPTER I 



INTRODl (TO V 



fe* 



ONE of the most useful, as well as inter- 
esting studies to Hie youthful mind, as 
well as to the advanced thinker, is that of 
general and local history. Especially is 
this true when the historian treats of a 
country as it existed in its primitive state; 
tells how it was peopled, and enters largely 
into detail into the manner and life of 
the pioneers. There is a peculiar fascina- 
tion about the rude life of the early set- 
tlers of a new country. The freedom of 
action, the unconstrained manner with 
which he receives one and all, and the 
generous hospitality, is and ever has 
been proverbial. Less that three decades 
ago, that part of the State of Iowa, now 
comprising the county of Hancock, was an 



unbroken wilderness, inhabited only by 
the wild heasts of the plain, and birds of 
the air, and their scarcely less wild con- 
querors, the red men, who roamed at will 
over the broad prairies, fishing in its 
streams, or hunting the game that every- 
where abounded, seemingly caring nothing 
for the morrow, and only living in the 
ever present. The thought of the "pale 
faces" penetrating this beautiful country 
had not yet disturbed their dreams and 
so they continued on in their daily life of 
hunting and fishing, with occasionally a 
short war between tribes to relieve the 
monotony of their existence. But the 
time was soon to come when they would 
surrender up the lands and move on to- 



■i\ 



T>R 






556 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



^ 



ward the setting sun. The time was soon 
to come when all nature must be changed, 
when the fair prairies, with their beauti- 
ful flowers, painted by a divine hand, 
must be broken up by the husbandman, 
and grain fit for the use of civilized man 
sown therein. 

As has been said, thirty years ago the 
land was all a wilderness, the soil had 
been unvexed by the plough, and the 
cabin of the settler, with its smoke curl- 
ing heavenward, with an air inviting the 
weary traveler to come and rest, was not 
to be seen, nor even the faintest trace of 
civilization, but instead, boundless emer- 
ald seas and luxuriant grasses. 

"These, the gardens of the desert — these, 
The unshorn fields, boundless aud beautiful, 
And fresh as the young earth ere man had sinned, 
Lo! they stretch. 

In airy undulations, far away 
As though the ocean, in the gentlest swell, 
Stood still, with all its rounded billows fixed. 
And motionless forever." 

The prairies were indeed a grand sight, 
in the summer, clothed in verdure bright, 
in the fall, robed in the many-hued garb 
that tells of the departing year. If a 
grand sight to see the prairies as the tall 
grass waved to and fro, it was a magnifi- 
cent sight in the fall of the year, to see 
the annual prairie fire as it swept over 
all. A correspondent of an eastern paper 
in an early day, in traveling in this west- 
ern country, witnessed one of these fires, 
and thus describes it in a communication 
to his paper: 

"Whilst enjoying the sublimity of the 
scene, night threw her mantle o'er the 
earth, and the sentinel stars set their 
watch in the skies, when suddenly the 



-F> 



scene was lighted by a blaze of light, illu- 
minating every objeetaround. It was the 
prairie on fire. Language cannot convey, 
words cannot express to you the faintest 
idea of the grandeur and splendor of that 
mighty conflagration. Methottght that 
the pale Queen of night disclaiming to 
take her accustomed place in the heavens, 
had dispatched 10,000 messengers to light 
their torches at the setting sun, and that 
now they were speeding on the wings of 
the wind to their appointed stations. 
As I gazed on that mighty conflagra- 
tion, my thoughts recurred to you, im- 
mured in the walls of the city, and I ex- 
claimed in the fullness of my heart. 

'0 fly to the prairie in wonder, and gaze, 
As o'er the grass sweeps the magnificent blaze; 
The world cannot boast so romantic a sight, 
A continent flaming, 'mid oceans of light." ' 

Behold, now, how changed the scene! 
Where the rude wigwam of the red man 
once stood, the neat, substantial, and 
of times elegant farm house now is seen; 
where once these sons of the plain and 
forest gathered together for the worship 
of "Gitche Manitou," the good spirit, the 
stately church edifice now rears its spire, 
and therein worship another race, praying 
to the God of their fathers. Change is 
written upon every hand. How this 
change was wrought, the various steps by 
which the wilderness has been trans- 
formed into habitations for civilized men, 
is the duty of the historian to show; and 
in the following pages attempt is made, 
with the hope that his efforts will be ap- 
preciated, and that the facts contained 
therein may be of interest, and the lessons 
of the past may be instructive to each 
and every reader. 



4 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



557 



CHAPTER II. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



To the readers of local history, the 
chapter pertaining to the early settlement 
of a country is of more than general in- 
terest. Especially is this true with the 
pioneers themselves, those who have wit- 
nessed the changes that have been made, 
who have seen this trackless wilderness 
made to blossom as the rose, and filled 
with an industrious, happy people. He 
here reads, slowly and critically, ev- 
ery word recalling memories of the 
past, which for a generation have lain 
buried among a host of recollections, 
which now rise before him like a dream. 
His old associations, the deeds, the trials 
and battles against hunger and cold, while 
the settlers were few and far between, 
and wolves howled aliout the little cabin, 
sending a chill to his heart, and-the wind 
driving the sifting snow through the 
crevices — all now arise vividly before 
him. Often it is with pleasure he can re- 
call these recollections, viewing with 
satisfaction the thought that he has lived 
to see a thrifty and happy land, dotted 
with school houses and churches, villages 
and towns, where first he planted his 
stakes and built his humble home. 

But, perchance it may be that it is with 
sadness that he recalls these reminiscences 
of the past, for as the thoughts well 
up in his heart he sees the dark and pain- 



ful side of the pioneer days. How a wife, 
whose virtues, bravery and simplicity will 
always be remembered, or a child prat- 
tling in innocence being called from earth 
to the eternal home, laid away under the 
cruel sod, in solemn quietude, by the 
rough but tender hands of hardy pioneers. 
Time has partially allayed the sling, but 
the wound is now uncovered by the allu- 
sion to days gone by, and the cases are 
not a few where a tear of bitter sadness 
will course down the cheek in honor of 
the memory of those who have departed. 

Notwithstanding the many disadvan- 
tages, and even sorrows, attendant upon 
the first steps of civilization, the adversi- 
ties to be encountered, the pioneers led a 
happy life. The absence of the aristo- 
cratic and domineering power of wealth 
and position must have been a source of 
comfort and satisfaction. Merit alone in- 
sured equality, and this could not be sup- 
pressed by traditions. The brotherhood 
of man was illustrated in a sincere and 
practical way, and hospitality was not 
considered so much a Christian trait as a 
duty to humanity. 

Prior to 1853 the territory now com- 
prising the county of Hancock was a vast 
and apparently interminable expanse of 
prairie, with a small amount of timber on 
the banks of the streams, and v as unin- 



IT 



* 



558 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



habited save by wild animals and roving 
bands of Indians. At that time but little 
civilization had crossed the Mississippi, 
and the few who had pushed westward 
from the banks of that great river had 
not journeyed far inland, and except a nar- 
row belt of settlers along its shores, this 
State, in the northern part at least, was 
an unknown land. A journey through the 
territory west was a tedious and often a 
dangerous task. 

This county, lying as it does at the 
headwaters of the Iowa, Boone and Des 
Moines rivers, and traversed by numerous 
creeks, had no doubt been visited by 
white men, for these fertile prairies had 
long been the haunts of trappers and 
hunters before actual settlers made their 
appearance. Hancock county, at the time 
of the pioneers, was a part of the neutral 
ground that the policy of the government 
had stretched, some forty or fifty miles 
wide, between the Sioux on the north and 
the Winnebagoes on the south. Here 
they could hunt and fish to their heart's 
content, but could not stay and raise their 
villages, nor indulge in savage war. Sav- 
age bodies of Indians would leave their 
reservations lying south of this and jour- 
ney north into Hancock and the adjoining 
counties, where they would hunt and fish 
all summer, and return to their villages 
in the winter. 

These Indians did not cultivate land, 
plant corn, or raise vegetables, but lived 
a life of indolence. Three tribes, or at 
least portions of them, intermixed, lived 
in harmony together. They were Winne- 
bagoes, Musquakees and Pottawattomies. 
Their most notable chiefs were: Womano- 
kaker (often spelled Wanoaker), Four 



Eyes, Pukatuck, Winnesheik, Hanaheta- 
ker and Beg Way. Womanokaker was 
the great war chief; and the tradition is 
handed down that he got his name from 
the fact that he had at one time stolen 
the woman of a white man — thus the 
name, "Womanokaker." 

Before there were any settlers in this 
county, however, all these tribes on the 
south had been removed. Complaints of 
their thievishness having been made in 
1848, the government had them placed on 
reservations furl her west, and but a few 
straggling "redskins" were seen in these 
parts. 

The first attempt at settlement within 
the limits of what is now Hancock county, 
was made by Anson Avery, who, with his 
wife, came here and located at Upper 
Grove, in the township since named after 
him. This was upon the 9th day of Sep- 
tember, 1854. Mr. Avery built acabin, to 
shelter him and his from the elements and 
commenced to open up a farm. He broke 
the first land and sowed the first grain in 
the county, on this new breaking, and set- 
tled down to pass the winter. Mr. Avery 
is still a resident of the county, and al- 
though liis hair is silvered with age, still 
he retains much of the fire of youth, and 
bids fair to outlast many of the less rug- 
ged younger generation. 

In October, 1854, George Nelson, with 
his family, came to Upper Grove, and set- 
tled in the neighborhood of Mr. Avery. 
It is said, on excellent authority, that Mr. 
Nelson and C. D. Philo, had hunted and 
trapped over this territory and spent the 
winter of 1S53-4 at Upper Grove. The 
beauty of the surroundings induced Mr. 
Nelson to return and take up his home 



- i v 

-6p 



-< 9 



tt 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



559 



amid the scenes of Lis former hunting 
grounds. 

These two families were all the inhabi- 
tants that passed the long and dreary 
winter of 1854-5, in Hancock county. But 
with the coming of spring, others sought 
homes in this new country. Among those 
who located in the southeast part of the 
.county, at Upper Grove, were Malcolm 
Magill, Tliomas Magill, Sr., Orick and 
Reuben Church and Benoni Haskins. 

Thomas Magill, Sr., a sturdy scot, a 
veteran of the Mexican War, settled upon 
a part of section 24, and raising a cabin, 
opened up a farm, whereon he lived until 
the day of his death, in the fall of 1883. 

Malcolm Magill, also remained upon 
the portion of section 24, where he first 
settled, until he two was called to cross 
the dark river, and pass the portals of 
death. 

Orick Church, who is still a resident 
of the place lie originally located upon, in 
that early day, s. tiled upon a portion of 
section 33, and at once set to work to 
open up a farm. 

Reuben Church, who came with his 
uncle, Orick, settled also in this vicinity, 
and entered into the pioneer duty of mak- 
ing a home. Mr. Church was for many 
years, at a later date, a prominent mem- 
ber of the community, and at one time 
held the position of treasurer and recorder 
of this county. Some years since, he re- 
moved from this State and is now a resi- 
dent of Nebraska. 

Benoni Haskins was also prominently 
identified with the official life of the 
county. 

Jacob Ward and John Maben, on the 
2*7tk of September, 1855, came into this 



county in search of a home, and settled in 
the northern part of the county, and were 
the pioneers of that locality. 

Jacob Ward, "Uncle Jacob" as he is 
familiarly called, and affectionately re- 
membered by his many friends, settled in 
what is now Ellington township, and built 
a log cabin. Here he lived on the farm 
he made in the wilderness, throve exceed- 
ingly well, until he was killed in the cy- 
clone that devastated this part of the 
county, in June, 1881. 

John Maben made a settlement in what 
is now known as Madison township. He, 
also, has been one of the men frequently 
honored by his fellow-citizens, with official 
position, and is noticed at length in the 
chapter on county officers. 

In December, 1855, Bernard and An- 
drew Bolsinger appeared upon the scene, 
and took up land in the present Ellington 
township. Bernard lived here for many 
years, but lately moved to Oregon. An- 
drew is still a resident of this county. 

The same month, Joseph and Lewis 
Barth settled in the same locality, and 
made claim to land. Lewis, some years 
since, emigrated to Sioux county, in the 
northwestern part of this State, where he 
at present resides. Joseph is still a resi- 
dent of Hancock county. 

Jacob and Harrison Rice settled upon 
section 8, in what is now Ellington town- 
ship, in the fall of 1855. These parties 
did not long remain citizens of Hancock 
county, but sold out their claims to John 
Maben, and removed further south, and 
out of Hancock county. But little is 
known of them, and they being of the 
type of true frontiersmen, always ready 



i> "V 



',?«- 



-bfe*, 



->t 



500 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



for a change, they have drifted far out of 
the sight of the residents of this county. 
Philip Tennis, in the latter part of 1855, 
located upon the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 7, in Ellington township, and re- 
mained a short time. 

A party by the name of Pease, also 
located on section 23,of the same township, 
but did not stay very long, selling out and 
removing to some other part of the State. 

Thomas Bearas, a trapper and hunter, a 
mighty nimrod in the county, built him a 
cabin in what is now Madison township, 
late in the fall of 1855. Mr. Bearas after- 
ward^ removed to Winnebago county. 

Among the other settlers of 1856 and 
1857 were : Francis and Richard Col- 
bum, C. R. and Silas J. Wright, H. A. 
Stiles, Charles Gillespie, M. P. Rosecrans, 
Thomas Wheelock, David Hunt, Robert 
Irwin, George Louppe, C. D. Pritchard 
and Charles Church and his sons C M. 
and Cyrus. All these and many others 
are noticed at greater length, and in 
fuller detail under their proper head in 
the histories of the townships wherein 
they located 

With these it might be said that the 
pioneer days of this part of the county 
closed. But few new settlers came here 
after this until the close of the War of 
the Rebellion, when a fresh impetus was 
given to immigration and Hancock county 
gained rapidly in population. 

The first child born in Hancock county 
was George Avery, the son of Anson and 
Lavina Avery, whose birth occurred in 
the month of January, 1855. George is 
still a resident of the township and 
county of his nativity. 



The first death was that of George W. 
Haskins, who died June 2, 1855, and was 
buried at Upper Grove. 

The first marriage was that which 
united Allen Yonker and Jane Haskins, 
which occurred in 1856. 'I his county 
not being yet organized, and having no 
one authorized to tie the nuptial knot, 
this pair journeyed to Mason City, in 
Cerro Gordo county, where the ceremony 
was performed They did not live to- 
gether long, but separated. The lady is 
now in Minnesota; and Yonkers, when 
last heard from, was in the penitentiary. 

The first school was taught by C. D. 
Pritchard, in a dwelling house in Avery 
township, on section 29, in the spring of 
1857. 

The first religious service in the 
county was held at the log cabin of 
Benoni Haskins, at Upper Grove, in the 
spring of 1858. The Rev. Mr. McNutt 
being the preacher. 

The first postoffice established in the 
county, was located at Upper Grove, and 
Benoni Haskins commissioned as post- 
master. This was in 1857. 

ORGANIZATION. 

For years prior to any thought of the 
existence of Hancock county, all this ter- 
ritory constituted a portion of the reser- 
vation of the Winnebago Indians, and 
the neutral ground as stated elsewhere. 
The settlement began, as we have seen, 
in 1854, and as soon as there were settlers 
enough for it to be at all recognized, it 
was attached to Webster county for judi- 
cial purposes. Thus it continued until 
1857, when it was attached to Winnebago 
county. During the spring of 1858, there 
was believed to be enough inhabitants in 



'l£. 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



561 



tlie county to organize, so application was 
made to Robert Clark, then the county 
judge of Winnebago county, for the neces- 
sary authority. The following is a copy 
of the original document, conferring the 
right to the citizens of Hancock county 
to organize themselves into a separate 
county and elect officers for their govern- 
ment : 

State op Iowa, ( 
Winnebago Countt. j 

June 8. 1858. 
Whereas, A petition of a majority of the 
legal voters of Hancock county has been pre- 
sented to me, Robert Clark, county judge of 
Winnebago county, to which said county of 
Hancock is, by law, attached; 

Now, therefore, I, Robert Clark, county judge 
of Winnebago county, do hereby order an 
election, by the legal voters of said Hancock 
county, to be held on Monday, June 28, 1858, 
for the purpose of electing the following county 
officers, to- wit: A county judge, a treasurer, a 
recorder, a clerk of the district court, a sheriff, 
au assessor, a coroner, a county superintendent 
of schools, a drainage commissioner, a county 
surveyi r, and such township officers as are 
allowed by law. Said election to be held in ac- 
cordance with the act in relation to new coun- 
ties, anil said election will be held as follows: 
All the U'g-il vot r.-s of said county are, under 
this order, allowed and permitted to vote for or 
against the. banking laws, and for the couDty 
and township officers, aud it is further ordered 
that, congressional township No. 96, ranges 23, 
24. 25 an I 26, so township 95, ranges 23, 24, 
25 and 26, also township 94, ranges 23, 24, 25 
aud 26 comprise one township to be known as 
Avery township, and an election be held at the 
house of B Haskins. in said township; and, it is 
also ordered, that congressional township 97, 
ranges 23, 24, 25 and 26 shall comprise one 
township to be known as Madison township, 
and anileeti'in be held at the house of J. C. 
Bonar, in said township, and James C. Bonar, 
J. Ward and M Colburn are hereby appointed 
judges of said election, and this shall be your 



order and warrant for the same, and you are 
further to duly canvass such votes as may be 
cast, and make due return to me at my office, in 
Forest City, in seven (7) days from said fourth 
Monday of June, A. T>. 1858. 

Given under my hand and the seal of said 
Winnebago county, this, the 8th day of June, 
A. D. 1858. 

[Seal] Robert Clark, 

County Judge of Winnebago County. 

In accordance with this, the first election 
was held on the 28th of June, 1858. There 
were but twenty-two votes cast, and the 
following officers were chosen: M. P. 
Rosecrans, county judge; George Louppe, 
clerk of the courts; Benoni Haskins, 
sheriff; Reuben Church, treasurer and 
recorder; G. R. Maben, superintendent of 
common schools; C. R. Wright, surveyor; 
J. C. Bonar, drainage commissioner. This 
brought Hancock county into official and 
and legal existence. For some years the 
county had no county seat, but the busi- 
ness was transacted either at Upper 
Grove, Ellington or wherever the 
county officials happened to reside. On 
the 4th of November, John I. Popejoy 
and James Goodwin, having been ap- 
pointed commissioners for that purpose 
by the judge of the district court, made 
the selection for the seat of county gov- 
ernment. This was the southeast quarter 
of the southwest quarter of section 31, 
township 96, range 23. The land was 
donated to the county by Truman Sey- 
mour, of the State of New York, shortly 
after this location. 

The first county buildings owned by 
Hancock county were two frame edifices 
erected by them in November, 1865. 
These offices, for they were only that, 
were each 16x24 feet and nine feet high. 



;rt 



Ik 



liL 



562 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



On the 5th of December, of that year, the 
board of supervisors, instructed the clerk 
that he was to notify the various officers 
that they must take possession of these 
and keep their books and papers therein. 
This was complied with and Hancock 
county rejoiced in county buildings. 
These buildings were erected at a cost of 
$2,000, as will be seen by a glance at the 
official action of the board, further on. 

Prior to this, an attempt had been made 
lo settle the county seat at Amsterdam, 
and on the 1st day of December, 1860, a 
contract was entered into, by and between 
M. P. Rosecrans, county judge, and B. A. 
Hill, by which the latter party agreed to 
build, for the county, a courthouse in the 
village of Amsterdam, Hancock county, 
for and in consideration of $2,000. All 
the papers were drawn and signed, and 
the plans and specifications made, but the 
county judge ceasing to be the supreme 
rnler, January the 1st, follow ing.the matter 
dropped to the ground, as the parties were 
enjoined from proceeding any further, by 
writ of injunction of the district court, 
made on application of many of the citi- 
zens of tin 1 county. 

During the year 1867, the board of su- 
pervisors submitted to the people of the 
county, a proposition, that they would 
levy a tax of ten mills on the dollar of tax- 
able property, in the county, for the pur- 
pose of building a court house. At the 
special election, ordered for that purpose, 
through some misunderstanding in regard 
to the matter, the proposition was defeated 
by a vote of thirty-five to nineteen. How 
ever, at the next meeting of the board, a 
petition was presented, signed by some 
forty of the qualified electors of the county 



asking a re-submittal of the question, and 
the board granted the same, and ordered 
the election to take place upon the 23d of 
the following March. When that day 
came, the people of the county, walked up 
to the polls, and with that weapon of free- 
men, the ballot, voted the necessary ten 
mill tax. The canvass of the votes showed 
that fifty-five voted in its favor, while only 
eighteen were opposed to its adoption. 
The honorable board at once proceeded to 
let the contract for the building of the 
present substantial court house. The for- 
tunate individual, to whom was awarded 
the contract, was Grove R. Maben. Dur- 
ing the summer of 186T, he constructed 
the edifice, and about the last of the year 
1868, turned it over to the county officials. 
It stands in a most beautiful grove, and 
is constructed of brick, and by the judi- 
cious management of the county board, 
has been well painted, of a brick red color, 
penciled in white. It is surmounted by a 
handsome cupola, which adds much to its 
outward appearance. On the first floor, 
on each side of a wide corridor, are the 
offices of the four principal functionaries 
of the county government, and at the rear, 
a large, roomy, and safe vault, in which 
are kept the valuable books and papers. 
In the second story is the courtroom. The 
contract with Mr. Maben was for $9,000, 
but changes in the plan, and necessary al- 
terations, together with other items, 
brought the cost of the structure up to 
$10,000. It is quite creditable to so young 
a county, that its officers have so commo- 
dious a housing. 

REMINISCENCE. 
(By Hon. J. M. Elder.) 

Excepting local incidents, the history 
of the settlement of one northern Iowa 



i > 



4fc 



-I — » 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



563 



county is substantially that of nearly 
every oilier, and in the fewest words 
written are those of privation and hard- 
ship. All historians will find the interro- 
gated pioneer the hero of the times and 
the self recognized leader of the brave 
ones who directed the destinies of his 
locality to its present prosperity. It was 
he who suffered and bore the brunt of 
the battle and in most cases has little but 
the glory left. Few of the Hancock 
county pioneers are left, and still fewer 
have attained position financially or po- 
litically. The reason is obvious. Many 
of our first settlers were of the true type 
of the western man, who only awaited 
the advance of civilization and advance- 
ment to move further west and again be- 
gin anew a life most congenial to their 
tastes and habits. Others wasted their 
best days in the fight with inclement 
seasons and the thousand drawbacks of a 
new country, to see others who came later, 
reap the harvest that they had sown dur- 
ing the long years of fight for mere sub- 
sistence. The few who limited their 
wants to their means, and were content to 
remain as toilers rather than seekers 
through political and speculative fields, 
are now in condition with the same man- 
agement to pass the remainder of their 
days in comfort and ease. 

In reviews of the past it is well for the 
pioneer that "distance lends enchantment 
to the view," for aside from the many 
genuine displays of Christian sympathy 
and assistance, and the more laughable as- 
pect of life in all its phases, there is really 
little that any one would care to perpetuate 
in the early settlement of any county. 
The incessant fight for livelihood and a 



degree of comfort is so incessant that the 
periods of sunshine are transient and 
seldom. Nevertheless, many of the friend- 
ships of the olden times will be the 
brightest at last. 

In the spring of 1S57, following the 
Spirit Lake massacre by Inkpodutah's 
band, the whole northwest portion of the 
State was thrown into excitement, and 
even in the then older portions of the 
State the people were alarmed, and many 
temporarily left for secure retreats, ex- 
pecting that the whole State would be 
over-run by the hundreds of thousands of 
savages reported advancing from every 
direction. When escape was impossible, 
houses were barricaded at night, and 
many families would congregate in the 
apparently most secure place for mutual de- 
fense and protection. To-day can be 
seen in West Belmond the dim outline of 
a stockade of vast dimensions, which was 
designed to shelter the settlers of that 
vicinity and their stock during the troub- 
lous times. Fortunately, as the sequel 
proved, there was little but the outlines 
thrown up, and if not molested further 
will in time furnish other evidences of 
the craft and necessities of the pre-historic 
man. Each day, for many, brought tid- 
ings of the massacre of a neighboring set- 
tlement, and the following night corres- 
pondingly freighted with fears. 

One bright spring morning three of the 
young braves of Belmond, worn by anxi- 
ety and fears, filled their knapsacks with 
provisions, and with guns and ammunition 
started west to learn the truth of the ter- 
rible reports. They had not proceeded a 
dozen miles until they met a party who 
had just come from Spirit Lake, and that 



£ 



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564 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



morning from Johnson's Forks on the 
Des Moines, who in the most provokingly 
cool manner imaginable informed the 
said "braves" he did not believe there 
was a hostile Indian in Iowa. He gave 
the first true version of the massacre, and 
in that neighborhood restored quiet. As 
the implements of war were suitable and 
more intended for defensive than aggres- 
sive warfare, the transformation to plough- 
shares was speedily accomplished and the 
beleaguered again resumed their peaceful 
pursuits. Without doubt the valor of the 
rising generation depreciated very rap- 
idly at the close of the war. Some laugh- 
able incidents occurred in the duties of 
guards and pickets. It was reported that 
several challenged cows, who had not the 
countersign and pass, were shot down, 
and it is well known from the statements 
of said guards and pickets that many of 
the red devils were actually seen at night, 
notwithstanding the general unbelief that 
quickly followed the restoration of peace. 
Among the early settlers at Upper 
Grove was a thrifty farmer named H — , 
whose acres were broad and valuable. 
His family was composed of many sons 
and daughters, the latter of whom, like 
the daughters of the rich and influential 
in all times, were objects of attention 
and admiration by the young men of the 
country. Especially was this the case of 
the eldest whose heart and hand was be- 
sieged by two of the prominent young 
men of the place, whether in a spirit of 
equity or inability to choose, neither for 
a term was preferred, and as the anxiety 
b 'came each day more unbearable, their 
acts became frantic and dangerous. No. 
1, in his desperation, attempted suicide in 



many ways, but as the fates were against 
him, failed to succeed. At one time he 
attempted to drown himself in the Iowa, 
but being mid-winter and the stream fro- 
zen to the bottom no water could be found 
and that scheme failed. An attempt to 
cut his throat with a pin was equally in- 
efficient owing to the size of the throat in 
comparison to that of the pin. No more 
successful was the attempt to choke him- 
self by cramming a pillow down his throat 
as the object of death was, in this case, a 
little too large. These demonstrations of 
affection were too strong for the father if 
not the daughter, who one winter day 
loaded the couple into a sled, placed a 
golden eagle in the hands of a trusty 
neighbor and sent them to Mason City, 
the then nearest point where marriage 
could be solemnized, where No. 1 was 
made happy in the possession of the fair 
Jane. The course of true love, however, 
ran no more smoothly after, than before. 
Harmony did not prevail, and we fear the 
manly form and knightly being of No. 2 
grew, rather than diminished in the eyes 
of the young bride, for certain it is that 
during the next June the once happy hus- 
band departed without as much as an 
adieu ; and in a short time thereafter, 
without resort to troublesome courts, the 
young bereft wife married No. 2. We 
believe thereafter the course of true love 
ran in its natural channel. The offspring 
of the last marriage are numerous and we 
hope creditable to their parents; and that 
the efforts of the determined pair will be 
perpetuated in family as well as county 
history. The last heard of the would be 
suicide, and first husband, he was revel- 
ing at the State's expense at Ft. Madison 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



565 



for permitting the team of another to 
carry him to Minnesota. The not least 
singular part of the affair was his ar- 
rest within three miles of his early ad- 
ventures, and yet to that time had never 
been in Han-cock county since the June 
day twenty years before. 

Although substantial settlements were 
in existence at Ellington and Upper Grove 
at the time of the location of the county 
seat at Concord, few points in the county 
were ever settled under more disadvan- 
tages. The location was made in Novem- 
ber and followed at once by the erection 
of two buildings, each 18x24 feet, for the 
use of the clerk and treasurer. These 
were occupied respectively by J. M. Elan, 
clerk, and H. N. Briking, treasurer in the 
last days of December and the first of 
January following. No road or even trail 



led to the place, and scarcely two reached 
the buildings by the same route for many 
montVs. A terribly severe winter fol- 
lowed, and provision and forage were 
transported witli difficulty and danger 
from wherever they could be obtained. 
At the meetings of the board and on other 
occasions the buildings were crowded and 
no shelter for many of the teams. At 
other times days would pass and not a 
soul be seen. In July following, the fam- 
ily of J. M. Elan, consisting of himself, 
wife and child, were alone for seven days, 
during which time they saw not the face 
of another human being. In September, 
the child sickened and died, and the near- 
est neighbor lived many miles distant. 
His body was prepared for burial by the 
hands of his mother. Yet neighbors were 
kind and never omitted an opportunity to 
help, aid and assist when in their power. 



CHAPTER III 



COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 



As stated, in early days, Hancock was 
attached first to Webster and later to 
Winnebago county for judicial purposes, 
but was duly organized, by authority of 
Judge Clark, of the latter county, in 1858. 
At this time the powers of the present 
board of supervisors was vested in the 
county court. This consisted of a judge, 
a prosecuting attorney and the sheriff. 
The judge had entire jurisdiction in all 
matters that could not properly be brought 



before the district court, and he was, 
therefore, to a certain extent, "supreme 
ruler" in all local matters. The office was 
the most important one in the gift of the 
people of the county. 

The records of the county court com- 
mence with the organization of the county. 
The first court consisted of M. P. Rose- 
crans, county judge ; Benoni Haskins, 
sheriff; and George Louppe, clerk. No 
business of any importance seems to have 



4 



-^ — •XV 



-4J 



566 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



been transacted, except the issuing of 
county warrants, the first being in favor 
of Charles Church, and was for lumber 
furnished for the building of a county 
office, and was for the sum of $57.85. The 
second was to Robert L. Irwin and was 
for 1119.19, for building the above office. 

No official record exists of any business 
occupying the attention of the county 
court until the month of December, I860, 
when an effort was made to have the vil- 
lage of Amsterdam made the county seat, 
and in furtherance of the scheme, a con- 
tract was let, by the county judge, for the 
building of a $2,000 court house at that 
place, but the "best laid plans of men and 
mice oft gang agley" and the 1st of Janu- 
ary saw a change of administration, and 
the plan fell to the ground, the contractors 
being prevented from going on by a writ 
of injunction. During these years, the 
county had consisted of the two original 
townships of Madison and Avery, and no 
new ones were organized under the county 
court system. The court met whenever 
and wherever it saw fit, as no actual seat 
of government had been located. 

During the winter of 1859-60 an act 
was passed by the General Assembly, 
which was approved by the governor, 
changing the mode of local government, 
and creating the board of supervisors of the 
county. This board took charge, and had 
all powers formerly vested in the county 
court, excepting the issuance of marriage 
licenses, probate matters and civil cases. 

The county court still held its sessions 
and continued to do so until 1869, when it 
was abolished by law; but nothing of any 
interest transpired, as the time was all 
spent in routine matters. 



THE BOABD OF COUNTY SUPERVISORS 

consisted of one member from each town- 
ship. The election for members was held 
at the time of the general election, in 
November, 1860, and the first meeting of 
the board of supervisors, of Hancock 
county, was held at Amsterdam, on the 
first Monday in January, 1861. This 
board consisted of the following gentle- 
men: G. R. Maben, Madison; and B. VV. 
Culver, Avery. After perfecting the or- 
ganization of the board by the election of 
Mr. Maben to the chair, they proceeded to 
the transaction of business. The princi- 
pal matters dealt with seem to have been 
the allowing of claims and ordering their 
payment. The salary of the clerk of the 
board was set at $200 per annum, for his 
services as such, payable quarterly. The 
board, at this session, also entered into an 
agreement with W. P. Hepburn, by which 
he was to go to Washington, D. C, and 
attend to the business of the county in 
relation to the swamp and overflowed 
lands lying within its borders, according 
to the act of Congress, approved Sept. 28, 
1850. For these services Mr. Hepburn 
was to receive $200 in hand, and if he 
succeeded in obtaining either the land 
scrip or the warrants he was to receive 
$800 more. 

The first warrant drawn by order of the 
board was to Edward Thorp, for cutting 
wood for the office of the clerk of the 
board, and was for seventy-five cents and 
bears date of Jan. 7, 1861, and number 
one. At the June session the board or- 
dered the division of the township of 
Madison, and the erection, of the part, cut 
off, into a new civil township to be known 
as Ellington. At the same time the 



t 



>> y 



3i> 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



567 



township of Avery was divided and part 
of that ordered to organize under the 
name of Amsterdam. 

The tax levy of this year was laid as 
follows: For State tax, one and a half 
mills; for county tax, six mills; for school 
purposes, one mill ; for bridge fund, one 
mill. 

On the 14 th of October, 1861, the board 
met. There were present G. R. Maben, 
of Madison township; B. W. Culver, 
claiming to he from Avery; Charles 
Church, from Avery, appeared and took 
the oath of office, claiming that he had a 
right to take his seat on the board. Jacob 
Ward also appeared from Ellington, 
claiming that he had a right to his seat, 
and was also sworn. B. W. Culver pro- 
tested against Charles Church and Jacob 
Ward taking their places on the board, 
making the point, that they had no right 
to do so until January following, they 
having been elected as they were in town- 
ships set off previous to election, and that 
he, B. W. Culver, was supervisor for 
Avery township, as it existed prior to the 
sub-division, and would remain such until 
the 1st of January, 1862. 

To this Messrs. Ward and Church, in 
turn, protested, giving the following 
reasons: that said B. W. Culver was not a 
resident of the present township of Avery; 
that he had refused to take the oath of 
office, being elected in Amsterdam, then 
a newly organized township. 

The clerk was then ordered to prepare 
ballots, by which Jacob Ward was to as- 
certain the length of his term of office. 
This being done, after an informal ballot, 
resulted in Mr. Ward drawing the one 
year term, and B. W. Culver the two 



year term, and thus matters were amica- 
bly arranged and the board was organized 
as follows: G.R. Maben, Madison; Charles 
Church, Avery; B. W. Culver, Amster- 
dam; and Jacob Ward, Ellington. And 
at the organization of the board, in Jan- 
uary, 1 862, G. R. Maben was elected chair- 
man. 

The march of improvement struck the 
county about this time, for we find, gravely 
recorded, that the board ordered the pur- 
chase of five chairs for their use. 

A special session was held on the 18th 
day of August, 1862, in response to the 
request of the governor of the State, that 
inducements, in the way of bounties, be 
held out to volunteers; and' that pro- 
vision might be made for their families. 
In accordance, the following resolution 
was adopted: 

Heso'ved, By the board of supervisors 
of Hancock county, that each person en- 
listing in the volunteer force, of this 
State, as a volunteer of this county, be 
allowed, out of the treasury of the county, 
the sum of $100; and the wife of each 
person, so volunteering, the sum of $1 per 
week, and to each child under fifteen 
years of age, fifty cents per week, to be 
paid to the woman and children, while 
said volunteer continues in the service of 
the United States. The warrants to be 
issued immediately upon being sworn 
into the service of the State. 

Monday, Jan. 5, 1863, the new board 
came into power, consisting of the fol- 
lowing gentlemen: J. Ward, Ellington; 
John Maben, Madison; B. W. Culver, 
Amsterdam; and Charles Church, Avery. 

After organization, Charles Church was 
elected chairman for the ensuing year. 



r 



568 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



The first warrant issued to a volunteer, 
under the resolution above, was ordered at 
this session of the board. It was drawn 
to William Church, and was for eight dol- 
lars. 

At the session of April, 1863, a petition 
of M. P. Rosecrans, and others, was pre- 
sented to the board, asking the board to pur- 
chase a tract of land, not to exceed a section 
or 640 acres, within a mile of the ten mile 
post on the road from Amsterdam to Ell- 
ington, and to improve the same, by the 
planting of the same witli timber, for the 
purpose of establishing the county seat of 
Hancock county upon the same. "This 
wild scheme was voted down and rejected 
byan unanimous vote of the board." This 
year, in addition to the regular taxes 
levied, a special war tax of three mills 
was laid. 

January, 1864, the new board assem- 
bled for the transaction of business. It 
was composed of the following gentle- 
men: Charles Gillespie, Ellington; John 
Maben, Madison; B. W. Culver, Amster- 
dam; and Orick Church, Avery. On the 
organization of the board, Mr. Culver was 
elected chairman for the ensuing year. 

At the April session, 1864, the follow- 
ing resolution was introduced and passed: 

Resolved, That the board of supervisors 
appropriate the sum of $200, or such fur- 
ther sum as may be necessary, to purchase 
and fence a suitable piece of ground for a 
burying ground ; one in each end of the 
county; and that John Maben and Charles 
Gillespie be appointed a committee in the 
north part of the county, and B. W. Cul- 
ver and Orick Church a committee in the 
south part of the county, to attend to the 
matter, and in June, 1864, a proposition 



having been made to the board that they 
refund to the citizens of the different 
townships, the amount paid by them as 
bounty to volunteers; on motion it was 

Resolved, That the sum of $200 be ap- 
propriated to each township to refund to 
those who have paid bounties, or to be 
used in procuring volunteers. It was 
also 

Resolved, That a sufficient sum be ap- 
propriated to purchase twelve Colt's navy 
revolvers, and that said revolvers, when 
procured, be distributed three to each of 
the four townships in the county. 

At the September session of the board, 
some $300 was appropriated to each end 
of the county, to finish fencing their re- 
spective grave yards. At this same ses- 
sion, it was 

Resolved, That there be appropriated, 
out of the special fund levied by the 
board, the sum of $500 to each man, who 
may be drafted from Hancock county, 
into the service of the United States, to 
fill the quota of said county, under the 
call of the President of the United States 
issued in July, 1804, for 500,000 men; 
and that whenever said men are accepted 
as such soldiers, the clerk is hereby au- 
thorized and instructed to issue said war- 
rants to said men. 

In January, 1865, the new board as- 
sembled. There were present the follow- 
ing gentlemen: John Maben, Madison; 
Orick Church, Avery ; Charles Robins, 
Amsterdam, and Parley Colburn, Elling- 
ton. John Maben was duly elected chair- 
man for the ensuing year. 

At a special session, held at the house 
of Mr. Colburn, in Ellington township, 



•n 



4V 



fe* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



569 



January the 28th, the following resolution 
was introduced and unanimously adopted: 

Resolved, That the bounty for volun- 
teers in Hancock county be raised to 
$1,000 to fill the quota of said county for 
the call made by the President of the 
United States, in December, 1864, and 
the said bounty of $1,000 be allowed to 
not more than two from each township, 
except Ellington, which may enlist three 
men, provided the county only pays $800 
for the third man enlisted. Full and 
definite arrangements were at the same 
time made as to how and when this 
amount was to be made. A petition was 
at the same time read, that the county 
extend the same bounty to all who had 
entered the service from this county, but 
was rejected by a unanimous vote. 

In September a petition was received 
by the board, asking that a division of 
the county be made, part being attached 
to the county of Winnebago. The board 
ordered that the question be submitted to 
the legal voters of the county at the next 
general election. (This was voted down 
at that time). 

An important meeting of the honorable 
board of supervisors was held upon the 
4th day of November, 1865. On that 
day, all of the members being present, 
the following report was presented: 

"In pursuance to an order issued by the 
12th district judge, (W. B. Fairfield) to 
John I. Popejoy, James Goodwin and S. 
B. Hewitt, Jr., to locate the county se"at 
of Hancock Co., Iowa, James Goodwin 
and J. I. Popejoy, met in pursuance to 
said order, and located said county seat 
on the southeast quarter of the southwest 
quarter of section 31, township 96, range 



23, at a point 16 chains and 50 links north, 
and 1 chain and 15 links west from the 
quarter post on the south side of said sec- 
tion, we believing said site the best loca- 
tion in said county, taking into considera- 
tion the present as well as the future 
prospects of the inhabitants of said 
county. John I. Popejoy, 

James Goodwin. 

Dated Nov. 4, 1865. 

This report being adopted and accepted, 
the following resolution was adopted by a 
unanimous vote: 

Resolved, That the board of supervisors 
proceed to build two buildings at the 
county seat of Hancock, to be occupied 
by the county officers, to-wit: On the 
southeast quarter of the southwest quar- 
ter of section 31, in township 96, range 
23; said buildings to be of the following 
dimensions; each to be 16x24 feet, and 
nine feet high; to be built of pine plank 
and battoned on the outside, and ceiled on 
the inside with good pine flooring; the 
floors to be of good pine lumber and the 
sills of oak. Said buildings to be cov- 
ered with good pine shingles, and each 
building to contain one door and three 
windows. 

James Crow, was at the same time, ap- 
pointed a committee to procure for the 
county a title of the land on which the 
county seat was located, and to survey 
and lay out a town thereon. An appro- 
priation of $2,000 was made for the pur- 
pose of erecting the buildings for the use 
of the county, and the board made a com- 
mittee of the whole on building. 

The county buildings were at once 
erected, for under date of Dec. 4, 1865, 






«fc 



570 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTS. 



the board instructed the clerk to notify 
the various county officers that suitable 
offices have been prepared and are now in 
readiness for ther use. At this session, 
also, a report was made showing that the 
expense incurred in building the county 
offices was $1,797.55, but a stable had 
been erected at the same time and place 
at an expense of $582.90, making in the 
aggregate i2,380.45. This amount was 
swelled by $180, allowed for time em- 
ployed by John Maben, chairman of the 
board, in overseeing the work of building 
and $19.55 for fencing the stable lot, all 
making a grand total of $2,580 as the entire 
cost of county buildings. 

The new board of supervisors met .Ian. 
1, 1866, and the following members took 
their seats: John Maben, Madison; Par- 
ley Colburn, Ellington; John Christie, 
Jr., Amsterdam; and Charles Church, 
Avery. 

They proceeded to organize by the 
election of Mr. Colburn, as chairman for 
the ensuing year. The board fixed the 
salaries of the various county officers for 
this year as follows: County judge, 
$100; sheriff, $120; clerk, $600, besides 
the necessary fees accruing to each officer. 
A proposition was made to the qualified 
electors, that they allow a special levy of 
nine mills tax, for the purpose of raising 
the necessary funds to pay off the indebt- 
edness of the county, and raise the county 
warrants to par. At a special election 
held Aug. 28, 1866, it was carried by a 
majority of six in a total vote of fifty. 

The board for the year 1867, met, being 
composed of the following parties: C. 
Church, Avery; J. Christie, Jr., Amster- 
dam; P. Colburn, Ellington; and J. Ma- 



ben, Madison. The latter gentleman was 
unanimously elected to fill the office of 
president of the board for the year. The 
board proceeded to pass a resolution 
ordering the clerk to post notices of a 
special election, at which time would be 
submitted to the qualified electors of the 
county, the question as to whether the 
board of supervisors should levy a ten 
mill tax to be appropriated for the erec- 
tion of a county court house. On the 11th 
of February, the board met in special 
session and on a canvass of the votes cast 
at the special election, held on the 9th of 
February, 1867, it was shown that thirty- 
five ballots were cast against and nineteen 
for the ten mill tix levy and the measure 
was declared defeated. A resolution was, 
however, at once adopted as follows: 

Resolved, That the board of supervisors 
take such immediate measures as will in- 
sure the providing a suitable place for 
the holding of the next term of the district 
court, at the county seat of Hancock 
county. 

Notwithstanding the vote on the court 
house tax of the 9th inst., a petition was 
presented to the board on the 17th of Feb- 
ruary, for a new election on the same 
measure. Whereupon the board ordered 
a second special election to take place on 
the 23d day of March, following, for the 
levy of a ten mill tax for the building of 
a court house. At this election the vote 
stood fifty-five in favor and eighteen 
against the tax, so the board declared the 
measure carried. 

John Wegands, of Winnebago county, 
was offered two blocks in Hancock Cen- 
ter, on condition of his building a hotel 
at that place, the seat of county govern- 



-» u 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



571 



ment of Hancock county, but did not ac- 
cept. 

At an adjourned meeting, held April 
8, 1867, bids for the erection of the court 
house were received, but the plans not 
being to the notion of the board, all were 
rejected, and a committee appointed to 
draft new plans and specifications. In 
May new bids were received as follows: 
G. R. Knapp, $9,800; G. \V. Beadle, $8,- 
500; J. C. Bonar, $8,900; John Christie, 
Sr., $8,500; Charles Bice, $8,449; H. N. 
Brockway, $9,444.44; G. R. Maben, 
$9,000; J. P. Gardner and Robert Clark, 
$9,000; A. D. Hiams, $9,000; George 
Butts, $9,000; David Lean and L. Hill, 
$9,000. 

The board after due deliberation, let 
the contract to G. R. Maben, for the price 
of $9,000, and the contract with him was 
finally signed at the June session, 1867. 

On the Gth of January, 1868, the new 
board met for their first session, and the 
following members took their seats: C. 
Church, Avery; George R. Knapp, Am 
sterdam; John Maben, Madison; and P. 
Colburn, Ellington. On organization 
Charles Church was elected president for 
the ensuing year. The usual amount of 
road and bridge business was then trans- 
acted. 

The board of county supervisors for the 
year 1869, were convened the 4th of Jan- 
uary, of that year, and the following 
members took their place in that body: 
G. R. Maben, Madison; G. R. Knapp, 
Amsterdam; Charles Church, Avery; and 
John II. Beadle, Ellington Mr. Maben 
was duly elected as chairman, and having 
qualified, took his place at the head of 
the board. It was during this year that 



the court house was finished and accepted. 
Concord and Crystal townships were or- 
ganized. 

The new board, for 1870, met on the 3d 
day of January, and the following mem- 
bers took their places: G. R. Maben, 
Madison; J. Q. Beadle, Ellington; A. D. 
Iliams, Amsterdam; Orick Church, Avery ; 
B. V. Scott, Crystal; and H. H. Bush, Con- 
curd. A. D. Iliams was duly elected to 
the position of chairman of the board, for 
the ensuing year. 

The new method of electing supervisors, 
by districts instead of townships, coming 
into action, the board for the year 1871, 
was as follows: A. D. Iliams, three years 
term; G. R. Maben, two years term; and J- 
M. Elder, one year term. They organized, 
at their first meeting, held on the id day 
of January, by the election of A. D. Hiams 
as chairman, and proceeded to the trans- 
action of business. 

The boards succeeding this, were as fol- 
lows: 

1872. — George W. Beadle, chairman; 
A. D. Hiams and G. R. Maben. 

1873. — II. H. Bush, chairman; George 
W. Beadle and A. D. Hiams. 

1874. — H. H. Bush, chairman; George 
W. Beadle and J. H. Melius. 

1875. — H. H. Bush, chairman; J. H. 
Melins and G. R. Maben. 

1876. -G. R. Maben, chairman; J. II. 
Melins and John Burnside. 

1877. — G. R. Maben, chairman; John 
Burnside and A. D. Hiams. 

1878. — A. D. Iliams, chairman; George 
W. Beadle and John Burnside. 

1879. — A. D. Hiams, chairman; H. II. 
Bush and G. W. Beadle. 



— v 



>* 



572 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



1880.— H. H. Bush, chairman; G. W. ! 1882.— H. H. Bush, chairman; A. D. 
Beadle, G. Davenport, A. D. White and White, C. C. Way, E. C. Packard and W. 
W. Greenup. F. Greenup. 

1881.— H. H. Bush, chairman; A. D. ' 1883.— H. U. Bush, chairman; C. C. 
White, C. C. Way, W. F. Greenup and E. I Way, E. C. Packard, A. D. White and G. 
C. Packard. W. Gillett. 



CHAPTER IV 



OFFICIAL MATTERS. 



In this chapter are presented the various 
matters gathered from the county records, 
and other official sources, and which fill 
no other niche. 

POPULATION. 

In 1860, the first recognition appears of 
the population of this county. The United 
States census, of that .year, gives the num- 
ber of inhabitants as 179. In 1865 this 
had increased to 292, and in 1869 to 572. 
In 1870 Hancock county's population 
numbered 999, and in 1875, 1,482. By the 
last census, taken in 1880, it had 3,453, 
which has probably been increased to 
4,500, at the present writing. This popu- 
lation is made up of natives of Germany, 
Ireland, France, Bohemia and the United 
States, with a slight sprinkling of Scandi- 
navians, Scotch and English. The Ameri- 
can element emigrated mostly from the 
New England States, New York, Pennsyl- 
vania, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin, and, 
as a whole, are an enterprising, indus- 
trious people. The Germans came prin- 
cipally from the northern part of that 
Empire. As a class, they came here poor, 



bought lands at low rates, on long time' 
making small payments, and by industry 
and frugality, have since become thrifty 
and substantial farmers. 

CIVIL TOWNSHIPS. 

The sixteen civil townships in the county 
were organized upon the following dates. 

Madison township, on the 28th of June, 
1858. 

Avery township, on the 28th of June, 
1858. 

Ellington township, on the 4th of June, 
1861. 

Amsterdam township, on the 4th of 
June, 1861. 

Concord township, on the 9th of Octo- 
ber, 1869. 

Crystal township, on the 9th of October, 
1869. 

Britt township, on the 14th of October, 
1873. 

Magortownship, on the 14th of October, 
1879. 

Erin township, on the 14th of October, 
1879. 



-« 8> 



:k* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



573 



German township, on the 14th of Oc- 
tober, 1879. 

Ell township, on the 1 4th of October, 
1879. 

Twin Lake township, on the 7th of Oc- 
tober, 1682. 

Daggett township, on the 14th of Oc- 
tober, 1879. 

Bingham township, on the 14th of Oc- 
tober, 1879. 

Urthel township, on the 7th of October, 
1882. 

Boone township, on the 2d of Novem- 
ber, 1880. 

TOWN PLATS. 

The plats of the several towns in Han- 
cock county, were filed for record upon 
the following dates: 

Laconia, for record in Webster county, 
on the 4th of September, 1858. 

Amsterdam, on the 9th of April, 1859. 

Concord, on the 18th of July, 1868. 

Garner, on the 23J of August, 1870. 

Seymour's addition to Concord, on the 
23d of November, 1871. 

Tallman's addition to Garner, on the 
28th of September, 1875. 

Britt, on the 20th of June, 1878. 

Anderson's addition to Britt, on the 
18th of July, 1878. 

Anderson's second addition to Britt, on 
the 14th of January, 1879. 

Lattimore's addition to Britt, on the 
10th of June, 1880. 

Corwith, on the 1st of September, 1880. 

MARRIAGE RECORD. 

Marriage licenses have always been re- 
quired in this State, and the greater portion 
of the facts here found were taken from 
the clerks record of certificates issued. 



The first license issued in Hancock 
county bears the date of April 14, 1861, 
and authorizes Thomas Wheelock to wed 
Christine Sheaf. This ceremony was solem- 
nized by M.P. Rosecrans, the county judge. 

Among the curious items, in regard to 
marriages in the county, it is a well 
known fact, that when James Dickinson 
and Annie Williams were ready to enter 
into matrimony, they drove up to the 
court building, or office, where Judge 
Rosecrans was, and he was called out. 
The necessary license was soon procured, 
but all hands seeming to be in a hurry, the 
judge to go to dinner, Mr. Dickinson 
and lady to return to some farm work, 
the august magistrate mounted into the 
wagon aud while the horses trotted some 
forty rods, the distance to the judges res- 
idence, he married the couple. Reaching 
home he jumped out, and the team, with- 
out stopping continued right along. One 
of the old settlers in speaking of it de- 
fined it as being "married on a trot." 

The second license was issued on the 
15th of April, the next day, to William 
L. Thatcher and Frances A. Fisk. The 
county judge preformed the rite. 

The following is a list of the various 
licenses issued for the first few years sub- 
sequent to the organization of the county. 

James Dickinson and Annie Williams, 
July 17, 1861; ceremony preformed by 
M. P. Rosecrans, county judge. 

Charles Buffon and Hannah Catlin, 
Nov. 6, 1861; married by J. M. Elder, 

justice. 

Bernard Bolsinger and Margaret Gilpin, 
July 20, 1 86-2; married by the county judge. 



>\y 



4ft. 



- ,t 



574 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Jacob Ward and Catharine Kneadler, 
Nov. 13, 1862; ceremony by James Crow, 
justice of the peace. 

Joseph F. M. Perttenarte and Martha 
E. McNutt, July 15, 1863. 

Elias Tompkins and Sarah Gilpin, Dec. 
14, 1864. 

Lewis Colburn and Melissa Ward on 
the 30th of January, 1865; ceremony per- 
formed by the Rev. Richard Burge. 

Joseph S. Bamford to Lucy Barker, 
Oct. 10, 1865. 

But this is sufficient. Many of these 
names will be readily recognized by the 
settlers of the latter days, as among our 
most prominent citizens. 

The following table shows the number 
of marriages per year, and how the market 
matrimonial is affected by the State of 
the market financial. 



1861 


2 


1872 


1862. . 


2 


1 873 


1863 


1 


1874 


1864 . . 


1 


1875 


1865 


3 


1876 


1866 


9 


1877 


1867. . . . 

1868 

1869. .. 


3 



1 


1878 
1879 
1880 


1870 


5 


1881 


1871 


10 


1882 



.12 
. 5 
.13 
.10 
.14 
.17 
. 9 
20 
.26 
.36 
.34 



ITEMS OF INFORMATION. 

A number of items are here presented 
as taken from the books and reports of 
the auditor. 

FINANCIAL. 

The following items show the value of 
taxable property in the county each year, 
from 1869 to 1883, with the exception of 
two years, the abstracts of which have 
been mislaid. 

1869. 

Value of land in the county $922, 091 

' ' town property 2. 044 

" personal property 23, 552 

Total assessed value $947, 687 



1871. 

Value of land in the county $919,415 

' ' town properly 6, 355 

personal property 32,822 

Total assessed value $957, 992 

1872. 

Value of land in the county $911, 586 

' ' town property 7, 355 

" personal property 35,947 

Total assessed value $953, 888 

1873. 

Value of lands in the county $1, 042. 693 

" town property 8,627 

" personal property 4*2,182 

" railroad property 99,384 

Total assessed value $1, 192, 8S6 

1874. 

Value of lands in the county $1,145,960 

'' town property 9,489 

" personal property 33,228 

' ' railroad property 84, 840 

Total assessed value $1,273,517 

1875. 

Value of lands $1, 114,368 

town lots 11,330 

' ' personal property. 41, 673 

" railroad property 84,840 

Total assessed value $1,252,211 

1876. 

Value of land. $1,237,995 

town lots 13,552 

" personal properly 54,641 

11 railroad property 84,840 

Total assessed value $1,391,028 

1877. 

Value of land $1,113,006 

town lots 22,690 

" railroad proper- y 84,840 

" personal properly 43,998 

Total assessed value $1, 264, 531 

1878. 

Value of lands $1,218,044 

town hits 22,420 

" railroad property 79,629 

" personal property 42,954 

Total assessed value $1, 385, 467 

1880. 

Value of lands $1, 082, 881 

town lots 30, 530 

" railroad property 96,520 

' ' personal properly . 76, 140 

Total assessed value $1,286,072 



_ a 



A,lo «^_ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



575 



1881. 

Value of liDd $1,263,614 

" to wn lots 43, 673 

" railroad property 98, 216 

" personal property 98,216 

Total assessed value $1,503,749 

1882. 

Value of lands $1, 263, 644 

town lots 43,673 

" railroad property 151,899 

" personal property 115,613 

Total value $1, 574, 829 

1883. 

Value of 359,691 acres of land $1,422,105 

" town properly 51, 065 

" railroad property in county. 151,899 
'• personal property 129, 964 

Total value $1,755,033 

Exemption for trees planted 59,200 

Total assessed value $1, 695, 833 

LIVE STOCK IK THE COUNTY. 
KIND. NUMBER. VALUE. 

Cattle assessed 5,715 $44,636 

Horses " 2,227 43,427 

Mules " 81 1,910 

Slieep " 903 627 

Swine " 4,281 4,972 

Total value $95,572 

TREASURERS' REPORTS. 

The following is the first treasurer's 
report, as handed to the county judge for 
settlement, Jan. 1, 1859: 

COUNTY TREASURER. DR. 

To Stale tax collected $2,752 16 

To county tax collected 5,506 12 

To8Rbool lax collect, d 917 69 

To road tax collected 917 69 

To Avery school district 3,472 38 

To Madison school district 2,253 76 

Total $15, 820 70 

CONTRA 

By am't. di>butsed on warrants, etc. . $183 28 

By b dance due Si ate 1,182 75 

By balance due c mnty fund 5,322 84 

By balance due school fund 853 24 

By bal ince due road f uud 853 25 

By balance on hand 7,425 34 

Total $15,820 70 

By the last report of the county treas- 
urer, the following is a summary of the 



cash on hand for the county, and credited 
to the various funds: 

SUMMARY OF CASH ON HAND. 

State fund $3,044 45 

County fund 555 11 

County school fund 838 49 

Bridt$efund 907 15 

Court house fund 716 79 

County Insane fund 564 85 

Permanent school fund, principal. . . . 264 15 

Permanent school fund, interest 691 69 



Total $7,883 68 

REGISTRY OF DEEDS. 

As has been stated, before its organiza- - 
tion Hancock county was attached to 
Webster county. The first transfers of 
land, therefore, were recorded in the 
books of that county, and were afterwards 
transcribed into Hancock county books. 

The first warrantee deed was recorded 
as being filed Jan. 1, 1857, at 6 o'clock 
p. m., and conveyed from David F. Hunt 
to Robert L. Irwin, of the county of Han- 
cock, the northwest quarter of tiie south- 
east quarter of the southwest quarter and 
the south seven-tenths of the northeast 
quarter of the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 32, township 94, range 123, the same 
containing seventeen acres, more or less, 
according to the government survey. 
The consideration named therein was 
$200, and the instrument acknowledged 
before L. H. Cutler, notary public, on the 
20th day of November, 1856. 

After Hancock county was organized, 
books were procured and the records kept 
at the house of the first recorder, Reuben 
Church. The first deed entered by him 
upon the new records was executed by 
Luke Nichols and his wife, Maria Nichols, 
to P. E. Goodale, on the 25th of October, 
1860. In consideration of $1,500 it con- 
veyed to the latter party the southeast 
quarter of section 21, township 9.7, range 



fc* 



57G 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



26, and the southeast quarter of the south- 
east quarter of section 13, township 96, 
range 26. It was acknowledged before 
J. L. Brown, justice of the peace. 

There are now twenty-eight books of 
deeds, divided as follows: Warantee deeds 
of land, town lot deeds, right of way 
deeds and homestead records. 

The first mortgage bears the date of 
April 29, 1859, and was filed for record 
June 1, of the same year. It appears to 
have been given by William C. Gilpin, to 



George Knowles, of Osage, to secure the 
payment of the sum of $235 one year after 
date. The land covered by it was the 
northeast quarter of section 25, in town- 
ship 94 north, of range 24 west, in the 
Turkey river land district. 

There are now sixteen books of mort- 
gages, being divided as follows: seven 
real estate, two school fund, one town lots 
and six chattel. 

The whole number of record books in 
the office at present is forty-four. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE COURTS OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Man is an imperfect being, and as such 
requires that laws shall be enacted for his 
government. When the Almighty placed 
Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, he 
gave laws for their observance, with the 
penalties attached for their violation. 
The children of Israel, after leaving the 
Egyptian land, were given the "ten com- 
mandments," the principles underlying 
which have probably been the basis of all 
laws from that time to the present. The 
existence of laws necessarily implies the 
existence of courts wherein all questions 
of law shall be determined. This fact 
being set at rest, the framers of the State 
constitution instituted certain courts of 
justice, with well-defined powers. Changes 
have been made in the jurisdiction of 
these courts from time to time, but the 



rights of every citizen of high or low 
degree have ever been maintained. 

DISTRICT COURT. 

When Hancock county was organized 
it was placed in the then newly formed 
1 lth judicial district, and of which John 
Porter was then judge. This was formed 
in conformity with the new State consti- 
tution, just adopted, and under which the 
office of prosecuting attorney for each 
county was abolished, and a district at- 
torney for the judicial district was elected. 

The first term of this court ever held in 
Hancock county was convened on the 24th 
of May, 1860, at Upper Grove, Hon. John 
Porter, judge of the 1 lth judicial district, 
presiding. There were present besides 
the judge, Daniel D. Chase, special prose- 
cuting attorney; Charles M. Church, 



a 



;v 



A* — - 



-< 9 



A 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



577 



sheriff, and C. D. Pritchard, clerk. The 
first business transacted by this court was 
the admission of C. D. Pritchard and II. 
N. Brockway to practice as lawyers. 
These gentlemen, believing that they 
could do something toward the settle- 
ment of the disputes arising in the county, 
asked the court for permission to attach 
"Attorney" to their names, which was 
granted upon the report of the examining 
committee being favorable thereunto. 

The first case upon the docket that 
came up for adjudication was that of 
J. W. Woods vs. W. C. Gilpin. This 
was an action on a promissory note, 
brought up on appeal from a justice's 
court. H. L. Hoffman and Daniel D. 
Chase appeared for the plaintiff, and W. 
C. Stanbery for the defendant. The de- 
cision of the lower court was reversed 
and judgment given for the plaintiff. 

Hut very few cases came up for decision, 
most of those upon the docket being 
either settled or continued by consent of 
the parties. 

The second term (if the district court 
was held in May, 1 SO 1 , at the same place, 
there being present, Hon. John Porter, 
judge; 1). D. Chase, prosecuting attorney; 
C. D. Pritchard, clerk, and Charles M. 
Church, sheriff; together with the usual 
array of legal talent. The first business 
transacted was the return of the venire of 
grand jurors, as follows: Anson Avery, 
Jacob Ward, Richard Colburn, James C. 
Bonar, B. F. Oenslow, Joseph Barth, 
Charles Lntz, George Stoskopf, F. M. 
Colburn, A. Baker, Douglas Magill, 
Malcolm Magill, Orick Church, Edward 
Thorpe and George Savogue. The court 
appointed Jacob Ward as foreman, and 



swore in the whole number. With these 
preliminaries, the jury retired for delib- 
eration under the eye of C. Church, as 
bailiff. 

Some trouble having arisen in a set- 
tlement with Charles Church, he feel- 
ing himself wronged, sued the county of 
Hancock, at this term of court, for the 
sum of one dollar. Judgment was given 
in his favor and his wrath was appeased. 
There was present, of the legal luminaries, 
at this court, the following well known 
attorneys: W. C. Stanbery, M. P. Rose- 
crans, H. N. Brockway, C. D. Pritchard, 
D. D. Chase, James Crow, James W. 
Wood, of Hardin county, who has been 
so long recognized under the nickname of 
"Old Timber," and Henry L. Huff, also a 
bright example of the bar of that same 
county. 

The regular May term, 1862, was opened 
upon the 29th day of that month, Judge 
John Porter presiding. The first crimi- 
nal case tried in Hancock county, being 
upon the docket of this court. It was a 
case against Charles and G. Gilpin and 
Stephen Gillespie, for aggravated assault 
upon the person of II. N. Brockway. This 
case was continued along from term to 
term, and w-iS settled, according to the 
record, by a plea of guilty and the pay- 
ment of a $5 tine. 

The next term was held in May, 1863, 
and was presided over by John Porter, 
judge of the 11th district; C. C. Doolittle 
was present, as clerk, and John Maben, as 
sheriff. But little business was transacted 
and but a short session was held. 

At the May term of 1864, for only one 
term was held a year then, Judge Porter 
was on the bench; Charles C. Doolittle, 



^ 



.fiT 



„4- 



578 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV 



clerk; and John Maben, sheriff. A num- 
ber of minor suits came up at this term, 
and, with one exception, are without inter- 
est to the general reader. That exception 
was the case of Hancock county against 
William Aldrich. This was an action to 
recover the amount of a doctor's bill. It 
seems that a son of Mr. Aldrich had 
crushed his hand badly in a cane mill, and 
the old gentleman was endeavoring to 
he.tl up the broken bones and bruised flesh 
with raw sorghum molasses, until it was 
almost in a state of gangrene. The town 
trustees, becoming cognizant of it, ordered 
a doctor to attend to it, and out of this, 
grew the suit. After a trial before a jury, 
that body could not come to any under- 
standing, and on reporting the fact of 
their disagreement to the court, they were 
discharged and the case allowed to lay 
over from court to court, until it was 
taken, by change of venue, to Winnebago 
county, where judgment was rendered for 
the county. 

On the 4th of July, 1864, the 12th judi- 
cial district wag created, and comprised the 
counties of Worth, Winn bago, Mitchell, 
Hancock, Floyd, Cerro Gordo, Butler and 
Bremer. The counties, however, held to 
their old districts for court purposes, un- 
til January, 1865. At the election on the 
8th of November, 1864, William B. Fair- 
field was elected district judge, and John 
E. Burke, of Waverly, district attorney. 
Judge Fairfield was re-elected in 1868, 
and I. W. Card was elected district attor- 
ney. In 1870 Judge Fairfield resigned, 
and George W. Ruddick, of Bremer 
county, was elected to fill the vacancy. 
Since that time, he has been elected his 
own successor at the end of each term, 



and is the present incumbent of the office. 
He is a native of New York State, where 
he was born in May, 1835. He graduated . 
from the Albany Law School, in April, 
1856, and was admitted to the bar. Came 
west in the same year, and entered into 
the practice of his profession that fall. 
He is a man of fine legal attainments and 
has made more than an acceptable judge. 

CIRCUIT COURT. 

By an act of the General Assembly, 
passed and approved April 3, 186S, courts 
of this discription were established in 
Iowa, and each judicial district was di- 
vided into two circuits, in each of which, 
at the general election, in November, 1 868, 
and every four years thereafter, it was 
provided that a circuit judge should be 
elected. Four terms of court were pro- 
vided, per year, in each county in the 
circuit. By this act, the office of county 
judge was abolished, and all business per- 
taining to that office, was transferred to 
the circuit court, which was to have con- 
current jurisdiction with tl e district court 
in all civil actions at law, and exclusive 
jurisdiction of all appeals and writs of 
error from justice's courts, mayors, courts 
and all other inferior tribunals, either in 
civil or criminal cases. Hancock county, 
together with others, made a circuit of 
the 12th judicial district. 

H. N. Brockway was elected the first 
circuit judge, for this circuit, and served 
from Jan. 1, 1869, until January, 1873, 
when he was succeeded by Robert G. 
Reiniger, who has since been elected his 
own successor, being the present judge of 
the circuit court. 

The first term of circuit court for Han- 
cock county was held at Concord, com- 



*L 



HIbTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



579 



mencing Jan. 1 1, 1869. Hon. Harvey N. 
Brookway presided as judge; J. H. Beadle 
was sheriff, and L. B. Bailey clerk. The 
following was the venire of the petit jury 
summoned, and who all appeared: Joseph 
M Whitis, Richard Colburn, John Martin, 
E. H. Foster, John Melius, C. W.Rogers, 
John Christie, Jr., Daniel Perry, J. J. 
Barker, Robert Elder, J. Q Beadle, Cephas 
Church, Andrew Bolsinger, Malcolm Ma- 
gill and Edward Hughes. No business 
presenting itself, the court, after organi- 
zation, adjourned, sine die. 

COUNTY COURT 

In 1 Sol, by an act of the General As- 
sembly, county courts were established and 
the office of county judge was created. 
Heretofore, most of the business of that 
office had been done by the probate judge 
and the county commissioners, but upon 
the creation of tbe county court, both 
these were abolished as sinecures, and 



their functions devolved upon the newly 
created court. The first county judge was 
M. P. Roseerans, one of the early settlers 
of the county, and one of its oldest attor- 
neys, if not the first, being admitted to 
the bar by the district court of Hardin 
county, in September, 1857. Upon his 
shoulders devolved tbe task of perfecting 
tbe organization of the county, doing all 
that was necessary to complete a system 
of county government. Judge Rosecran's 
successors were Phineas Haywood and 
G. W. Elder. During 1861 the offices of 
county supervisors were created, which re- 
lieved the county judge of much of the 
business which had previously devolved 
upon him. 

In the chapter entitled, National, State 
and County Representation, this office is 
treated in detail and mention made, at 
length, of the several occupants of the 
official honor. 



CHAPTER VI 



POLITICAL. 



The political history of a Nation, State 
or county is always of great interest. 
Especially is this true of a free land, 
where, in the eyes of the law, all are 
equal, and the most lowly — even the rail 
splitter, the tailor or the treader of the 
tow-path — can attain the highest honor 
that can be bestowed upon an American 
citizen. It is only a question of merit, 
and where this exists, it must, sooner or 



later, push aside tbe chaff and rise to the 
top, where it will be respected and re- 
warded. How many instances of this 
have occurred in the political history of 
America? The greatest men who have 
graced the halls of Congress, from the 
time of Washington to the present, are 
examples of it, and this must continue 
through time to come, so long as equality 
and democratic principles are supported 



fe+ 



580 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



by the masses. The policy of the gov- 
ernment justly encourages political ambi- 
tion, and we watch with satisfaction those 
in the arena, as step by step they pass 
from the humble walks of life and ascend 
the ladder of fame. Much as it may be 
denied, nearly every true citizen lias a 
political ambition, and even if he does not 
reach the highest pinnacle, the possibility 
exists that his children may. 

There is an excitement about a political 
campaign which all enjoy, and although 
personalities are often indulged in, yet, 
as a general thing, all yield gracefully to 
the verdict of the people, as represented 
by the majority vote, and submit to "the 
power behind the throne." There are al- 
ways issues which arise, affecting the 
country, and which often lead to bitter 
struggles for the supremacy. In this 
chapter is sketched a synopsis of the 
issues as far as possible, and the local com- 
plexion of the various campaigns since 
the organization of the county is given. 
Following this is presented the official 
vote of every general election. 

Hancock county was organized in 1858, 
and the first election took place on the 
28th of June of that year. In those days 
there was not, visible in political cam- 
paigns the excitement or eagerness to 
win at the expense of others, but it 
seemed that in those pioneer clays, there 
was more of the feeling of the brother- 
hood of man existing, and while contests 
may have been sharp and pointed, the en- 
mity and bitterness of to-day was un- 
known. 

At this first election there was no ex- 
citement nor contest, as but one party 
was nominated for each office, and of 



course all the candidates were elected. 
The vote cast numbered only twenty-two 
in all. 

Another election was held on the 12th 
of October, 1858. At this election only 
one officer seems to have been voted for, 
the county judge. The candidates were 
M. P. Rosecrans and G R. Maben, the 
former receiving eighteen and the latter 
seventeen votes. 

At the fall election of 1859 more in- 
terest seems to have been betrayed, as in 
most of cases the point was strongly con- 
tested, and the successful candidate had 
but a small majority to brag about in the 
end. Charles D. Pritchard and Reuben 
Church contesting for the office of treas- 
urer and recorder, the former received 
thirteen, the latter twenty-two votes. 
Three candidates there were for the office 
of sheriff, B. Haskins, David F. Hunt and 
Charles M. Hunt, the latter being elected 
by a plurality of five votes. For superin- 
tendent Charles Gillespie defeated James 
C. Bonar by one vote in a total ballot of 
thirty-seven. For drainage commissioner 
and surveyor the vote was just as close, 
resulting in the election of Richard Col- 
burn and Bernard Bolsinger to those re- 
spective offices. 

With the campaign of I860 came many 
new elements of discord in the political 
field. Already rampant treason reared 
its hideous head from southern swamps, 
and the issue of slavery was seized as the 
issue upon which to base the war cry of 
the dissonant parties. The country was 
deeply moved, and questions stirred the 
popular heart as never had occurred be- 
fore. The storm had been gathering in 
the political sky ever since the repeal of 



vl* 



**. a k- 



•k 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY". 



581 



the Missouri compromise, and it had not 
been calmed when "bleeding Kansas" 
cried out from beneath the ruffian's lash 
and borderer's pistol and ktiife. The raid 
of John Brown, that ended so disastrously 
for him at Harper's Ferry, roused the evil 
demon in Southern bosoms, and with both 
sides excited beyond measure, the country 
entered upon its most memorable cam- 
paign. The republican convention met 
at Chicago, for the purpose of placing in 
the field candidates for the Presidency 
and vice-Presidency. The names of Sew- 
ard, Chase, Blair and Ba'es were bandied 
about from mouth to mouth, but when the 
name of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, 
was produced, the cheers and demonstra- 
tions of the convention plainly showed 
him to be the prime favorite. After three 
ballots he was declared the unanimous 
choice of the convention, and Hannibal 
Hamlin, of Maine, was chosen to fill the 
place of second upon the Presidential 
banner. 

The Democratic National Convention 
met at Charleston, S. C, April 23, 1861, 
but disagreements arising between the 
sectional parts of that great party, no 
choice could be effected, and after fifty- 
seven ineffectual ballots, many southern 
delegates withdrew and an adjournment 
was had to Baltimore. Here, upon the 
19th of June, the convention again met, 
and after a stormy meeting Stephen A. 
Douglas was nominated for Chief Magis- 
trate of this free people and H. V. John- 
son for second. 

That portion of the convention that had 
seceded, held a meeting of their own, and 
placed in nomination the then vice- Presi- 
dent, John C. Breckenridge,for President, 



and Joseph Lane, of Oregon, for vice-Presi- 
dent. A Union conservative convention 
also placed in nomination for the same 
offices the names of John Bell, of Tennes- 
see and Ed ward Everett, of Massachusetts. 

These four Presidential candidates in 
the field, the exciting question of slavery 
in the political field, together with the 
threats of secession made by southern 
leaders, if Lincoln was elected, all com- 
bined to make this one of the most excit- 
ing forerunners to what followed; the 
fierce and fiery orchestral prelude to the 
bloody drama, war! Large and enthusi- 
astic meetings were held by all parties, in 
all the cities, towns and villages through- 
out the land. 

The Republican State Convention of 
Iowa met at Iowa City, May 23, and nomi- 
nated a State ticket, adopting, at the same 
time, a platform in harmony with the ac- 
tion of the National convention, endors- 
ing its nominations, and favoring rigid 
economy in State matters. 

The Democratic Convention met at Des 
Moines, July 12, nominated a State ticket, 
and endorsed the choice of Douglas and 
Johnson. The Union ticket was strongly 
condemned and denounced as milk and 
water, skim milk, etc. 

In Hancock county but little of this 
bitterness was seen in the choice of 
officers for the county. All the rancor 
and animosity in the matter was seem- 
ingly centered on National and State 
questions. Charles D. Pritchard was 
elected clerk of the courts, beating his 
rival, A. H. Stiles, by a majority of two. 
Charles Church had also the same ma- 
jority over Charles Gillespie, for the office 
of school superintendent. B. Haskins 



nv 



582 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



was elected drainage commissioner by a 
unanimous vote of forty-four, which were 
all the ballots cast. 

The war was in progress during the polit- 
ical campaign of 1861, and issues growing 
out of the conduct of the war, were the 
points of dispute. The republicans were the 
first to hold their convention, meeting at 
Des Moines, in July. They placed in 
nomination a State ticket and adopted a 
platform heartily endorsing the action of 
the government in trying to coerce the re- 
bellious States, denouncing the doctrine 
of secession, and declared in the warmest 
terms that the Rebellion must he quelled 
at any cost. The democratic party, while 
unequivocally denouncing the secession 
of the States, condemned the action of 
the government in trying to maintain the 
supremacy of the States by arms. The 
campaign in this county afforded but 
little interest, the all absorbing topic be- 
ing the course of the war. A light vote 
was cast, only forty-eight ballots being 
deposited. Where any candidate was 
known to affiliate with any party, it was 
found, however, that the lines were drawn 
very closely. M. P. Rosecrans was elected 
county juifge by a bare majority of two 
over B. F. Denslow. Reuben Church had 
thirty-eight votes for treasurer and 
recorder, and James Crow but twenty- 
three. Although H. N. Brockway polled 
a large majority of the votes of this 
county, for the office of representative at 
Des Moines, he was not able to overcome 
the opposition in the other counties that 
went to make up this district. B. A. Hill 
was the successful candidate for sheriff 
and J. M. Elder for superintendent. Four 
candidates contended for the office of sur- 



veyor and Bernard Bolsinger was the for- 
tunate aspirant. Although the office of 
drainage commissioner was of no ac- 
count, votes were given for all of the 
following gentlemen: J. Ward, B. Has- 
kins, J. M. Elder, Thomas Magill, Wil- 
liam C. Gilpin and A. Williams. Mr. 
Ward was duly elected. 

The reverses met with by the Union 
Array during the year 1862 had its de- 
pressing effect upon the campaign. The 
democrats met in convention in Des 
Moines and adopted a platform in which 
was declared that they were in favor of 
using all constitutional means for the 
suppression of the Rebellion, but were op- 
posed to any confiscation or emancipation 
scheme; were opposed to any suspension 
of the habeas corpus, and declaring the 
superiority of the white over the black 
race, and opposed to the purchase of the 
slaves. 

The republicans in their platform, 
adopted at Des Moines, simply reiterated 
its former platforms upon the subject of 
loyalty to the government and a vigorous 
prosecution of the war. In this county 
politics do not seem to have entered into 
the field, but each officer seemed to run 
upon his own merits and capability to 
fulfill the duties of the office. C. C. Doo- 
little was elected clerk of the court over 
both C. D. Pritchard and G. R. Maben, 
by a majority of four. John Maben cap- 
tured the office of sheriff by twenty-eight 
votes out of a total vote of thirty-four. 
J. M. Elder, a democrat, however, was 
elected county superintendent by a ma- 
jority of fifteen. 

The democracy of the State met in con 
vention at Des Moines, July 8, 1863, and 



*hL 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



583 



nominated a ticket for State officers. 
Questions growing out of the war still 
afforded issues betwween parties. The 
writ of habeas corpus had been suspended 
in some States not in rebellion, and the 
Proclamation of Emancipation had been 
issued. These, the platform of the demo- 
cratic party opposed, while on the con- 
trary, the republicans, in convention, 
favored. 

In Hancock county, only a fair vote 
was polled, the general population being 
too much scattered to get up much enthu- 
siasm. M. P. Rosecrans, for county 
judge; John Maben, for sheriff; M. L. 
Fuller, for superintendent, were the suc- 
cessful candidates by fair majorities, 
while Jacob Ward had no opposition for 
the office of treasurer and recorder. 

In 1804 Abraham Lincoln was re-nomi- 
nated by the republicans and Andrew 
Johnson, of Tennessee, associated with 
him. The democrats put in nomination 
Gen. George B. McClellan, for the Presi- 
dency, and George H. Pendleton, for the 
vice-Presidency. 

The republicans of the State held a 
convention at Des Moines, July 7, and 
adopted a platform endorsing the action 
of the National Convention, and paying 
just tributes to the soldiers and soldier's 
wives, who were daily making sacrifices 
for the Union. The democratic party 
met, also, in convention, at the same 
place, July 16, selecting a State ticket, 
but adopting no platform. 

in 1865 the republicans were the first 
to hold their convention, meeting at Des 
Moines, June 14, nominating a ticket 
and adopting a platform The "Union 
Anti-Negro Suffrage party," met at the 



capital, August 23, nominated a ticket 
and adopted a platform. The democrats 
also met in convention the same day, but 
made no nominations, the party support- 
ing the "Soldier's Ticket." In this county 
Phineas Haywood was elected county 
judge; H. N. Brockway, treasurer; A. 
Yerington, sheriff; James Crow, surveyor, 
and S. Whitcombe, coroner, by more than 
a two thirds majority. C. C. Way, the 
successful candidate for the office of 
school superintendent, however, had con- 
siderable opposition and only winning the 
battle by a majority of seven votes. 

The campaign of 1S06 was fought upon 
the issue of reconstruction in the south. 
This was the beginning of what was 
called the "liberal republican"movement. 
In Hancock county politics had little to 
do with the election, as J. M. Elder, a 
democrat, was elected by a majority of 
fifty-five, to the office of clerk of the 
courts, and L. B. Bailey, a republican, to 
that of recorder. 

The general issues dividing the parties' 
in 1867 were about the same as in 1866, 
and in this county the republicans carried 
the day on State matters, but on the 
county offices, the best men went into 
office irrespective of party and without 
opposition. It may be noted that the 
people of Hancock county desire capa- 
bility and integrity in their officers, above 
politics. 

The year 1868 brought with it another 
Presidential campaign. The Republican 
National Convention met in Chicago, and 
placed in nomination U. S. Grant, for the 
office of President, associating with him 
Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana. The Demo- 
cratic National Convention nominated 



, a) 



584 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNT Y 



Horatio Seymour and Francis P. Blair, 
Jr., for the same offices. Tlie financial 
question began to be a leading issue, es- 
picially in reference to the payment of 
the bonds in specie or greenbacks, the 
republicans favoring their payment in 
coin and the democrats opposing. 

The campaigns of *1869, 1870 and 1871, 
were devoid of much interest, and were 
but repetitions of the results of previous 
years, as a glance at the official vote in 
this chapter will show. 

In 1872 many of the ablest men in the 
republican party, including Horace Gree- 
ley, Charles Sumner, Lyman Trumbull, 
John M. Palmer and others, united in 
what was called liberal republicanism, 
which was based upon the idea of oppo- 
sition of any extreme measures in the re- 
construction of the southern States, and 
felt that the time had come to use the 
words of the leader, Horace Greeley, to 
"shake hand across the bloody chasm." 
These met together at Cincinnati and nom- 
inated Horace Greeley for President, and 
B. Gratz Brown for vice-President. The 
republicans placed in nomination U. S. 
Grant, and associated with him on the 
ticket, Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts. 

The democratic party, as a party, did 
not nominate any candidates, the conven- 
tion simply endorsing the Greeley ticket. 
A third party was organized, however, out 
of the disaffected element of the demo- 
cratic party who supported Charles 
O'Conner, of New York, for the office of 
Chief Magistate. The liberal ticket met 
with considerable encouragement in Han- 
cock county, polling 186 votes to 241 cast 
for the straight republican, a considerable 
gain over the previous vote. The third 



party did not receive a single vote in this 
county. The question of county officers 
was on the same footing as usual, the best 
men won. C. C. Doolittle being elected 
clerk; L. B. Bailey, recorder; J. H. Beadle, 
coroner; and Luke Nichols, drainage com- 
missioner, by handsome majorities. 

In the campaign of l w 73, the vital 
question of Labor vs. Capital was the 
prominent issue. The Republican Slate 
Convention met at Des Moines, June 25, 
and nominating candidates, adopted a 
platform declaring against monopolies, 
and urging that the several States should 
carefully restrict the powers of railroad 
companies and other monopolies. Class 
legislation was also denounced. The 
democratic party of the State made no 
regular nomination this year but generally 
supported the regular anti monopoly 
ticket. This was nominated by a conven- 
tion that met at DesMoines, August 12, 
which also adopted a platform denouncing 
the old parties as no longer useful, having 
grown corrupt by long lease of official 
management. In this county the political 
complexion was not materially different 
from the last year's vote. The republicans 
carrying every thing by an average 
majority of 211 for Slate officers, in a 
total vote of 27ft. 

A convention was called to meet at Des 
Moines June 24, 1875, to be composed of 
democrats, anti-monopolists and liberal 
republicans. Assembling, a ticket was 
nominated, headed by Sheppard Leffler, 
for governor, and a platform adopted 
covering the principal ground of belief of 
all the parties interested. The republi- 
cans, in convention, nominated S.J. Kirk- 
wood for governor. The temperance 



, & 



^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



585 



movement was, for the first time, an ele- 
ment in the politics of the State, as an 
independent party. A convention was 
held, and the Rev. John H. Lozier nomi- 
nated for governor. Prohibition not 
being a favorite hobby of the inhabitants 
of Hancock county, although temperance 
people, Mr. Lozier did not receive a single 
vote here. The republican majority, on 
State officers, was slightly cut down at 
this election, ranging at about 190 in a 
total vote of 361. But little opposition was 
made to the regular republican nominees 
for the various county offices, except in 
the case of the sheriff. For this office II. 
M. Bradstreet the nominee polled 178, 
while his opponent, the independent can- 
didate, George Lamson, had 147, a hardly 
contested fight. 

The election in 1876 was for National, 
State and county officers. R. B. Hayes 
and W. A. Wheeler were the republican 
candidates for President and viee-Presi- 
dent, while Samuel J. Tilden and T. A. 
Hendricks received the nomination of the 
democratic party for the same offices. 
Peter Cooper was the nominee of the 
Greenback party, for President. Various 
causes, the hard times being an important 
one, had changed the defensive tactics of 
the democrats to an aggressive one, and 
uow, under the banner of ''Tilden and 
reform," put the republican party upon 
the defensive. On the part of the demo- 
crats, the campaign was boldly conducted, 
and the result is well known. The Green- 
backers held two conventions in Iowa, at 
the first of which they adopted a platform 
containing their principal tenets, and 
nominated a full State ticket. In this 
county, the republican State ticket was 



carried by a majority of 182. The Presi- 
dential candidates received: Hayes 281; 
Tilden ninety-nine, and Cooper, none. 

In 1877, State tickets were nominated 
by democrats, republicans, greenbackers 
and prohibitionists. Hancock county, as 
usual, favoring the republican, which was 
elected by a majority of 245, on an aver- 
age. J. W. Elder, the sole nominee for 
the office of county auditor, although a 
democrat, polled nearly the entire vote of 
the county. John Maben, republican, 
was elected treasurer over John Christie, 
Jr., independent, by but a small majority. 
W. C. Moak, after a spirited contest cap- 
tured the office of sheriff from H. M. 
Bradstreet, by a majority of 101. M. L. 
Fuller, for superintendent of schools, 
managed to squeeze into that office by a 
bare majority of twenty-six over his rival 
A. R. Barnes. The balance of the regular 
nominees were elected by fair majorities. 

Greenbackers, democrats and republi- 
cans nominated State tickets in 1878. 
Subsequently a fusion was effected be- 
tween the democrats and greenbackers, 
and a portion of the nominees of each of 
their State tickets were chosen as the 
candidates of both parties. In the county 
the republicans kept their ascendency, 
carrying the State ticket by about 100 
majority. In the county matters no op- 
position was found to the popular incum- 
bents of the offices of clerk of the courts 
and recorder, Messrs. Doolittle and Bailey 
carrying the votes of all parties to the 
number of 461. At this election the county 
also voted in favor of increasing the num- 
ber of supervisors to five instead of three, 
as formerly. 



- ftj 



586 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



The campaign of 1879 was opened on 
the 12th of May, by the democrats meet- 
ing in convention and nominating a State 
ticket, headed by II. II. Trimble for gov- 
ernor. A lengthy platform was also 
adopted. The greenback party were next 
in the field, their ticket being led by Daniel 
Campbell for governor. The republican 
party was marshalled under the banner of 
John II. Gear, their candidate for guberna- 
torial honors. Lastly the prohibitionists 
met and placed in nomination George T. 
Carpenter, of Mahaska county, for gov- 
ernor. Mr. Carpenter declining, D. K. 
Dungan, of Hardin county, was substi- 
tuted. In Hancock county the vote on 
the chief office stood as follows: John H. 
Gear, 480; H. H. Trimble, 167, and D. 
Campbell, 29. This was the first of the 
greenback party in the county. The 
regular nominees of the county republican 
convention swept the field, although the 
matter was ably fought and in some cases 
was a close matter. The total vote was 
666. 

The general campaign for 1880 began 
quite early among the aspirants for office 
and their friends. The preliminary can- 
vass for the nomination grew quite warm, 
as both republicans and democrats were 
alike confident that they would succeed in 
the National struggle. James A. Garfield 
received the republican nomination for 
President. Winfield S. Hancock was 
chosen to lead the democracy. James B. 
Weaver was nominated by the green- 
backers. The canvass was pushed with 
vigor, all parties using their utmost en- 
deavors to be successful. The first State 
convention held in Iowa this year was by 
the republicans, at Des Moines, April 7. 



The platform adopted consisted of three 
resolutions: the first demanded that the 
candidates to be nominated at the coming 
National Republican Convention, at 
Chicago, should be of National reputation 
for ability; second, that James G. Blaine 
be the choice of the republicans of Iowa; 
and third, instructing the delegates to 
the National Convention to vote for 
Blaine. '1 he greenbackers met at Ues 
Moines, May 11, and adopted a platform 
reasserting their demands for the aboli- 
tion of the National banks, the reduction 
of the army, the limitation of ( hinese im- 
migration, and the payment of the Na- 
tional debt in greenbacks. The democrats 
met at Des Moines, Sept. 2, nominated a 
ticket, and adopted a platform endorsing 
Hancock and English and the National 
platform adopted at Cincinnati. In this 
county a total ballot of 679 was polled and 
the republicans had, as usual, the lion's 
share, averaging about 518 on all State 
officers. On county officers the votes 
seemed to be a close party one, judging 
from an analysis of the record of the re- 
turns. 

The election of 188! was for State and 
county officers, and the three leading par- 
ties had tickets in the field. 

In the campaign of 1882 the republi- 
cans were successful, but no excitement 
was visible in this county. 

The year 1883 brought around another 
election for State and county officers. 
The republicans held their convention 
and placed in nomination a ticket with 
Buren R. Sherman as the candidate for 
governor, and adopted a platform en- 
dorsing the so-called prohibition amend- 
ment, excluding the sale of all liquor, ale, 






:l^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



587 



wine or beer from the State. This 
aroused all the animosity of those imme- 
diately concerned, and when the demo- 
cratic convention met the friends of 
license, capturing that body, denounced 
the amendment, and while adopting a li- 
cense platform, placed in nomination L. 
G. Kinne for governor. The green- 
backers also placed in the field James B. 
Weaver for the same office. Later in the 
campaign a fusion was made between the 
two latter parties, but without avail, as 
the republicans carried the day by a small 
majority. All the republican nominees 
for the various county offices were elected 
with the exception of T. Hymer for treas- 
urer; John Maben, independent, carrying 
off the honors of that position by a large 
majority. 

OFFICIAL VOTE. 

The following is the official vote of 
Hancock county for nearly every electioii 
since its organization in 1858. In some 
instances there is a defect, but it is given 
just as preserved in the records of the 
county. It will, no doubt, be appreciated 
as a means of reference: 

JUNE 28. USB. 
County Judge. 

M. P. Rosecrans 22 

Clerk of the District Court. 

George Louppe 22 

Recorder and Treasurer. 

Reuben Church 22 

Sheriff. 

Benoni Haskins 22 

Surveyor. 
C.R.Wright 22 

Superintendent of Schools. 
G. R. Maben 22 

Drainage Commissioner . 
J. C. Bunar 22 

OCTOBER 12, 1858. 
County Judge. 

M.P. Rosecrans 18— 1 

G. R. Maben 17 



OCTOBER 11, 1859. 
Recorder and Treasurer. 

Reuben Church 

Charles D. Pritchard 

Sheriff. 

Charles M. Hunt 

B. Haskins 

David F.Hunt 

Superintendent. 

Charles Gillespie 

James C . Bonar 

Drainage Commissioner. 

H. H. Rice 

Richard Colburn 

Surveyor. 

Bernard Bolsinger 

AbnerStamp 

Coroner. 

Charles Church 

H. H. Rice 

NOVEMBER 6, 1860. 
Clerk of District Court. 

Charles D. Pritchard 

A. H. Stiles 

County Superintendent. 

Charles Church : 

Charles Gillespie 

Drainage Commissioner. 

B. Haskins 

SPECIAL ELECTION MAY 28, 1861. 

For a Special Tax 

Against Special Tax 

OCTOBER 8, 1861. 
Governor. 

SamuelJ. Kirkwood, Republican 

W. H. Merritt. Democrat .. 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

J. R. Needham. Republican 

Lorin Dewey, Democrat 

Judge of the Supreme Court. 

Ralph P. Lowe, Republican 

J. M. Ellwood, Democrat 

District Attorney, 11th Judicial District 

D. D. Chase 

JohnH. Hull 

/teprese7it(itiue, 56(h District. 

H. N. Brockway 

J. E. Blackford 

County Judge 

M . P. Rosecrans 

B. F. Denslow 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

Reuben Church 

James Crow 

Sheriff. 

B. A. Hill 

Wesley Hayes 

A. B. Hill 



22— 
13 

16- 
9 
11 

19— 
18 

18— 
17 

18— 
17 



41 



19— 
13 



20 



36— 
14 



22 



36- 22 



33- 
11 

34— 
11 

26— 
24 

38— 
23 

32- 

14 

1 



15 



18 



23 



» V 



it 



588 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Superintendent. 

George W. Stiles 20— 4 

J. M. Elder 16 

H.N. Brockway 12 

Surveyor. 

Bernard Bolsinger 23 — 5 

J.M.Elder 18 

Malcolm Magill . 1 

Edward Sharp 1 

Drainage Commissioner. 

J.Ward 23— 16 

B. Haskins 7 

J. M. Elder 1 

Thomas Magill 1 

William C. Gilpen 1 

A.Williams 1 

SPECIAL ELECTION, FEBRUARY 25, 1862. 
Senator. 

G. W. Howard 22— 17 

Rev. William Aldrieh 5 

C. W. Stanberry, Democrat 2 

B. W. Culver 1 

D. Magill 1 

OCTOBER 2, 1862. 
Clerk of District Court. 

C. C. Doolittle 28— 7 

C. D. Pritchard 21 

G. R. Maben 3 

Sheriff. 

Tohn Maben 28— 22 

Jacob Ward 3 

Charles Robbins 2 

J.M. Elder 1 

County Superintendent. 

J.M.Elder 17— 15 

Henry Sohn 2 

C. M. Church 2 

M. P. Rosecraus 1 

Coroner. 

B. Haskins 25— 11 

Anson Avery 14 

William Lony 1 

Drainage Commissioner. 

C. D. Pritchard 1 

Secretary of State. 

James Wright, Republican 28— 14 

R. H. Sylvester, Democrat 14 

State Auditor. 

J. W. Cattell, Republican 29— 16 

John Brown, Democrat 13 

State Treasurer. 

William H. Holmes, Republican 28— 14 

Samuel L . Lorah, Democrat 14 

Attorney-General . 

Charles C. Nourse, Republican 29— 16 

B. J. Hall, Democrat 13 

Register State Land Office. 

Josiah A. Harvey, Republican 28— 14 

F . Gottschalk, Democrat 14 



Representative in Congress. 

A. W. Hubbard, Republican 

J. F. Duncombe, Democrat 

Judge of the District Court. 

John Porter, Republican 

H. E. J. Boardman, Democrat 

District Attorney. 

Daniel D. Chase 

J. S. Frazer 

OCTOBER 13, 1863. 
County Judge. 

M. P. Rosecrans 

B.W. Culver 

Recorder and Treasurer. 

Jacob Ward 

Sheriff. 

John Maben 

S. B. Wells 

Coroner. 

Benoni Haskins 

Charles Bice . 

Superintendent. 

M. L. Fuller 

J.M. Elder 

Surveyor. 

James Crow . . 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Charles Bice 

OCTOBER 17, 1865. 
County Judge. 

Phineas Haywood 

J.C. Bonar 

Treasurer. 

H. N. Brockway 

Cephas Church 

Sheriff. 

A. Terington 

Superintendent. 

C. C. Way 

R. Burge 

Surveyor. 

Jamps Crow 

M.Walker 

Coroner. 

S. Whitcombe .. 

C Bice 

OCTOBER ELECTION, 1866. 
Clerk of District Court. 

J.M.Elder 

C. C. Way 

L. Bailey 

County Recorder. 

Lambert Bailey 

CM. Church 

OCTOBER 16, 1867. 
Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, Republican 

Charles Mann, Democrat 



ss- 
ii 



17 



30— 19 
11 



29— 16 
13 



29- 12 

17 



35 



30— 15 

15 



36— 34 



2S— 10 
18 



42 
42 



60— 46 
14 



61— 48 
13 



41— 7 

34 



67— 63 
4 



63— 59 

4 



67— 55 
12 . 



50- IS 
35 



64- 40 
24 



*7f< 



\iL 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



589 



Lieutenant-Governor. 

John Scott, Republican 64— 40 

D. M . Harris, Democrat 24 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, Republican 64- 40 

John H. Craige, Democrat 24 

Attorney-General. 

Henry O'Conner. Republican 63— 39 

W. D. Baker, Democrat 24 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

D. F. Wells, Republican 64— 40 

M. L. Fisher, Democrat 24 

Superintendent to fill Vacancy. 

D.F.Wells 4 

Senator, 45th District. 

Theo. Hawley 63 

Representative, 61st District. 

John B. Hunter 64 

County Judge. 

George W. Elder 82— 81 

C. Bougbton 1 

Treasurer. 

H. N. Brockway 87 

Sheriff. 

J.H.Beadle 87 

School Superintendent . 

C. Bough ton. ..-. 86 

Surveyor. 

J. Crow 87 

Coroner. 

S. Whitcombe 87 

Drainage Commissioner. 

John Christie, Sr 86 

NOVEMBER 9, 1868. 
President . 

D. S. Giant, Republican 82— 58 

Horatio Seymour, Democrat 24 

Amendment to Constitution. 

For amendment 75 — 46 

Against amendment 29 

Secretary of State. 

E. Wright, Republican 89— 65 

David Hammer, Democrat 24 

State Auditor. 

J. A. Elliott, Republican 89— 65 

H. Dunlevy, Democrat 24 

■State Treasurer. 

S.E. Rankin, Republican 89 65 

L. McCarthy, Democrat 24 

Attorney-General. 

Henry O'Conner, Republican 89— 65 

J. E. Williamson, Democrat 24 

Register of State Land Office. 

C. C. Carpenter, Republican 89— 65 

A. D. Anderson, Democrat 24 

Judge Circuit Court . 

H. N. Brockway, Republican 89— 65 

Cyrus Foreman, Democrat 24 



Representative in Congress. 

Charles Pomeron, Republican 

C. A. L. Rozelle, Democrat 

Judge of District Court. 

William B. Fairfield, Republican 

W. C. Stanberry, Democrat 

Scattering 

District Attorney. 

J. W. Card, Republican 

W. A. Stow, Democrat 

Cleric of the Courts . 

L. B.Bailey, Republican 

J. M. Elder, D emocrat 

Recorder. 

John Maben, Republican 

A. Orvis, Democrat 

OCTOBER ELECTION, 1869. 
Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, Republican 

George Gillaspy, Democrat 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

M . M. Walden, Republican 

A. P. Richardson, Democrat 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. F. Dillon, Republican 

W. F. Brannen, Democrat 

Superintendent of Public Instruction 

"A. S.Kissell, Republican 

E. Jaeger, Democrat 

A. S.Kissell 

H. 0. Dayton, Democrat 

Representative, 65th District. 
M. P. Hosecrans, Democrat 

B. F. Hartshorn, Republican 

County Auditor. 

John Christie, Jr., Independent 

M. L. Fuller, Republican 

Treasurer, fuU Term. 

John Maben, Republican 

J.M.Elder, Democrat 

To fill Vacancy. 

John Maben, Republican 

J. M . Elder, Democrat 

County Superintendent . 

A. R. Barnes 

W. C. Moak 

Surveyor. 

E.Marshall 

Sheriff. 

J. H. Beadle 

Coroner . 

S. Whitcombe 

Drainage Commissioner. 

John Christie, Sr 

OCTOBER 11, 1870. 
Judge of Supreme Court. 

C.C.Cole, Republican 

J. C. Knapp, Demo nit . .... 



88— 


67 


21 




91— 


80 


41 




2 




90- 


67 


23 




90— 


49 


41 




75— 


37 



136- 


101 


35 




136— 


102 


34 




136- 


102 


34 




13d— 


122 


14 




136— 


114 


22 




93— 


34 


59 




109— 


51 


58 





80 

85- 3 

82 

110— 53 

57 

168 
168 
168 
111 



168— 128 
40 



« A- 



590 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Same to fill Vacancy. 

William E. Miller, Republican 168— 128 

P. M. Smyth, Democrat 40 

Same to fill Vacancy. 

James G. Day, Republican 168—128 

Reuben Noble, Democrat 40 

Secretary of State. 

E. Wright, Republican 168—128 

Charles Doerr, Democrat 40 

State Auditor. 

John Russell, Republican 168— 128 

W. W. Gainer, Democrat 40 

State Treasurer. 

Samuel E. Rankin, Republican 168—128 

W. C. James, Democrat 40 

Register of State Land Office. 

Aaron Brown, Republican 168—128 

D. F. Ellsworth, Democrat 40 

Attorney-General. 

Henry O'Conner, Republican 168—128 

H. M. Martin, Democrat 40 

Reporter Supreme Court. 

E. H. Stiles 168—128 

C. H. Bane 40 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

diaries Linderman, Republican 168— 128 

w.lliam McLean, Democrat 40 

On the Convention on Revision of Constitution. 

Against Convention 74— 58 

For Convention..... 16 

Representative, Congress, 6th District. 

Jackson Orr, Republican 166—124 

Charles Smeltzer, Democrat 42 

Judge 12th Judicial District. 

George W. Ruddick, Republican 168 

Clerk of the Courts. 

C. C. Doolittle 119— 30 

James Crow 89 

Recorder. 

L. B. Bailey 166— 124 

G. W. Elder 42 

On the Proposition to sell Swamp Lands, to B. L. 
Patch. 

For 145— 101 

Against 44 

On the Proposition ' 'Shall the Board of Supervisors be 
Increased to FiveV* 

Against the Increase 82 — 7 

For the Increase 75 

Stock Act. 

FortheAct 156—116 

Against the Act 40 

OCTOBER 10, 1871. 
Governor. 

C.C. Carpenter, Republican... 206— 159 

J. C. Knapp, Democrat 47 



Lieutenant-Governor. 

H. C. Bulis, Republican 206—159 

M. M. Ham, Democrat 47 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. G. Day, Republican 206—159 

J. F. Duncombe, Democrat 47 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Alonzo Abernathy, Republican 205— 158 

Edward Muncey, Democrat 47 

Senator, 46th District. 

E. A. Howland, Republican 196—195 

Hugh McFarland 1 

H.G.Parker 1 

Representative, 66th District . 

David Secor, Republican 215— 214 

W. C. Stansberry, Democrat 1 

Treasurer. 

John Maben 148— 40 

L. B. Bailey 108 

Auditor. 

John Christie, Jr 244— 243 

S. S. Brockway 1 

Sheriff. 

John Veits 134— 14 

Herbert Tompkins 120 

Superintendent of Schools. 

B.F. Scott 245 

Surveyor. 

Eugene Marshall 131— 5 

James Crow 126 

Coroner. 

J. Muncey 243—237 

Hugh McFarland 6 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Wesley Hayes 251 

NOVEMBER 5, 1872 
President . 

D. S. Grant, Republican 241— 55 

Horace Greeley, Democrat 186 

Secretary of State. 

Josiah T. Young, Republican 188—132 

E A. Guilbert, Democrat 56 

State Auditor. 

John Kussell, Republican 188—186 

J. P. Cassaday, Democrat 2 

State Treasurer. 

William Christy, Republican 188— 136 

J. P. Cassaday, Democrat 52 

M. J. Roehls 2 

Register State Land Office. 

Aaron Brown, Republican 188—130 

Jacob Butler, Democrat 58 

Attorney -General. 

M.E.Cutts, Kepublican 188—130 

H. G. Case, Democrat 58 

Attorney-General, to Fill Vacancy. 
M. E. Cutts, Republican 188 



.IV 

t 



*JiL 



=«>• 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



591 



132 



134 



Member of Congress, tth District. 

H. O.Pratt, Republican 188- 

A.R. Lush, Democrat 58 

S. P. Adams, Greenback 1 

W. C.Stanberry 1 

Judge, 12W» Judicial District. 

George W. Ruddick, Republican 188— 

J. S. Root, Democrat 51 

W.A. Lathrop, Greenback 2 

Judge Circuit Court. 

R. G. Reineger, Republican 

W. C. Stanbery 

District Attorney. 

L. S. Butler, Republican 

James Wood, Democrat 

Clerk of the Courts. 

C. C. Doolittle, Republican 

S. R. Kelly, People 

Recorder. 

L. B. Bailey, Republican 

W.C. Moak 

Scattering 

L. Bailey 

Coroner. 

J. H Beadle 

George Christie 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Luke Nichols 

J. Maben 

OCTOBER 14, 1873. 
Governor. 

C. C. Carpenter, Republican 243- 

J. G. Vaile, Democrat 25 

C. E. Vaile, Democrat 7 

Lieutenant-Governor. 
J oseph Dysart, Republican 243—211 

C. E. Whiting, Democrat 32 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck 243- 223 

R.J.Hall 20 

R.G.Hall 6 

J.R.Hall 6 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
Alonzo Abernathy 243— 211 

D. Prindle, Democrat 32 

Representative, 69th District. 

David Secor 273— 272 

Isaac Edwards 1 

Treasurer. 

John Maben, Republican 219— 156 

J. H. Beadle, Independent 63 

Auditor. 

John Christie. Jr 229—174 

C. M.Church 55 

Sheriff. 

John F. Veits 147— 61 

O.K.Pike 86 

Alrah Yerington 49 



188— 132 
56 



188- 
56 



182— 114 



124— 1 
124 

1 

1 

166— 146 

20 

191— 190 

1 



211 



Superintendent of Schools. 

Eugene Marshall 14'.)— 16 

A.R.Barnes 133 

Surveyor. 

W. C. Moak 167— 55 

J.M.Elder 112 

Coroner. 

R.W.Noble 198—115 

J. W. Hayes 83 

On the Question of Providing a Poor House. 

Against 117— 24 

For 93 

OCTOBER 19, 1874. 
Secretary of State. 

JosiahT. Young, Republican 231— 193 

David Morgan, Democrat 48 

State Auditor. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 231— 193 

J. M. King, Democrat 48 

State Treasurer. 

William Christy, Republican 231— 193 

H. C. Hargis, Democrat 48 

Register State Land Office. 

David Secor, Republican 236— 196 

R. H. Rodermael, Democrat 40 

Jacob Seibert 1 

Attorney-General. 

M. E.Cutts, Republican 231—183 

J. H. Keating, Democrat 48 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

E. J. Holmes, Republican 231— 183 

G. W. Ball, Democrat. .' 48 

Reporter of Supreme Court. 

John S. Runnells, Republican 231—183 

J. M. Weart, Democrat 48 

Member of Congress, tth District. 

H. O. Pratt, Republican 200—133 

John Bowman, Democrat 77 

CJerfe of the Courts. 

C. C. Doolittle, Republican 227—171 

Warren Scott, Democrat 56 

Recorder. 

L. B. Bailey, Republican 215—149 

Walter Elder 66 

On Restraining Stock From Running at Large. 

For restraint 135 — 18 

Against restraint 117 

On Restraining Stock From Running at Large Between 
Sunset and Sunrise. 

Forrestraint 209—191 

Against restraint 18 

On Question of Increasing Number of Supervisors. 

Against increase 153— UU 

For increase 93 

OCTOBER 12, 1875. 
Governor. 

Samuel J. Kirkwood, Republican 264— 187 

Shephard Letfler, Democrat 77 



=PT 



•ah 



592 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Lieutenant-Governor . 

J G Newbold, Republican 265—189 

Emmett B Woodward, Democrat 76 

Juilge Supreme Court. 

Austin Adams, Republican 265 — 190 

W. J. Knight, Democrat 75 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Alonzo Abernathy 266— 196 

Josiah Doane 70 

Senator, 46th District. 

Lemuel Dwelle, Republican 185— 31 

James M. Elder, Democrat 154 • 

Representative, 69th District. 

H. H Bush, Republican 326—319 

M. P. Rosecrans 7 

Auditor. 

John Christie, Jr 336— 335 

Joe Clark 1 

Treasurer. 

JohnMaben 309—301 

Mrs. Lakumsky 8 

Mrs. Hanson 1 

Nelson Preston 1 

RobertClark 2 

A. D. Hiams 3 

Sheriff. 

H M, Bradstreet, Republican 178— 31 

George Lamson, Independent 147 

County Superintendent. 

A. R. Barnes 340 

Surveyor. 

W. C. Moak 339— 338 

E. C. Blaekman 1 

Coroner. 

Z. C. Green 341 

NOVEMBER 7, 1876. 
President. 

R. B. Hayes, Republican 281—182 

S. J. Tilden, Democrat 99 

Judge of Supreme Court, Full Term. 

W . H. Seerers, Republican 281— 182 

William Graham, Democrat 99 

Judge of Supreme Court, to Fill Vacancy. 

James H . Kothrock, Republican 281— 182 

Walter I . Hayes, Democrat 99 

Judge of Supreme Court, to Fill Vacancy. 

W. H. Seevers, Republican 281—182 

Walter I. Hayes, Democrat 99 

Secretary of State. 

J. T. Young, Republican 281—182 

J. H. Stubenrauch, Democrat 99 

State Auditor. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 281—182 

William Groneneg, Democrat 99 

State Treasurer. 

George W. Bemis, Republican 281—182 

Wesley Jones, Democrat 99 



Register of State Land Office. 

David Secor, Republican 281—182 

H. C. Ridenour, Democrat 99 

Attorney-General . 

J. McJunkin, Republican 281— 182 

John C. Cook, Democrat 99 

Superintendent Public Instruction to fill vacancy. 

Carl Von Coelln, Republican 281 

OCTOBER 9, 1877 
Governor. 

John H. Gear, Republican 340— 245 

John P. Irish, Democrat 95 

Daniel P. Stubbs, Greenback 29 

EliasJessup, Prohibitionist 2 

Lieu tenant-Governor. 

Frank T.Campbell, Republican 343—248 

W.C.James, Democrat 95 

A . McCready, Greenback 29 

Jwige of the Supreme Court. 

James G. Day, Republican 342—247 

H.E.J. Boardmau, Democrat 95 

John Porter 29 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Carl Von Coelln 345— 250 

J. G . Calison 95 

S. T. Ballard 27 

Representative, lltti District. 

H. H. Bush 399—342 

A.C.Walker 57 

C. A. Walker 1 

County Auditor. 

J. W. Elder T 460 

County Treasurer. 

JohnMaben 233— 18 

John Christie, Jr 215 

John Christie 10 

J. Maben 1 

Scattering 4 

Sheriff. 

W. C. Moak 277— 101 

H. M. Bradstreet 176 

Scattering ' 7 

Superintendent. • 

M. L. Fuller 241— 26 

A. R. Barnes 215 

Scattering ... 7 

Surveyor. 

C. C. Way 452 

Surveyor, to fiU vacancy. 

C. C. Way 1 

J. M. Elder 1 

Coroner. 

Z. C. Green 463—462 

R. Lowell 1 

OCTOBER 10, 1878. 
Secretary of State . 

J. A. Hull, Republican 282— 100 

E. M. Farnsworth, Democrat 162 



*7P 



aJo 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



593 



State Auditor. 

B. H.Sherman, Republican 283— 110 

Joseph Eiboeek, Democrat 173 

G. V. Sweariugen 7 

State Treasurer. 

George W. Bemis, Republican 382— 101 

M. L. Devine, Democrat 181 

Register State Land Office. 

James B. Powers, Republican 282—100 

M. D. Farrington, Democrat 182 

Attorney-General. 

J. F. MeJunkin, Republican 283— 109 

John Gibbons, Democrat 174 

C. H. Jackson 6 

Judge of the Supreme Court. 

J. H. Rothrock, Republican 293—126 

J. C. Knapp, Democrat 167 

Reporter of Supreme Court. 

J. S. Runnells, Republican 273— 91 

Alex Runyon, Democrat 182 

Representatwe in Congress. Uh District. 

N. C. Deering, Republican 208—111 

L. H. Weller, Greenback 97 

W. V . Allen, Democrat 88 

Clerk of the Courts. 

C. O. Doolittle, Republican 463 

Recorder. 

L. B. Bailey, Republican 461 

' 'On Question of Increasing the Number of 
Supervisors." 

For increase 162— 40 

Against increase 123 

OCTOBER ELECTION, 1879. 
Governor. 

John H. Gear, Republican 480—313 

H. H. Trimble, Democrat 167 

D. Campbell, Greenback 39 

LieuU)iant-Governor . 

Frank Campbell, Republican 480—314 

J. O. Yeoman, Democrat 166 

H. M. Moore, Greenback 29 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, Republican 479—310 

Reuben Noble, Democrat 169 

M. H. Jones, Greenback 29 

Superintendent Public Instruction. 

C. VonCoelln, Republican 480—312 

Irwin Baker, Democrat 168 

J. A. Nash, Greenback 29 

State Senator. 

F. M. Goodykoontz, Republican 661 

Representative Legislature. 

Dr.J. M. Hull 656— 655 

J. M. Elder 1 

Auditor. 

M. L. Fuller 355— 44 

J.W.Elder 311 

Treasurer. 

JohnMaben 316— 89 

John Christie, Jr 337 

A. H. Hiams 133 



Sheriff. 

W. C. Moak 543—414 

A. W. Schmalle 129 

C.C.Way 1 

.*>' uperintendent . 

A.C. Ripley 263— 20 

Eugene Marshall 242 

G. P. Mertin 146 

Surveyor. 

C.C.Way 305—106 

John Treganza — 199 

J.M.Elder 11 

E. Marshall 5 

Coroner. 

Z. C. Green 622-620 

S. Hart 2 

OCTOBER ELECTION, 1880. 
Clerk of the Courts . 

C. C. Doolittle 510—341 

Robert Elder 169 

Recorder. 

L.B.Bailey 506— 434 

C.M.Church 172 

Judge of Circuit Court. 

R. G. Reiniger, Republican 519—355 

Cyrus Foreman, Democrat 164 

Judge of District Court. 

G. W . Ruddick, Republican 520— 354 

John W. Cleggett, Democrat 166 

Scattering 6 

District Attorney. 

John B . Cleland, Republican 514— 346 

A. C. Ripley, Democrat ... 168 

Representative in Congress. 

N. C. Deering, Republican 530—366 

J. S. Root, Democrat 164 

Scattering 6 

Secretary of State. 

J. A.T. Hull, Republican 518—350 

A. B. Keith, Democrat 168 

Scattering i 

State Auditor. 

W . V. Lucas, Republican ... 617— 348 

Charles I. Barker, Democrat 169 

G. V. Swearingen 4 

State Treasurer. 

C . H . Conger, Republican 518— 350 

Martin Blinn, Democrat 168 

M. Farrington, Greenback 4 

Register of State Land Office. 

J. H. Powers, Republican 518—350 

Daniel Dougherty, Democrat 168 

Thomas Hooker, Greenback 4 

Attorney-General . 

Smith McPherson, Republican 519— 351 

C. A. Clark, Democrat 168 

W. A. Spurrier, Greenback 4 






pfV 



S'- 



'1 



9 * 



594 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



OCTOBER ELECTION, 1882. 
Secretary of State. 

J. A. T.Hull, Republican 570—352 

T. O. Walker, Democrat 218 

W. Gaston, Greenback 16 

State Auditor. 

John L. Browne, Republican 571 — 354 

William Thompson, Democrat 217 

6. A. White, Greenback.. 16 

State Treasurer. 

Edwin H. Conger, Republican 570—353 

John Foley, Democrat 217 

J. L. Brown, Greenback 16 

Attorney-General. 

Smith McPherson, Republican 571— 354 

J. H. Ilremerman. Democrat 217 

J. A. Rice. Greenback 16 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

W. H. Seevers, Republican 535—318 

C. E. Bronson, Democrat 217 

W. L. Seevers 36 

W. H. Jones 16 



Clerk of Supreme Court . 

GilbertB. Pray, Republican 571— 354 

H. F Boardman, Democrat 217 

E. M. Clark, Greenback 16 

Reporter Supreme Court. 

0. C. Ebersole, Republican 570—353 

A. L. Palmer, Democrat 217 

J. H. Williamson, Greenback J6 

Representative in Congress, lOtft District . 

A. J. Holmes, Republican 560—334 

John Cleggett, Democrat 226 

1. Doane, Greenback 16 

Recorder. 

h. B. Bailey, Republican 536—310 

C. M. Church 226 

Scattering 2 

Clerk of the CourU. 

C. C. Doolittle 539— 279 

A. G. Johnson 260 

Surveyor. 

J M. Elder 778— 774 

W. C. Moak 4 

Coroner. 

E. H Haskett 784 



CHAPTER VII 



THE BAR OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



There is no subject connected with the 
history of a county that is of more general 
interest than a complete record of its bar. 
In reviewing its annals it must be borne 
in mind, that as the prosperity and well- 
being of every community depends upon 
the wise interpretation as well as the 
judicious framing of its laws, therefore it 
must follow that a record of the members 
of the bar must form no unimportant part 
of the county's history. Upon a few 
principles of natural justice is erected the 
whole superstructure of civil laws, tending 
to meet the desires and relieve the wants 
of all alike. The business of the lawyer 



is not to make the laws, but to apply 
them to the daily affairs of men. But the 
interests of men are diversified ; and 
where so many interests and counter in- 
terests are to be protected and adjusted, 
to the lawyer and judge are presented 
many interesting and complex problems. 
The bar of Hancock county, although 
not so numerous as in some of the sister 
counties, has numbered among its mem- 
bers some who have been an honor both 
to the county and the profession. So far 
as material was accessible, sketches are 
given of each attorney who has practiced 
before the courts of the county. None 



e _ 

~7u 



~'f 



« fcw 



•k 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



595 



are omitted intentionally, and of some 
more would gladly have been said if more 
were known of the parties by those now 
living in the county. The peculiarities 
and personalities which form so pleasing 
and interesting a part of the lives of the 
members of the bar, and which, indeed, 
constitute the charm of local history, are 
in a great measure wanting. Unlike the 
fair plaintiff in the famous case of Bar- 
dell vs. Pickwick, we have no painstaking 
"sergeant" to relate the facts and circum- 
stances of the case. 

The first lawyer in Hancock county 
was M. P. Rosecrans, so long and favora- 
bly known as the first county judge. Mr. 
Rosecrans was a native of Ohio, but made 
this State his home when a young man, 
locating in Hardin county in 1855, and en- 
gaged in farming. He was a man of ex- 
cellent education, and of considerable 
native ability and studious habits, and is 
considered one of the finest newspaper 
writers of this section. He never at- 
tained to the position of a thorough law- 
yer, although occupying many prominent 
positions. He was admitted to the bar 
while a resident of Hardin county, and 
shortly afterwards, in the spring of 1858, 
removed to Hancock county, where, at 
the June election, 1858, he was elected 
to the most important local office in the 
gift of the people — county judge. In 
1866 he removed to Clear Lake, Cerro 
Gordo county, where he at present resides, 
having engaged, since his advent there, 
in numerous avocations besides his pro- 
fession, among them that of editor of a 
local paper. 

Among those who have practiced before 
the bar of the Hancock county courts, 



^ 



and who have been resident lawyers, were: 
Harvey N. Brockway, Charles D. Pritch- 
ard, James Crow, Byron F. Scott, William 
Kiusey, James Barclay, B. F. Westover, 
Bush & Bush, A. C. Ripley, W. E. Brad- 
ford, Joseph G. Strong, Taylor & Osborne, 
O. K. Hoyt and J. M. Elder. 

II. N. Brockway, of the firm of Brock- 
way & Elder, was bom in St. Joseph Co., 
Mich., Dec. 26, 1836. His parents, Syl- 
vester and Mercy (Stewart) Brockway 
emigrated to Michigan about 1830, where 
they remained a few years then moved to 
Indiana. Here H. N. grew to manhood, 
receiving a common school education. In 
1855 he went to Wright Co., Iowa, and in 
185 8 began to read law in the office of G- 
Berkley, at Webster City, Iowa, being ad- 
mitted to the bar at Concord, Hancock 
county, in 1860. In 1862 he enlisted in 
company B, 32d Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 
entering as sergeant and being promoted 
to the rank of captain. He was married 
in 1865, to Sarah Mitchell, a native of 
Franklin Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Brock- 
way have three children living — Iris, 
Myrtle and Earl. In 1865 Mr. Brockway 
way was elected treasurer of Hancock 
county, and re-elected in 1867. He re- 
signed in 1868 and was elected the same 
year, judge of the circuit court, and at the 
expiration of his term of office, he en- 
gaged with J. M. Elder in the law, real 
estate and banking business, in which he 
is still engaged. Mr. Brockway came to 
Wright county a poor man, but by close 
attention to business and fair dealing has 
accumulated a competency. In politics he 
is a strong republican. 

C. D. Pritchard was a son of Philo A. 
and Eliza J. (Woodward) Pritchard, and 



>P7 



A 



« _fc_ 



JL 



596 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



was born at Lockport, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1830. 
In 1836 his parents moved to Washtenaw 
Co., Mich.; here he received an academic 
education, attending the "Union" schools 
at Ypsilanti, and afterward began the 
study of law. In the spring of 1857, he 
removed to Alden, Hardin county, and 
during the fall became the proprietor of 
the "Alden House," which he ran one year. 
He then removed to Hancock county, 
where he was admitted to the bar in 1858, 
and afterward practiced his profession and 
teaching. In 1860 he was elected clerk of 
the courts of this county, which office he 
filled for two years; elected in 1863, and 
was a member of the State Legislature of 
1864; was soon after appointed depart- 
ment clerk in the interior department at 
Washington, D. C, but finding a clerk- 
ship not suited to his taste, and that the 
chances of promotion were few, he soon 
after resigned, and returned to Hancock 
county and continued the practice of his 
chosen profession. Here he remained 
until 1871, when he moved back to Al- 
den, entering into partnership with his 
brother, in the mercantile business, and 
where he at present resides. 

James Crow was a native of Licking 
Co., Ohio, .and one of the early pioneers 
of Hancock county. Although admitted 
to the bar, he was a man of small parts 
and limited education, and was never en- 
trusted with the management of any im- 
portant cases, but contented himself with 
practicing chiefly in justices' courts. Some 
eight or nine years ago he removed to 
Pottawattomie Co., Iowa, but is now liv- 
ing in the territory of Dakota, engaged in 
the real estate and land business. 



Byron F. Scott was admitted to prac- 
tice at the bar, in this county, at the June 
term of court, 1871. He was a man of 
fair average ability, but supersensitive, 
and keenly felt any joke or jibe of his as- 
sociates. He has left the county, and 
been entirely lost sight of. 

William Kinsey came to Hancock 
county in the spring of 1870, and taught 
school during that summer and the suc- 
ceeding year. In October, 1871, he was 
admitted as a member of the legal frater- 
nity and in partnership with James Bar- 
clay, who had shortly before made his ap- 
pearance, hung out their shingle, as at- 
torneys at law, etc., but alas! for their 
hopes of future gain, no fish came to 
their net, no case was placed in their 
hands, and in a short time these briefless 
lawyers packed up and shaking the dust 
from off their feet, left. Mr. Kinsey is 
now at Milton, Muscatine county, engaged 
in the practice of his chosen profession 
and has a large and lucrative business, 
and is one of the rising men of that com- 
munity. Of Mr. Barclay, little or noth- 
ing further is known. 

A legal luminary, by the name of B. 
F. Westover, cast its light over the town 
of Britt, in August, 1882, but it shone for 
but a comparative short time, when it 
disappeared. Of Mr. Westover but little 
seems to be known, as his stay was but 
for a couple of months. 

A. C. Ripley, a promising young at- 
torney of Hancock Co., Iowa, was born in 
Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, on the 1 1th of Feb- 
ruary, 1849. His parents were Andrew 
and Eliza J. ( Crossley ) Ripley, who emi- 
grated to Ohio in an early day. A. C, 
the youngest of eight children, was 



IFT 



A 



it^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



597 



reared on a farm, remaining at home until 
he was sixteen years old, when he en- 
listed in the 189th Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, company C, and served until the 
close of the war. Soon after the war he 
entered Mt. Sterling Seminary, remaining 
there one yeir. He then attended Har- 
lan Spring College, where he graduated in 
1869. The following fall he entered the 
law office of Hon. H. H. Parker, remain- 
ing with him two years, with the excep- 
tion of time he spent in teaching school. 
In 1871 he came to Iowa, where he had 
charge of the Postville graded school. 
He also taught at Clermont and Rock- 
ford, Floyd county. In the spring of 
1877 he went to Mason City, where he 
read law. In the fall of the same year 
he was admitted to the bar. Soon after 
being admitted, he came to Garner, where 
he has practiced his profession since. In 
April, 1873, he was married to Carrie H. 
Babcock. Two children blessed this 
union — Cora Maud and Herman Curtis. 
Mr. Ripley is a Master Mason, a member 
of Clermont Chapter, No. 62. In 1880 
he was superintendent of the schools of 
Hancock county. 

William E. Bradford, attorney and no- 
tary, is a native of Dyer Co., Tenn., and 
was born Sept. 30, 1857. In 1861 his 
parents removed to Marshall Co., Iowa, 
and after a short residence there removed 
to Tama Co., Iowa, where his father, 
Theodoric F. Bradford, was a prominent 
lawyer and at one time was probate judge 
of that county. William remained in 
that county until 1877, when he went to 
Marshalltown, Iowa, and became engaged 
in teaching school, spending his leisure 
time in the study of law under H. E. J. 



Boardman. In 1879 he went to Hampton, 
and was admitted to the bar in March, 
1880. He practiced there under the 
direction of Kellam, King & Henley until 
July, 1880, being employed in the mean- 
while as United States census enumer- 
ator for the census of 1880. He located 
in July, 1880, in Britt, where he has a 
good practice and is considered a promis- 
ing young lawyer. 

Joseph G. Strong was born in Erie Co., 
N. Y., on the 2d of October, 1843. He 
passed most of his youthful days in the 
county of his birth and the adjoining one 
of Cattaraugus. He commenced the study 
of law while quite a young man with Eli 
C. Cook, of Buffalo, N. Y., where he re- 
mained until 1861, when, being seized 
with the western fever, he emigrated to 
Johnson Co., Iowa. Here he taught 
school all that winter and when the 
spring of 1862 had dawned, he again 
moved, this time to Mills county. After 
three months more of teaching, he went 
to Iowa City, where, in August, 1862, he 
enlisted in company I, 28th Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry, and marched to the front. 
Such was the inherent bravery and daring 
of this friendless lad, for he was scarcely 
more, that he soon rose from the ranks to 
the position of adjutant of the regiment. 
This position he held for two years, and 
in August, 1865, was honorably dis- 
charged from the service with the 
rank of captain, a title that sticks to 
him yet. After returning from the war, 
he entered the law office of Kirkwood 
& Jewett, of Iowa City, and during the fall 
of 1865, was admitted to the bar. He now 
became a partner of Judge W. E. Miller, 
of Iowa county, but this only continued 



riV 



•1' 



:l£. 



59S 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



for six months, when Strong moved to 
Manchester, where he remained until the 
following summer, when he finally settled 
in Tama county, and practiced his pro- 
fession for fifteen years. In 1877 he 
established the Argus at Grundy Center, 
which paper he continued the editor of 
for two years. He came to Britt in 1880, 
and has been since engaged in the news- 
paper business and in the practice of his 
profession. He was married Aug. 2, 
1868, to Delight Vermilyea, a daughter of 
Judge Vermilyea, of Tama City, and they 
are blessed with one offspring — Jay V. 

Joseph Osborne, of the firm of Taylor 
& Osborne, bankers, attorneys and real 
estate agents, was born in Lafayette Co., 
Wis., March 2, 1855. His parents, Rob- 
ert and Jane (Pascoe) Osborne, were na- 
tives of England. They emigrated to 
America in 1848, locating in Wisconsin. 
Joseph was reared in Iowa Co., Wis., and 
received his education in the State Nor- 
mal School at Plattesville, Wis., and the 
State University of Wisconsin, graduat- 
ing from the law department. In June, 



1881, Mr. Osborne came to Britt and or- 
ganized the present banking and law 
business of the firm of Taylor & Osborne. 
He was married May 9, 1882, to Lucy 
Stephens, a native of Iowa Co., Wis. Mr. 
Osborne is one of the township trustees, 
also a member of the board of aldermen 
of Britt. He belongs to the Masonic fra- 
ternity. 

O. K. Hoyt, a bright and shining light 
in the profession, although quite a young 
man, came to Britt in November, 1880. 
He had formerly been engaged in the 
practice of law, at New Hampton, the 
county seat of Chickasaw county. After 
a stay in the county, of not over ten 
months, he emigrated to Humboldt coun- 
ty, where he at present resides. 

James M. Elder, although admitted to 
the bar at the first term of the circuit 
court, never practiced a great deal, still 
he must be considered in the light of a 
lawyer. As Mr. Elder has occupied so 
prominent a part in the official and busi- 
ness life of the county, a detailed sketch 
of him may be found elsewhere. 






■"■ — • 



A 



-* 9 



■£* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



599 



CHAPTER VIII 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



In all ages of the world, among civil- 
ized and savage people, the medical pro- 
fession has been held in high esteem. 
Whether it be the learned professor, who 
has studied the science of medicine in 
# all its branches, or the "great medicine 
man" of the untutored savages, who from 
actual experience has made discoveries of 
the healing powers of herbs and roots, 
honor awaits them on every hand, 
while the life and death of every human 
being is virtually placed in their keeping. 
The weary patient lying upon the bed of 
pain and the no less weary watcher, wait 
anxiously for the coming of the "good 
doctor," and on his arrival, note his every 
movement and every expression of coun- 
tenance for a ray of hope. 

The medical fraternity of Hancock 
county have, nearly without exception, 
been an honor to their profession. They 
have ever been ready to respond to the 
call of duty. The winter's cold, the sum- 
mer's heat, or the rain and mud of spring 
and autumn, could not keep them back 
when the cry of distress reached their 
ears. They have been compelled to cross 
trackless prairies, to face the deathly bliz- 
zard from the north, often with no hope 
of fee or reward, but only to relieve, if 
possible, those who plead for help. All 
this was done, and more too, by the phy- 



sicians of Hancock county, without com- 
plaint. If the good deeds of the profes- 
sion are not now remembered by those 
who have received aid, a time will come 
when they will be. When the names of 
these pioneer doctors are recalled to mind, 
it is to be hoped that the hearts of the 
old settlers will be touched, and all will 
respond, "may God bless them." 

For many years, no physician settled 
within the limits of Hancock county, the 
county being either too thinly settled or 
too healthy. Such medical attendance as 
was necessary, however, was furnished by 
the medical fraternity of Forest City or 
Belmond. 

Dr. Charles L. Buffon settled at Up- 
per drove about 1859, and practiced 
medicine to a small extent. He was a 
first class practitioner, a thoroughly edu- 
cated physician. He had partially aban- 
doned his profession to engage in farming 
pursuits, but could not shut his ears to 
the cry of suffering humanity when in 
pain. He afterwards entered the United 
States service, as a surgeon, during the 
late war, and won an enviable reputation 
for skill and success. He is at present a 
resident of Vinton, Benton county, in the 
enjoyment of a lucrative practice, al- 
though a man of years. 



K? 



Jtih 



•k- 



600 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



In 1869 Dr. Stanley came into the 
county of Hancock, and located at Con- 
cord, and announced himself as ready to 
do what he was able to relieve the wants, 
necessities and pains of the invalid por- 
tion of the colony. The doctor was from 
the State of Wisconsin, where he had 
been in practice some years. He stayed 
at this place for about tw T o years, when he 
removed to Minnesota. He was a fine 
looking man, of commanding appearance, 
and was, with all, a sincere, conscientious 
Christian gentleman. After leaving Con- 
cord, he went to Clear Lake, but soon 
after left that place, as before mentioned, 
for the neighboring State of Wisconsin. 

Among the physicians who have lived 
in the county and engaged in the profes- 
sion of healing the sick, the halt, the 
blind and diseased of all kinds, were the 
following, many of them still residents 
of Hancock county: Z. C. Greene, R. G. 
Hamilton, H. W. Smith, H. F. Fort, 
Eugene McNiel, Dr. Keller, Dr. Alleyne, 
A. M. Tuttle and A. J. Cole. 

Dr. Z. C. Greene came to the village of 
Garner in 1875, and entered upon the 
practice of medicine. He was a young 
man, from DeWitt, Clinton county, and 
fresh from his readings. He was elected 
coroner during the year 1876. His stay 
in the county was not of long duration, for 
after a few years service here he departed 
for other fields, and has been lost sight of. 

Dr. H. W. Smith, one of the prominent 
physicians, located at Garner in 1877, •al- 
though long a resident of the county, and 
is at present a resident of the town, car- 
rying on the drug business in connection 
with his practice of the healing art. 



Horace Woodbridge Smith, M. D., the 
oldest physician practicing in Garner, was 
born in Kenosha Co., Wis., June 6, 1854. 
When seventeen years of age he com- 
menced reading medicine in the office of 
Dr. C. C. Borney, at Nora Springs. Sub- 
sequently he read with Dr. Chase, of 
Osage. In 1876 he entered Rush Medi- 
cal College, of Chicago, graduating with 
honors at the age of twenty-two years. 
Dr. Smith was married, Jan. 10, 1879, to 
Carrie Boeman, daughter of William 
Boeman, now a resident of Garner. One 
child blessed this union. The doctor is a 
young man, with a brilliant prospect, and 
has by close attention to business worked 
up a practice he can well be proud of. 
He is a member of the Northwestern 
Medical Association. His father, A O. 
B. Smith, was born in Burlington, Vt. 
He came west when twenty-one years of 
age, settling on a farm in Kenosha, Wis., 
which occupation he has since followed. 
He is now living in Hancock county. 
Dr. Smith's mother died in 1860. 

Dr. H. F. Fort settled at the town of 
Britt in August, 1878, where he has since 
remained. 

Homer F. Fort, M. D., was born in Troy, 
N. Y., Sept. 12, 1849. His parents John 
and Julia (Meyers) Fort, were natives of 
that State also. Homer was reared in his 
native county and when seventeen years 
of age, engaged in the study of medicine 
under Dr. C. H. Bacon, of Lockport, 111., 
with whom he continued four years. In 
1867-8 he attended the Chicago Medical 
College and was a student of that institu- 
tion in the spring term of 1869. In 1869- 
70 he attended the University of Medi- 
cine of Philadelphia, Penn., of which he 



r 



J, 



l£* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



601 



is a graduate. In 1870 he entered the 
drug store of J. H. Hessinger, of that city, 
continuing in his employ until 1874. He 
then engaged in the practice of medicine 
at Shannon, 111., where he remained till 
August, 1878. He then came to Britt, 
where he was the first practitioner. He 
is the present local physician for the 
M. & St. L.R.R. He was married May 22, 
1874, to Augusta Brown. They have two 
children — Frank and Gertie. 

Dr. R. G. Hamilton located at Garner 
in the year 1882, there he at present re- 
sides, in the enjoyment of a lucrative 
practice, in partnership with his son, 
Royal Graves Hamilton. 

R. G. Hamilton, M. D., of Garner, Iowa, 
was born at Gray, Cumberland Co., 
Maine, Jan. 24, 1828. His parents 
were Rufus and Mary (Orne) Hamil- 
ton. His father was a blacksmith. 
In 1848, Rufus Hamilton, the doctor's 
father, left his native State, emigrating to 
Grand Detour, 111., where he followed the 
blacksmith trade for a number of years. 
In 1858 he returned to Maine where he 
died in 1867. Mrs. Hamilton died in 
Grand Detour in 1856. Dr. Hamilton 
commenced reading medicine at Grand 
Detour, in 1851, in the office of Dr. Mark 
L. dishing. Two years later he attended 
lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, 
111. In 1853 he was married to Mary Helen 
Orne. He graduated from Rush Medical 
College in 1856. Dr. Hamilton has fol- 
lowed his profession in various places. 
In 1882 he was located in Milwaukee, 
Wis., from whence he came to Garner, 
and has since practiced in this place. He 
spent one year in Cook County Hospital 
and is a graduate from the Ear & Eye 



Infirmary, of Chicago. He has had a wide 
field for practice, from which he has de- 
rived much useful information. He now 
has a large and extensive practice which 
calls him over all the northwestern part of 
Iowa and Minnesota. Dr. and Mrs. 
Hamilton have two children — Harlus W. 
and Royal Graves, a practicing physician 
of Garner, and a graduate of Rush Medi- 
cal College in 1881. Dr. Hamilton is a 
Master Mason. He now makes a specialty 
of chronic diseases and also of the earand 
eye. Patients come to him from a long 
distance away for treatment. 

Dr. Eugene McNiel located at the grow- 
ing village of Britt some time in July, 
1880, but was not long a resident of the 
county, as he left suddenly in October, 
that same year. 

Dr. Keller, during the latter part of the 
year 1880, came to Britt from Forest City 
with the intention of making it a perma- 
nent home, but on looking the field over 
he concluded that it was already crowded, 
and went on further west after a stay of 
but six weeks. 

Dr. Alleyne, a physician from the West 
India islands, located at Britt in 1880, but 
only remained a month, when he also moved 
westward, stopping at Wesley, Kossuth 
county, where he now resides. 

Dr. A. M. Tuttle, a practitioner of medi- 
cine according to the homeopathic form- 
ula, made a short stay in the couuty. In 
1881 he settled at Britt, where he ac- 
quired considerable practice, but left this 
vicinity in June, 1883, for Chamberlain, 
Dak., where he expected a larger volume 
of business. 

The town of Corwith boasts of but one 
physician, and who is of the allopathic 



^ 



602 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



school. Dr. Hartley Heskett located at 
that place in April, 1881, and has worked 
up a good business. He is a native of 
Belmont Co., Ohio, being born in that 
place July 21, 183'J, and is the son of David 
and Catharine Heskett. The doctor has 
been considerable of a wanderer in his 
time, going to Oregon and the Pacific 
coast when but a young man of twenty- 



two, where he remained some five years. 
He afterwards came west, after returning 
to his native State, living some time at 
Corydon, Wayne Co., Iowa, and came to 
this rising young village as above stated. 
His wife was Belle McCartney, also a 
native of Ohio, and they have two chil- 
dren — Nettie and Roland. 



CHAPTER IX. 



THE WAR FOR THE UNION. 



The Presidential election of 1860, re- 
sulting in the choice of Abraham Lincoln 
for President, having been thoroughly 
known, eleven States in the southern por- 
tion of the Union passed acts of secession 
in rapid succession, and on coercion being 
tried, arrayed themselves in general hos- 
tility to the federal government. On the 
12th day of April, 1861, the rebel forces, 
under the command of Gen. P. G. T. 
Beauregard, late a major in the United 
States army, opened a destructive fire 
upon Fort Sumter, in Charleston Bay. 
For two days and nights this iron hail 
was poured into the as yet unfinished fort- 
ress, and at last, starved, scorched, and 
out of the necessary ammunition, the gar- 
rison, under Major Robert Anderson, as 
brave and gallant a soldier as ever drew 
a blade, were compelled to surrender; 
lowering the flag of our fathers to the 
Haunting rag with the palmetto device. 



When the news of this outrage thrilled 
across the wires through all the cities, 
towns, villages and rural districts of this 
mighty northland, every heart vibrated 
in unison with the cry for redress, and 
every soul was seized with the desire for 
vindicating the honor of our country. 
When President Lincoln issued his first 
proclamation, calling for 75,000 volun- 
teers, he found the people not only ready 
but eager to press to the front and wipe 
out the foul stain upon our Nation's ban- 
ner. To indicate something of the spirit 
and the feeling of the people as reflected 
by the newspapers, those mirrors of the 
public mind, the following extract is taken 
from one of our western papers, printed 
only a few days subsequent to the surren- 
der of Sumter and the issuance of the 
proclamation of the President: 

"Like the viper that was warmed to 
life in the bosom of the countryman, and 



*§ 



-. » 



fe* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



603 



then stung him to death, so the cotton 
States of the Union have raised the parri- 
cidal hand of bloody war against the 
government which has long fostered and 
protected them. History will blush to 
record the hugeness of the crime. It 
overtops the ordinary criminality of cause- 
less, aggressive warfare, as Satan exceed- 
ed in proportion the other rebel angels. 

' He above the reBt 
In shape and gesture proudly eminent, 
Stood like a tower; * « * 

but his face 
Deep scars of thunder had entrenched, and care 
Sat on his faded cheek.' 

"Without a parallel in the history of 
the world, all other rebellions, all other 
treasons, will dwindle to insignificance 
before the enormity and wickedness of 
the present. The loyal States and the 
general government have given an exam- 
ple of patience and forbearance which 
was fast being regarded as weakness and 
imbecility. But, thank God, there is a 
change. The government still haspower. 
She struggled long to avert a war, but it 
has at last been forced upon her. Now 
she will test her power and prove too 
strong for treason. There are loyal men 
enough to defend the Union against every 
foe. The old Jackson spirit still lives, 
and is intensified seven fold. 'The Union 
must and shall be preserved.' We love 
the old Union more and more every day. 
The star-spangled banner creates sensa- 
tions never felt before. Men of all par- 
ties feel that no oilier banner shall ever 
float over us. The cursed rattlesnake 
flag has no business on American soil, 
and, by the blessings of God, it shall be 
driven back to the hell from which it 
came. The descendents of the Pilgrims 



will never disgrace their ancestry. The 

clouds will scatter, day will dawn, and 

out of the thick gloom of the present, 

liberty will come forth arrayed in robes 

of rejoicing, and enter upon new glories, 

'heights unattcmpted, yes, in prose or 

rhyme.' 

'The land 
Is never lost that has a 6on to right her, 
And here are troops of sons, and loyal ones. 
Strong in her children should a mother be; 
Shall ours be helpless, that has sons like us?'" 

With feelings like this, and they were 
not local, but spread throughout all the 
loyal States, was it any wonder that her 
able-bodied sons sprang to the defense of 
their mother country, and interposed their 
"fortune, life and sacred honor" in her 
behalf? Hancock county, then a newly 
settled district with but 179 inhabitants, 
in 1860, nobly responded to the noble 
work and contributed a quota that she 
might well be proud of. In the election 
in the fall preceding the commencement 
of hostilities, but forty-four votes were 
cast, and at the close of the war but 
seventy-six; yet out of this little band 
the boys from the county, found in the 
front of red, lurid battle, numbered 
twenty-five, a larger percentage than many 
other districts can show, by a large ma- 
jority. 

Very many, in fact, a great majority 
of the volunteers from this county, hav- 
ing gone to Belmond, Webster City and 
other localities, and there entering the 
service, were credited to those counties, 
and it makes it difficult to gather all. 
The historian has been at considerable 
trouble and pains to complete the list, as 
the adjutant-general's report credits but 
thirteen men to the county, while there 



24 



_v_ 






604 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



were, as may be seen hereafter, some 
thirty-nine or forty. None are omitted 
intentionally, and it is believed by the 
committee of revision that all have been 
named. The following is the roster: 
SECOND CAVALRY. 

COMPANY I. 

Cornelius Baker, Joseph Gilpin, 

Jacob Waltz, Harrison Wheelock, 

Thomas Wheelock, Samuel Gilpin. 

COMPANY L. 

John S. Prilchard. R. R. White, 

M. S. Gilman, Joshua Gilman. 

Alfred Ward, Stephen Ward, 

Francis Colburn, David Spencer. 

ELEVENTH INFANTRY. 
Lewis Barth, unassigned. 
THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 

COMPANY A. 

Cephas Church. 

COMPANY B. 

Capt. H. N. Brockway, Cyrus Church, 
John Christie, Jr., John A. Curran, 

Douglas Magill, Thomas Magill, Jr., 

Martin B. Parker. Edward Thorp, 

A. C Long, C. Rosecrans. 

George R Lanning. 

COMPANY P. 

Chandler W. Scott, Simeon B. Wells. 

THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY - . 

As many of the boys in blue from Han- 
cock county were in that regiment an ex- 
tended account of its history would not 
be out of place in this connection. 

The companies forming the 32d In- 
fantry Iowa Volunteers were recruited in 
this and the neighboring counties, during 
the latter part of the summer and early 
fall of 1862. They rendezvoused at Camp 
Franklin, near Dubuque. Here, on Octo- 
ber 6, they were sworn into the service of 
the United States for three years; John 
Scott, of Story county, being colonel; E. 
E. Mix, of Butler, lieutenant-colonel; G. 



A. Eberhart, of Black Hawk, major; 
Charles Aldrich, of Hamilton, adjutant. 
Here it remained under drill, acquiring 
discipline, until about the middle of the 
following month. Owing to the insuffici- 
ency of quarters at the camp, a malignant 
form of measles broke out, which was 
fatal in many instances. 

From the 14th to the 18th of Novem- 
ber the regiment, numbering about 920 
men, embarked by detachments for St. 
Louis, reporting there on the 21st, and go- 
ing into- quarters at Benton Barracks. 
Here it remained a few days, when, under 
orders from Maj.-Gen. Curtis, six compa- 
nies under Col. Scott proceeded to New 
Madrid, Mo., and the remaining four 
companies, under Major Eberhart, went 
no further down the river than Cape 
Girardeau. The separation of the regi- 
ment thus effected on the last day of the 
autumn of 1862, continued until the 
spri.ig of 1864. It was a prolific source 
of annoyance and labor. The details re- 
quired of a regiment were frequently de- 
manded from each of these battalions; 
stores sent to the regiment would some- 
times go to the detatchment and some- 
times to the headquarters, when they 
should have gone just the other way; the 
mails were in an interminable tangle. At 
the headquarters were companies B, C, 
E, II, I and K; under Major Eberhart, 
companies A, D, F and G. 

The history of the regiment during this 
long period of separation must necessarily 
be two-fold. It will not be improper to 
write first an account of the detachment 
under Major Eberhart. 

In obedience to the order of Gen. 
Curtis, they proceeded to Cape Girardeau, 



■* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



605 



and the major assumed the command of 
that post on the 1st of December, 1862. 
The garrison consisted of this detachment 
and one company of the 2d Missouri 
Heavy Artillery. Here they remained 
during the winter doing provost and gar- 
rison duly. On the 10th of March they 
were re-inforced by the 1st Nebraska In- 
fantry, and preparation made for a inarch 
into the interior. On March 14th Major 
Eberhart marched his detachment to 
Bloomfieid, accompanying a regiment of 
Wisconsin Cavalry, and a battery of 
Missouri Artillery, where they remained 
until the 21st of April, when they moved 
to Dallas, forty-six miles northward. The 
march was by a circuitous route, requir- 
ing sixty miles travel. 

The rebel, Gen. Marmaduke, now threat- 
ened Cape Girardeau with a considerable 
army. He himself was at Fredericktown, 
northwest of Dallas, while another force 
was coming up the Bloomfieid road. Gen. 
McNeil, commanding the Union forces, 
marched at once for Cape Girardeau, by 
Jackson. The detachment of the 32d, that 
was guarding the train, marched from 
Dallas to Jackson, a distance of twenty- 
two miles, in less than six hours, and 
reached the Cape on the evening of the 
24th. The next day Marmaduke invested 
the place with some 8,000 men. At 10 
o'clock at night he sent a flag of truce, 
with a demand of unconditional surren- 
der, giving the Union commander thirty 
minutes for decision. Gen. McNeil, by 
Col. Strachan, who received the truce, 
sent Itack a flat refusal in one minute, and 
politely requested a credit of twenty-nine 
minutes by Gen. Marmaduke. The 
attack was not, however, commenced until 



Sunday morning, the 26th, at 10 o'clock, 
when the rebels retired with considerable 
loss, just as Gen. Vandever came down 
the river with re-inforcements for the 
garrison. In this combat, Major Eber- 
hart's command was posted on the light, 
in support of a section of Meltfiy's bat- 
tery. Its loss was but one man captured 
on picket. On the 28th, our detachment 
was ordered to Bloomfieid. Leaving Cape 
Girardeau at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, it 
marched fifty miles by dark the next 
evening, and went into camp near Castor 
river. Completing the bridge over the 
stream, it returned to the Cape, reaching 
there May 5. Here it remained on gar- 
rison duty until the 11th of July, when it 
again marched to Bloomfieid. Having 
remained there a few days, at work on 
the fortifications, it was attached to the 
Reserve Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, 
Department of the Missouri, and on the 
I 'Ml: started on the memorable march, 
which ended with the capture of Little 
Rock, Ark. 

The command reached Clarendon on 
the 8th of August. Early on the morn- 
ing of the 13th, the detachment started 
up White river. The expedition lasted 
three days and was a brilliant success. 
The fleet went up the White river to the 
mouth of the Little Red river, and up the 
latter W> the town of Searcy, where two 
steamers were captured and a pontoon 
bridge destroyed. When ten miles from 
Searcy, on their return, the fleet was at- 
tacked by 300 rebels, who directed their 
principal fire on the prize Kaskaska, 
which was manned by company D, under 
Lieut. VV. D. Tempi in. The steamer was 
near the shore from which they were at- 



*?; 



tf- 



9 W- 



606 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNT V. 



tacked, but made a gallant defense. The 
rebels were driven off with a loss of 
more than twenty killed. The loss in 
company D was one killed and five 
wounded. Before reaching White river, 
the fleet was again attacked, but the as- 
sailants were quickly driven off with loss, 
and without any casualty on board. 
Large quantities of public property were 
destroyed, and a number of prisoners 
captured during the expedition. In the 
heavy skirmish at Bayou Metoe, on the 
27th, the detachment was engaged, los- 
ing one killed and two wounded. 

The day the command reached "Dead- 
man's Lake," the scorching heat of that 
day, the parched ground marched over, 
the air at times filled with flying dust, is 
one not easily forgotten. The stagnant 
pond bearing the above name was cov- 
ered with a green scum, yet the men, 
burning with thirst, plunged in and drank 
greedily of the filthy water. 

The two trips from Duvall's Bluffs to 
Brownsville, as guard to the cavalry train, 
were trips of hard marching in hot weather, 
and of suffering for water for man and 
i-^ast, and from dust and heat. The sick 
this march certainly received no extra 
care' — at first shipped to Helena, and then 
to Clarendon, on the White river. 

About the 21st of August a small 
steamer, a side-wheeler, sailed &up the 
White river loaded with sick and conva- 
lescent soldiers. It was one of the hot- 
test of August days in this climate, when 
she ran from Clarendon to Duvall's Bluffs, 
forty-five miles in four hours. Not a spot 
on that boat, from the border deck to the 
hurricane deck, but was covered by a sick 
man. Sick men were piled away on that 



hurricane deck in the broiling sun, wher- 
ever a man could be laid. Is it any won- 
der, on that run of about four hours, 
twenty-six men died on that boat? — one of 
them a corporal of company G, (Carter). 

On the 25th of August another march 
of twenty-six miles across those prairies 
of Prairie Co. Ark. About 1 1 o'clock 
that night we filed into the little court 
house yard at Brownsville. Just as we 
filed in, C4en. Davidson stepped to the 
fence and said, "Boys, lie down quickly 
and take some rest, for I will need you 
at an early hour." Then turning to an- 
other officer he said, "These brave boys 
have marched 500 miles and kept up with 
mv cavalry." By three o'clock next 
morning we were astir, and at four were 
in line and on the move. A march of 
nine miles brought us to the rebel out- 
posts, skirmishing three and a half miles 
to the brow of the hill, and after maneu- 
vering, etc., half a mile to the bank of 
"Bayou Metaire." The whole movement 
during the day was only a bushwacking 
affair. In the evening we fell back to the 
top of the hill to support a battery. There 
dark found us. The battery and all other 
troops had left. One detachment alone 
was on the field, with the rebels closing 
around us, when we withdrew and fell 
back tint night to a corn-field near 
Brownsville; about one o'clock that night, 
at the word "halt," the boys dropped on 
the ground, and lay down between corn 
rows. No alignment encampment was 
made. The night was dark, as dense black 
clouds o'erspread the sky, and soon the 
rain came down in torrents; but there the 
boys lay — whatelse could they do? About 
nine a. m. it broke away; but, oh! the rrmd; 



^ i 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



607 



mud I We had no rations; but soon found 
a patch of sweet potatoes, and had a sweet 
potato breakfast. 

The detachment remained two days in 
camp in the limber near, and then moved 
to the old cavalry camp north of town, 
where our sick boys had been kept in a 
double log house on the edge of the 
prairie, and at a little grove of a few 
scattering oaks, and near a pond of stag- 
nant water. 

On the 31st of August, 1863, the day 
was very hot, and hence the train was or- 
dered to go through to Duvall's Bluffs in 
the night. All the detachment was or- 
dered to go as guard. The whole detach- 
ment able to go was ordered on the trip. 
We could raise only forty men, and some 
twelve or fifteen of them were unable to 
march, but were ordered to go, as they 
could be piled on the wagons, and could 
use their guns in case of an attack. 

This was a serious camp ground to the 
detachment. A few days and not a well 
man was in the camp, and not many men 
able to care for the sick. Every nook 
and corner of the old house was covered 
with a sick man, every spot on the porch 
or in the hall was the receptacle of some 
invalid. Everything that was possible 
under the circumstances was done for 
the sick. But the detachment was in ad- 
vance of the main army, and of all sup- 
plies. No sanitary or Battlers' stores had 
reached them, and much of the ordinary 
soldiers' fare was unfit for use. Much of 
the hardtack had too much life. Here the 
detachment lost several of their men. 
Many nameless graves on southern soil 
are all that remain of these gallant spirits 
who laid down their lives for their 



country; not in the fierce excitement of 
battle, but in the pain and anguish of 
the sick bed. 

' ' Their young lives were ended, 
Their young spirits fled; 
And now they are sleeping. 
In peace with the dead." 

On the removal of the detachment to 
Little Rock, it was relieved for a time 
from all guard or other duty, except the 
care of its own sick, by order of Gen. 
Davidson, who added that this was all 
that it was possible for them to do. Here 
they lost several more of their members, 
but on the whole the boys found Little 
Rock a healthy place and they improved 
rapidly in health. 

Gen. McPherson, medical director, af- 
terwards atVicksburg, said that the send- 
ing of these four companies through on 
that campaign to keep up with the cav- 
alry, was a burning shame, one of the 
outrages of the war, and no wonder the 
men were used up. They remained at 
Little Rock until the middle of October, 
when they moved to Benton, twenty-five 
miles distant. Returned to Little Rock, 
where they remained until January, 1864, 
then it started to Memphis, which place 
it reached on the 5th of February. Here 
it was ordered to report to Gen. A. J. 
Smith, at Vicksburg. It reached that city 
on the 9th, and remained there until the 
27th, when it marched to Black river to 
await the army on its return from the 
interior. 

Meanwhile Col. Scott established his 
headquarters New Madrid, and assumed 
command of the post. On the 1 7th of 
December, 1862, he sent out a detachment 
of 100 men under Capt. Peeble's, who went 
as far as St. Francis river, bringing back 



"1^ 



it 



■»b>. 



608 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



several prisoners, much public property 
and valuable information. 

On the 28th of December Col. Scott de- 
stroyed the public property, and evacuated 
New Madrid, by order of Gen. Davies, af- 
ter which he proceeded to Fort Pillow. 
Here he remained six months, the com- 
panies performing garrison duty. The 
command embarked for Columbus, Ky., 
on the 17th and 18th of June, 1863, in 
detachments, and went into camp there 
on the 19th, and there regimental head- 
quarters remained for more than seven 
months, Col. Scott being most of the time 
in command of the post. 

On July 10, Union City, in Tennessee, 
was captured by the rebels. The com- 
mand hastened to that place, but arrived 
too late to find the enemy. After burying 
the dead and caring for the wounded, 
they returned. The command was soon 
afterwards again divided into fractions. 
Companies B and I, under the command 
of Capt. Miller, alone remained at regi- 
mental headquarters. Company C was 
attached to the 4th Missouri Cavalry ; 
company E was placed at Fort Quimby, 
not far from Columbus ; companies H. 
and K, Capt. Bensen commanding, pro- 
ceeded down the river to Island No. 10. 
From this time forth until January, 1864, 
the history of each of these detachments 
is devoid of remarkable events. This, 
with the exception of company C, who 
were actively employed during most of 
that period, and the labors of officers and 
men were arduous in the extreme. They 
scouted a wide expanse of country infested 
by guerrillas, marched sometimes a con- 
siderable distance from Columbus, going 
out in all weather, by night as often as by 



day. They braved many perils and en- 
dured many hardships. 

In the month of January, 1864, these 
six companies were brought together, and 
soon embarked for Vicksburg, where they 
were assigned to the second brigade. 
Perhaps there was not a single organiza- 
tion in the whole army under Gen. Sher- 
man that so gladly commenced that sin- 
gular campaign as the one under Col. 
Scott. If the battalion left Vicksburg 
joyfully, its return was still more joyful, 
for here were found Major Eberhart and 
his four companies, and the regiment was 
together for the first time since November, 
1862. The re-union brought great satis- 
faction to both officers and men. Shortly 
after the regiment was ordered to the 
Department of the Gulf, and there ac 
companied the disastrous Red river expe- 
dition. 

On this expedition the 32d suffered 
more severely, perhaps, than any other 
regiment. It formed a part of Gen. A. 
J. Smith's command, consisting of 10,000 
infantry and three batteries of artillery, 
which left Vicksburg, March 9, on trans- 
ports, accompanied by gunboats. At the 
mouth of the Red river this fleet was 
joined by Admiral D. D. Porter, with a 
large fleet, including several iron-clads. 
The fleet entered Red river by the south- 
ern stream and passed thence into Acha- 
falaya, proceeding as far as Semmesport, 
where the troops disembarked on the 
night of the 13th and immediately com- 
menced a march on Fort De Russy. No 
halt was ordered till the army had marched 
some seven miles. It was twenty-eight 
miles from here to Fort De Russy. 
Nevertheless the army marched that dis- 



»Jv 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



609 



tance the next day, constantly harrassed 
by rebel cavalry; delayed once two hours 
at a stream over which a bridge had to 
be made ; attacked the fort and carried it 
by storm before sundown and before the 
gunboats had arrived. In this assault the 
32d was on the right, and "the men on 
the right took the fort," said the pris- 
oners. Col. Shaw, commanding the brig- 
ade, speaks in unqualified praise of all 
the officers and men in his command. Tim 
loss was slight on either side. Oi the 
32d, one man was killed and two were 
wounded. 

At Fort De Russy they re embarked 
and proceeded to Alexandria, where the 
troops again disembarked and remained 
nearly two weeks. At this point the col- 
umn under Gen. Smith formed a junction 
with the column which had marched from 
New Orleans. The boats could not be 
taken over the rapids while laden, so the 
troops marched to Cotile Landing, some 
twenty-five miles up the river. Here 
our regiment had its first battalion drill, 
with all the companies in line, since leav- 
ing Dubuque, in November, 1862. On 
the 3d of April, the command again em- 
barked and reached Grand 'Ecore on the 
next evening, where it remained till the 
morning of the 7th, when it marched to 
the front of the battle of Pleasant Hill, 
where the brigade to which the 32d be- 
longed, commanded by Col. Shaw, of the 
14th Iowa, stood the brunt of the fight, 
being the first in the battle, fighting long- 
er than any other, in the hardest of the 
contest, the last to leave the field, and 
losing three times as many officers and 
men as any brigade engaged. 



"Of Col. John Scott, 32d Iowa," says 
the brigade commander, "it is sufficient 
to say that he showed himself worthy to 
command the 32d Iowa Infantry — a regi- 
ment which, after having been entirely 
surrounded and cut off from the rest of 
the command, with nearly one-half of its 
number killed or wounded, among them 
many of the best and prominent officers, 
forced its way through the enemy's lines, 
and was again in line, ready and anxious 
to meet the foe, in less than thirty 
minutes." It is certain no regiment ever 
fought with a sublimer courage than did 
the 32d, on the battle-field of Pleasant 
Hill. Its heroism and its sacrifices were 
worthy of a better fate than a retreat 
from the scene of its splendid (Taring and 
its glory. The fame of its gallant con- 
duct spread all over Iowa, as it would 
have spread over the whole country h. 
the commanding general accepted the 
victory which the troops had given him. 
But sad losses befell the regiment. 
Lieut.-Col. Mix was slain on the field, 
also many of the officers were either 
slain or wounded. The regiment lost, in 
all, 210 officers and men, killed, wounded 
and missing; most of the missing were 
also wounded — any so reported, no doubt 
slain. Iowa gloried in the fame of her 
honored sons, and wept for their dead 
comrades who fell on the stricken field . 
The following beautiful lines were writ- 
ten by Mrs. Caroline A. Soule, upon hear- 
ing of the sad losses sustained by the 32d 
at Pleasant Hill: 

Cold are the sleepers 
Wrapt in their shrouds- 
Pale are the weepers 
The battle has bowed; 
Softly they slumber, 
Our soldiers in death — 
While hearts without number 
Cry, with hushed breath — 
O God, are they dead I 



F 



Q 



610 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Pale are the sleepers, 
Like marble they lie — 
Sad are the weepers. 
Tear-stained their eyes; 
Quiet they slumber. 
Soldiers entombed, 
While hearts without number, 
All shrouded in gloom, 
Cry— O, are they g-one! 

Calm are the sleepers, 
Taking their rest- 
Sad are the weepers, 
Joyless their breasts; 
Softly they slumber, 
Our soldiers today. 
While hearts without number 
Cry, only this way 
Can our battles be won! 

Col. Sliaw's brigade covered the retreat 
of the army to Grand 'Eeore, when the 
32d regiment, after a movement up Red 
river to aid the fleet in escaping from 
imminent peril, went into encampment. 
It joined in the retreat down the Red 
river on the 21st, and frequently met 
light bodies of the enemy in skirmish. 
The retreat from Alexandria to the 
Mississippi was also harassed by the 
enemy, and considerable skirmishing took 
place at Bayou La Morge, Marksville and 
Bayou de Glaize, in both of which the 
regiments took part. Col. Shaw, in his 
report of the latter battle, says: "To Col. 
Gilbert, 27th Iowa, Major Eberhart, of 
the 32d Iowa, Capt. Crane, of the 14th 
Iowa, and their commands, is due the 
safety of the army. Had they failed to 
move into the position assigned them 
(although a difficult one, that of changing 
front under fire) with less celerity, or 
failed to hold it steadily after taking it, 
our left and rear would have been envel- 
oped by overwhelming numbers, and 
nothing could have saved us — not even 
the fighting qualities of the sixteenth 
army corps." 

The regiment reached Memphis on the 
10th of June, from there the command 
moved to Moscow, and thence to LaGrange 



in the latter part of June. From this 
point it marched with Gen. Smith's forces 
on the Tupelo campaign. It returned to 
Memphis, and having encamped there 
about ten days, joined in the Oxford ex- 
pedition. The next active campaign in 
which the 32d took part was in Missouri 
in the pursuit of Price. It was a cam- 
paign of severe marching but not of bat- 
tle. The regiment marched at least 650 
miles, averaging twenty miles a day. It 
marched across the State and back again. 
Halting a few days at St. Louis, it 
moved to Cairo by steamer, arriving No- 
vember 27. 

From here it moved to Nashville, which 
was soon after besieged by the rebel gen- 
eral, Hood. In the battle of Nashville, 
December 15 and 16, the 32d, fighting in 
Gen. Gilbert's brigade, was warmly en- 
gaged, and won great credit for daring, 
efficient behavior. It captured a battery 
of five guns, and many prisoners, and lost 
about twenty-five killed and wounded. 
With the pursuit of the defeated rebels, 
closed the campaigning of the regiment 
for the year 1864, in face of the enemy. 

Early in 1865 the regiment marched to 
Clifton, Tenn., whence it moved by 
steamer to Eastport, Miss. Tt« next and 
last campaign was that of Mobile, under 
Gen. E. R. S. Canby. It remained in 
Alabama some time after the fall of Mo- 
bile, and was mustered out at Clinton, 
Iowa, Aug. 24, 1S65. Returning to Iowa, 
the 32d was in due time disbanded, the 
officers and men receiving everywhere 
along the line of their journey the kind 
greetings and hearty welcome of a grate- 
ful people, whose hearts had been with 
them through all their hardships. 
TWELFTH U. S. REGULAR INFANTRY. 

COMPANY C 

.T. H Beadle, G. A. Stiles. 

Lorenzo Colburn. Alexander Drcoync, 

B. F. Denslow. 
THIRTEENTH U. S. REGULAR INFANTRY. 

COMPANY H. 

B. H Haskins, J. M. Haskins. 

REGIMENT AND COMPANY UNKNOWN. 

Juines Lachore, Mr. Langley, 

~^\ Mat tin Pa - ker. 



"A 

htvY YORK, N, Y. 



;v 



« w_ 



k* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



611 



CHAPTER X. 



NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 



The truly representative citizen of a 
Nation, State or county, is the public of- 
fice-holder. He stands in the relation of 
a representative of the people, and, as such, 
demands in his individual capacity the 
respect we owe to the people as a body. 
In this connection are presented sketches 
of many who have served Hancock county 
in official capacity. The sketches in some 
instances are short, and do not do full 
justice to those represented, but in no 
case is this the fault of the historian. The 
material was not accessible for more ex- 
tended notices. 

CONGRESSIONAL. 

On the organization of Hancock county it 
became a part of the 2d congressional dis- 
trict, which then embraced about half the 
State, and was represented in the Con- 
gressional Halls by William Vandever, of 
Dubuque, who being re-elected, served 
until March, 1862. Mr. Vandever is a 
native of Maryland, who came west in 
1839, locating at Rock Island until 1851, 
when he went to Dubuque. While serv- 
ing his second term he abandoned his seat 
in Congress, and returning home, raised 
the 9th Iowa Infantry, going to the front 
as its colonel. He was made brigadier- 
general, and at the close of the war, bre- 
veltcd major-general. He is now one of 



the most prominent and respected men in 
the city of his adoption — Dubuque. 

By the census of 1860, Iowa was enti- 
tled to six representatives in Congress, 
and Hancock county, on there-districting 
of the State, in 1862, became a part of the 
6th district. Its first representative from 
this district was Asahel W. Hubbard, of 
Sioux City. He was elected in the fall of 
1862, and served as a member of the 38th 
Congress. He was re-elected to the 39th 
and 40th Congresses. He was a native of 
Connecticut, and was born in 1817. He 
came to Iowa in 1857, locating at Sioux 
City. He had been in that place only 
about a year, when he was elected judge 
of the 4th judicial district. It is said of 
him, that he was a man of honor and in- 
tegrity and was all that his constituents 
asked. 

Charles Pomeroy, of Fort Dodge, was 
the next representative in Congress from 
the 6th district. He was elected in 1868, 
and served in the 41 st Congress, one term. 

Jackson Orr, of Boonesboro, succeeded 
Mr. Pomeroy, in 1871, who represented 
this, the 6th district, at Washington, until 
the change in the district. 

In 1870, it was found that the popula- 
tion of this State had so increased as to 
entitle it to some nine representatives in 
Congress. In the new re-apportionment, 



^ 



« fi», 



612 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Hancock county became a part of the 4th 
district. It was first represented by Henry 
O. Pratt, of Charles City, in. the 43d Con- 
gress. Mr. Pratt was re-elected to the 44th 
and thus served until March, 1877. Mr. 
Pratt is a native of the State of Maine. 
He was admitted to the bar in Mason City, 
Cerro Gordo county, in June, 1862. During 
the war he enlisted, as a private, in com- 
pany B, 32d Iowa Infantry, but being in 
poor health, lie was discharged in the early 
part of 1863. The following summer, 
while recuperating, he taught school in 
Worth county, this State. He, that fall, 
commenced the practice of law at Charles 
City. His record in Congress was credit- 
able, both to himself and to his constit- 
uency. 

In 1878 N. C. Deering, of Osage, Mitch- 
ell county, was elected to represent the 
4th district in the 45th Congress, and was 
re-elected by a full vote, to continue 
through the 46th and 47th Congresses. He 
was a prominent and influential member 
of the House while there, and retired with 
laurels, to his home in Osage, where he is 
engaged in looking after his property and 
in placing loans for Eastern capitalists. 

In 1882, on the State being again re- 
districted, Hancock county was made a 
part of the new 10th district, and A. J. 
Holmes, of Boone, was elected its first 
representative for the 48th Congress, a 
position he yet holds. Mr. Holmes is 
noted for being one of the most astute 
lawyers in the district, and as an orator is 
fluent, logical and gentlemanly; no angry 
vituperation or harsh invective escapes 
him, but his great forte lies in his easy 
suavitv. 



MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

The 9th General Assemby convened at 
DesMoines, Jan. 13, 1862, and adjourned 
April 5, 1862. It also met in extra ses- 
sion September 3, and adjourned Sep- 
tember 11, of the same year. This was 
the first time that the county of Hancock 
had a distinctive representation, and was 
a component part of the 56th representa- 
tive district with J. E. Blackford as mem- 
ber of Assembly. At the same time 
Chauncey Gillett represented the district 
in the Senate. 

The 10th General Assembly convened 
at DesMoines, Jan. 11, 1864, and adjourned 
March 29th, the same year. G. W. 
Howard represented this district in the 
Senate, and Lemuel Dwelle, one of the 
most prominent men of of Worth county, 
in the Lower House. Mr. Dwelle is one 
of the truly representative men of the 
county; coming west with small means, 
by industry and economy he has managed 
to amass considerable property, and an 
enviable reputation for integrity and 
ability. 

The 11th General Assembly met at Des 
Moines, Jan. 8, 1866, and adjourned the 
3d of the following April. G. W. Hart 
was still in the Senate. Hancock county, 
still a part of the 56th representative dis- 
trict, was fully represented by C. D. 
Pritchard. 

The 12th General Assembly convened 
at DesMoines, in January, 1868. Hancock 
county, then a part of the 45th senatorial 
district, was represented by Theo. Hawley, 
who gave eminent satisfaction in that ca- 
pacity. The county, by the new distribu- 
tion, became a part of the 61st represent- 



V, 



6 






^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



613 



ative district, and was represented by 
John B. Hunter. 

Tlie 13th General Assembly met in sol- 
emn conclave at Des Moines, in January, 
1870. Being a part of the 46th senator- 
ial district, this county was served but in- 
differently well by E. A. Howland, who 
could do nothing to please his constituen- 
cy. In the House, B. F. Hartshorn rep- 
resented this district, which was then 
known as the 65th. 

The 14th General Assembly convened 
at Des Moines, in January, 1872, and 
the 46th senatorial district was still 
represented by E. A. Howland. David 
Secor, of Forest City, represented the 
66th representative district, a part of 
which was Hancock county. Mr. Secor is 
a real estate dealer and banker of the 
capital city of Winnebago county where 
he still resides. A full sketch of the gen- 
tleman appears in the history of Winne- 
bago county, in this volume. 

The 15th General Assembly convened 
at Des Moines in January, 1874. Han- 
cock county, in 46th senatorial district, 
was still represented by E. Howland. 
David Secor still serving the 66th repre- 
sentative district in the Lower House. 

The 16th General Assembly met at Des 
Moines in January, 1876, and Hancock, 
as part of the 69th representative district, 
was most ably served by one of this 
county's most capable men, H. H. Bush. 
In the Senate, Lemuel Dwelle, of Worth 
county, was the representative of this, 
the 46th senatorial district. 

The 17th General Assembly convened 
in January, 1878. Lemuel Dwelle still 
represented this district in the Senate 
and A. C. Walker, also a prominent citi- 



zen of Worth county, was a member of 
the House from this, the 77th representa- 
tive district. Mr. Walker is a large real 
estate owner and dealer in Northwood, 
and one of its most respected citizens. 
He ably fulfilled his duties in the legisla- 
tive halls and merited the thanks of his 
constituents. 

The 18th General Assembly was con- 
vened at Des Moines, in January, 1880. 
In the Senate this district was represent- 
ed by F. M. Goodykoontz, one of the mem- 
bers of the bar of Cerro Gordo county. 
He only served out half the term for 
which he was elected, and then resigned 
on account of business interests. In the 
House, John Hill represented this dis- 
trict. 

The 19th General Assembly met at 
DesMoines as usual, in January, 1882, and 
Hancock county was represented in the 
Senate by H. G. Parker, who had boen 
elected to fill the vacancy caused by the 
resignation of Mr. Goodykoontz. J. E. 
Anderson was the representative in the 
Lower House. 

CIRCUIT JUDGE. 

As has been stated, this office was crea- 
ted by an act of the General Assembly of 
the State of Iowa, April, 1868. The first 
circuit judge in this district was Harvey 
N. Brockway, of Concord, Hancock 
county, one of the first lawyers in the 
county, both as to point of time and 
ability. He was elected at the general 
election of 1868, and served upon the 
bench until January, 1873, when he was 
succeeded by R. G. Reiniger, the present 
incumbent. Mr. Brockway, although re- 
elected to serve for the four years, from 
January, 1872, saw fit to resign the ermine 



*£T 



4,1 



614 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



to attend to his large business interests, 
much to the dissatisfaction of many of 
his friends and well-wishers. 

COUNTY JUDGE. 

As stated in connection with the chapter 
devoted to the "Courts of Hancock Coun- 
ty," this office was created by an act of 
the General Assembly, in 1857. It was 
the most important office in the county, as 
the judge, in connection with the county 
court, consisting of himself, the prosecu- 
ting attorney and the sheriff, transacted 
almost all the business now devolving 
upon the board of supervisors, auditor, 
circuit court and clerk of the courts. 
Thus it will be seen that this official, in 
those days, had large opportunity to earn 
the little pay there was attached to the 
office. 

M. P. Rosecrans was the first comity 
judge, being unanimously elected to fill 
that position in June, 1858, at the time of 
the organization of the county. Judge 
Rosecran's duties began with his election, 
and he assumed the judicial ermine and 
proceeded to perfect the organization of 
the county. He was re-elected twice and 
served until January, 1866. An able, 
well meaning and upright man, he con- 
ferred honor upon the office with which 
he was dignified. Judge Rosecrans was 
the first lawyer to locate in this county 
and has in later days continued in prac- 
tice in the adjoining county of Cerro 
Gordo, where he at present resides. 

Phineas Haywood succeeded Mr. Rose- 
crans, assuming the official station in 
January, 1866. He served in this capacity 
two years. 

G. W. Elder was the successor of Mr. 
Haywood. He was elected at the Octo- 



ber election, 1867, and served until the 
1st of January, 1S69, when the' office was 
abolished, those duties remaining to that 
office since the creation of the board of 
supervisors, being delegated to the newly 
created county auditor, which office he 
held for one year, ex-officio. Mr. Elder 
is at present a resident of Hancock coun- 
ty, at Upper Grove. 

COUNTY AUDITOR. 

John Christie, Jr., has the honor of 
being the first county auditor elected. At 
the election in October, 1869, he was 
elected to fill that office, and upon the 1st 
of January, 1870, he assumed its duties. 
After serving his term of two years, he 
was three times re-elected, serving con- 
secutively eight years, when he stepped 
down and out to give place to a successor. 

J. W. Elder was elected to the office 
next, entering upon the official duties 
with the beginning of the year 1878. He 
served two years, going out of office the 
last of 1879. 

M. L. Fuller succeeded Mr. Elder, serv- 
ing from January, 1880, to January, 1882. 
Mr. Fuller is still a resident of this 
county. A well educated, capable man, 
who has filled several official stations with 
credit to himself, he well merits the re- 
spect of all. 

John Christie, Jr., the present county 
auditor, was again elected to fill this im- 
portant office at the election in the fall of 
1881. He assumed the administration of 
the office with the incoming year 1882, 
and has faithfully discharged the duties 
thereof. At the election of October, 1883, 
he was re-elected to be his own successor. 

John Christie, Jr., county auditor, and 
one of the early settlers of Hancock 



;V 



_J 9 



liL 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



615 



county, was born in Ontario, Canada, 
March 5, 1841. His parents, John and 
Agnes (Craik) Christie, were natives of 
Scotland, and emigrated to Canada. 
When seventeen years of age he went 
with his parents to Iowa Co., Wis.; and 
on June 10, 1861, he came to Hancock Co., 
Iowa. On the 18th day of August, 1862, 
he enlisted in company B, 32d Iowa Vol- 
unteer Infantry. His regiment was en- 
gaged at Fort De Russy, Pleasant Hill, 
Tupelo, Old Town Creek, Nashville and 
other battles ; and he was mustered out 
at Memphis, Term., in May, 1865. After 
the close of the war, Mr. Christie re- 
turned to this county. In 1867 he was 
married to Polly E. Robbins, a daughter 
of Daniel Robbins, and a native of New 
York State. Mr. and Mrs. Christie have 
five children — Florence L., Agnes E., "Su- 
san, John S. and Mabel. In 1869 Mr. 
Christie was elected county auditor, hold- 
ing the office for eight consecutive years. 
In 1SSI, he was again elected to the office 
of county auditor, and re-elected in 1883. 
At the time of building the court house 
he was a member of the board of super- 
visors, and took an active interest in it. 
Mr. Christie is a Master Mason. 

TREASURER AND RECORDER. 

At the organization of the county, this 
was one of the officers chosen, and Reu- 
ben Church was unanimously elected 
to fill this dual office. He at once as- 
sumed the duties thereof, July 1, 1858, 
and continued to fulfill the position 
to the eminent satisfaction of all. He 
was re-elected his own successor at each 
recurring election until January, 1862, 
when he stepped aside for a successor. 



He has since left this State and lives in 
Nebraska. 

Jacob Ward was elected to these offices, 
and entered upon their duties, January, 
1864. He served until the first of the 
year 1866. "Uncle Jake," as he was fa- 
miliarly called by nearly all, was one of 
the early settlers of Hancock county, a 
man of positive character, widely known 
and universally respected. It is re- 
ported of him that he was an active par- 
ticipant in all political and social life. 
Large hearted, generous and hospitable, he 
was just the man for a pioneer settlement. 
In the cyclone that devastated part of this 
county, in June, 1881, he was the un- 
happy victim, being killed in his own door- 
yard. An account of this storm may be 
found elsewhere, so it is needless to speak 
of it farther in this connection. Mr. 
Ward was an honored member of the 
Clear Lake Masonic Lodge, and under its 
auspices his funeral was conducted. 

COUNTY TREASURER. 

In October, 1865, H. N. Brockway was 
elected county treasurer, and was the first 
to serve in that office after its separation 
from that of recorder. He went into 
office January, I860. He was re-elected 
in October, 1867, and served, in all, three 
years, resigning the office to accept the 
position of judge of the circuit court, 
under which head a more extended notice 
of him may be found. 

At the election that elevated Judge 
Brockway to the woolsack, John Maben 
was appointed to fill the vacancy caused 
by the resignation of the former. He 
was re-elected his own successor in 1869, 
1871,1873, 1875,1877 and 1 879, serving 
in this capacity thirteen years. 



;** 



616 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Thomas Hymer was the next incumbent 
of the office, assuming the reins of that 
department of the county government, 
January, 1882. 

Thomas Hymer is one of the prominent 
men of this county who deserves special 
mention in this work He is a native of 
Grant Co., Wis., born May 14, 1828. His 
parents, Adam and Mary (Kendall) Hymer, 
were old settlers of Grant Co., Wis. He 
was reared in his native county and when 
eighteen years of age, engaged in the 
lead smelting business, which he followed 
until 1877. He then came to Britt and 
engaged in the lumber business being the 
first lumber merchant in thatcity. At the 
time of his arrival in Britt he purchased 
a farm and was also engaged in farming. 
He disposed of his lumber business in 
1879, and then turned his entire attention 
to farming. He has a good farm of 240 
acres, and is quite an extensive dealer in 
Shorthorn cattle. He was elected county 
treasurer in 1881, which office he held till 
January 1884. He was married June 15, 
1851, to Mary J. Uren ,a native of England. 
They have five children — Horace, Westly, 
Frank, Mack and Bessie. Mr. Hymer's 
father is a native of Scotland, and his 
mother of Pennsylvania. 

In 1883 John Maben was again elected 
to the office of county treasurer and is the 
present incumbent. 

John Maben settled in Hancock Co , 
Iowa, in 1855. He was a son of Benjamin 
and Diadama (Buell) Maben, and was 
born June 16, 1824, in Green Co., N. Y. 
His father was a soldier in the War of 
1812. John was reared on his father's 
farm, receiving a limited education. 
When twenty-one years of age he left the 



'parental roof and started out in the world 
to battle for himself, going to Stephenson 
Co, III., then a sparsely settled county, 
and purchasing land from the government, 
near Yellow creek, and opening up a farm. 
In 1848 he returned to New York, where 
he was married to Zurviah Hunt. He 
then returned to Stephenson county. In 
April, 1851, Mrs. Maben died, leaving one 
child — Charles B., now one the enterpris- 
ing business men of Minneapolis, Minn., 
where he is engaged in the real estate 
business. Subsequently Mr. Maben mar- 
ried Mary A. Curran. Five children 
blessed this union — Jay D., John O, H. 
G., Mary I), and W. Eddie. In 1854 Mr. 
Maben sold his farm in Illinois and moved 
to Iowa, spending the first winter in Ben- 
ton county, and in September, 1855, com- 
ing to Hancock county, where he has since 
resided. His first settlement in the county 
was on sections 12 and 13, Madison town- 
ship. He now resides at Garner, Concord 
township. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Maben 
was appointed sheriff to fill a vacancy, 
and in 1863 he received the election, at 
the same time being elected county super- 
visor, which office he held six years. In 
December, 1868, he was appointed treas- 
urer and elected recorder, and in 1879 was 
elected to the office of treasurer, which 
office he held until 1881, being thirteen 
consecutive years. In October, 1883, he 
was again elected treasurer. Mr. Maben 
has been prominently identified with 
Hancock county for a quarter of a century, 
and probably no one is better known by 
old and young alike than he. 

Robert Elder, deputy county treasurer, 
was born in Clearfield Co., Penn., Feb. 
23, 1838. In the spring of 1861 he went 



;nr 



<f«- 



ik 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



617 



to Belmond, Wright Co., Iowa, where his 
brother, J. M. Elder, had previously lo- 
cated. He remained there a short time, 
then returned to Pennsylvania, where he 
was married to Henrietta Bloom, daugh- 
ter of Isaac Bloom, of Clearfield county. 
In the spring of 1866 he came to Han- 
cock Co., Iowa, settling in Avery town- 
ship and engaging in farming, lie came 
to Garner in 1870, building one of the 
first dwelling houses in the city. He was 
employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad Company as agent for 
this station. In 1872 Mr. Elder built the 
Fehly House. In 1881 he was appointed 
to his present position. Mr. Elder is a 
Master Mason, and a member of Bethel 
Lodge, No. 319, at Garner. 

COUNTY RECORDER. 

After the separation of the offices of 
treasurer and recorder, at the beginning 
of the year 1865, A. D. Iliams was elevat- 
ed to the office of recorder and held it 
two years. Lambert B. Bailey assumed 
the duties of this office Jan. 1, 1867, he 
having been elected at the previous elec- 
tion; he served two years, when he was 
called upon to hand over the office and 
records to John Maben, which he did the 
1st of January, 1869. Mr. Maben served 
a term of two years, also, when he, too, 
retired, to enter upon the duties of county 
treasurer. At the election of 1871, L. B. 
Bailey was again elected to fill this most 
responsible position, which he has done 
to the infinite satisfaction of everybody. 
He has been re-elected at every succeed- 
ing election his own successor, and is the 
present incumbent. 

L. B. Bailey, county recorder of Han- 
cock county, is a native of Licking Co., 



Ohio, where he was born Jan. 24, 1837. 
His parents' were John A. and Nancy 
(Washburn) Bailey, who emigrated from 
northern New York, in 1834, to Ohio. 
Here L. B. Bailey grew to manhood, re- 
ceiving an academic education. In 1859 
he went to Douglas Co., III., where he 
was engaged in teaching school. In 1861 
he went to Waupaca, Wis., where he still 
followed the same pursuit. In 1864 he 
came to Hancock Co., Iowa, and settled at 
what is known as Bailey's Grove, which 
took its name from the Bailey family, 
who were the first actual settlers at that 
place. In the fall of 1864 he returned to 
Wisconsin, where he was married to Miss 
F. A. Cain. Three children blessed this 
union — Charlie, Edwin and George. In 
the fall of 1866 he was elected recorder 
of this county. In 1868 he was elected 
as clerk of the district court. In 1869 he 
was appointed as county superintendent 
of schools to fill vacancy. In 1870 he 
was again elected to the office of recorder, 
which office he has since held. Mr. 
Bailey is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, Bethel Lodge, No. 319, Chapter at 
Mason City, No. 46, and Antioch Com- 
mandery, No. 43. 

CLERK OF THE COURTS. 

This office was in existence at the time 
of the organization of Hancock county. 
At the first election therein, June 28, 
1858, George Louppe was elected clerk of 
the courts for this county. He held this 
office until January, 1861, when he gave 
place for a successor. Mr. Louppe left 
Hancock county years ago, and now re- 
sides in Jasper county, this State. 

C. D. Pritchard was Mr. Louppe's suc- 
cessor, assuming the duties of the office in 



^ 



•£. 



618 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



January, 1861, and serving for two years. 
Mr. Pritchard was one of the early mem- 
bers of the Hancock county bar, under 
which heading a more extended sketch of 
him may be found. 

In January, 1863, Charles C. Doolittle 
took upon himself the responsibilities of 
this office, having been elected thereto 
the previous election. He served the 
county in this capacity for two years, and 
then gave way to a successor. 

James M. Elder was next elected clerk 
of the courts, serving four years, from 
January, 1865. 

L. B. Badey, the present recorder, was 
elected clerk of the courts in November, 
1868, and served his county in that office 
a term of two years. 

In October, 1870, C. C. Doolittle was 
again elected to this office, and has made 
so good an officer that the people of the 
county have continued him in it. He 
has been elected his own successor when- 
ever his term had expired, and is the 
present incumbent. 

C. C. Doolittle, clerk of the circuit and 
district courts of Hancock county, was 
born in Oswego Co., N. Y., on the 18th 
day of December, 1833. His parents were 
Dr. John B. and Sophronia (Blakesley) 
Doolittle, natives of New York State. 
His father was of the old Thompsonian 
school, and followed the practice of medi- 
cine for many years. He was an ardent 
supporter of the old whig party, taking an 
active interest in all Presidential cam- 
paigns. When the subject of our sketch 
was eight years old his mother died, and 
his father married Maria Yurk. In 1866 
he came to Mason City, Iowa, where he 
died two years later. The subject of this 



sketch, when fifteen years old, entered a 
printing office. On Jan. 8, 1859, he was 
married to Malissa Coon, by whom he had 
six children — Harry H., Hattie A., Eddie 
E.. Lois S., Luke C. and Lydia S. In 187u 
he was elected to the office of clerk of the 
courts, which office he has held since. 
Mr. Doolittle is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge, and also a member of the Chapter 
at Mason City. 

SHERIFF. 

The first sheriff of Hancock county was 
Benoni Haskins, who was elected in June, 
1858, entering upon the duties of the 
office immediately. He served about 
eighteen months. Mr. Haskins has re- 
moved from the county and is a resident 
of Oregon. 

At the October election of 1.-61, C. M. 
Church was elected sheriff, and qualified 
for the office on the 1st of January follow- 
ing. Mr. Church is a resident of Avery 
township, this county, at the present time. 

B. A. Hill was next elected to the office, 
but held it for but a short time, he resign- 
ing and moving away from the county. 

In October, 1862, John Maben, one of 
the pioneers of the county, was elected to 
the office of sheriff, to fill the vacancy. 
He made so good an officer that he was 
re-elected in 1863 for a full term, which 
he served so well that he was bidden to 
"go up higher." A sketch of Mr. Maben 
may be found under the head of county 
treasurer, a position he held so long and 
performed so well. 

A. Yarrington was the next sheriff of 
Hancock county, entering upon the duties 
of that office in the first of 1866, and 
served some two years. He is now resid- 
ing in the southern part of Iowa. 



•^* «~ 






4. 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



619 



J. H. Beadle succeeded Yarrington and 
served two terms, or four years, from 
January, 1868, to January, 1872. 

J. H. Beadle was born Sept. 18, 1837, 
in Vermont. In May, 1857, he came to 
Worth Co., Iowa, settling at Bristol, 
where he lived until 1858, then removed 
to Forest City, Winnebago county. ■ He 
moulded and burnt the first brick ever 
made in Winnebago county, also assisted 
in making the bricks for the court house 
ami Clark Hotel at Forest City. When 
Abraham Lincoln was first elected he was 
south, at Vicksburg. Miss., but came home 
to Iowa in December, 1861. He enlisted 
in company C, 12th United States Infan- 
try, and served till April 27, 1865, being- 
discharged at Fort Hamilton, New York 
Rubor. He participated in the second 
battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, An- 
tietam and Fredericksburg, also at thi 
battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg anil 
every principal engagements in the east, 
was with Grant forty days in the Wilder 
ness, then was taken prisoner at the battle 
of Weldon Railroad, in front of Peters 
burg, Aug. 18, 1864, remaining in prison 
till February, 1865. He was confined in 
Libby, Belle Isle and Salzburg prisons. 
After being discharged he returned to 
Iowa, where he has since resided, in El- 
lington township, Hancock county. He 
has 320 acres of good land, well improved, 
making stock raising a specialty, raising 
grain only for fattening purposes. In 
1867 he was elected sheriff of Hancock 
county, serving till 1 <^7 1 . Jan. 1, 1866, 
he married Lucy C. Streator, born in July, 
1840, in Illinois. There are eight chil- 
dren—Ernest J., Lottie L., Laura A., 



Thomas Z., Lillie L., Percy V., Archie 
and Harry. Mr. Beadle is a republican. 
John Veits, the next sheriff, was elected 
in October, 1871, and served four years, 
also, from January, 1872, to January, 

1876. He is still a resident of the county. 
H. M. Bradstreet was the next sheriff 

of the county, having been elected in Oc- 
tober, 1 S 7 5 . After serving two years in 
that capacity, he was succeeded by a new 
officer and has since removed to Nebraska. 
W. C. Moak, the present sheriff, was 
elected first at the October election of 

1877, and has been re-elected his own suc- 
cessor ever since. Having served six 
years, the people of the county, feeling 
that they had in him a good, faithful 
officer, at the October election, elected 
him for another term of office. 

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 

The various gentlemen who have offi- 
ciated in this capacity, are treated of at 
length, in the chapter upon educational 
matters, to which the reader is referred. 

OOU JTY SURVEYOR. 

The first surveyor of this county was 
Charles R. Wright, who entered into the 
office July 1, 1858. He held the position 
until September, 1859, when he died, lie 
was a man of most excellent education, in 
fact one of the best scholars that have 
ever settled in this locality. Endowed 
with great natural abilities, and careful 
training, it was no wonder he made a first- 
class officer, and his work is still the ad- 
miration of all, and the basis of all othpr 
surveys, made since. 

Bernard Bolsinger, one of the pioneers 
of Hancock county, was the next surveyor, 
being elected in October, 1859, and re- 
elected in 1861. A straight-forward man, 



*? 



620 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



of limited accomplishments he managed 
to transact the little business of that period. 
He, some years ago, emigrated to Oregon, 
where he has since died. 

James Crow was called on to take the 
compass and chain, which he did for the 
first time, on the 1st of January, 1864. He 
was re-elected in 1865 and 1867, serving 
in this office for six years. Mr. Crow 
was one of the best known men in the 
community, was surveyor, lawyer, land 
agent and what not, and did everything 
in a handy manner. He also has left 
Hancock county and is living at Brule 
City, Dakota. 

Eugene Marshall was Mr. Crow's suc- 
cessor in this office, assuming the duties 
, lereof, January, 1870, and served for two 
years. 

W. C. Moak, was surveyor from the 1st 
of January, 1872, until January, 1878. 

C. C. Way was next elected to fill the 
office of surveyor. He was duly qualified 
and entered upon that office, January, 
1878. 

Chandler C. Way, banker and land 
agent, was born Oct. 22, 1837, in Chester 
Co., Penn. His parents, Isaac and Eliza 
(Hall) Way, were also natives of Chester 
county. Chandler was reared in his 
native county, and there received his 
education. In 1855 he engaged for two 
years with an engineering corps on the 
Philadelphia & Baltimore Central Rail- 
road. In 1857 he carae west, locating in 
McDonough Co., 111., where he taught 
school for three years. He then became 
engaged in the stock business, in which 
he continued until 1865, when, in April 
of that year, he came to Hancock Co., 
Iowa, locating at Ellington. The follow- 



ing fall he was elected county superin- 
tendent of schools, serving two years. 
Mr. Way then became engaged in the 
real estate business, with which he was 
identified until 1870. He then removed 
to Portland, Oregon, but after a residence 
of two years there he returned to Elling- 
ton, Iowa. In 1876 Mr. Way accepted a 
position as traveling agent with the Sioux 
City & St. Paul Land Department, with 
whom he remained one year. He then 
removed to Concord, Iowa, being engnged 
in the real estate business until 1879, 
after which he came to Britt and engaged 
in the banking and real estate business 
here. Mr. Way is a member of the 
county board of supervisors, and from 
1877 to 1882, was county surveyor. He 
is also a member of the board of alder- 
men of Britt. Mr. Way was united in 
marriage Oct. 5, 1859, with Georgiana 
Robinson, a native of New York. They 
have five children — Thomas A., Edsel, 
Byard, Stilyel and Clara W. 

J.M. Elder was elected in October. 1882, 
to this office and is the present incumbent. 

J. M. Elder, a pioneer settler of Con- 
cord township, was born in Center Co., 
Penn., Sept. 11, 1832. His parents were 
James and Margaret (Walters) Elder. 
His father was a farmer and an earnest 
supporter of the democratic party. Mr. 
Elder was reared on his father's farm, 
and educated in the common schools and 
Cherrytree Academy. Iti 1855 he left, 
his native State and came west, settling 
in Belmond, Wright Co., Iowa. He pro- 
cured employment on a farm, receiving a 
salary of $13 per month. In December. 
1860, he was married to Mary E. Rogers, 
daughter of James Rogers, formerly of 



>&+ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



621 



Stephenson Co., 111., now deceased. Three 
children blessed this union, two of whom 
are living — Maud R. and Jennie E. In 
1861 Mr. Elder came to Hancock county 
and settled at Upper Grove, where he was 
engaged in teaching school. In 1865 he 
was elected to the office of county clerk, 
and soon after removed to Concord, where 
some small buildings had been erected for 
county offices. In 1866 he was re-elected 
to the same office. He has also held sev- 
eral local offices of trust. Mrs. Elder 
died Aug. 7, 1880. Mr. Elder came to 
this county in limited circumstances, but 
by fair dealing and judicious manage- 
ment, he has accumulated a comfortable 
property, and is now one of the prosper- 
ous men of the county. 

CORONER. 

At the time of the first election, in 
1858, for some reason, no coroner wa> 
elected, nor was it until in October, 1859, 
that it was thought necessary to elect one 
Charles Church was then chosen to fill 
the station, which, while not considered 
a very exalted one, yet it is a very im- 
portant part of the machinery of county 
government. Mr. Church assumed the 
functions of the station, the beginning of 
the year 1860, and held it for three years. 

Benoni Haskins was the immediate suc- 
cessor of Mr. Church, going into office, 
January, 186:5, and served two years, until 
the beginning of the year 1865. 

S. Whitcombe came next as coroner, 
being first inducted into office in January, 
1866. He was re-elected twice — once in 
1867 and again in 1869, serving a contin- 
uous term of six years. Mr. Whitcombe 
is still a resident of the county. 



Dr. J. Muncey was elected coroner and 
entered upon the duties of that office the 
fore part of the year 1872. He did not 
stay in this part of the State long enough 
to fulfill the duties of the office any 
length of time. He was a physician who 
had made a temporary location in the 
western part of the county. 

After Dr. Muncey had left, J. H. Beadle 
was elected to fill the vacancy, assuming 
the office at the beginning of 1873, and 
holding it for one year. 

R. W. Noble was elected to fill this 
office at the October election, 1873 Serv- 
ing for two years, he then gave way to 
his successor. Mr. Noble is still a resi- 
dent of Garner. 

Dr. Z. C.Green succeeded Mr. Noble on 
the 1st of January, 1876, and being re- 
elected, served the county in this capac- 
ity four years, fie left the county some 
time since and now lives in Wright 
county. 

Dr. Hartley Hesket was chosen to per- 
forin the functions of coroner, and en- 
tered upon the duties of the office Janu- 
ary 1, 1880, and served two years. Dr. 
Hesket is at present a resident of the 
town of Corwith, in this county. 

In 1881, Dr. H. W. Smith was elected 
to the office of county coroner, but failed 
to qualify, hence there is no officer of the 
kind in the county. 

DRAINAGE COMMISSIONERS. 

James C. Bonar, one of the prominent 
figures in the foreground of our pioneer 
picture, was at the first election, June 28, 
1858, elected to fill this office. He served 
but about eighteen months, which was 
the term for which he was elected. Mr. 



^ 



•Msl. 



9W" 



622 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Bonar has left the county, and is living at 
present in the State of Minnesota. 

January, 1860, H. H. Hice was invested 
with the dignity of this office, and served 
one year. He has long since left the 
county for parts unknown. 

Benoni Haskins, also, served one year 
in the office of drainage commissioner, 
from Jan. 1, 1861. 

Jacob Ward, too, was the incumbent of 
"lis office one year commencing with Jan. 
i, 1862. 

C. D. Pritchard, was another who held 
this position. He occupied it from Jan. 
1, 1863, one year. 



Charles Bice was the next incumbent, 
who, taking the office, Jan. 1, 1864, served 
three years. Mr. Bice, years ago, de- 
parted from the precincts of Hancock 
county, and now lives at Brule City, Uak. 

John Christie, Sr., also filled the office 
four years, commencing January, 1868. 

Wesley Hayes occupied this office one 
year, that of 1872. He is still a resident 
of the county. 

Luke Nichols was the last drainage 
commissioner, the office being abolished 
during his term of office. He was elected 
at the October election of 1872. 



CHAPTER XI. 



EDUCATIONAL. 



Although a new and, as yet, a sparsely 
settled county, it is in respect to its edu- 
cational facilities, not far in the rear of 
many older districts, and is fully up with 
the average of Iowa's counties. The 
present mode of government of the pub- 
lic schools differs much from early days, 
and is a great improvement, and must be 
considered as filling all the requirements 
of the present, although by no means en- 
tirely perfect. There are, as yet, some weak 
points in the educational system which 
prove in many cases, very inconvenient, 
if not exasperating. The law provides for 
the organization of what is termed dis- 



trict townships, which are divided by the 
local board into sub-districts. The district 
township, as the name implies, is a town- 
ship organized for educational purposes. 
All of the sub-districts are a part of the 
whole, and the finances and all business 
matters of one and all are manag< d by 
the board of directors, made up of one 
from each sub-district. Thus one district 
cannot make up their minds to vote a tax 
and build a school house which may be 
sadly needed, unless the whole township 
agrees that the tax can be levied; a school 
teacher cannot be engaged by the sub- 
district where he or she is to teach, but 



5>|V 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



623 



the whole township has a voice in it, and 
thus one teacher with a hard school to 
teach, and fifty scholars, must receive the 
same compensation as the teacher with 
an easy school and five pupils. To partly 
rectify this opening for injustice, the law 
provides for the organization of the sub- 
districts into independent districts, or in 
other words, gives them power to choose 
their own board of directors and officers 
in whom is vested all the powers held by 
officers of the district township. It als ■ 
provides for the erection of school house- 
by the independent districts, but modifies 
this by the declaration that there must be 
fifteen scholars of school age in the dis- 
trict before this can be dime. Sometimes, 
much injustice grows out of these com- 
plications, but human laws are almost 
always faulty, and the school laws of the 
State of Iowa, are among the best in the 
world, or are at least so regarded. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 

This office was created by act of Assem- 
bly during the spring of 1858, and was to 
supercede the old office of school fund 
commissioner. The first to fill this re- 
sponsible position was Grove R. Maben, 
whose term of office commenced with his 
election in July, 1858, at the date of the 
organization of the county. At this same 
'time the district townships, which had 
concurrent boundaries with the civil town- 
ships of Madison and Avery, were organ- 
ized. In the following fall, Madison voted 
a tax of five mills, and Avery a tax of ten 
mills, on the dollar, of taxable properly, 
for the purpose of building school houses. 
Mr. Maben is entitled to the credit for the 
arduous task he was called upon to per- 
form in perfecting the organization of the 



educational matters of the county. He 
held the office until the 1st of January, 
1 860, when he retired to make room for 
his successor. 

Charles Gillespie was Mr. Maben's suc- 
cessor, and entered upon the duties of the 
office with the year 1860. This he held 
for one year, when he, in turn, gave place 
to another. 

Charles Church was the next county 
superintendent, entering that office Jan. 
1, 1801, and served one year. 

James M. Elder was elected at the fall 
election of 1861, but failed to qualify and 
James Crow was appointed by the board 
of supervisors, to fill the vacancy. He 
held the office until relieved by his suc- 
cessor at the beginning of the year 1863, 
having served one year, to the satisfac- 
tion and credit of himself and friends. 

James M. Elder was again elected, by 
the suffrages of his fellow electors of the 
county, in October, 1 862, and entered upon 
his official functions, upon the 1st day of 
1«63, and served in this capacity, in an 
able manner, for two years. A sketch of 
Mr. Elder may be found under the head 
of clerk of the courts, a position he held 
at a later date. 

M. L. Fuller was Mr. Elder's immedi- 
ate successor, and who took up the duties 
pertaining to the office, at the beginning 
of the year 1864. A good faithful officer, 
he did much good to the cause of educa- 
tion during his term of only two years. 

The next superintendent of schools was 
C. C. Way, who served in this official ca- 
pacity, from January, 1866, until the ex- 
piration of his term, the last of Decem- 
ber, 186V. 



Vis »* 



» V 




024 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUKTY. 



C. Boughton was elected to the office 
of superintendent of schools, by a unani- 
mous vote, at the election of October. 1867, 
and assumed the official baton, the first of 
the following year, and served but a por- 
tion of his term. 

Jan. 1, 1807, the office of superintend 
ent being vacant, the hoard of supervi- 
sors of Hancock county appointed that 
able and capable officer, Lambert B. 
Bailey, to fill the vacancy. He served 
until the year was out for which he was 
appointed, and then gave way to his suc- 
cessor. Mr. Bailey for many years filled 
the position of county recorder. 

A. R. Barnes was Mr. Bailey's succes- 
sor. His term of office commencing Jan- 
uary, 1870, and lasted two years. An able 
educator, the good effects of his adminis- 
tration are traceable to this day in the 
educational interests of this, his adopted 
county. 

B. F. Scott was the next to don the offi- 
cial toga, which he did at the beginning 
of 1872, serving the people in this capaci- 
ty for two years. 

A. R. Barnes was again elected to the 
office, and again served in this capacity 
for two years, from January, 1876. 

A. R. Barnes, cashier of the Hancock 
County Bank, was born in Carroll Co., 
Ind., July 22, 1846. His mother died 
when he was but six years old, and the 
home being thereby broken up, his father 
soon moved to Iowa. He located in 
Washington, and was one of the leading- 
business men of that place for some four- 
teen years. He was one of the founders 
of Washington College, which flourished 
for a few years and was finally blown 



down by a tornado, in 1864. Its finan- 
cial condition was such that it was 
never rebuilt. Mr. Barnes received 
his education .in it, and in 1864 en- 
listed in company B, 45th Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry, and served until the close 
of the war. In I860 he was married to 
Helen N. Mitchell, with whom he emi- 
grated to Hancock Co., Iowa, in March, 
1868. Four children blessed this union — 
Mary II., Winnifred E., Anna M. and 
Helen N. In 1809 he was elected to the 
office of superintendent of public schools 
for Hancock county, for the term of two 
years. To this position he was again 
elected in 1872. Mr. Barnes was success- 
fully engaged in the mercantile business 
in Garner for a period of nine years, end- 
ing in 1880, in the fall of which year 
Mrs. Barnes died. She was a consistent 
member of the United Presbyterian 
Church, and died in full hope of a glori- 
ous immortality beyond the grave. Mr. 
Barnes was one of the founders of the B. 
& B. creamery, which did much toward 
developing the stock interests of the 
county. He was married, in the fall of 
1881, to Olivia M. Sturgeon, of Keota, 
Washington Co., Iowa. He was twice 
elected to the office of mayor, town of 
Garner. Mr. Barnes was continuously 
identified with the Sabbath school inter- 
ests of his town and county, and his con- 
tinued enthusiasm and zeal in this part of 
the Master's work did much to mould the 
character of the society of that section. 

M. L. Fuller was again called on by his 
fellow citizens to occupy the position of 
head of the schoolastic interests of the 
county. Entering upon the duties of the 
office at the beginning of 1878, he dis- 



^ 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



625 



charged them with fidelity for two years 
more. 

A. C. Ripley, one of the legal fraternity 
of Hancock county, assumed this office 
with the opening of 1880 and gave infinite 
satisfaction to all by his intelligent man- 
agement of the affairs pertaining then m 
to. An extended sketch of this gentleman 
may be found in the chapter devoted to 
the bar of Hancock county, where he 
properly belongs. 

Samuel Sturgeon, the present superin- 
tendent of county schools, was elected at 
the regular fall election of 1K81, and en- 
tered upon the function of that office the 
following January. After serving one 
term of two years, he was re-elected in 
October, 1883, for another term. 

S. Sturgeon, superintendent of public 
schools of Hancock county, was born in 
Keokuk Co., Iowa, April 15, 1850. His 
father, William J. Sturgeon, is a native 
of New Brunswick. He emigrated to 
Keokuk Co., Iowa, in 1845, where he mar- 
ried Mrs. Mary Burnside, widow of James 
Burnside. He purchased land and en- 
gaged in farming, in Washington county, 
where he still lives. S. Sturgeon was 
reared on his father's farm, receiving an 
academical education. He was married 
March 20, 1873, to Flora H. Doty, daugh- 
ter of Roswell and Esther Doty, of New 
England. Her parents emigrated to Ohio 
at an early day, and in 1854 removed to 
to Clinton Co., Iowa, and in a few years 
to Keokuk county, where Mr. Doty still 
resides. Mr. Sturgeon came to Hancock 
county in 1878, where himself and wife 
were engaged in teaching. In the fall of 
1881 he was elected superintendent and 
in 18^3 re-elected. Mr. and Mrs. Stur- 



geon are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. They have one child — John R. 

DEVELOPMENT. 

From the time of the organization of 
the county, the number of school districts 
has gradually increased, and educational 
facilities have become more and more 
efficient. A marked contrast may be 
found to exist between the time of the 
first schools and the present, and a slight 
sketch of the growth of the schools of 
the county would not be improper in this 
connection. 

As a starting point, the report of the 
first county superintendent of schools, G. 
R. Maben, is here inserted. This report 
was filed with the county judge, M. I'. 
Rosecrans, upon the 27th of November, 
1858, and is as follows: 

First annual report of the county super- 
intendent for 1858: 

Number uf districts in county 2 

Number scholars between five and twenty- 
one years of :ige 47 

Number of schools taught the past year 

Number of volumes in libraries of schools. . 

Amount of money expended 

Number of male scholars in Avery district.. . 17 
Number of female scholars in Avery district. 12 
Number of mule scholars in Madison district 8 
Numberof female scholaisiu Madison district 10 
I hereby certify that the foregoing 
statement is correct. 

G. R. Maben, 
County Superintendent. 
In the fall of 1858, as has been stated, 
the two district townships had voted a 
tax toward raising a fund with which to 
erect suitable school buildings. In addi- 
tion to this the State apportionment was 
received early in 1859, and amounted to 
the sum of $371.18. This was divided by 
the county judge, who was, ex-officio, the 



-7B 



K* 



*4?=^ 



iu 



626 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



head of government, as follows: To 
Avery district the sum of $228.95; to 
Madison, $142.1 1. 

In 1860 there were in the county of 
Hancock, between the ages of five and 
twenty-one years, thirty-one males and 
thirty-three females. In 1862 five dis- 
tricts are reported to have been organized, 
having the following number of a legal 
school age in each: 

Avery, twenty-eight; Madison, twelve; 
Amsterdam, fifteen; Ellington, two sub- 
districts, thirty-one; all making a total of 
eighty-six scholars. 

In 1872 there were in the county 527 
between the same ages, divided as follows: 
Avery, district township, twenty-nine; 
Amsterdam, seventy-nine; Concord, 105; 
Crystal, thirty -seven; Ellington, 197; 
Madison, eighty. 

PRESENT CONDITION. 

From the last report of the county 
superintendent, a number of items have 
been collected which will show conclu- 
sively the present condition of educational 
matters in Hancock county: 



report or 1883. 
Nnmber of district townships in the 

county 16 

Number of independent districts 

Number of sub-districts 14 

Tot ill number of districts 30 

Number of ungraded schools in the 

county 67 

Number of rooms in graded schools ... 6 

Average term of school in the county. . ' 7 

Number of male teachers engaged 21 

Number of female teachers engaged. ... 99 

Total number of teachers 120 

Total number of children enrolled in 

the schools 1,078 

Total average attendance 743.9 

Average cost of tuition per month, per 

pupil $380 

Number of school houses in the county 65 

Frame 63 

Brick 2 

Total value of houses $27, 225 

Total value of apparatus $4,063 

Total number of certificates issued in 

1883 139 

First grade'. 48 

Second grade 51 

Third grade 40 

Number of applicants rejected 10 

Averag" age of female applicants 21 

Average age of male applicants 31 

Number of volumes in library 150 



^=^rV* 



i 



sjj- 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



627 



CHAPTER XII 



THE PRESS. 



The inception of journalism dates from 
remote ages. The institution, now known 
as the newspaper, was preceded nearly a 
thousand years by manuscript publica- 
tions, in which the accounts of public oc- 
currences in the Queen city of the world 
— Rome, were made known to the public. 
These were known by the name of "Acta 
Diurna;" but their issue was irregular 
and without sequence, and often entirely 
suspended in times of scarcity of news. 
The editor, as far as is known, did not en- 
tirely devote himself to this business, but 
engaged in some other callingor indulged 
during leisure hours, in the sports of the 
day. 

But little advancement or progress was 
made from this early prototype of the 
press, until 1622, the date of the birth of 
the first publication worthy the name of 
newspaper. For years prior to this time, 
the mental appetite of medieval and mod- 
em Europe had subsisted upon periodical 
manuscript literature. In England, the 
written news-letter, furnished only at such 
fabulous prices that only the rich could 
afford it, was, for a long time, in vogue. 
This news pamphlet was the nearest ap- 
proach to the newspaper that had obtained 
up to 1622; when, as has been said, the 
first regular series of newspapers was 
born. In that year the Weekly News from 



Italie and Oermanie, made its salutatory 
to the London public. It was printed 
upon a mechanical contrivance, perfected 
by Nathaniel Butler, who might be 
termed the progenitor of the newspaper 
proper. This contrivance spoken of by 
contemparary writers by that name only, 
is supposed to be the germ from which 
has grown the present improved web per- 
fecting and cylinder presses. This first 
attempt at a newspaper was cru.de and 
weak and no attention was paid to politi- 
cal events until 1641, when the parliment- 
ary reports being inserted in the paper, 
the career of the modern newspaper, may 
be said to have commenced. The first 
advertisement occupied a place in the 
columns in 1648, and was in verse form, 
setting forth the manifold virtues of, the 
then, fashionable tailor of Belgravia. 

The first daily morning newspaper was 
the London Courant, published in 1709, 
and which consisted of only one page of 
two columns, each about five paragraphs 
long, being made up from translations 
from foreign journals, many of them a 
month old. The press now made giant 
strides, and had so taken hold of the pop- 
ular mind, that, before 1760, over 7,000,- 
000 papers were sold annually in Eng- 
land alone. All are familiar with the 
history of the press in our own country, 



^ 



kt 



628 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



from the famous Hoston Newsletter down 
to the present, and it were needless to go 
into any lengthy dissertation thereon. 

The revolutions in journalism during 
the present century have been of so stu- 
peidous a type as to be almost beyond 
comprehension, were we not brought face 
to face with the fact day by day. Nor 
has the press failed to increase in power 
and usefulness. It is an instrument cal- 
culated to elevate and enlighten the peo- 
ple as well as to aid in the enforcement of 
the laws, and the perpetuation of good 
government. It is its mission to make 
wrong-doing odious, by airing the mis- 
deeds of those guilty of crimes against 
law and society; and to point our admir- 
ing gaze at the good anil pure deeds of 
the men of nobility of soul, that should 
demand our respectful homage. 

The first newspaper published in Han- 
cock county was the Hancock /Sentinel. 
This was a journal published at Elling- 
ton, by D. E Coon. The initial number 
was issued during the year 1860. C. C. 
Doolittle, now the clerk of the courts, be- 
ing a disciple of "the art preservative of 
the arts" was in charge of the office. The 
paper ran with varying fortunes until 
1863, when for want of patronage it sus- 
pended. The material that went to make 
up the paper was sold, and is partly inclu- 
ded in the make up of the office of the 
Winnebago County Summit. Out on a 
bleak and almost desolate prairie, this 
office was then established, with scarcely 
paying patronage enough to pay for the 
paper upon which it was printed, its only 
dependence was upon a fat slice of the 
county printing. But little local news was 
to be had and no labored editorials were 



indulged in, and those best informed say 
that the issue was very irregular. No 
copy of this paper is supposed to exist 
within the county, and a more extended 
notice it were impossible to give without 
more data of facts. It would be inter- 
esting, were it in the power of the histor- 
ian, to give some extracts from its col- 
umns, but the dead ashes of oblivion 
cover it from human ken. 

In 1861, a five column folio paper called 
The Lid jiendeiit, was started at the vil- 
lage of Amsterdam, by Brainard and 
Noyes. It is claimed that the prime ob- 
ject of the inception of this journal was 
simply to print the tax list and other 
county printing. If this was so the 
scheme failed for the paper,after sailing' for 
a few months on a stormy sea, grounded 
on the shoals, and was entirely suspended. 
The paper was, or professed to be entirely 
neutral in politics, religion and every- 
thing else, and exerted little if any in- 
fluence on the material development of 
Hancock county. A specimen, as it was, 
of that ephemeral class of papers, that 
are started in all new countries, that have 
a brief existence and then die of pure in- 
anition, from want of support and nourish- 
ment. Mr. Brainard, who was ostensibly 
the head of the concern, is at present pub- 
lishing a paper at Boonesboro, Boone 
county, this State. 

In the spring of 1870, at Concord, the 
county seat of Hancock county, was 
born another journalistic infant. This 
was known as the Hancock county Auto- 
graph. With this euphonious and high 
sounding name, given it by its projectors 
and proprietors, Messrs. Moulton and 
Hamlin, it entered upon a short-lived 



i ""V 



4l^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



629 



career. It was an eight column folio and 
from all reports, fairly edited. But, alas! 
the country was too thinly settled up to 
support so pretentious a child, at that 
date, so after a short life it "gave up the 
ghost," about nine or ten months after its 
initial number was launched. The ma- 
terial was moved to Mason city and after- 
wards helped to print the Mason City 
Express. 

The Hancock Signal, one of the living 
representatives of this county's press, was 
established during the year 1871, by G. 
R. Lanning. The initial number was 
issued on the 12tb of March and the paper 
soon was a recognized factor in the busi- 
ness interests of this neighborhood. Mr. 
Lanning did not remain long, but soon 
after launching his journalistic venture, 
he sold out to Messrs. Haywood & Ma- 
ben — W. C. Haywood and C. B. Maben. 
The latter gentleman was not concerned 
to any large extent in the editorial or 
mechanical management of the paper, 
his interest being merely a financial one. 
But a short time then elapsed before W. 
C. Haywood purchased the share in the 
business held by Mr. Maben and took 
hold of the helm and tried to guide his 
bark — the Signal — into the haven of pros- 
perity, through rough and boisterous seas. 
That he was successful to a large degree, 
it boots not to speak, for the well-known 
prosperity, the influence of the paper, its 
general reputation in the community 
speak in louder tones than mere words. 
However, on the 1st of June, 1883, after 
a ten years voyage, Mr. Haywood saw 
fit to dispose of all his right, title and in- 
terest in the Signal to its present owners, 
Messrs Bush & Elliott. In closing his 



editorial career and surrendering up the 
quill and tripod, Mr. Haywood addressed 
his friends and patrons, sadly and mourn- 
fully thus: 

BUSINESS CHANGES. 

"In this world of business, changes are 
always occurring. Since last week the 
Hancock Signal newspaper and job print- 
ing establishment has changed hands. 
We have sold the same to Messrs. Henry 
II. Bush and Charles Elliott. The former 
is a well and widely known attorney of 
of this place, mayor of the city and chair- 
man of the board of county supervisors. 
He at one time ably represented this dis- 
trict in the Iowa Legislature, lias for 
years been prominently identified with 
our local interests, is a gentleman of well 
recognized ability, public spirited, en- 
terprising and progressive. Charles 
Elliott has been foreman of the Signal 
office since last fall, and also assist- 
ant editor as well as assistant post- 
master. We have known him for some 
years and engaged him at the highest 
salary we ever paid any printer in our em- 
ploy. He is one of the best printers in 
the State, a thorough scholar, a fluent and 
forcible writer, of excellent habits, high 
character, industrious and persevering. 
The two are well calculated to make a 
strong team, and can hardly fail of the full- 
est success within the circuit to which 
their business interests extend. We ask for 
them a continuance of the generous pa- 
tronage and good-will that we have en- 
joyed so long, and trust and expect that 
its circle will be extended rather than 
diminished. 

"Seconded by the business men of Gar- 
ner, the postoffice is allowed to remain 



^ 



V 






630 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



with the paper, which needs its help, and 
we have resigned the office in favor of Mr. 
Bush, that arrangement being mutually 
agreeable in a business way to the new 
proprietors of the paper. 

"We have been publisher of the Signal 
and postmaster in Garner over ten years. 
During this time we have labored honestly 
for the advancement of our town and 
county, its citizens, our patrons, and their 
interests. Willi what effect we leave 
others to judge. We doubtless hive made 
occasional mistakes. 'It is human to err.' 
We have had various little tilts here and 
there, and engaged, at one time and 
another, in wordy wars of no very seri- 
ous results, hut through it all have 
managed to avoid shipwreck, and for the 
most part, have sailed through very smooth 
and tranquil waters. We leave the Sig- 
nal with many regrets. It was a hard 
struggle for us to decide to give it up. 
The business relations and social ties that 
have existed so long between the paper, 
its publisher, and his patrons, are not sev- 
ered without heartfelt regret. There are 
a thousand ties that bind us to the work 
we are leaving, and it would be a heart of 
stone that would not be saddened by the 
thought that each must be broken. Our 
relations with the press of the State have 
existed long and have been friendly to an 
unusual degree. Each of our exchanges 
has grown as familiar as the faces of our 
own household. As we pick up each we 
see hefore us the friendly face and genial 
smile of its proprietor, and through the 
pages scanned each week, for years, have 
grown an acquaintance and friendship we 
value beyond all price To all — business 
patrons, social friends, the craft — we ex- 



tend good wishes for the future, and a 
a sadly cordial farewell. For the present 
we drop the Faber and consign you all to 
the tender mercies of our worthy success- 
ors. Sincerely yours, 

W. C. Haywood." 

The paper is now, as it has been 
from its inception, an eight column folio, 
and well printed. The editorials are 
above the average of the usual inland 
paper, and betray the fact that the high 
encomiums of Mr. Haywood were not all 
"empty words." 

The Independent was started at Garner 
by Messrs. Sargent & Geddes in 1877. 
The first number was issued December 
12, •■ind bore evidence to the brains, abili- 
ty and mechanical skill that had given it 
birth. It was a five column quarto, and 
presented a neat, clean appearance. Mr. 
Geddes was not long a member of the 
firm, but sold out his interest therein to 
John Christie, Jr., the present auditor. 
Mr. Christie, not being a newspaper man, 
never had his name placed at the head of 
the paper, but modestly allowed it to be 
carried on under the flag of his co-partner. 
This, also, was of short duration, for on 
the 12th day of March, 1878, Mr. Christie 
disposed of his interest in the establish- 
ment to Walter Elder, and the firm then 
became Sargent & Elder. Alter more 
than a year of varied fortunes, Mr. Sar- 
gent, in turn, closed out his portion of 
the business, and the firm became Walter 
Elder & Co. Well written editorials, 
sharp, spicy locals, a remarkable neatness 
and ability displayed in the make-up and 
mechanical appearance of the Independent, 
were always and at all times its dis- 
tinguishing features, and which clung to 



Js_ 



«£< 



HISTORY OF HAN-COCK COUNTY. 



631 



it through all its changes unto the end. 
In the spring of 1882 the paper was 
moved to Britt, and there consolidated 
with the Tribune, published in that place. 

The Northwestern Advertiser, a sharp, 
spicy sheet, was instituted by C. B. Ma- 
ben, in 1880, the initial number being 
issued upon the 1 7th of October. The 
paper was "a thorn in the flesh" to all 
who disagreed with it or antagonized its 
precepts. Sharp, witty and ably con- 
ducted, it was one of the institutions of 
the county. In the latter part of 1882 it 
was, however, sold to George E. Frost, of 
Clear Lake, but was suspended that same 
fall, after but a few weeks of life under 
the new management. Mr. Maben, its 
projector, is now located in that rapidly 
growing metropolis of our neighbor State, 
Minnesota, Minneapolis. 

The Hancock County Tribune, one of 
the leading representatives of the press 
of this locality, was instituted by E. E. 
Adams, Dec. 19, 1879, under the name of 
the Britt Tribune. This was a six column 
quarto paper, and continued to run in 
that shape until Oct. 15, 1881, when it 
was consolidated with the Hancock Inde- 
pendent, when the name of the paper was 
changed to its present one, and the pub- 
lishing firm to Adams & Elder, the latter 
being Walter Elder, late proprietor of the 
Independent. This firm was short-lived, 
being dissolved in February, 1S82, Mr. 
Adams continuing the business alone. 
Previous to this, in April, 1881, the size 
and form of the paper was changed to an 



eight-column folio. In August, 1882, it 
underwent a further metamorphosis, being 
changed into a nine-column folio, which 
form it kept until January, 1883, when it 
returned to its former size of eight-column 
folio, with both sides printed at home, 
a form it retains at present. On the 15th 
of October, 1882, Mr. Adams purchased 
the subscription list of the Northwestern 
Iowa Advertiser, and the Tribune may be 
considered as the legitimate successor of 
that sheet. 

Edwin Adams was born in Van Buren 
Co., Iowa, Jan. 12, 1853. In 1860 he went 
to Council Bluffs, remained four years, 
then returned to his native county. In 
December, 1866, he moved to Chickasaw 
county, entering the Courier office as a 
compositor and remaining until March, 
1870. He then went to Grinnell, Iowa, 
attending the Iowa College until March, 
1875, after which he went to Chicago and 
worked in the job office of the Inter Ocean 
for two years, the most of the time being 
in the proof reading department. He 
was then in the Park News Room build- 
ing for two years, after which he went to 
Hopkinton, Iowa, where lie started the 
Tribune. After remaining here one year 
became to Britt where he has since been 
in the newspaper business. He was ap- 
pointed postmaster in November, 1880, an 
office which he still- holds. Mr. Adams 
was married March 20, 1878, to Jennie 
McCullon, a native of Ohio. They have 
one child — Mabel G. Mr. Adams is a 
member of the Congregational Church. 



? 



632 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XIII 



GEOGRAPHY, TOPOGRAPHY AND MISCELLANEOUS. 



The county of Hancock lies in the sec- 
ond tier from the north line of the State 
of Iowa, and about half way between the 
east and west limits of the same. It is 
surrounded by the counties of Winnebago, 
Cerro Gordo, Wright and Kossuth, re- 
spectively on the north, east, south and 
west. Hancock embraces the regulation 
sixteen congressional townships and con- 
tains 576 square miles or 368,640 acres. 

This territory is divided into civil town- 
ships as follows: Ellington, Madison, 
Crystal, Bingham, Ortbel, Britt, Garfield, 
Concord, Ell, German, Erin, Boone, Magor, 
•Amsterdam, Twin Lakes and Avery. 

The surface of Hancock county is beau- 
tifully diversified by fiat and rolling prai- 
rie. In the center the land is generally 
flat, while in the northeast and south the 
land is more of a rolling nature. No bet- 
ter stock or grazing country exists than 
this the northern central part of Iowa. 
As to the soil and geological formation of 
this region, an alluvial deposit, of many- 
feet in depth, overlies a sub-strata of 
gravel or drift, countless yards in depth. 
In fact, the under strata has an almost in- 
calculable extent, as scientific explorers 
reckon it by hundreds of feet. 

It is watered by many small streams, 
that meander through the grassy mead- 
ows like silver ribbons in an emerald set- 



ting, the largest being Lime creek, which 
crosses the northeast corner. Several 
tributaries of the Iowa river, take their 
rise within the boundaries of the county. 
There are several lakes — the largest being 
Eagle lake, near the center, but the finest 
of all is Crystal lake, in the township of 
Crystal. These lakes, generally, abound 
in fish. 

An eminence in the northeast corner, 
partly in Winnebago county, called "Pilot 
Mound," is the highest point of land in 
this part of the State. From the summit 
of this elevation the eye may take in the 
greater portion of the four counties of 
Hancock, Winnebago, Worth and Cerro 
Gordo, with their prairies, groves, lakes, 
streams, farms and villages. 

The northeast part of the county has a 
good supply of timber skirting "Pilot 
Mound," and the borders of Lime creek. 
Some fine groves are also found on the 
Iowa river, in the southeast part, and on 
the borders of several of the lakes. 

The county also contains about 4,000 
acres of peat deposit, or thereabouts, a 
fuel resource that may be resorted to if 
necessary. The deposits are from four to 
ten feet in depth, and are principally in 
the central and western portion of the 
county, but are not utilized at present. 



ip 



9 W- 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



633 



There are no exposures of stratified 
rocks. The only stone to be obtained are 
the huge drift boulders, which are used 
for foundations of buildings. Good brick 
are made in various places. 

The soil is generally a rich dark loam, 
adapted to the various cereals, grasses and 
root crops. The country is well suited 
for stock raising and dairy purposes. 

PRODUCTIONS AND STOCKS. 

The productions are as various and as 
valuable as can be raised anywhere in the 
same climate. Of the great grain staples, 
wheat, for many years, was of primal im- 
portance, but for the last three or four, a 
change has taken place and corn lias as- 
serted its claim to the first place upon the 
list. Cats, barley, potatoes and hay, are 
the principal crops besides the two above 
mentioned. The following table will give 
an idea of the growth of this favored land, 
and demonstrate the supremacy of king 
corn : 

TABLE OF PRODUCTION OF THE TEAR 1874. 

Bushels. 

Wheat.. 70.006 

Com 57, 899 

Oats 48.816 

Potatoes 6,801 

Barley 1,564 

Buckwheat 240 

PRODUCTIONS OF THE TEAR 1879. 

Bushels. 

Corn 255, 598 

Wheat 108 782 

Oats 140,371 

Bailey 12,513 

Potitoes 26,188 

Buckwheat 945 

Hay 8,782 

Since the time of taking this last cen- 
sus, the marvelous growth in the produc- 
tion of two items on the list — potatoes 
and hay — are almost beyond parallel. In 
fact, so stupendous that without reliable 
figures to give as data, the fact would seem 



incredible. The business of baling hay 
of wild prairie grass, has grown in the 
vicinity, to large proportions, and grow- 
ing with the years. 

In the way of stock, Hancock county 
can make as good, if not a better, exhibit 
than any other in the northern half of 
the State, taking into consideration the 
number of inhabitants engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits. A list is here presented, 
showing the comparative numbers of these 
and the amount of production thereof: 

1874. 

Horses in the county 564 

Milch cows in the eountv 805 

Pounds of butler produced 39.934 

Pounds of cheese produced 16,390 

1879. 

Horses owned in county 1,918 

Milch cows owned in county 1,874 

Other cattle owned in county 5,732 

Swine owni d in county 5, 663 

Sheep owned in county 268 

Mules owned in county. 55 

Pounds of butter produced 116. 065 

Pounds of cheese produced 4, 750 

Besides these cattle put down as be- 
longing to the residents of the county, 
countless myriads of foreign stock are 
driven to the counties to the south of 
this, and pastured on the rich ami succu- 
lent grasses indigenous to this local- 
ity. Estimates based upon the observa- 
tion of citizens place this vast herd 
at not less than 15,000 annually. Of 
course, in common with most of those por- 
tions of Iowa where corn is the staple, 
swine are generally raised by the farmer 
and are no unimportant factor in making 
up the yearly income. 

CLIMATE, ETC. 

Sunny Italy or France can boast no 
bluer skies or brighter sunshine than the 
summers and autumns of Iowa, present. 
No! no land 'neath the campv of Heaven. 



If* 



\L 



-el*. 



634 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



The Land is bright and beautiful and 
teeming with health. When the cold of 
winter has wrapped his furry mantle 
round this country, let the thermometer 
register hyperborean cold, yet the exceed- 
ing dryness of the atmosphere renders it 
not only bearable, but pleasant. The 
cold, b'eak winds that sometimes roam 
over these prairies, are alone unpleasant 
and the source of danger to tile luckless 
wight exposed to their merciless fury. In 
point of health, from the best information 
that can be gathered, this county of Han- 
cock is no exception to the general charac- 
ter that the other counties have gained 
for the State. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The Hancock County Agricultural So- 
ciety was organized at Britt on the 13th 
of August, 1881, and the following officers 
chosen for the ensuing year, for the man- 
agement thereof: 

President, George Stabbing, Britt; vice- 
president, Lucien Tuttle, Britt; secretary, 

F. B. Rogers, Britt; treasurer, Thomas 
Daylor, Britt; directors, G. W. Beadle and 

G. R. Maben, Ellington township; James 
Lackore and L. H. Chase, Madison town- 
ship; II. C. Potter, Boone township; Her- 
man Brummund, Magor township; Fred 
Lentz, German township; Thomas Hymer, 
Britt township; Joseph Finch, Garfield 
township; John Burnside, Concord town- 
ship; A. D. White, Avery township; 
J. D. Bailey, Amsterdam township; mar- 
shal, R. B. Pope, Britt. Division superin- 
tendents, A — horses and mules, John 
Burnside; B — Shorthorns, James Elder; 
C — sheep and swine, James Dickirson; 
D — poultry, S. Howland; E — grain and 
vegetables, E. C. Packard; F — manufac- 



tures, J. D. Gillett; G — household manu- 
factures, Mrs. E. C. Packard; H — fruits, 
C. C. Doolittle; I — pantry stores, II. C. 
Potter; J — fancy work, Mrs. C. C. Way. 

At the same lime, the following articles 
of incorporation and constitution were 
adopted : 

Whereas, It is deemed expedient that 
an Agricultural Society should be organ- 
ized in Hancock county in such a manner 
as to become a body corporate under the 
general law of the State of Iowa relative 
to the formation and erection of corpora- 
tions, therefore it is 

Resolved, That George Stubbins, Lucien 
Tuttle, Thomas Daylor, F. B. Rogers, 
John J. Clemens, Mat Johnson, II. E. R. 
Hill, with their present and future associ- 
ates and successors, are hereby constituted 
a body corporate, to continue forty years, 
with the right of renewal and perpetual 
succession under the following 

CONSTITUTION. 

Art. I. This association shall be styled 
The Hancock County Agricultural Socie- 
ty. Its object shall be to advance the 
interests of agriculture, and agricultural 
and mechanical industry, to improve the 
stock and the mind. 

Art. II. The principal place of busi- 
ness shall be at Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, 
and no capital is required other than the 
sum contributed annually by the mem- 
bers. The amount received from the 
State, county, donations, and for life 
memberships, and the proceeds of the an- 
nual exhibitions which can only be used 
for the legitimate objects of the society. 

Art. IV. Any person may become a 
member of this society by the payment of 
$1 annually, or $10 for a life membership. 



IF7 



■^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



635 



The privilege secured by membership shall 
continue as long as the provisions of these 
articles are complied with. 

Art. III. The officers of this society 
shall consist of a president, a vice-presi- 
dent, secretary and treasurer and thirteen 
directors. They shall be called the Board 
of Directors, and five of their number 
shall constitute a quorum. They shall be 
chosen annually and hold their offices for 
one year and until their successors are 
elected and qualified. The president, 
vice-president and secretary shall consti- 
tute an executive committee, and shall 
have all power to do all the acts necessary 
for the prosperity of the society in the 
intervals of the meetings of the board. 
The executive committee shall appoint 
persons to fill vacancies in the awarding 
committees at the time of the fair. 

Art. V. The duties of the president 
shall be to preside at all meetings of the 
Board and Society, to call special meet- 
ings of the Board, to attend the January 
meeting of the State Society if practica- 
ble, and his expenses for attending such 
meeting shall be borne by the Society. In 
the absence of the president the duties 
appertaining to the office shall be per- 
formed by the vice-president. 

Art. VI. The duties of the secretary 
shall be to keep carefully all records of 
the Society and all papers relating there- 
to; respond promptly to all letters and 
circulars from the State Society; to make 
annually, before the first day of Decem- 
ber, a report to the secretary of the State 
Society which shall embrace such items, 
statistics and facts concerning the Society 
as may be desired by the State Board, and- 
perform all other duties under the direc- 



tion of the Board that may be necessary 
for the welfare of the Society, for which 
service he shall receive annually a com- 
pensation to be fixed by the Board. 

Art. VII. The duties of the treasurer 
shall be to receive all monies due to the 
Society, and pay them out on the order of 
the president, countersigned by the secre- 
tary. He shall collect the dues of de- 
linquent members by law whenever three 
yearly payments remain unpaid, and he 
may collect at any time if he sees fit so to 
do; where nothing can be collected he 
shall report the same to the secretary, and 
the name of such delinquent member 
shall be struck from the roll of members. 
He shall report at each annual meeting 
the condition of the treasury of the 
Society. His compensation to be fixed 
by the Board. 

Art. VIII. The annual meeting of the 
Society shall be held at Britt, Hancock 
Co., Iowa, on the last Monday in Novem- 
ber in each year, at 1 o'clock p. m. After 
the reports of the officers for the past 
year are examined, the officers for the en- 
suing year shall be elected, who shall im- 
mediately enter upon the duties of their 
offices. 

Art. IX. The Board of Directors 
shall meet at Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, 
within thirty days after the annual meet- 
ing, and shall prepare and publish a list 
of premiums to be awarded at the next 
fair. They shall determine the number 
of days the fair shall be held, and see 
that suitable preparations are made for 
the same, and shall appoint committees 
of three or more persons each to award 
said premiums. They shall also make all 
needful rules and regulations for govern- 



^|<r 



j, Py 



\ le. 



J* \J- 



636 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



ing said exhibitions, and fill all vacancies 
among their own number. 

Art. X. The annual fair of this So- 
ciety shall be held in Britt township, Han- 
cock Co., Iowa, in each year at such time 
as shall be designated by the Board of 
Directors. None but members in good 
and regular standing shall be allowed to 
compete for any of the premiums offered 
by this Society unless expressly ordered 
by the executive committee. 

Art. XI. This constitution may be 
altered or amended by a two-thirds vote 
of all the life members present and vot- 
ing at any annual meeting. 

Art. XII. The fair grounds of this 
Society shall be permanently located at 
or near Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa. 

Art. XIII. This Society assumes the 
right to itself to buy and sell real estate 
necessary for the use or benefit of the 
Society, and have also the rights, powers 
and privileges and immunities which are 
now or which may during the existence 
thereof be conferred by laws upon socie- 
ties of a similar character, etc. The 
private property of the members shall be 
exempt from all liability for the debts of 
the Society. 

Art. XIV. This constitution shall not be 
amended after the last Monday of Novem- 
ber, A. D. 1881, except notice be first 
given of such proposed amendment in the 
. county newspapers for at least thirty days 
previous to such meeting acting thereon. 

Art. XV. The place of holding the 
county fairs and the principal place of 
business of this Society cannot be changed 
except two-thirds of all the life members 
of this Society concur therein at the 



regular annual meeting on the last Mon- 
day in November. 

Art. XVI. The officers of this So- 
ciety and incorporate body from the or- 
ganization thereof until the last Monday 
of November, A. D. 1881, and until then- 
successors are duly elected and qualified, 
are: George Stubbing, president; Lucien 
Tuttle, vice-president; F. B. Rogers, sec- 
retary; Thomas Daylor, treasurer; who 
are also directors, with the full power and 
rights to fill vacancies in the Board of 
Directors, and to do all acts necessary to 
be done until the same are appointed. 

Witness our hands this 13th day of 
August, A. D. 1881. 
Lucien Tuttle, Thomas Datlor, 

R. B. Pope, F. B. Rogers, 

John J. Clemens, Mat Johnson, 
George Stubbins, H. E. R. Hill, 
T. II. Tkeganza, J. G. Strong, 
J. A. Treganza, K. K. Liquin, 

J. F. Bullis, C. Hild, 

William H. Breese, D. W. Farrar, 
H. F. Fort. 

The first fair, held under the auspices 
of this association was upon the 11th, 
12th and 13th of October, 1881, and was 
a success in every way. The following 
was the programme adopted, and which 
was fully carried out in all particulars: 

FIRST DAT TUESDAY, OCTOBER. 1 1 . 

Devoted to making entries, arranging 
articles of exhibition. Superintendents 
of all the different divisions will attend, 
and oversee the arranging of articles in 
their respective divisions. 

SECOND DAY WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER i 2. 

Entries may be made until 11 o'clock 
a. m. Division superintendents will at- 
tend at the secretary's office at 12 m., and 



is 



ifv 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



637 



receive the books of the respective classes 
under their charge. 

2:30, p. m. — Roadsters and carriage 
horses tested on track. 

3:30 p. m. — Farm horses exhibited. 

4:30 p. m. — Running race. 

THIRD DAY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13. 

10 a. m. — Exhibition of mares and colts. 
1 1 :30 a m. — Exhibition of stallions. 
12 at. — Committees will report at the 
secretary's office. 

2 p. m.— Trot. 

3 p. m. — Exhibition of premium stock 
under direction of superintendents of de- 
partments. 

Announcement of awards. 

In 1882 and 1883, fairs were held at 
Britt, that were also successes in the full- 
est extent of the word, and the society 
bids fair to rival the kindred associations 
of older and more thickly populated 
counties. The agricultural class, as a 
whole, take hold and the exhibitions arc 
more than creditable. The present offi- 
cers are: J. M. Elder, president; Thomas 
Hymer, vice-president; F. B. Rogers, 
secretary; Joseph Osborne, treasurer; di- 
rectors, Charles Barber of Bingham; H. 
Magor, Magor; II. 0. Potter, Orthel; J. 
D. Bailey, Twin Lakes; D. Chase, Crys- 
tal; J. Hejlik, Garfield; C. M. Church, 
Avery; G. R. Maben, Ellington; W. F. 
Greenup, Madison; J. Finch, German; J. 
Burn side, Concord; J. B. Sanders, Boone. 

The society occupies some very excel- 
lent grounds, which contain some twenty 
acres. This is located about half a mile 
west of the business part of the city, join- 
ing the city limits on that side. A good 
half-mile race track is contained within 
its boundaries. The whole ground is kept 



up by the county fund, but is under the 
control of the society. 

The following sketch of Hancock 
county was published in the Hancock In- 
dependent, of May 12, 1880, and is here 
preserved as the valuable contribution 
to historical annals by an on-looker, a 
by-stander, who was, at least, an old 
resident, if not an early settler. The ar- 
ticle is entitled: 

COUNTY SKETCHES. 

Years ago the public lands embraced by 
the present limits of Hancock county were 
thrown into the market and sold, the pur- 
chasers being generally men of extensive 
means who obtained the lands in large 
tracts for speculative purposes. Conse- 
quently since the organization of the county 
it has had no public lands, if we except the 
16th sections for school purposes, and the 
swamp-land grant, which the unwise, per- 
haps, mercenary action of the board of 
supervisors placed into the hands of the 
sameclassof speculators that had acquired 
the other portion at Decorah and Fort 
Dodge. This fact had a strong tendency 
to discourage the settlement of the county, 
for the land though rarely held at exorbi- 
tant rates was high enough to place it out 
of competition with government lands, 
and when the tide of emigration from the 
Old World and the Eastern States turned 
westward, allured by the healthful climate, 
fertile soil and natural advantages of the 
far away West, it flowed past and beyond 
us to the homestead lands of counties less 
favored by nature, but more favored by 
circumstances. Other counties organized 
long after, soon boasted double the popu- 
lation. Year after year the early settlers 
watched and waited, hoping almost against 



£« 






638 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



hope for something to turn up, to people 
our prairies and develop their agricultural 
wealth, but the good times would not 
come. Fifteen years after the first set- 
tlement of the county its population num- 
bered less than 500 souls. There was not 
a store within its limits and the nearest 
market for the surplus produce was thirty- 
five or forty miles distant, and reached by 
roads that had never known the advan- 
tages to be derived from a bridge fund, 
or been marred by the spade of the path 
master. The actual settlers were confined 
to a strip along timbered borders of Lime 
creek in the extreme novth, and around 
the groves on the banks of the Iowa in 
the extreme south, while between the two 
solitary settlements stretched twenty miles 
of prairie, without a house, tree, bridge, 
or scarcely a wagon track. The county 
seat was alternately at Upper Grove or 
Ellington, as either section succeeded in 
obtaining the necessary odd vote and 
was conveyed back and forth in a wagon, 
being in reality the half dozen or more 
volumes known as the county records, and 
the successful candidates. 

The last change of this kind was made 
in the autumn of 1864 from the latter to 
the former place, by a vote of thirty- 
eight to thirty-seven. This was the entire 
voting population, and would indicate 
that the county at that time contained 
about 350 inhabitants, which is probably 
not far from correct. About this time 
the question of a permanently located, 
centrally situated county seat began to be 
agitated, and as a result, the present site 
of Concord was determined upon, land 
purchased, a town plat surveyed, a couple 
of cheap frame houses erected to be used 



as dwellings and offices by the treasurer 
and county clerk (whose duties at that 
time combined those of the clerk and au- 
ditor now), and a contract was let for the 
building of a brick court house at a cost 
of $10,000. The location of the county 
seat six miles east of the geographical 
center — when the center afforded an ex- 
cellent natural site for a town — was 
severely criticised at that time; and at this 
day, considering the act impartially and 
dispassionately, we are still unable to 
discern any evidences of business fore- 
sight or political wisdom in it, and we 
charitably assume that our local legislators 
did what they deemed was for the best at 
that time. In due time the court house 
was completed — a fine, roomy structure, 
far in advance of the improvemunt of the 
country then. 

And here, we might add, our county 
began to reap advantages from its foreign 
land owners. Had the bulk of the lands 
been subject to homestead entry, and of 
course not liable to taxation until the ex- 
piration of the time necessary to complete 
a title, the erection of such a building — not 
mentioning the thousand other public im- 
provements since projected and completed 
by means of funds obtained almost en- 
tirely from "speculators" — would have 
been an impossibility. Our county, with 
the exception of a couple of brief periods, 
has always been out of debt, warrants at 
par, and with a cash surplus sufficient for 
any ordinary emergency; and it must be 
admitted that the paths of many of the 
early settlers were made smoother in con- 
sequence of the annual contributions of 
the much maligned non-residents. 



^ 



— L**u •—;•••.-• 



4, a_ 



7 . »" 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



639 



With the completion of the court house 
began the real settlement of the county, 
not confined as heretofore to the two be- 
fore mentioned localities, but more gen- 
eral in its character. Houses began to 
dot the prairie here and there. Concord 
became a lively, bustling little town, and 



the sales of land to parties intending to 
improve it became more frequent. Then 
along came the C, M. & St. P. Railroad^ 
with its life inspiring energy and golden 
promises for the future, and established 
stations at Garner and Britt, soon to be 
busy centers of populous districts. 



CHAPTER XIV 



AMSTERDAM TOWNSHIP. 



Amsterdam township, like all the others 
in Hancock county, is just six miles square, 
consisting of congressional township 94 
north, range 25 west. It is bounded on 
the north by Erin township, on the east 
by Twin Lake, on the west by Magor, 
and on the south by Wright county. 
While the surface is of a beautiful rolling 
character, and the land of almost une- 
qualled fertility, the number of inhabitants 
is quite small. This is due in a large 
measure to the land being in the hands 
of speculators, while the tide of emigra- 
tion drifts westward and takes up with 
much poorer territory, because it can be 
had at a less price. Short-sighted policy 
as this is, on their part, for the value of 
the land for farming purposes, counter- 
balances the difference in price, the 
country beyond is settling up faster than 
is the really fine land in Amsterdam 
township. But this will soon be at an end. 
Already the eyes of a number are turned 
to the fertile acres, and the rich, succu- 
lent, native grasses that cover them, and 



before many years this locality will be 
thickly dotted over with the cottages of a 
numerous population, and with the herds 
of cattle, the great staple of these north- 
ern counties. 

The first settler to locate within the 
limits of what is now Amsterdam town- 
ship, was a Mr. Langfelt, who as early as 
1865, settled on the southeast quarter of 
section 12. Of him nothing definite could 
be learned, as he has left this vicinity 
years ago. 

J. B. Leavitt, made a settlement on sec- 
tion 27, during the year 1868, but stayed 
only a year, when thinking to better his 
financial condition he removed to Kansas. 
The building which he erected has been 
moved away, and no signs of any habita- 
tation can be seen. 

The next settler in this township is sup- 
posed to be George Hooker, who located 
on section 14 during the year 1871. Of 
Mr. Hooker but little can be gathered, as 
he sold out and left some years ago. The 
place he opened is now the property of 



"f 



p 



640 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



W. II. Pritchard, who came to this' vi- 
cinity in 1876, and purchased the place 
he now resides on. Mr. Prilchard is the 
oldest settler in the township now resi- 
dent therein, and to him the historian is 
indebted to for most of the facts herein 
mentioned. 

William H. Pritchard is a native of 
Wales, born Feb. 28, 1830. When four- 
teen years of age he emigrated to Amer- 
ica, locating in Dodge Co., Wis., when 
that State was yet a territory. He there 
resided eight years ; then removed to 
Columbia Co., Wis., there residing two 
years. From there he removed to Dane 
Co., Wis., and in 1856 removed to Worth 
Co., Iowa, where he was an early settler. 
He was a resident there until November, 
1876. He then came to Hancock county, 
locating where he now lives. He has 
160 acres of good land, on section 13. He 
was married April 27, 1858, to Mary 
Smith, a native of Scotland. They have 
four children — Albeit M., Laura J., Ed- 
mund L. and Henry A. They are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. He has held 
the office of school director for two years. 

The first marriage in the township oc- 
curred on the 22d day of September, 
1880. This united William R. Smith and 
Ada M. Payne in wedlock. 

The Pritchard school house, is the old- 
est in the township, and was organized in 
the fall of 1879, with W. A. Wright, as 



teacher. The school house was erect- 
ed at this time on section 11. Minerva 
Chandler is the present preceptress. 

The Chambers school house was built 
during the spring of 1880, and Emma 
G. Aldrich, installed as the first teacher. 
This building is located on section 9, and 
is at present, presided over by Mrs. L. S. 
Passmore. 

The brick school house on section 17 
was erected in the spring of 1880, and 
Effie M. Hawkins was the first to preside 
over its destinies. The present teacher 
is Emma Skinner. 

The Chandler or Thomas school house 
was built during the spring of 1881, on 
section 5. This was first taught by Emma 
Lincoln, and when in October, 1883, the 
new edifice was erected, at a cost of $600, 
William Wright was installed as teacher. 

The first school held in the township 
was taught in the house where W. H. 
Pritchard now lives. This was taught by 
Clara Clark, in 1876. The lady has since 
died. 

The present board of directors of the 
district township of Amsterdam are : 
C. M. Chapman, president ; S. L. Pass- 
more, secretary ; R. Thomas and W. II. 
Pritchard, directors. This is the original 
board as the district was only organized 
in its present limits during the summer of 
1 1883. 



^Pv 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY'. 



641 



CHAPTER XV. 



AVERY TOWNSHIP. 



All of that territory embraced in what 
is known as congressional township 94 
north, range 23 west, is called Avery 
township. This is one of the most beau- 
tiful as well as most productive sub-divis- 
ions of the county. It lies in the ex- 
treme southeastern corner of Hancock 
county, and is bounded oiv-the north by 
Ell township, and on the west by Twin 
Lake township. Wright county on the 
south and Cerro Gordo county on the east 
finish out the boundaries. The surface is 
of a gently rolling nature, and in some 
places decidedly what the settlers call 
"knobby," that is, in little knolls or round 
hillocks, instead of the long, sweeping, 
billow-like swell of the true rolling prairie. 
The soil, of a rich black loam, possesses 
to a wonderful degree that extraordinary 
fertility that has made our State so famous 
throughout the world. It is also well 
watered, the East Fork of the Iowa river 
entering the township on the northwest 
quarter of section 6, and flowing in a gen- 
eral southerly, although tortuous course, 
makes its exit on the line between sec- 
tions 31 and 32. This stream and its sev- 
eral affluents enrich the soil, supplying the 
needed moisture that makes them so fer- 
tile. Groves of timber adorn and beau- 
tify the banks of the pellucid stream, 
and make this really the most beautiful 



spot in the county. Some very large 
trees have been noticed in the classic 
shades of Upper Grove, that lies in the 
southwest part of the township. In this 
beautiful spot, where river, wood and 
prairie combine to form an almost earthly 
paradise, was made the earliest settlement 
in the county. Here, on the 9th day of 
September, 1854, Anson Avery, the first 
white man to enter the county with the 
intention of settling, located. The win- 
ter previous, C. D. Philo and George Nel- 
son had come up in this direction on a 
hunting and trapping expedition, and had 
encamped at this place all winter, while 
they pursued their avocation. The great 
beauty of the surroundings and the fer- 
tility of the soil attracted their attention, 
and Nelson determined to come back and 
take up a claim. In the meantime Mr. 
Avery came into this county, and thus 
enjoys the honor of being the pioneer of 
this noble young county. Many inter- 
esting stories of those early days can be 
gathered from Mr. Avery, stories of trials 
and hardships endured, stories of hunting 
and trapping, and stories of horror and 
death. He tells how, in the fall of 1854, 
a party of five men from Cedar Falls 
came up into Hancock county, hunting, 
and while in the northwest part, near 
Buffalo Grove, they came upon a herd of 



XT 






642 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



twenty buffaloes, feeding. After a little 
maneuvering they succeeded in killing 
four full grown ones and capturing a calf. 
On tbeir way back some of tbem got 
away from tbeir companions and lost all 
track of tbeir proper direction. In this 
situation night overtook tbem, and alone, 
on an apparently boundless prairie, they 
were compelled to pass the night without 
any tent. In the morning they found the 
right trail, and soon joined their friends. 
That day the party stopped at Mr. Avery's 
and got their dinner, and divided the buf- 
falo meat with their host. Also, how 
men in those pioneer days were caught in 
blizzards and lost their lives. One man, 
an Englishman, by the name of Arnett, 
started from the neighborhood of Twin 
Lake to go to Belmond, in Wright county, 
and was overtaken by the terrible storm 
of wind, sleet and snow that is well- 
known in this northern part of Iowa as a 
"blizzard." After battling for some time 
with it, at last, overcome by fatigue and 
cold, be sank beneath the strife with the 
elements, and died, the snow covering 
him as with a winding sheet. Mr. Avery, 
George Nelson, and Orick and Reuben 
Church found his horse, and ten clays af- 
terwards Thomas Magill found his body, 
and the few settlers buried him. Many 
other stories could Mr. Avery tell, but 
space forbids their relation here. Mr. 
Avery broke the first land and put in the 
first crop that ever was known in Han- 
cock county. This was in the spring of 
1855. In October, 1854, George Nelson, 
the trapper mentioned before, came back 
to Hancock county with his family, and 
locating upon section 21, in Avery town- 
ship, became the second settler in the 



county. These two men, Avery and Nel- 
son, in the fall of 1855, with a )oke of 
oxen apiece, started out and made the 
journey to Dubuque for the purpose of 
laying in a stock of salt, sugar, coffee and 
clothing, for their years supply. This 
trip took them twenty-two days to make. 
The most remarkable incident that oc- 
curred on tbeir way back was their meet- 
ing a herd of about 500 or more elk, in 
the northwest corner of Franklin county. 

These two families were the sum total 
of this county during the winterof 1854-5, 
and stories are told how in the depth of 
winter, flour and meal giving out, corn 
was ground in a common coffee-mill, to 
support the family. 

Mr. Nelson, after some years residence 
in this township, went back to Indiana 
from whence he came, and his present 
whereabouts are unknown. 

In the spring of 1855, the little settle- 
ment received an addition in the per- 
sons of Malcolm Magill, Thomas Magill, 
Sr., and Benoni Ilaskins, who all took up 
land, the Magills on section 29, and set- 
tled down to the life of pioneers. 

Orick and Reuben Church came to this 
place in June, 1855, and settled on section 
32. Immigrants now began to pour into 
this part of the county, and it began to 
look like an old, settled locality. Among 
those who were among these argonauts of 
1856, 1857 and 1858 were: M. P. Rose- 
crans, afterwards county judge, and a 
prominent attorney of the county; Thomas 
Wheelock, David Hunt,- Robert Irwin, 
George Louppe, the first clerk of the 
court, C. D. Pritehard, William Gilpin, 
Charles Church and others. 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



643 



Among the first items in this township 
were those that have been already men- 
tioned in the chapter on "Early Settlement 
of the County" as the first to occur there- 
in. They are briefly mentioned again 
here as it seems proper to do so. 

The first settler in the township and 
county was Anson Avery, who located 
Sept. 9, 1854. His wife, Lovina Avery, 
was the first woman who trod the soil of 
the county. 

Anson Avery, farmer, is a native of 
New York State, born Oct. 2, 1823. 
When thirteen years of age he went to 
Cass Co., Mich., and in the fall of 1854 
came to what is now Avery township, 
Hancock Co., Iowa, settling on section 29, 
on the banks of the Iowa river. He also 
entered eighty acres on section 28. He 
hauled his goods and effects to this county 
with six yoke of oxen. He cut sufficient 
grass with a common hand scythe to 
build a hay shed, after which he cut 
enough logs to build a small house, 10x18 
feet, iu which to winter. He covered it 
with clapboards and split some bass-wood 
logs to make a puncheon floor, the door 
and window casings being also made of 
puncheon. This house is still standing on 
section 28, Avery township. In 1856 he 
went to Decorah to enter 240 acres more 
land, and while there bought 160 acres. 
He has sold and given away, however, 
until he now has only 300 acres. In 1862 
Mr. Avery built his present neat residence, 
to which he has since put an addition, 
making a good comfortable house, where 
many a weary traveler has received a 
hearty welcome, it being the only house 
to be seen for miles around. Mr. Avery 
was married Sept. 9, 1847, to Lovina Philo, 



born on Kelly's Island, Lake Erie, Jan. 
22, 1831. They have had six children, 
four of whom are living — Alice, now mar- 
ried; George Albert, the first male child 
born in Hancock county; Mary, now Mrs. 
Albert Schmall and Lewis. Mrs. Avery 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Avery is a republican, and 
has held the office of township trustee for 
fifteen years. Anson L., eldest son of 
Mr. and Mrs. Avery, was killed by light- 
ning. On Aug. 27, 1878, while still in 
bed, just before daylight in the morning, 
lightning struck the house, running down 
the wall and killing him.. His wife was 
paralyzed for several hours but soon re- 
covered. Their infant child, who was in 
the middle of the bed, escaped unhurt. 
He was township clerk of Avery town- 
ship at the time of his death. His wife 
died the following year. 

The first child born in the township 
was George, son of Anson and Lovina 
Avery, whose birth occurred in January, 
1855. He is still living in the township. 

The first death was that of George W. 
Haskins, a son of Benoni and Abigail 
Haskins, who died upon the 2d of June, 
1855, and was buried upon his father's 
land, the southwest quarter of section 29. 

The first marriage was that of Albert 
Yonkers, and Jane Haskins, which took 
place in 1856, the parties going to Mason 
City to have the ceremony performed. 
This was not a fortunate nor happy mar- 
riage, the parties separating soon after- 
wards. Mrs. Yonkers is now in Minne- 
sota, but her husband drifted into bad 
ways and when last heard about, was be- 
hind the prison bars. 



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644 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



The first sermon preached in the county 
also occurred in this township, ami was 
delivered by a Congregational minister 
by the name of McNutt, at the cabin of 
B. Haskins, on section 29, in the year 
1858. 

The first school was taught by C. D. 
Pritchard in the spring of 185V, in the 
township. Mr. Pritchard was a member 
of the honorable profession of the law 
and a prominent official of this county, at 
a later date. This school was taught in 
a dwelling house that stood on section 29, 
now owned by Wilson Robbing, of New 
York. 

The next school was taught the follow- 
ing year by James M. Elder, who handled 
the ferule for several years thereafter. 
Many of the younger generation can look 
back to boyhood's days and remember 
this, their old teacher. There gathered 
together, a motley row, to spell off the 
words or wade through a reading lesson, 
sat the little urchins. The teacher, 
clothed with dignity stands before them. 

"Full well they laughed with counterfeited glee 
At all his jokes, for many a joke had he; 
And then the busy whisper ciroling 'round, 
Conyeyed the dismal tidings when he frowned " 

Mr. Elder has since risen to considerable 
prominence in this county, and a full his- 
tory of the gentleman appears elsewhere. 
Avery township was organized in 1858, 
and then comprised the south half of Han- 
cock county, or what now constitutes the 
townships of Ell, German, Erin, Boone, 
Magor, Amsterdam,Twin Lake and Avery. 
The first election for township officers took 
place in June, 1858, at the house of Be- 
noni Haskins, on section 29. No record 
exists of this election, and the memory of 
the oldest inhabitant fails to recall all of 



the officers. All that could be gathered 
was that Robert L. Irwin and Otick 
Church were elected justices of the peace, 
and Thomas Magill, constable. After the 
other townships were cut off and Avery 
assumed almost its present shape, in 1878, 
a new organization took place and the 
following officers were chosen to attend 
to the township business : Anson Avery 
and James Wilson, trustees; C. M. Church,, 
clerk; C. S. Farmer, assessor; C.J. Bough- 
ton and C. S. Farman, justices : James 
Thomas and Frank Carpenter, constables. 
The present officials of the township are: 
Anson Avery, John Stoddart and William 
Burgess, trustees; G. W. Elder, clerk; 
Robert McNutt, assessor; George Clark 
and Joseph Fell, justices ; O. P. Butter- 
field and David Hunt, constables ; W. O. 
Butterfield, Theodore Robbius and Wal- 
ter Haskell, road supervisors. 

There are now five school houses in the 
district township, all good frame buildings 
erected at an average cost of $500 each. 
When this school district was organized 
does not appear by the records, and some 
difference of opinion seems to exist, which 
it is difficult to reconcile. The oldest 
book, in the possession of the officers, has 
an entry to show that the first officers 
were: L. S. Hazen, John Christie and A. 
D. Hines, directors; M. L. Fuller, secre- 
tary. The present officers are: Thomas 
Wheelock, Daniel Robbins, R. A. McNutt 
and 0. S. Farman, directors, and M. L. 
Wiles, secretary. 

There is one water grist mill in the 
township on the Iowa River, on section 
30. This was erected by A. D. Hiams, in 
1873, and is a frame structure, 20x30 feet 
in dimension, two stories high. It has 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



645 



two run of buhrs, one for flour and one 
for meal. This mill is at present leased 
and run by George Houliston. 

The pioneer postoffice of Hancock 
county is located at Upper Grove, or 
Amsterdam village. This was established 
at this place in 1857, and Benoni Haskins 
was commissioned its first postmaster. 
He was succeeded by Edward Thorpe. 
The office changed hands quite rapidly 
for a few years, being presided over by 
Reuben Church, C. D. Pritchard, C. 
Boughton, J. B. Kern, and C. Boughton, 
again. It is now in the«hands of Thomas 
Elder, the enterprising merchant of Am- 
sterdam village, and who was the imme- 
diate successor of Mr. Boughton on his 
second term. It is said, that the first 
mail carrier in the county, was no less a 
person than the well known Joe Hew- 
itt, of Clear Lake notoriety, who carried 
the mail from Upper Grove to Irvington 
in Kossuth jounty and back. 

The cemetery of the township is located 
on the southeast corner of the southwest 
quarter of section 29, and was established 
in 1802. The first burial in this conse- 
crated ground were two children of M. S. 
Gillman's and one of George Savogue's. 
These died in 1863. 

The village of Amsterdam was laid out 
as a town during the fall of 1858, by Rob- 
ert L. Irwin. This plat was filed for 
record on the 9th of April, 1859. It was 
surveyed and staked out upon the eighty 
acres, known as the south half of the 
southwest quarter of section 29, township 
94 north, range 23 west. Mr. Irwin had a 
portable saw mill at this time, and sawed 
the lumber which was used in building up 
the village. At the time of its dedication 



large hopes were indulged in of the future 
greatness of the little town, but these were 
illusive. The dreams of its projectors 
came to naught, and the tiny burg stands, 
a monument to disappointed hopes and 
ambition. At one time it was but a short 
step from being acknowledged the county 
seat, but a strong opposition developed 
elsewhere defeated this scheme, and with 
the removal of the records and county 
officials to Concord, the new county seat, 
the chances passed away from Amsterdam, 
perhaps, forever. Mr. Irwin, soon after 
this, left the country, and when last heard 
from was in the State of Alabama. 

In 1859 or 1860, a party by the name of 
Edward Rogers, opened a store for the 
sale of goods needed in a new settlement. 
This store was after a time suspended and 
the town was without any. In 1863 A. D. 
Hiams started out in a mercantile venture. 
This he continued to operate for some 
time, when Sylvester Stockwell, came here 
from Ohio, with a stock of goods. These 
two stocks were put together and Mr. 
Stockwell run the business. It afterwards 
passed through the hands of several par- 
ties, prominent among which were George 
Rogers and Church and Elder. It finally 
was purchased by J. B. Kern, and the 
stockremoved to Belmond, Wright county. 
The village now being without a store for 
the sale or exchange of merchandise. 

In 1876 George Rogers erected a new 
store building and put in a new stock of 
goods. This store he operated until 1879, 
when he was succeeded by Thomas Elder, 
who has since continued to run it in com- 
pany with O. M. Morley. 

Thomas Elder, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, was born Aug. 31, 1854. He lived 






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646 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



in his native State until July, 1864, when 
he removed to Hancock Co., Iowa, locating 
on section 29, Avery township. When 
twenty-one years of age he worked his 
father's farm two years on the shares. In 
the winters of 1875-6-7-8, he taught 
school. In 1879 he purchased the gen- 
eral merchandise business he is now en- 
gaged in, of J. Rogers & Co., in the village 
of Amsterdam. He is in partnership 
with O. M. Morley. Mr. Elder is the 
present postmaster of Upper Grove, being 
appointed in May, 1882. On the 22d of 
April, 1878, he was united in marriage 
with Charlotte Hewitt, at Irvington, Kos- 
suth county. They have two children — 
Ethel, born Feb. 8, 1879, and Charlotte, 
born July 24, 1883. Mr. Elder is a repub- 
lican. 

The first blacksmith to establish a shop 
here was Charles Robbins, who located in 
1861. Mr. Robbins died during the year 
1871. He was one of the political refugees 
who were compelled to leave their home 
in Missouri at the beginning of the war. 
He was wont to relate many stories of the 
trials of the anti-rebellion days in that 
State. 

Sylvester Stockwell started a boot and 
shoe store in 1863, but after a time aban- 
doned it as a business that would not 
pay. He is still a resident of Avery 
township. 

The school house in the village of Am- 
sterdam is a two-story building, the second 
story of which is finished as a hall and is 
used for holding all kinds of meetings, 
dances, etc. These buildings, with about 
ten or a dozen dwelling houses, are all 
that there is of the village. The railroad 



that built up Garner and Britt, proved 
the final blow to the future of Amsterdam. 

That the religious element of this com- 
munity may be attended to, the Methodist 
Episcopal society holds meetings in the 
school house every Sunday afternoon. 
Rev. Mr. Cole, of Belmond, Wright 
county, filling the pulpit. 

The Congregational society also holds 
meetings occasionally in the school house, 
and Rev. Mr. Sands, of Belmond, ministers 
to their spiritual wants. 

William Christie is a native of Canada, 
born Oct. 31, 1854. He removed to Wis- 
consin, where he resided two years, then 
came to Hancock county and located on 
section 19, in Avery township. He was 
married on the 1st of May, 1880, to Mary 
Carpenter. They have one child — Willie. 
Mr. Christie is a democrat. His father is 
a native of Scotland, as is his mother. 
They came to Hancock county from Can- 
ada in 1861. His mother died in 1880. 

James F. Elder was born on the old 
homestead where he now lives with his 
father, June 17, 1 865. His father, George 
W. Elder, is a native of Pennsylvania, 
bora May 6, 1822. In 1864 he came to 
Hancock Co., Iowa, and purchased land 
on section 29. He now owns 230 acres of 
good land, and is engaged in farming and 
stock raising. He was married Nov. 2, 
1848, to Emily H. Bonsoll, of Pennsyl- 
vania. Mrs. Elder died on the 4th of 
October, 1857, leaving four children — 
Walter, Dora, Thomas and Marion. On 
the 21st of May, 1858, Mr. Elder married 
Margaret C. McNutt, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, born in 1836. They have eight 
children— George N., William G., Mary 
E., James, Margaret E., Cora K., Ruth 






i 



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a *^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



and Adrian. Mr. Elder is a democrat, 
politically. He has held the office of 
county judge, was the first county auditor 
and has been justice of the peace, town- 
ship clerk, and president of the school 
board . 

R. A. McNutt, one of the well-to-do 
farmers of Avery township, was born in 
Indiana Co., Penn., Feb. 2, 1841. When 
twenty-three years of age, he removed to 
Hancock Co., Iowa, locating in Upper 
Grove. He remained there six years, 
when he removed to Wright Co., Iowa, 
remaining there three years. In 1872 he 
returned to Hancock county, where he at 
present resides. In 1866 he was married 
to Mary Savozne, born in Wabash Co., 
Ind., in 1849. They have three children 
— William F., Mary E. and an infant. He 
has held the offices of township clerk, road 
supervisor and assessor. He belongs to 
I. O. O. F., Belmond Lodge, 265. Politi- 
cally, he is a democrat. 

John Christie, Sr., is a native of Scot- 
land, born April 17, 1817. In 1833 
he emigrated from Scotland to Canada, 
where he remained until 1858, when he 
removed to Wisconsin. In 1861 became 
to Hancock county and located on section 
29, Avery township. In 1 864 he removed 
to section 19, where he owns 240 acres of 
land. He was married to Agnes E. Craig, 
a native of Scotland, in ls2S. Mrs. Chris- 
tie died Feb. 7, 1880. They had nine 
children, seven of whom are living — John, 
James, George, Jane, Robert, Williamand 
Jannet. Mr. Christie is a republican. He 
has been township trustee and school di- 
rector. One day, in the winter of 1861, 
Mr. Christie drove to Hampton, Franklin 
county, a distance of thirty miles. While 




on his way home, a terrible blizzard blew 
up. He lost the direction, and there be- 
ing no house between Hampton and his 
home, he was compelled to remain on the 
prairie all night. He arrived home the 
next day, but was unable to do any work 
that winter. His son, George, was with 
him, and had his feet so badly frozen that 
all his toes came off. 

M. L. Wiles was born in Jefferson Co., 
Ohio, May 2, 1840. When twenty-six 
years of age, he removed to Hancock 
county, locating on section 17, Avery 
township, where he now has 320 acres of 
good land. He also has 160 acres in Cerro 
Gordo county. Mr. Wiles has held the 
offices of township secretary, clerk, trus- 
tee and school director. He is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
was united in marriage Feb. 13, 1877, with 
Jannet Christie, born in Canada. They 
have three children — Agnes, born May 
14, 1878; Jennie, born March 16, 1880; 
and Clarence, born Sept. 3, 1882. Mr. 
Wiles' father, Samuel Wiles, was born in 
Pennsylvania, in 1804, and died in Stark 
Co., Ohio, in July, 1880. His mother, 
Mahala McKee Wiles, was born in Ohio. 
She died while the subject of our sketch 
was quite small, he being the youngest of 
seven children. Mrs. Wiles' father, John 
Christie, was born in Scotland, April 17, 
1817. Her mother was a native of Scot- 
land, born in 1826, and died Feb. 7, 1880. 

D. F. Hunt is a native of Wapello Co., 
Iowa, born Jan. 12, 1862. In the fall of 
1867 he came to Hancock county. He 
lives on section 32. His father was born 
in 1832 and died Nov. 27, 1861. The 
subject of this sketch was born just one 
month and fifteen days after the death of 



^ 



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648 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



his father. On Jan. 11, 1866, his mother 
married J. S. Wilson. They live in But- 
terfield Grove, Twin Lake township, this 
county. Mr. Hunt owns 170 acres of good 
land on section 32. He is a republican. 
John B. Robbins was born June 10, 
1841, in Henry Co., Ohio. When eleven 
years of age he removed with his father 
to Buchanan Co., Iowa. He enlisted 
Jan. 27, 1S62, in the 13th United States 
Infantry, serving three years. He was 
body-guard for Gen. Sherman and was 
with him in the first battle at Vicksburg, 
then to Arkansas Post, in the forty-one 
days' siege and capture of Vicksburg, 
in the battle of Jackson, Miss., then back 
to Vicksburg, from there to Memphis, 
fighting Gen. Forest at Collinsville, 
twenty-six miles in the rear of Memphis. 
He then went to Lookout Mountain, par- 
ticipating in that battle, then to Knox- 
ville where they had a fight with Gen. 
Longstreet, and from there to Huntsville, 
Ala., where they went into winter quar- 
ters. In the spring he was put on. provost 
duty at Nashville, Tenn., and Jan. 27, 
1865, he was discharged, having served 
his time of enlistment. He then returned 
to Quasqueton, Buchanan Co., Iowa, be- 
ing engaged in farming for two years, 
and in 1867 came to Hancock county and 
settled on section 16, Avery township. 
He has eighty acres of valuable land and 
is engaged in grain and stock raising. 
Mr. Robbins was married in 1867 to 
Nancy E. Moore, born Nov. 27, 1844, in 
Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. They have four 
children — Adella M., born Oct. 20, 1869; 
Asa D., born Nov. 28, 1871; Chester C, 
born Sept. 4, 1875; Erma E., born June 
18, 1878. Mr. Robbins is a member of 



the Odd Fellow's, Belmond Lodge, No. 
265. He held the office of township clerk 
from 1877 to 1879 and from 1881 to 1882. 
D. T. Warner is a native of Kendall 
Co., 111., born Jan. 13, 1845. He resided 
in Kendall county until 1877, where he 
was engaged in teaming at Oswego. He 
came to Hancock Co., Iowa, and purchased 
ten acres on section 32, Avery township, 
also fifty-five acres on section 4, Wright 
county. He traded this for 160 acres on 
section 27, Avery township, which he still 
makes his home. He was married June 
8, 1871, to Julia Pratt, born Nov. 7, 1851, 
in Du Page Co., 111. They have four 
children living — William, born Oct. 6, 
1872; Charles, born Sept. 6, 1874; John 
born June 21, 1880; Maud, born Oct. 1, 
1882. Mr. Warner is a democrat. 

D. E. Brooks, a native of Canada West, 
was born on the 7th of October, 1847. He 
lived in Canada until five years of age, 
when his parents removed to Jackson Co., 
Iowa. They resided in that county nine 
years, then removed to Carroll Co., 111. 
His father died in Carroll county, and he 
and his mother returned to Canada. He 
remained in Canada three years, and then 
removed to Crown Point, Ind. In 1863 
he enlisted in company G, 12th Indiana 
Cavalry, serving two years. He partici- 
pated in the battle of Murfreesboro and 
many hard skirmishes. He was discharged 
at Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 10, 1865. He 
went to Wisconsin, remaining there until 
1871, when he removed to this county, 
locating in Avery township. He has 
eighty acres of good land on section 26, 
where he resides. He was united in mar- 
riage Dec. 5, 1868, with Susan A. Lash, 
born in New York. They have four chil- 



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f 



HISTORY OP HANCOCK COUNTY. 



6-19 



dren — William H., Anna, John S. and 
Raymond D. Politically, he is a repub- 
lican. 

John Lasher is a native of Allegany 
Co., N. Y., born Jan. '23,1826. At the 
age of thirteen years he removed to Liv- 
ingston county. He afterwards went to 
Albany county, residing there until 
twenty years of age. He then returned 
to Allegany county and remained there 
until 1856, when he removed to Rock Co., 
Wis., where he resided until 1871. He 
is a blacksmith by trade. In 1871 he 
came to Hancock county, locating on sec- 
tion 26, this township. On the 3d of 
March, 1847, he was united in marriage 
with Lorinda Weed, born in Allegany 
Co., N. Y., in April, 1828. They have 
five children — Susan, wife of Daniel 
Brooks; Laura E., wife of Nelson Brown; 
Mary IL, wife of William Stockwell ; 
Percy J., wife of Albert Stockwell, and 
Kittie L. Mr. and Mrs. Lasher are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church. Mr. Lasher 
is a republican, politically. He lost his 
right leg below the knee, by being caught 
in a threshing machine. 

Edgar F. Reed, farmer, was born Sept. 
18, 1834, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. When 
eleven years of age lie removed to Rock 
Co., Wis., where he resided five years, 
then to Walworth county, remaining two 
years, then moved back to Rock county, 
remaining one year, then resided eight 
years in Walworth county, lie then re- 
moved to McIIenry Co., 111., residing 
there six months with his family. He 
enlisted in company C, 95th Illinois Vol- 
unteer Infantry, Aug. 5, 1862, and served 
two years and ton months. lie served in 
the 17th Army Corps, and was in the 



battles of Holly Springs, Fort Duneka, 
Yellow Bayou and at Guntcwn, Miss. 
He was taken prisoner at the last named 
battle, stayed at Andersonville, Ga., 
from June 11, to Sept. 19, 1864, then was 
removed to Savannah, and kept in prison 
two months. When he left Anderson- 
ville, being too weak to walk, he crawled 
out on his hands and knees. In Novem- 
ber, 1864, he was paroled. He was sent 
to the parole camp at Annapolis, thence 
to Baltimore hospital and received a fur- 
lough home. Reporting again at Chicago, 
he was sent to Baltimore. After stand- 
ing guard one night, he was no longer fit 
for duty, so he was discharged June 11, 
1865, and returned to his home in Mc- 
IIenry Co., 111. In August, 1865, he went 
to Iowa, settling in Wright county. In 
1875 he came to Hancock county, settling 
on section 20, Avery township, where lie 
has since made his home. He has forty- 
two and a half acres of well improved 
land, and raises stock and grain of all 
kinds. Mr. Reed was married Sept. 12, 
1858, to Susan Brown, born June 3, 1838, 
in Rochester, N. Y. They have four chil- 
dren living — Herbert V., Arthur A., 
George W. and Burton M. Mr. and Mrs. 
Reed are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Reed is a mem- 
ber of the G. A. R. at Belmond, Wright 
county. Politically, he is a republican. 

Harry A. Carpenter is a native of Mon- 
roe Co., N. Y., born March 21, 1831. 
When twenty-one years of age he re- 
moved to Michigan, where he resided 
twelve years. He then removed to Iowa, 
thence to southern Michigan, thence to 
Minnesota, thence back to Michigan, 
thence to Iowa in 1875, locating in Han- 



'Tu 



650 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



cock county. He lives on section 18, 
Avery township, where he has a good 
farm. He was married in 1853 to Lucinda 
Crawford, a native of Lawrence Co., N. 
Y. They have five children — Franklin, 
Mary, Cora, Delia and Alfred. Mr. Car- 
penter is a republican. He has practiced 
veterinary surgery for over thirty years. 
Harrison P. Russell, farmer, is a native 
of Harrison Co., Ohio, born March 1, 
1834. He resided for seventeen years in 
Ohio, then removed to Jackson Co., 
Iowa, where he resided three years, after 
which he removed to Mason City, Cerro 
Gordo Co., Iowa, engaging for twenty 
years in painting and carpenter work. In 
1876 he came to Hancock county, settling 
near Amsterdam. In 1S82 he purchased 
an improved farm of sixty acres and ten 
acres of timber, making in all seventy 
acres. Mr. Russell was married May 2, 
1861, to Sarah Humphrey, also a native of 
Ohio, born May 26, 1843. They have one 
adopted child — Ellen, wife of Richard M. 
Ruggles. She was born Dec. 27, 1864. 
Politically, Mr. Russell is a republican. 

A. D. White, farmer, is a native Meigs 
Co., Ohio, born Dec. 5, 1847, where he re- 
sided until fourteen years of age. In 
1864 he enlisted in company F, 174th 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving one 
year. He participated in^he battles of De- 
catur, Ala., and Murfreesboro, Tenn. He 
was discharged at Washington City, in July, 
1865, after which he returned to Ohio, 
being engaged for two years in boring oil 
wells. In 1872 he came to Hancock Co., 
Iowa, residing in Garner four years, then 
locating on his present place, section 6 
Avery township. Mr. White has a farm 
of 240 acres, well improved. He raises 



stock and grain of all kinds. In politics 
he is a republican. Mr. White has held 
the office of township trustee, also school 
director. He is now one of the county 
supervisors of Hancock county, an office 
which he has held for the last four years. 
He is a member of the G. A. R. at Britt. 
Mr. White was married Aug. 29, 1876, to 
Maggie Casick, born in New Jersey, July 
3, 1857. They have four children living 
— Josephine, born Jan. 17, 1877; Albert, 
born Jan. 29, 1879; Gethie, born March 
19, 1882; Mary E.,born Oct. 11, 1883. 

Bert Farman was born in Wisconsin, 
Oct. 14, 1861, where he resided until 1879, 
when he came to Hancock county, locat- 
ing in Avery township. He was married 
to Hannabell Stockwell, Sept. 30, 1882. 
She was born in Wayne Co., 111. They 
have one child. Mr. Farman's father 
was born in New York in February, 
1832. His mother was born in New 
York in 1831. They had seven children, 
Bert being the third child. Mr. Farman 
is a republican. 

John Stoddart, farmer, is a native of 
Wisconsin, born Dec. 17, 1856. In 1879 
he came to Avery township, Hancock Co., 
Iowa, settling on section 21. He has 
since made this his home with the excep- 
tion of the summer of 1881, which he 
spent in Wisconsin. John Stoddart, Sr., 
is a native of Soottland, born in 1819. In 
1850 he emigrated to the United States. 
He was a surgeon at West Point for 
several years, after which he went to Wis- 
consin, settling at Shullsburg, and prac- 
ticing medicine there for ten years. He 
entered the ministry about twenty-five 
years ago and is now preaching in the 
Congregational Church, being located in 






,* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



651 



Dane Co., Wis. His wife, Sophia (Hatt) 
Stoddart, was born in England in 1830. 
Tiiey liad ten children, eight of whom are 
living, John being the third. Mr. Stod- 
dart married Jan. 8, 1878, Sarah Carson, 
born in Windsor Co., Wis., Dec. 18, 1857. 
They have two children living — Jessie, 
born April 29, 1879; Gertie, born May 13, 
1881. Mr. Stoddart votes the republican 
ticket. He is one of the trustees for Avery 
township. 

George Duryea, farmer, was born in 
Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1835. When 
eighteen years of age he moved to Tomp- 
kins county, removing from there to Du- 
buque, Iowa. After a two years residence 
there he went to Decorah,and from there 
to St. Paul, Minn., following teaming for 



a time. He afterwards removed to Mc- 
Gregor, Iowa, then living two years in 
Osage, Mitchell county. He then went 
to Virginia City, Montana, remaining 
eighteen months. In 1865 he returned to 
Osage and in the winter engaged in the 
livery business, in which he continued 
until 1880. He then came to Hancock 
Co , Iowa, settling on section 19, Avery 
township, and having eighty acres of 
good land, well improved. He is a mem- 
ber of the OuM Fellows Lodge, No. 195, 
Osage, also of the Legion of Honor. Mr. 
Duryea was married in June, 1858, to 
Jane Kennedy, born in Dubuque, Iowa. 
They have five children — James, Mary, 
George, Nine and Francis. Mr. Duryea 
is a democrat. Mrs. Duryea is a member 
of the Congregational Church. 



CHAPTER XVI 



I5INGHAM TOWNSHIP. 



The township of Bingham occupies the 
extreme northwest corner of Hancock 
county, and comprises all of the congress- 
ional township 97, range 26. It has Crys- 
tal fm the east and Orthel upon its south- 
ern boundary. The soil is a rich, sandy 
loam, in common with all this region. The 
prairie here undulates in long swells, like 
the ocean under a midsummer calm. A 
branch of the upper waters of the Des 
Moines river, which rises across the line 
in Winnebago county, enters the township 



about the center of the north line of sec- 
tion 4, and changing its direction, trav- 
erses, in an almost westerly direction, 
through sections 5 and 6, Tiiaking its exit 
on the west line of the southwest quarter 
of the last. Another branch of the same 
river rises on section 1, this township, and 
running in a general southwesterly course, 
crosses sections 2, 3, 10, 15, 16, 20 and 30, 
crossing the line into Kossuth county on 
the latter. A third branch takes its rise 
in Lake George, on section 14, pursuing 



r 







652 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



also a southwesterly course, makes its 
exit from the township on section 31, hav- 
ing traversed in its course, sections 22, 23, 
28, 2t>,32 and 31. Boone river also rises 
in the southeastern part of the township, 
on sections 28 and 36, and flows west, then 
south, into Orthel township. This county 
heing so well furnished with living waters 
and rich, luxuriant grasses is the ideal 
paradise of stockmen, and the day is not 
far distant when its fertile plains will 
teem with the herds of cattle that will 
enrich their owners. The low of kine 
will then be the music that will lull the 
farmer to his rest, and peace and plenty 
reign in every home. 

The first settler in this township was 
Silas J. Wright, who, in 1868, purchased 
a portion of the school lands on section 
16, broke some prairie and opened up a 
farm. Here he lived but a short time 
when he pulled up stakes and returned to 
Illinois, from which he came, and where 
he is at present living. 

John Bingham, who located here, on 
section 20, in May, 1869, is usually cred- 
ited with having been the first settler, but 
through an error, as the records show. 
Mr. Bingham, after whom the township 
is named, still resides within its limits. 

John G. Bingham is a native of "merry 
England," where he first saw the light of 
day, April 6, 1831. He was born in Lin- 
colnshire, and is a son of David and Su- 
san Bingham. In 1850, he came over to 
our "land of the free," and first lived for 
three years in Dodge Co., Wis. He then 
went to Marion, Olmsted Co., Minn., 
bought a quarter section of land, and 
farmed it for eight years. He subse- 
quently lived in Pleasant Grove township 



for seven years, and in 1868, came to 
Hancock Co., Iowa. He first purchased 
320 acres of land on sections 20 and 21, 
and has since disposed of 160 acres lying 
on the latter section. Mr. Bingham is 
about the oldest living settler in Bingham 
township. He is republican in politics. 
and in lf-tjs enlisted in company II, 1st 
regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, 
serving till the war closed, and suffering 
the loss of his eyesight. He was married 
Dec. 26, 1856, to Clarissa, daughter of 
Moses and Clarissa Huntley, of Chatfield, 
Fillmore Co., Minn. They have had eight 
children born to them, six of whom are 
living — David M., Elethea S., John J., 
Andy W., George C. and Rocelia May. 

A family by the name of Ross were the 
next pioneers, having located on section 
34, in 1874. They remained two years 
and then removed to the State of Kansas. 

Frank Aiken also came during the year 

1874. After living here about four years, 
he was seized with the Dakota fever and 
emigrated to that land of rich promises. 

C. H. Barber was a settler of the year 

1875, locating on a part of section 16, 
where he still lives. 

M. T. Barber located upon a portion of 
section 16, also, coming into the township 
with his brother, C. H.,in 1875. He lives 
yet on the homestead, one of the most 
prominent men in the township govern- 
ment. 

John Quinn and Isaac Emmons are the 
next in order of settlement, locating in 
the township during the year 1877. 

The growth of the population, in this 
part of the county, for some reason un- 
explained, has been retarded, but a steady 
increase has been noticed within the last 



*4 



-»IV 
* 



£ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



653 



few years, until now the township con- 
tains some sixty-six souls. 

The first birth in the township was that 
of Elizabeth, daughter of John and Clar- 
issa Bingham, born July 7, 1869. 

The first death was the above daughter 
of John Bingham and wife, who died in 
February, 1874, and was laid away to rest 
in Crystal Lake cemetery. 

The first school in the township was 
held in the house of Mr. Bingham in 
1872. The gentleman's wife, Mrs. Clar- 
issa Bingham, was the teacher,and presid- 
ed over the destinies of the little school 
with grace and dignity. During the same 
year, 1872, a frame school house was 
erected, 16x22 feet in size, and at a cost <>t 



The Lake George school house, a frai 
edifice, 16x22 feet in size, was erected i 
1881, at a cost of $500. Katie Quinn ha 
the honor of being the first teachei 
therein. 

The Shattuck school house was also 
built during the year 1881. This is a 
smaller building than either of the others 
and was put up at a less expense. This 
school was formerly taught at the house 
of Frank Aiken and its initiation was in 
1877. Mary Aiken was the first teacher. 

The Barber school house, a fine sub- 
stantial frame building, erected near the 
residence of C. II. Barber, in 1883, cost 
in the neighborhood of 1700, including 



furniture. Katie Quinn was the first 
teacher. 

When Bingham township was set apart 
from Crystal, in 1878, a township library 
was organized. This extremely praise- 
worthy enterprise has grown and pros- 
pered until now it contains some 500 vol- 
umes, valued at $425. This is entirely 
supported by a small tax which the in- 
habitants of the town have cheerfully 
burdened themselves with. The exis- 
tence of such institutions shows the cul- 
ture of a community, for where literature 
is eagerly sought after, and arrangements 
perfected, as they are here, for the easy 
dissemination of good books, an easy cur- 
rent of ideas polishes off the rough edges 
ihat man is apt to gain, when isolated 
from the society of men or letters. 

Bingham township was organized by 
ng set apa't from Crystal township, of 
< Inch it formed a part, in 1878, although 
the first election did not occur until the 
14th of October, 1879. At this time the 
following were elected the first officers of 
the township: J. R. Flack, J. G. Bing- 
ham and Feank Aiken, trustees; David 
Bingham, clerk; J. R. Flack, assessor; 
Frank Aiken, justice; J. R. Flack, consta- 
ble. The present officers are as follows: 
John Bingham, M. T. Barber and John 
Quinn, trustees; M. T. Barber, clerk, as- 
sessor and justice of the peace. A his- 
tory of this township of a necessity must 
be brief, for its tender age makes the re- 
quisite material short. 



^V 



<! W- 



654 



HISTORY OE HANCOCK COUNTY 



CHAPTER XVII 



BOONE TOWNSHIP. 



Boone township is that portion of Han- 
cock county lving in the western tier 
thereof, known as congressional town- 
ship 95, range 2t>. It was organized in 
1880, but at that time included what is 
now Orthel township. The latter was set. 
off, and Boone became its present size in 
1882. The land is a beautiful rolling 
prairie of a rich, black loam, witli 
some sand now and then, and gravel 
or drift deposit along the Boone river. 
The latter flows in a southwesterly di- 
rection entirely across the township, in- 
tersecting on its path, sections 3, 10, 15, 
16, 21, 20, 29, 30 and 31. The Boone 
river with several of its affluents and 
blanches, thus provides a liberal supply 
of life-giving, flowing water for the ben- 
efit of the stock and which adds to the 
fertility of the soil. The. township, also, 
is traversed by the Minneapolis & St. 
Louis Railroad, but no station or depot is 
located within its boundaries at present. 
But little timber can be found within the 
township, and all of that is in the artifi- 
cial groves planted by the foresight and 
prudence of the inhabitants, and which 
consist chiefly of willows and cottonwood, 
but owing to the newness of the settle- 
ment, these incipient groves are too di- 
minutive to be Recognized as timber. 



The first pioneer who located in what 
is now Boone township, was Maurice 
Day, who stuck his stakes and settled on 
section 6, during the year 1S70. Mr. Day 
was a man of family and his first labor 
was to erect him and his a house to 
shelter them from the inclemency of the 
weather. This, the first house in the 
township, was a frame building, 16x18 
feet in dimension. This done, hi com- 
menced to break up the sod, plowing and 
sowing the seed that he might have a 
harvest when the earth had waxed older. 
With Maurice, came his younger brother, 
Stephen, who worked with him in part- 
nership. Stephen was not married, but 
lingered in "single blessedness." He 
only remained here about two years when 
he removed to Upper Grove, in Avery 
township. These brothers came from the 
''Old Keystone" State, Pennsylvania. 

The next to locate here was Iver Nis- 
sen, a native of Denmark, who settled on 
section 11, during the year 187). Mr. 
Nissen is still a resident of the township. 

A Mr. Stanlope, also a Dane, located 
upon section 11, in 1872. He lived here 
until about 1875, when he removed to 
California. 

J. B. Hill, a native of Black Hawk Co., 
Iowa, was the next incomer, locating upon 
section 6 during the year 1876. He is 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



655 



still a resident of this place, inhabiting 
the homestead that he reared at that time. 
The first birth in tho township was that 
of a daughter of Maurice Day, born in 
1872. This child died while still an 
infant and was thus the first death in the 
township. 

The first Rchool was held at the house 
of J. B. Hill, in 1879, and Mary Clark was 
the teacher. This school was kept up and 
held session as convenient until during the 
summer of 1881, when a school house was 
erected on section 5, at a cost of $393. 
May Halgeson was the first to preside 
over the destinies of the youth of the dis- 
trict submitted to her charge, and that 
attended the "new school house." The 
school is now known as the Dallman 
school and Helen Clark is the present 
preceptress. 

What is called the Nissen school house 
was built during the year 1883, on section 
11. This structure is 18x30 feet in size, 
and cost $438. Prior to this time, how- 
ever, a school was taught at the residence 
of Peter Madison, of which Andrew 
Murray was teacher. 

There is no regularly organized Church 
society within the limits of Boone town- 
ship, but the religious education of the 
people is, by no means, neglected, nor are 
they left without light on the subject of 
"The Way, the Truth, and the Life." 
Religious services are held every alter- 
nate Sabbath at the Dallman school house, 
by ministers and disciples of different 
denominations, among which the Luther- 
an, Congregational and Methodist, stand 
out quite prominently. A Sabbath school 
is held at the same place every week, and 
is ably conducted and well attended. 



Young and old, all look forward to Sun- 
day school as the day to be marked with 
a white stone in their calendar. 

On the second day of November, 1880, 
was held the first election for township 
officers, the township being at that time 
organized, but included within its terri- 
tory all of what is now Orthel, which was 
set off from it later. This election took 
place at the Daggett school house, now 
in Orthel township, and resulted in the 
election of the following officers: John 
llolloway, E. Lloyd and T. Pressnel), 
township trustees; Frank Ileal, clerk; G. 
W. Flack, assessor; S. Basford and John 
Hollow-ay, justices; O. li. Flack and Fred 
Cook, constables; H. C. Potter and E. 
Lloyd, road supervisors of districts 1 and 
2. At the June meeting of the board uf 
supervisors, 1882, the order was issued 
ordering the organization of Orthel town- 
ship, which are thereby cutoff from Boone 
and entered upon a separate existence. 
The present officers of Boone township 
are: Thomas Pressnell, Iver Nissen and 
W. H. Nowling, trustees; Thomas Duff, 
clerk; J. B. Sanders, assessor; Alfred 
Larkins and J. B. Sanders, justices; An- 
drew Christopher and Elias Long, consta- 
bles; Edward Lloyd, road supervisor. 

Herman Dallman, was born in Prussia, 
Jan. 8, 1855. In the spring of 1869 he 
came to America, locating at Watertown, 
Wis. He lived there about one year, 
then removed to Seymour, Wis. He re- 
mained there about six years, working in 
the saw mills and pineries. He then re- 
moved to this State, locating in Mitchell 
county. After'remaining in that place 
two years, he came to this county, locating 
in Boone township, and purchased ninety- 
six acres of land on section 5. This land 
is mostly under cultivation. Mr. Dall- 
man belongs to the Lutheran Church. 
Politically he is a republican. His par- 
ents live in this township. 



• ft" 






656 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVI II 



BRITT TOWNSHIP. 



This township lies in the second tier 
from the north line of the county, and the 
second from the western boundary. It is 
bounded on the north by Crystal town- 
ship, on the east by Garfield, west by Or- 
thel and south by Erin, and contains 
thirty-six square miles, or 23,040 acres, 
and is known as congressional township 
96, range 25. In common with the most 
of the county, the land is a level prairie, 
with just sufficient roll to drain the larger 
part of it. A rich growth of succulent 
grasses cover the soil where left in its pris- 
tine state, but, where plowed and fitted for 
the bearing of crops for the use of man, 
it shows the black loamy soil, usually 
found in all countries whose fertility and 
productiveness is beyond parallel. The 
numerous herds of cattle that feed on the 
indigeous herbage, show by their fat, 
sleek condition the nutrition to be derived 
from this natural product, and the really 
immense amount of hay cut from these 
prairies demonstrates that this is the stock 
raising country — par exceUence. No finer 
or better land lies under the canopy of 
Heaven, than is found right here. Some 
of the land, lying in the state of nature 
as yet, as it has for thousands of years, is 
wet and sloughy, but as farms are opened 
up about it, these dry off and return a 
liberal percentage of profit for the outlay 



of time and money expended. Partly ly- 
ing on section 13, is Eagle lake, a consid- 
erable body of water, containing over 
1,000 acres, the larger part of which is 
however, in the adjoining township of 
Garfield. Issuing out of the northern end 
of this is the west branch of the Iowa 
river, which with many a devious curve 
and divers crooks, meanders southward 
through the lower part of the township, 
on the eastward side. Two small streams 
in the southwest portion of the township, 
also, help water that locality. But little 
timber is seen within the limits of Britt, 
except artificial groves, and these, owing 
to the newness of the country, are as yet, 
in their infancy. 

The first settler in Britt township, was 
Thomas Clark. He was what is called a 
"section boss," and located a section house 
at what is now the town of Britt, in April, 
1873. 

Following him, came B. McMullen, who 
built the first frame house in the town- 
ship, in 1874. Mr. McMullen, however, 
had been engaged in breaking land and 
opening up a farm the spring previous, 
on section 25. 

The next settler was R. S. Rasmusson, 
who located on the land where the town of 
Britt now stands, in March, 1875. A lit- 
tle later came Peter and J. Jenson. 



V 



6 



!fe 



-s» 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



657 



Rasmus Rasmusson, residing on section 
14, Britt township, was born in Denmark, 
May 8, 185] . He was there reared and 
educated, and there farmed till 1866, when 
he emigrated to America, locating in 
Dane Co., Wis., remaining there but two 
months; thence to St. Croix Co., Wis., 
where he lived nine years. In May, 1875, 
he came to this county and was the first 
actual settler in the flat prairie. He has 
a well improved farm of 200 acres. He 
was married March 15, 1871, to Augusta 
Clauson, a native of Denmark. They 
have three children — Christina S., Willie 
J. and Lewis H. They are members of 
of the Advent Church. Mr. Rasmusson 
was township trustee of Britt, from 1876 
to 1880, and was township treasurer for 
two and a half years He is a member of 
the Masonic ordi r. 

Jorgen Jenson is a native of Denmark, 
born June 22, 1834. He was reared on a 
farm. In 1870 he emigrated to the 
United States, settling in St. Croix Co., 
Wis., and engaging in fanning. In the 
fall of 1876 he came to Hancock county, 
and the following May located on his 
present place, on section 14, Britt town- 
ship, where he has 16'-' acres of good land. 
Mr. Jenson was married April 18, 1859, 
to Carrie Erickson, a native of Denmark. 
They have three children — Albert, Celia 
and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Jenson are 
members of the Lutheran Church. 

The first child that was born in the 
township was Willie Clark, whose day of 
birth was in June or July, 1874. 

No record exists of the first marriage 
in the township, as to the names of the 
contracting parties, except that the cere- 
mony was solemnized at the house of E. 



Marshall, and that the lady was a domes- 
tic in that gentleman's employ, and the 
groom was a man who worked for Mr. 
Devenpeck. The date of this cannot be 
remembered with sufficient accuracy to 
merit a place in history. 

The chronicle of the first death is 
shrouded in the same mystery, but it is 
supposed to be that of a sister of B. Mc- 
Mullen. 

The first school house within the limits 
of the territory now comprised in the 
township of Britt, was built on section 25, 
in 1875, and was called the Mc Mullen 
school house. The first school was taught 
by Dida Draper the same year. This 
building has lately been moved on to sec- 
tion 26, and is called the Dickinson school 
house. This was presided over by Lucy 
Sloper last year. The next school was 
established in the town of Britt, for ac- 
count of which the reader is referred to 
the history of that "burg" a little further 
on. In l«81 another school house was 
erected on the land of J. H. Bu dick, on 
section 15, and the first teacher was J. 
Clark. 

The township of Britt was established 
Oct. 1, 1873, the first election for officers 
taking place at the house of Mr. Deven- 
peck, on the 14th of October. The fol- 
lowing is the list of the first officers: R. 
M. Day, J. B. Daggett and B. McMullen, 
trustees; A. J, Sprague, clerk; R.M.Day, 
assessor; G. Devenpeck and A. J. Sprague, 
justices, and William Porter and G. W. 
Eddy, constables. 

The Evergreen Cemetery was located 
and established on the 20th of March, 
1877. by the township. The board had 
appointed a committee, consisting of H. 



*» Q-~ .- 



LiL 



C58 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



C. Potter, J. II. Burdiok and R. S. Ras- 
musson, for the purpose of selecting the 
proper spot for the public burial place. 
They met together and pitched upon a 
plot of ground containing some five acres, 
on the southeast quarter of section 28. 
The first to be laid at rest within its 
limits was William Wooliscroft, the 
grandfather of Jesse Wooliscroft, late of 
this place, who die d the same year. The 
second was Mrs. Breese, whose body was 
brought here by her son, William II. 
Breese, and laid at rest. 

'I lie cyclone that devastated other por- 
tions of the county on the 24th of June, 
1882, did considerable damage in Britt 
township, the most important being the 
demolishing of the house and buildings of 
Eli C. Sonthwick, on section 11. 

BRITT. 

The town of Britt lies upon parts of 
sections 28 and 33, on a beautiful flat 
prairie. "The flowery mead of summer 
bloom," coming close up all around the 
village, which stands like some island in 
an emerald sea, alone, and lost in im- 
mensity. The town was laid out, and 
platted, and the plat filed for record on 
the 20th of June, 1878, by John T. Stone- 
man and William H. Lorimer. Prior to 
this a station was located here, and a 
grain warehouse had been erected, but 
nothing approaching a town was found 
here. In a marvellously short time after 
the town site was laid off, it had grown 
to be the largest town in the county, and 
its vigorous growth inspires the confi- 
dence in its future, a future full of 
promise. 

The first building erected in the town 
of Britt was the depot of the Chicago, 



Milwaukee <feSt. Paul Railway, which was 
put up during the year 1870. 

The second was a section house, located 
about sixty rods east of the depot, above, 
but which has since been torn down. 

The first residence erected was that of 
J. II. Burdiok, and which stood on the 
south side of the railroad track, opposite 
the section house mentioned above. 

John II. Burdick was born Dec. 29, 
1830, in Allegany Co.', N. Y. His par- 
ents, William and Mary (Hancock) Bur- 
dick, were natives of Rhode Island, and 
were old settlers of Allegany county. 
John was reared and educated in his na- 
tive county, and was engaged in farming 
there until 1855. He then went to Gale- 
na, III., where he worked in the lead 
mines. In 1859 he returned to New 
Vork, and in 1866 went to Wisconsin, 
where he became engaged in Dane and 
Rock counties, farming, until 1876. He 
then came to Hancock Co , Iowa, locating 
in Britt township. Mr. Burdick was mar- 
ried Sept. 8, 1861, to Elizabeth Ostrander, 
a native of New York. They have five 
children — Mary J., Ella, Hattie, William 
J. and Rosa. He is a school director of 
Britt district, and one of the township 
trustees. In 1878 Mr. Burdick settled on 
eighty acres of land one-half mile south- 
west of Britt. In 1883 he sold this farm 
and settled on his present farm northeast 
of Britt, where he has 160 acres of good 
land. 

The first sermon preached in the vil- 
lage was delivered by the Rev. Z. C. 
Bradshaw, of Belmond, Wright county, 
a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal 
faith, in November, 1878. 



^Js 



r 



iK 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



659 



The postoffice at Britt was established 
in 1870, and Robert Lattimore made post- 
master. He was succeeded by S. P. Ben- 
son. This gentleman continued to hold 
the office until the spring of 1880, when 
he was succeeded by the present incum- 
bent, E. E. Adams. 

The depot of the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul Railway Company was erected 
in 1870, and Lewis Rock was the first 
agent appointed by that corporation to 
manage its affairs at this point. E. P. 
Healy is the present agent, having been 
appointed to this place in June, 1880. 

Edwin P. Heal y, agent of the C. M. & 
St. P. R. R was born in Cuyahoga 
Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 18.03. Edwin was 
reared in his native county and attended 
for a time the Oberlin College, of Ober- 
lin, Ohio. When seventeen' years of age 
he engaged as brakernan on the Lake 
Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. 
During the last two years of his service 
there he was conductor. In 1878 he went 
to New Hampton, Iowa, where he re- 
mained eighteen months. He then went 
to Bassett, Iowa, where he engaged in 
the agricultural implement business, and 
while so engaged he learned telegraphy 
and railroad office work. In June, 1880, 
he came to Britt, taking charge of the 
business of the Milwaukee road at that 
point. He was married Dec. 15, 1880, to 
Lillian L. Hoxsie, a native of Wisconsin. 
They have one child — Walter H. He is 
a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. 
fraternities. 

The depot of the Minneapolis & St. 
Louis Railroad Company was erected in 
August, 1880. This company had at this 
point, a station agent prior to this in the 



person of R. Hill, who took charge May 
18, 1880. 

The first school in the town of Britt 
was held in the kitchen of the hotel dur- 
ing the fall and winter of 1876-7. Belle 
Swortwood was the teacher that then led 
the youth of the village along the flowery 
paths of knowledge, and planted in their 
minds the seeds of learning. During the 
following spring and summer Mary He-s 
taught the school, which was then held in 
the store building now occupied by J. R. 
Wolf as a residence. The present school 
house was erected during the summer of 
1878, at a cost of $2,000. The first term 
taught therein was in the fall of that year 
and W. S. Groom was the teacher. 
Under his fostering care the school im- 
proved so well that he continued to "teach 
the young idea how to shoot,'' as Gold- 
smith so beautifuly expressed it, during 
the following year, 1879. In May,1880,this 
was made a graded school with W. J. Mass- 
ingham as principal, and sole teacher 
through the summer term. In the fall 
and winter term he was assisted by Mary 
Stubbing. C. C. Turner was the principal 
during the summer of 1882 and Thomas 
Lowe, the fall and winter following. The 
present principal is William Houston, 
who has as assistants Calla Ross and Delia 
Whitney. 

On the 4th of July, 1881, was held the 
first general celebration in honor of the 
natal day of the Republic. It is related 
that there being a great dearth of timber 
of any length in this locality, the citizens 
collecting in a body, proceeded to where 
the Chicago, Milwaukee &St. Paul Railway 
Company had piled some bridge timbers, 
and quietly appropriated what was neces- 



e 



Y 



Ll£ ; 



660 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



sary to make the liberty pole that was erect- 
ed. This, of course, produced considerable 
argument, and more merriment, but was 
finally settled, to the satisfaction of the 
participants at least. 

The town of Britt was incorporated 
June 23, 1881, the ordinances being drafted 
by J. G. Strong and W. E. Bradford. 
The following is the list of the first offi- 
cers entrusted with tlve municipal govern- 
ment: George Stubbins, mayor; II. II. 
Ellsworth, recorder; S. F. Benson, asses- 
sor; J. D. Smith, marshal; B. Hudson, 
street commissioner; Thomas Daylor, 
John J. Clemmens, H. E. R. Hill, Joseph 
Treganza, P. S. Ellsworth and U. W. Far- 
rer, aldermen. 

The following represents the present 
government: George Stubbins, mayor; II. 
II. Ellsworth, recorder; A. D. White, as- 
sessor; M. Nugent, street commissioner 
and marshal; Thomas Daylor, C. C. Way, 
J. Treganza, Eugene S. Ross, J. F. Bullie 
and Joseph Osborne, aldermen. 

Howe Post, No. 179, Grand Army of 
the Republic, located at Britt, was insti- 
tuted upon the 23d day of May, 1883, 
Gen. M lo L. Sherman, of Fredericksburg, 
Chickasaw Co., Iowa, being the mustering 
officer. The following put their names 
upon the first enlistment paper, becoming 
the charter members thereof: J. G. Strong, 
M. Nugent, Levi Huntly, H. D. Woodard, 
Levi Chandler, P. P. Griffin, J. G. Bing- 
ham, O. N. Wilcox, Eli Blickensdefer, 
Jerome Bailey, J. R. Wolf, C. B. Howe, 
J. F. Bullis, M. McGruder, C. S. Rock- 
wood and Thomas Graham. Of these, 
Capt. J. G. Strong was elected comman- 
der, and II. D. Woodard adjutant. The 
post is officered at present as follows: 



Henry Bush, commander; C. B. Howe, 
senior vice-commander; Levi Chandler, 
junior vice-commander; If. D. Woodard, 
adjutant; P. P. Griffin, quartermaster; J. 
R. Wolf, surgeon; J. G. Bingbam, guard. 
The post is in good flourishing condition, 
and considerable interest is displayed in 
the work by the comrades who stood 
shoulder to shoulder in the lurid light of 
fateful battle. The present membership 
is about twenty-one. 

Darius Lodge, No. 431, Ancient Free 
and Accepted Masons, was organized mi 
the 27th of June, 1883, wi h the following 
list of charter members: J. A. Treganza, 
Thomas Daylor, H. E. R. Hill, J. D. Ma- 
ben, George Stubbins, Joseph Osborne, 
Moses Brown, J. M. Dunaway, J. F. Bul- 
lis, James Diekerson, Thomas Duff, John 
M. Orthel, S. A. Healy and Mat Johnson. 
At the first gathering of the craft the offi- 
cers for the ensuing year were chosen, 
that the lodge might be ruled according 
to the ancient rites and usages, and the 
traveler might be guided aright. The 
following were selected to fill the various 
positions: J. A. Treganza, W. M.; Thomas 
Daylor, S. W.; H. E. R. Hill, J. W.; J. D. 
Maben, S. D.; George Stubbins, J. D.; 
Joseph Osborne, Sec; Moses Brown, 
Treas.; J. M. Dunaway, Tyler. The 
lodge is in a prosperous condition and 
has a total membership of fifteen brothers, 
and the work is pronounced as more than 
fair, by the initiated. 

The Congregational Church society was 
organized on the 26th of December, 1879, 
although the Rev. R. R. Wood had been 
preaching the Word for six months pre- 
vious. Among the names of those com- 
prising the original membership of this 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



661 



portion of the Lord's vineyard may be 
found tlie following: E. E. Adams and 
wife, Smith A. Healey, George Alexan- 
der, Georginia Way, and William H. 
Breese and wife. Many others, who were 
not as yet identified with the Church, 
assisted in the formation of the society, 
and in the building of the church edifice. 
The first services were held in the school 
house in lieu of a more suitable temple of 
worship, but dining the summer of 1880, 
the present house was erected at a cost 
of $1,500. The Rev. R. R. Woods con- 
tinued pastor until 1883, in July, when he 
was succeeded by the present incumbent, 
Rev. B. St. John. The first officers of 
this Church were as follows: Smith A. 
Healy and George Alexander, deacons; 
W. H. Breese, clerk; E. E. Adams, treas- 
urer; and C. C. Way, Edwin Hale and 
William Breese, trustees. 

The Rev. Benjamin St. John, the pres- 
ent pastor of the Congregational Church 
of Britt, is a native of Delaware Co., N. 
Y., where he first saw the light on the 
10th of December, 1848. He resided in 
that locality until he was ten years of age, 
when his parents removed to Howard Co., 
Iowa, where the subject of this sketch 
lived until 1870, when he entered the 
Iowa College, at Grinnell, in this State. 
Here he was a student for six years, burn- 
ing the midnight oil, in preparation for 
his life's duties. In 1877 he matriculated 
at Yale College, New Haven, Conn., 
graduating therefrom in 1880. In July 
of the same year he took charge of the 
Railroad Congregational Church, at Eldo- 
ra, Hardin county, where he remained 
until July, 1883, when lie accepted a call 
to this charire. A rare scholar and 



talented gentleman, Mr. St. John is bound 
to elevate the Church, and win many souls 
to the service of his Master. He was 
married May 27, 1880, to Louisa Upson, a 
native of Connecticut. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was 
organized in November, 1878, through 
the instrumentality and labors of the 
Rev. Z. C. Bradshaw, now of Belmond, 
Wright county. The following parties 
were included among the original mem- 
bers: K. K. Liquin, William Wright, C. 
Graves, Mrs. R. G. Hill, Mrs. J. H. Bur- 
dick, William Pritchard, Andrew An- 
derson, G. Devenpeck and C. C. Way. 
The first board of trustees was composed 
of the following gentlemen: K. K. 
Liquin, William Pritchard, Andrew An- 
derson, G. Devenpeck and C. C Way. 
On account of the destruction of the 
records of the Church society, by fire, 
much valuable information is of a neces- 
sity inaccessible, but the names of the 
various pastors who have ministered !o 
the spiritual wants of the Church has 
been obtained by personal memory of the 
members. These were: Rev. Z. C. 
Bradshaw, the instigator and originator 
of the society, who served through 1878; 
Rev. J. Jeffrey, 1879; Rev. W. II. Drake, 
1880 and 1881; Rev. E. Turner, 1882 and 
1883, and the present incumbent, newly 
appointed, Rev. H. J. Huston. The 
Church edifice was erected in 1881, at a 
cost probably of $1,500, and is a plain, 
substantial frame building. The present 
officers of the society are: K. K. Liquin, 
W. W. Wright, Carrol Graves, Joseph 
Osborne, Mrs. R. G. Hill, Mrs. Eliza 
Liquin, Mrs. Sarah Morrison and W. II. 
Huston. The membership at the present 



■U 



Al 



662 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



writing (1883) is thirty-two, and is in- 
creasing gradually. The Church is re- 
ported to the conference as being in a 
very prosperous condition and with rich 
promise of future growth and usefulness. 
A fine Sabbath school is attached to this 
Church of which William II. Huston is 
superintendent; Nellie Morrison, treas- 
urer; Bert Morrison, librarian, and ( harles 
Brown, secretary. This school lias an 
average attendance of about sixty scholars 
and teachers, and is a useful adjunct to 
the Chinch. 

Rev. Henry J. Huston, the present in- 
cumbent of the pastoral charge of the 
Methodist Church of Britt, was born in 
Canada, on the 19th of November, 1832. 
When he was six years of age his parents 
removed to Freeport, ill., where he grew 
to manhood. He was educated at the 
Lawrence University at Appleton, Wis., 
graduating from thence in 1802. In 1866 
he became a member of the Kock River 
Conference, and was assigned to the 
charge at Franklin Grove, Lee Co., 111. 
lie remained in the north part of Illinois, 
in charge of several Churches, until May, 
1881, when leaving the charge at Mount 
Carroll, which he then occupied, he re- 
moved to Colorado, for the benefit of his 
wife's health. He remained in the "silver 
land" until March, 1883, when he returned 
eastward, and located upon a portion of 
section 18, in Britt township, where he 
owns 400 acres of land. In October, 
1883, he took charge of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in the town of Britt, 
and is the present pastor. He was mar- 
ried Sept. 8, 1857, to Frances A. Frost, a 
native of Wisconsin, who died on the 30th 
of June, 1867, leaving one son, William 



H. Mr. Huston was again married April 
9, 1869, to Almira M. Squier, of Illinois. 

The first hotel buiit in the town of 
Britt was the Star Hotel, which was 
erected by S. F. Benson, in October, 1876. 
He continued to act the part of jolly host 
until September, 1882, when he sold it to 
A. D. White, who became its landlord. 
Until May, 1883, he enacted this charac- 
ter, when he disposed of the house, good- 
will, etc., to J. W. Ball. The present 
proprietor is F. B. Rogers. 

Frank B. Rogers, proprietor of the 
Commercial House, was born in Clayton 
Co., Iowa, April 27, 1848. His parents, 
Alvah C. and Maria (Plum) Rogers, were 
natives, respectively, of Vermont and 
Pennsylvania. They moved to Clayton 
Co., Iowa, in 1847, where they still reside. 
Frank was reared in his native county and 
was employed on a farm until 1868, when 
he engaged in the hardware business at 
(.'lay ton, Iowa. In the spring of 1869 he 
removed to St. Ansgar, Mitchell county, 
remaining for eighteen months, after 
which he went to Osage, Iowa, clerking 
in a hardware store for four years and a 
half, and then moving to New Hampton 
and going into the mercantile business. 
In March, 1879, he came to Britt and en- 
gaged in the hardware business, which he 
continued until 1882. He then moved on 
a farm near Britt, and Nov. 1, 1883, re- 
moved to the city and became the propri- 
etor of the White House. Mr. Rogers 
was married Dec. 29, 1866, to Anna Mass- 
ingham, a native of Illinois. They have 
three children — Ernest L., Frank E. and 
Mary A. Mr. Rogers held the office of 
school treasurer of Britt township for 
1882 and 1883, and was for three years sec- 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



663 



retary of the Hancock County Agricultu- 
ral Society and is now president of the 
society. 

The Hales House was first started by 
the present proprietor, Edwin Hales, in 
the spring of 1880. At that time the 
building was 20x84 feet in size, but he has 
since added a wing, 20x40 feet, two stories 
high. The building has at present some 
twenty-four sleeping rooms, and affords 
ample accommodation to the traveling 
public. 

Edwin [[ales, proprietor of the [[ales' 
House, Britt, was born in Shropshire 
England, June 21, 1843. He there re- 
mained until 1857 when he cuiie to Amer- 
ica, locating in Jefferson Co., N. Y., liv- 
ing there five years He then removed to 
Berlin, Wis., where he was engaged at Ins 
trade, milling, having learned the same in 
New York. He remained in Berlin six 
ye us. He then removed to St. Louis, 
Mo., where he worked one year; thence 
he went to Raleigh, Mo., where he re- 
mained two years. He then removed to 
Jacksonville, 111., where he lived three 
years. In 1866 he returned to Berlin, Wis., 
there residing until 1873. He then went 
to Clear Lake, Iowa, remaining one year; 
thence to Forest City, Iowa, where he 
lived four years; then returned to Clear 
Lake, residing there until October, 1879, 
when he came to Britt, and in the spring 
of 1880 engaged in the hotel business. 
He was married in April, 1875, to Maggie 
Couper, a native of Iowa, they have one 
child — Frank E Mr. Hales is a member 
of the I. O. O. F. 

Taylor & Osborne, bankers, real estate 
dealers, attorneys, etc., began their multi- 
farious business, in Britt, in June, 1881, 



and have ever since been doing a large 
and rapidly increasing business. This 
firm represent a capital of over $30,000. 
The bank of Messrs. Taylor & Osborne is 
in reality the pioneer institution of Britt. 
Jay D. Maben is assistant cashier. 

Jay D. Maben, of Britt, Iowa, was born 
in Stephenson Co., 111., Aug. 22, 1853. 
lie is a son of John and Mary (Curren) 
Maben, who are old settlers of Hancock 
county. They remained in Stephenson 
county until 1854 when they removed to 
Benton Co., Iowa, there residing one year. 
They then came to thiscounty. la 1874 Jay 
engaged witli his brother in the real estate 
business at Garner, remaining so engaged 
until the fall of 187 '>, when he became 
deputy county treasurer under his father, 
holding that position until 1882, when he 
came to Britt as assistant cashier of Tay- 
lor & Osborne's bank, where he is at 
present engaged. He was united in mar- 
riage July 4, 1878, to Imogene Matteson, 
of Illinois. They have two children — Ida 
M. and Ethel. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. He was assessor of 
Garner in 1876, and is the present treas- 
urer of Britt. 

The banking house of C. C. Way & 
Co. was organized in July, 1881, J. E. 
Anderson and C. C. Way being the co- 
partners in the firm. Shortly after its in- 
stitution, however, Mr. Anderson retired 
from the firm and Mr. Way assumed the 
sole control, which lie continues to do at 
the present writing. The bank has a 
working capital of $30,000, and does a 
large and lucrative business. Mr. Way 
also transacts a large real estate business. 
Thomas A. Way is the cashier of the bank, 
a position he fills to the satisfaction of all. 



afl_ 



664 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



The first lawyer to locate in the village 
of Britt was W. E. Bradford, who settled 
down here, and hung out his shingle, in 
July, 1880. The profession is now repre- 
sented by .Mr. Bradford, I. G Strong and 
Taylor & Osborne. 

In May, 1878, Thomas Daylor erected 
the first building for the transaction of 
the mercantile business. On its comple- 
tion in August of that year, h,e placed 
therein a stock of goods, and after arrang- 
ing them to his satisfaction, opened his 
doors for business, thus becoming the first 
merchant in the town of Britt. The first 
sale made over his counter was twenty- 
five cents worth of Japan tea, and the 
customer was J. H. Burdick. Mr. Daylor 
continued the sole owner of this business 
until February, 1883, when he admitted 
Mr. Ennor as a partner. The firm carry 
a stock of general merchandise that will 
invoice fully $10,000, and do a large trade, 
in fact the best in that line transacted in 
the "burg." During the first year of Mr. 
Daylor's business life here he was en- 
gaged in the grain business, but did not 
continue that branch of trade long. 

Thomas Daylor, of the firm of Daylor 
& Ennor, merchants, was born in Ottawa, 
Canada, May 24, 1849. His father, Frank 
A. Daylor, was a native of Vermont, and 
his mother, Mariah McDonald, was of 
Canada. Her death occurred in 1850. 
The subject of our sketch, when six years 
of age, was taken by the family to Du- 
buque, Iowa, where he entered the employ 
(when thirteen years of age) of James 
Levy, with whom he remained for two 
years. He then clerked with E. S. Stone 
& Co., dry goods merchants, for some two 
years. He then engaged in the insurance 



business, following the same until 1869, 
when he emigrated to Denver, Col., re- 
maining in that city and vicinity for one 
year. He then returned to Dubuque, 
Iowa, and for four months, was engaged 
in mining. He then entered the employ 
of G. H. McDonald & Co., as clerk, and 
remained with them in that capacity, and 
as their traveling salesman three years, 
when he engaged as traveling salesman 
for John Bell & Co., until July, 1878, when 
he came to Britt and engaged in merchan- 
dising. Mr. Daylor was married March 
29, 1873, to Annie E. Zaunck, a native of 
Dubuque, Iowa. They have two children 
living — Thomas and Frank A. His wife's 
death occurred Jan. 10, 1882. Mr. Day- 
lor is a member of the Masonic order and 
of Commandery No. 43, of Mason City, 
Iowa, and he is also a member of the A. 
O. U. W. He is an alderman of Britt 
and also a member of its school board. 

William F. Ennor, of Daylor & Ennor, 
merchants, was born in Grant Co., Wis., 
Aug. 22, 1856. His father, William T. 
Ennor, was a native of England as was 
his mother, Annie (Uren) Ennor. The 
family located in Wisconsin in 1848. Our 
subject was reared and educated in his 
native county, and there resided till April, 
1878, when he came to Britt, Iowa. In 
the fall of that year he entered the em- 
ploy of Thomas Daylor, and bought grain 
and clerked for that gentleman until Feb- 
ruary, 1883, when he became a partner 
with Mr. Daylor in their present business. 
He lias been clerk of Britt township for 
the past three years. 

K. K. Liquin was the second merchant 
in the general merchandising line. In 
August, 1878, he erected his store room 



^V 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



665 



and in October opened his stock for in- 
spection and sale. He continued to 
operate this store until March, 1879, 
when he disposed of it to Henry Lucas, 
who sold out shortly after to G. Stubbing. 

After Mr. Liqnin had sold out his in- 
terest in his store he entered into a co- 
partnership with T. Woodford, and the 
firm thus formed, engaged in the lumber 
trade. In February, 1879, Mr. Liqnin, 
looking around for a business to invest 
his spare capital in, entered into the grain 
business and later on added to it that of 
coal dealer. All three of these busi- 
nesses he is interested in, the two lat- 
ter alone. He has about $4,000 invested 
i ti these different trades and realizes a 
handsome income therefrom. He is the 
owner of the West elevator and is also 
the owner of some 200 acres of fine land, 
lying within this county. Mr. Liquin 
is considered one of the most prominent 
business men in the community. 

Knud K. Liquin, grain and coal dealer, 
was born in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, Feb. 1, 
1854. His parents, Knud K. and Carrie 
(Williams) Liquin, were natives of Nor- 
way. They came to Iowa in 1851. Knud 
was reared in his native count)' and there 
remained until 1878, when he came to 
Britt and engaged in merchandising. He 
has since been identified with the interests 
of that town. Mr. Liquin was married 
Dec. 6, 1875, to Eliza Christian, a native 
of Norway. They have two children — 
Lotta and Charlie. Mr. Liquin has held 
the office of justice of the peace of Britt 
township. He is a member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. 

Among the representative business 
houses of Britt is the general merchan- 



dise store of S. Stubbins. This is the 
business first established by K. K. Liquin, 
who sold to N. O. Lucas, who was in turn 
succeeded by the present proprietor, who 
has placed it under the supervision and 
control of George Stubbins. Mr. Stub- 
bins' management dates from the 10th of 
November, 1>79, and has been a complete 
success. 

Dr. H. F. Fort opened the pioneer drug 
store of this town, on the 17th day of 
August, 1878. He continued to carry it 
on until October, 1879, when he disposed 
of it to Alexander Moir, who continued to 
be the sole proprietor of this establishment 
until May, 1883, when he admitted J. L. 
Kinyon to a partnership. The firm is 
known at present as J. I;. Kinyon & Co., 
and is doing the principal business in 
their line, carrying a nice, clean stock of 
about 4iy,000 worth of the various items 
that go to make up the contents of the 
usual drug store. The firm has a large 
local reputation for integrity and relia- 
bility that wins them a large and lucrative 
trade. 

James Temple also opened a drug store 
in Britt, July 19, 1882, and does a fair 
share of the business in that line. He 
carries a stock carefully selected of about 
$3,000 in a building owned by himself, 
and is noted as a careful compounder of 
the various prescriptions submitted to his 
manipulation. 

The pioneer hardware store was estab- 
lished by F. B. Rogers, who came here 
from New Hampton, Chickasaw county, 
in 1878. He sold out his stock and good 
will in February, 1882, to II. B. Morrison, 
who continues to enjoy a remunerative 
trade in that line. Mr. Alorrison carries 



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666 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNT \ r 



a stock of over $4,000, and by careful at- 
tention to patrons draws a large custom. 

Horatio B. Morrison was born Jan. 7, 
1831, in Belknap Co., N. H. His parents, 
Jacob and Hulda (Chapman) Morrison, 
were also natives of New Hampshire. In 
1839 the family removed to Franklin, N. 
II., where Horatio grew to manhood. 
When seventeen years of age he engaged 
in surveying, and when nineteen years of 
age he became assistant chief engineer of 
the Connecticut <fc Passumpsic Railroad, 
being in that position one year. He con- 
tinued as surveyor on various roads until 
1854, when he went to Huron Co., Mich , 
and ran a saw mill for fourteen months. 
He then became engaged in the lumber bus- 
inessatMinneapolis.Minn. In l s 56he went 
to St. Mary, Minn., and from there in 
1858 to Bureau Co., III., where he engaged 
in farming. In 1862 he removed to Cerro 
Gordo Co., Iowa, where, after farming 
five years, he engaged in mason work, 
which occupation he followed ten years. 
He then began to introduce his patent 
stove pipe register, which he still manu- 
factures, it now having a large sale. In 
February, 1882, he came to Britt, engag- 
ing with E. I. McGraw in the hardware 
business. A short time afterward he 
purchased Mr. McGraw's interest and now 
continues the business alone. Mr. Morri- 
son was married Sept. 25, 1854, to Caro- 
line P. Greeley, a native of Franklin, N. 
II. Four children blessed this union — 
Emma L., Minnie J., Herbert and Sarah 
E. Mrs. Morrison died in March, 1868. 
In February, 1869, Mr. Morrison married 
Mrs. Mary A. (Sawyer) Scribner. They 
have four children — Hattie M., Clara, 



Winnie and Roy. Mr. Morrison is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. 

The hardware trade is also represented 
by the firm of E. I. McGraw & Co., which 
was established in October, 1882. They 
carry a well assorted stock of general 
hardware, run a tinner's department in 
connection, and handle paints and oils. 
In consequence of fair dealing and earnest 
endeavors to meet the wants of their 
patrons, the establishment is doing an ex- 
cellent business. The members of the 
firm are Mr. McGraw and the Palmeter 
brothers, and they carry a stock that 
would invoice between $3,000 and $4,000. 

Elbert I. McGraw, of the firm of E. I. 
McGraw & Co., is a native of Wadsworth 
Co., Wis., born Aug 23, 1856. His par- 
ents, Alonzo and JMary (Anchambaugh) 
McGraw, were natives of New York State. 
They reared six children, Elbert being the 
fourth. Elbert was reared in his native 
county, and when eighteen years of age he 
engaged in the photograph business,oontin- 
uing in that business until 1877. He then 
went to Clear Lake, Iowa, engaging as 
clerk in the hardware house of Palmeter 
Bros., with whom he was engaged until 
1881. He then came to Britt, and with II. 
B.Morrison, engaged in the hardware busi- 
ness. In October, 1882, he sold out his 
interest to his partner, and established the 
present firm, which consists of Mr. Mc- 
Graw and Palmeter Bros. Mr. McGraw 
was married May 12, 1880, to Mary 
Palmeter, a native of Illinois. They have 
one child — Alice Emily, born Aug. 22, 
1883. 

A lumber yard was opened in March, 
1880, by I. W. Jamison, and S. A. Healy 
installed as manager. It was but a short- 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



667 



lived affair as it was discontined after but 
six months of business. 

Smith A. Healy was born in Huron Co., 
Ohio, April 11, 1846. His parents, Abra- 
ham and Phoebe C. (Warren) Healy, were 
natives, he of Rhode Island, and she of 
New York. Smith was reared in his na- 
tive county, and there followed fanning 
till 1865. In February of that year he 
enlisted in company I, 186th Ohio In- 
fantry. The war then drawing to a close, 
he was discharged in June of that year. 
In December, 1866, he went to Mentor, 
Ohio, where he resided until April, 1867. 
He then removed to East Saginaw, Mich., 
which place he made his home for one 
year; thence to New Hampton, Iowa, 
where he was in the nursery business for 
three years. He was then engaged in 
various occupations until September,1878, 
when he went to Bassett, Iowa, there re- 
maining till September, 3879, when he 
came to Britt, taking charge of the lum- 
ber interests of R. W. Jameson, and after 
a short tiriie engaged in the dray and 
transfer business, and finally exchanged 
that for the restaurant business. He was 
married June 13, 1872, to Carrie Adams, 
of Ohio. They have three children — Lil- 
lie M., Smith A. and George E. He was 
elected justice of the peace in 1883, and 
also filled that office while at Bassett, 
Iowa, and while there was also a notary 
public. Mr. Healy is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity of Britt. 

Joseph F. Bullis is also one of the prom- 
inent business men of Britt, being en- 
gaged in the lumber and coal trade. In 
February, 1881, he entered into the latter 
business, and in September, 1882, added 
a stock of lumber thereto. His yard is 



close to the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rail- 
way depot, where he transacted business 
last year to the amount of 8,000,000 feet 
of lumber and 8,000 tons of coal. 

Joseph F. Bullis, lumber dealer, was 
born Dec. 12, 1844, in Wayne Co., N. Y. 
When eight months old his parents moved 
to Rock Co., Wis., being among the early 
settlers there. Joseph received his edu- 
cation and grew to manhood in Rock 
county. In 1867 he moved to Boone Co., 
111., where he resided two years, then 
went to Texas. After staying there eight 
months he returned to southern Illinois,, 
remaining, however, less than a year. He 
then moved to Minnesota, where he resid- 
ed eighteen months. He then came to 
Iowa, and in 1880 located in Britt, Han- 
cock county. When he came to Britt he 
had but $2.50 in cash, but by hard work 
and close attention to business he has 
built up quite a nice coal and lumber trade. 
Mr. Bullis was married Dec. 25, 1877, to 
Mary Fisher, a native of Iowa Falls, Iowa. 
They have two children — Beulah and 
Earl A. Mr. Bullis belongs to the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. Mr. Bullis served his 
country during the Civil War, and was 
honorably discharged Nov. 1, 1865. He 
is now a member of the Howe Post, G. 
A. R., and vice commander of the same. 

The first mercantile establishment de- 
voted exclusively to groceries, was opened 
by H. E. R. Hill, in April, 1880. Liberal 
dealing and honesty of purpose have par- 
ticipated in making this a success and it 
is at present one of the flourishing insti- 
tutions of the town. 

Henry E. R. Hill, grocer, was born in 
Orleans Co., N. Y., Dec. 22, 1817. His 
parents, Henry and Lydia (Thomas) Hill, 



28 



\ 



<» W- 



(168 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



were natives of New York State also. 
When twelve years of age he moved with 
his parents to Chautauqua county, re- 
maining six years. Henry then went to 
La Salle Co., 111., where he remained one 
year. He then removed to Ogle county, 
being an early settler both in that and 
Winnebago county, in which counties he 
lived alternately until 1S54. Then re- 
moving to Waterloo, Iowa, he purchased 
the first town lot ever sold there, and en- 
gaged in the livery business, speculating 
in real estate, and from 1856 to 1857 had 
an interest in the water power of that 
city. In 1 §59 he went to the Rocky 
mountains and in 1861 returned to Win- 
nebago Co., 111., engaging in merchandis- 
ing at Cherry Valley. In October, 1876, 
he moved to Garner, Iowa, being a mer- 
chant there until 1880, at which time he 
came to Britt, where he has since been 
engaged in the grocery business. Mr. 
Hill has been twice married. He was 
united in marriage Sept. 1, 1844, with 
Harriett Wadsworth, a native of New 
York State. One child blessed this union 
— Maria A. She is still living. Mrs. 
Hill died Sept. 14, 1868. Mr. Hill again 
married, Dec. 2, 1869, Rosetta Graves. 
They have one child — Hattie L. Mr. 
Hill has been a member of the board of 
alderman at Britt, and in 1880 held by 
appointment the office of supervisor of 
Hancock county. He belongs to the Ma- 
sonic order at Britt. 

Prior to the building of the town, L. O. 
Huntly erected a warehouse for purchas- 
ing and shipping from this station, and 
continued to operate it from 1875 to 1880. 
Tli is building was constructed in Septem- 
ber, 1875. 



Levi O. Huntly was born in Oswego 
Co., N. Y., June 25, 1837. In 1S49 he 
moved with his parents to Dodge Co., 
Wis., where he remained until 1857. He 
then removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, 
where, in 1861, he enlisted in company C, 
13th United States Infantry, First Battal- 
lion, serving three years, after which he 
went to Nashville, Tenn. After a resi- 
dence there of two years he went to Win- 
neshiek Co , Iowa, remaining until 1867, 
then moving to Clear Lake, Iowa, where 
he built the first grain warehouse. He 
remained in the grain business there until 
1875, then came to Britt, engaging in the 
same business and building the first 
warehouse in Britt. Mr. Huntly was 
married Feb. 5, 1866, to Nellie Joslin, a 
native of Ohio. They have seven chil- 
dren — William W., Sidney J., Tina M , 
Daisy, Leon, Nellie and Gay. Mr. Huntly 
is a member of Howe Post No. 179, G. A. 
R., of Britt. 

In July, 1878, two elevators, to accom- 
modate the wheat and grain trade, were 
erected. One was put up by W. Finch 
and the other by D. R. Putnam. These 
were at that time both operated by E. P. 
Finch and were opposite the Milwaukee 
depot. 

The agricultural implement business of 
Britt is in the hands of Eugene S. Ross, 
who was the first to enter into that line of 
trade. In February, 1879, he commenced 
operations and continues to monopolize 
the trade to a large extent, being the 
only resident dealer in that class of ma- 
chinery. 

The round elevator was built in 1880 
and passed into the hands of Mr. Ross, 
who has his agricultural warehouse there 



A 



9 W_ 



,K 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



669 



as well, although his office is at the C. M. 
& St. P. Railway depot, near at hand. 

Eugene S. Ross was born Sept. 9, 1852, 
in Dane Co., Wis. His parents, Samuel 
S. and Caroline (Murray) Ross, were na- 
tives of New York State. Eugene was 
the eldest of six children. He spent his 
boyhood days on a farm and remained in 
Dane county until 1873, when he went to 
Mason City, Iowa, being engaged in farm- 
ing'until the fall of 1878. In 1879 he lo- 
cated in Britt, engaging in the agricul- 
tural implement business, at which he is 
now successfully engaged. He was united 
in marriage Sept. 29, 1880, with Jessie 
Thompson, a native of Dubuque, Iowa. 
They have one child — Ella A. Mr. Ross 
is a member of the board of aldermen of 
Britt, having been elected in 1882. 

One of the most prominent industries 
of this region is the pressing and baling 
of hay for a foreign market. The first 
press was started by L. Tuttle, in the fall 
of 1881, and afterwards was succeeded by 
Charles Walton. This business is repre- 
sented at present by the following firms: 
Baker & Brown, J. E. O. Bennett, M. 
Brown and Son, and Charles Walton. As 
an instance of the magnitude of this busi- 
ness it is noted that the building employed 
for this purpose by Baker & Brown is 
40x68 feet in size, sixteen feet high, with 
a large loft above, and has a capacity of 
storing seventy tons of hay, and the 
presses are run by steam power, turning 
out last year about 600 tons of hay, gath- 
ered from the wild prairie that lies in the 
immediate neighborhood of Britt. This 
is only one out of the four firms, which all 
do a large business of the same following, 
some during a much larger business. 



Thomas M. Brown, of the firm of Baker 
& Brown, hay press, was born May 9, 
1835, in Sussex Co., N. J. When nine- 
teen years of age he went to Michigan, 
where he resided two years. In the 
spring of 1854 he went to Stillwater, 
Minn., being engaged in trade and farm- 
ing. In 1861 he enlisted in company B, 
1st Minnesota regiment, serving two 
years and nine months, being then dis- 
charged on account of disability. He 
then located in Minneapolis, Minn., where 
he lived until the fall of 1882, at which 
time he came to Britt and engaged in the 
hay pressing business. On Dec. 1, 1883, 
the firm embarked in the wholesale and 
retail coal trade, in which they have es- 
tablished a good run of custom. Mr. 
Brown was married Aug. 4, 1864, to 
Catharine Kelly, a native of Ireland. 
They have eight children — Mary L., 
Frank, George, Henry, Joseph, Frederick, 
Anastacia and Arthur. 

John E. O. Bennett was born March 13, 
1858, in Hickman, Ky. When six years 
of age he removed with his parents to 
Richland Co., Wis., where he received his 
education and grew to manhood. He 
was there engaged in farming until 1880, 
when he left home for a western trip 
with a view of locating in the far west. 
He, however, returned eastward and 
located in Britt, in July, 1880. He has 
since been engaged in buying and selling 
hay. He also purchases all kinds of pro- 
duce when markets are favorable. 

The first saloon in the town was opened 
in October, 1876, by A. J. Coyle. This 
was the only institution of the kind until 
the year 1880, when a second was erected 
and opened by J. W. Farley. This con- 



< A* — - 



^. ?\J- 



670 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



tinued until in May, 1883, at which date 
the stock, fixtures, good-will, etc., passed 
into the hands of A. D. White, by pur- 
chase. 

Albert D. White, an old settler of Britt, 
is a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and 
was bora Oct. 8, 1820. He was there 
reared on a farm, receiving his education 
from the schools of his native county. 
In 1842 he went to Boone Co., 111., there 
farming till 1849; he then removed to 
Clay Co., 111., where he also tilled the 
soil. He then removed to Algona, Iowa, 
there being engaged in different lines of 
business until 1876. He then returned to 
Illinois, locating in Stark county, where 
he resided one year. He then returned 
to Iowa, locating in Britt, where he has 
since been a prominent and successful 
man. Mr. White was united in marriage 
in January, 1842, to Alma L. Tremain, a 
native of New York. They have had 
two children, one of whom is now living 
— Catharine E.; Albert P. is deceased. 
He is a member of the Masonic order, 
and also a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. 
White is constable of Britt township, 
having held that office for the past five 
years. 

The meat market business was initiated 
at Britt, by J. D. Smith, in June, 1879. 
After a year's trial of the trade, he dis- 
posed of it to the Young Brothers, but 
the latter, after six months had elapsed, 
sold out in turn to Pope & Hild who con- 
tinued to operate in that line until Octo- 
ber, 18S2, when they were succeeded by 
the present firm of Clemens & Smith. 
These gentlemen erected the building in 
which they carry on the business, and 



which is especially designed for their line 
of trade. 

John J. Clemens, of Clemens & Co. 
meat market, was born in Milwaukee, 
Wis., Dec. 22, 1852. While he was yet 
an infant his parents removed to Dubuque 
Iowa, where they remained until 1859. 
They then went to McGregor, Iowa, 
where he was reared and received his ed- 
ucation. When fifteen years of age he 
engaged with his father in the wagon 
making trade, which he followed there 
until 1881. He then came to Britt where 
he continued his trade until February, 
1883, when he engaged in the meat market 
business. Previous to this date, however, 
in October, 1882, he was interested in the 
market, although he followed wagon 
making. He was united in marriage Oct. 
29, 1875, to Emma Sandgauger, a native 
of Clayton Co., Iowa. They have one 
child — Raymond A. Mr. Clemens was a 
member of the first board of aldermen of 
Britt, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. 
The pioneer livery stable was instituted 
by John Young in the spring of 1878. 
After about eighteen months he sold out 
toG.R. Wolfe, who in turn disposed of it 
to Broadhead & David, in October, 1883. 
The livery stable of Mat Johnson was 
instituted by that gentleman in August, 
1880, and is one of the thriving businesses 
of the town. 

Mat Johnson, liveryman, was born in 
Monroe Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1854. When 
twelve years of age he removed with his 
family to Kellogg, Jasper Co., Iowa. In 
1877 he came to Britt, clerking in the post- 
office one year, then engaging in farming. 
During the summer of 1878 he was also en- 
gaged in the agricultural implement trade. 



V[a 



V^- 



HISIORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



671 



In the summer of 1880 he engaged in the 
livery business at Britt, which he still con- 
tinues. Mr. Johnson is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. He is the secretary 
of the school district of Britt township. 

The dray and transfer business was in- 
stituted by Ira Fay, in April, 1880, but 
three months later it passed into the hands 
of S. A. Healy who continued to operate 
it until July, 1883, when he sold it to its 
present proprietor, J. W. Finch. 

The restaurant was opened by S. A. 
Healy in August, 1883, after he had dis- 
posed of his dray and transfer business. 
This was not the first in that line as J. D. 
Smith had established the pioneer one in 
April, 1880. 

The pioneer blacksmith of this town 
was William S. Breeze, who located here 
and opened his shop during the spring of 
1879. This business is represented by C. 
L. Palmer, a worthy son of Vulcan. 

I. W. Sprague was the first carpenter 
and builder to locate in the town of Britt, 
arriving there from Chicago, July 24i 
1878. This trade is represented in an able 
manner by C. B. Howell, Treganza 
Brothers, and I. W. Sprague. 

Isaac \V. Sprague, contractor and 
builder, was born Aug. 16, 1834, on Staten 
Island, N. Y. He there grew to manhood 
and learned the carpenter trade. In 1855 
he went to Chicago, 111., where he worked 
at his trade for five years. He then re- 
turned to New York, only remaining 
about one year, however, and then going 
again to Chicago where he was engaged 
in contracting and building until in July, 
1871, when he went to Denver, Col., 
where he remained until 1875, then re- 
turned to Chicago, and there resided until 



July, 1878, then started for the Black 
Hills, but had only proceeded part way 
on his journey when he decided to locate 
at Britt, Iowa, where he has since been a 
prominent builder. Mr. Sprague was 
married Oct. 21, 1869, to Mary J. Glad- 
ding, a native of Michigan. They had 
two children — John H. and Emma E. 
Mrs. Sprague died Feb. 23, 1880. In 
October, 1882, Mr. Sprague married Agnes 
Graham, a native of Ohio. 

Joseph A. Treganza, of the firm of 
Treganza Bros., furniture dealers, was 
borti in Lafayette Co., Wis., Oct. 9, 1844. 
His parents, John and Anna (Roberts) 
Treganza, were among the pioneer settlers 
of that county and were natives of Eng- 
land. Joseph was educated and reared in 
Grant Co., Wis. In 1864 he went to Mon- 
roe, Wis., where he learned the trade of 
cabinet maker, at which he worked until 
1879. He then came to Britt, Iowa, and 
with his brother, Thomas, engaged in the 
furniture business. Mr. Treganza is a 
member of Dennis Lodge, No. 431, A. F. 
& A. M., of Britt. He is also a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. He has been a 
member of the board of aldermen of Britt 
since the organization of the city. The 
Treganza Bros, are among the prominent 
contractors and builders of Britt. 

Besides these, the following businesses, 
professions and trades are ably represented 
in Britt: painter, A. E. Gifford; plaster- 
ers, Eli Blick and N. T. Frakes; barber, 
B. VanSickle; millinery, Miss Kenyon 
and Mrs. A. E. Gifford; boots and shoes, 
J. Tasker; harness maker, J. M. Duna- 
way; furniture dealers, TreganzaBrothers. 
Frank L. Fish was born in Canada, 
Aug. 17, 1849. He was there reared on a 



jU 



I 



672 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



farm. When twenty years of age he went 
to Ogle Co., 111., there remaining two 
years. He then removed to Mississippi 
where he remained about three months. 
He then returned to Illinois and in Sep- 
tember, 3 872, he returned to his native 
country, where he lived three years. He 
then returned to Illinois where he resided 
till March, 1879, when he came to Hancock 
Co., Iowa, locating on his present place. 
He has 280 acres of good land. Mr. Fish 
was married Feb. 11, 1870, to Mary A. D. 
Magoon, a native of Illinois. They have 
six children — Jane F., Leonard F., Nellie* 
Cora, Rankin M. and Lola B. Mr. Fish 
resides on section 20, Britt township. 

Prominent among the first settlers of 
northwestern Iowa stands James Dickir- 
son, who was the first settler of Cerro 
Gordo county, and for years had no neigh- 
bors for miles and miles. After living 
there until it became a prosperous county 
he moved to Hancock county to help bear 
the hardships of its settlement. He was 
born in Orange Co., Ind., April 29, 1820. 
When seven years of age he moved with 
his parents, James and Mary (Plummer) 
Dickirson, to Lawrence Co., 111., remain- 
ing until 1834. They then went to Jo 
Daviess Co., 111. In 1844 James went to 
Jackson Co., Iowa, and in 1849 he re- 
moved to Clayton Co., Iowa, remaining 
there until 1851. He then moved to Cer- 
ro Gordo county. In 1879 he came to 



Hancock county, locating on his present 
farm, where he has 240 acres of good 
land. His farm is situated on section 26, 
Britt township. Mr. Dickirson was mar- 
ried in May, 1842, to Eleanor Scofield. 
By this marriage he has one child living 
—John T. Mrs. Dickirson died in 1849. 
In April, 1851, Mr. Dickirson married 
Melissa Ellway, a native of Iowa. They 
had one child — Melissa J. Mrs. Dickir- 
son died in 1859. He married June 7, 
1861, Annie Williams, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. They have two children — Jo- 
seph and William. Mr. and Mrs. Dickir- 
son are members of the Advent Christian 
Church. He is a member of the Masonic 
order at Britt. He was ©nee a trustee of 
Cerro Gordo, Iowa, and now holds the 
same office in this county. 

John Paulson is a native of Denmark, 
born July 5, 1847. He was reared and 
educated in his native country. When 
twenty-one years of age he emigrated to 
the United States, locating in Racine, 
Wis., where he resided seven months. 
He then removed to Springfield, III., 
where he was engaged in the dairy busi- 
ness. In April, 1883, he came to Han- 
cock county, and now has 240 acres of 
well improved land on section 32, Britt 
township Mr. Paulson was married 
March 25, 1875, to Frederika Hammer, a 
native of Denmark. They have four 
children — Annie, John, Delia and Frank. 
Mr. Paulson is a member of the A.O.U.W. 



_» yf 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



673 



•CHAPTER XIX 



CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 



This territory comprises congressional 
township 96 north, range 23 west, of the 
5th principal meridian. It is bounded on 
the north by Ellington township, on the 
south by Ell township, on the west 
by Garfield township, and on the east by 
Cerro Gordo county. It is somewhat 
sparsely watered, as but one stream is 
found within its limits, a branch of the 
Iowa river intersecting sections 7, 8 and 
19, in the western part of the township. 
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- 
way passes through the township from 
east to west, and there is projected another 
line of railway to intersect this portion of 
the county, north and south. This latter 
road may assume shape in the near future, 
much of the grading in this vicinity 
having been done. For some reason the 
"boys" have christened this the "slippery 
elm," and like all nicknames, this has alto- 
gether supplanted the real name of the 
road. The town of Garner and the vil- 
lage of Concord, the latter the county 
seat of government, are both located 
within the boundaries of Concord town- 
ship. 

The first settlement in what is now 
Concord township was made by James M. 
Elder, who moved from the settlement 
in the lower part of the county in De- 
cember, 1865. The county seat had been 



located at the embryo village of Concord 
the month previous, and Mr. Elder, hav- 
ing been elected clerk of the courts, re- 
moved to this spot, whither the records 
were being transported. Two small build- 
ings had been erected for the use of the 
county officials, a history of which ap- 
pears elsewhere. 

II. N. Brockway the then county treas- 
urer was the next to settle in this town 
being but a few days after Mr. Elder. 
Sketches of both these gentlemen in de- 
tail, may be found elsewhere in their 
proper place under title of county officers. 

These two families, for both brought 
theirs with them, were the only inhabit- 
ants of the township for over two years. 

In 1868 John Milroy came here for the 
purpose of building the hotel for Leonard 
& Stanley, and after the building was 
erected, he purchased it and thus became 
the first landlord. This hotel was the 
first building in the township outside of 
the county offices and the dwelling of the 
officials in the village or township, and 
was erected during the year 1869. Mr. 
Milroy managed this tavern only a short 
time, when he skipped out, abandoning 
his family. He was a man of bad reputa- 
tion, of a rough and lawless disposition, 
and the infant settlement was the better 
for his departure. 



^ 



■9 



M<3_ 



674 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



In 1869 Samuel R. Kelly came to Con- 
cord village with his sister, and made a 
settlement. A party by the name of 
Smith located in the village where all the 
settlements were first made in the early 
part of 1870, and was the first to teach 
school in the district. He was a highly 
religious man, much given to exhortations. 
Years ago he left this county and went to 
the southern part of the State, and has 
been lost sight of. 

L. B. Bailey and John Maben became 
settlers in Concord village and township 
in January, 1869, they having been elected 
to official positions requiring their pres- 
ence here. 

During the year 1868 or 1809, George 
S. Morse, located at the embryo village 
opened a store, but in 1870, C. D. Pritch- 
ard and William Finch came here and 
purchasing the stock of Mr. Morse, es- 
sayed to launch out as full fledged mer- 
chants. Shortly before this change a gro- 
cery store had been opened by the Knapp 
Brothers. This latter firm afterward re- 
moved to Garner, on the establishment 
of that town, where they followed the 
business for several years. 

The Rev. Mr. Allen, a Congregational 
minister, located at Clear Lake, came up 
to this village and organized the first re- 
ligious services and preached the first 
sermon ever delivered in the township. 
This was in the court house previous to 
its completion, in 1869. This Mr. Allen 
was one of the characters, that in that 
early day shone out with a bright and clear 
lustre; that by good words and good deeds 
have left their impress upon the. country 
tint was favored by their presence. 



Rev. A. S. Allen was born in the village 
of Medfield, on Charles river, eighteen 
miles west of Boston, in the State of Mas- 
sachusetts, on the 21st day of June, 1797. 
Between the years of 1812 and 1815, boy 
as he was, he took an active part in the 
War with Great Britian,his father having 
taken part in the War of the Revolution, 
and assisted in achieving our Independ- 
ence. This son of a noble sire was filled 
with the martial spirit of his father, and 
served his country well till peace again 
spread its mantle over the borders of our 
land. At this time, and in this war, this 
young man was led to think, to form 
within his young mind, a love for his 
country, for the principles of freedom and 
a desire to transmit the same, unimpaired, 
to his children through subsequent gener- 
ations, and to this noble end he has always 
sided with his country and government; 
has always lived in accordance with the 
laws of the land; has never countenanced 
disloyalty or rebellion, but in all his ac- 
tions, doings and teachings has shown 
himself a lover of his country and her 
glorious institutions. From 1812 to 1820 
he resided with his grand-parent, on his 
mother's side, ministering to his wants 
and caring for his old age, who, in return 
for his kindness, and out of love and af- 
fection, made him his heir to a small farm, 
which he sold soon afterwards and then re- 
moved to western New York, where he 
entered into the mercantile business, and 
in which business he continued for some 
five years. While residing in western 
New York, beheld many important offices 
of trust, from justice of the peace to judge 
of the circuit court, receiving his appoint- 
ment at the hands of Gov. Troop, of that 



JjJ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



675 



State. He was then elected to the office 
of county treasurer, which he held with 
credit to himself for the period of five 
years, removing to the county seat of 
Allegany county in 1831. He was li- 
censed and ordained as a Christian min- 
ister at forty years of age, by the presby- 
tery of Angelica, and became pastor of the 
Congregational Church at Cuba, N. Y., 
and remained as such for nine years. He 
then removed to Dodgeville, Wis., and 
organized a Congregational Church there, 
and was its pastor for nine years, then re- 
moved to Black Earth, and there organ- 
ized a Church, where he performed the 
duties of pastor for thirteen years, when 
he removed to Clear Lake, Iowa, where 
he died Nov. 7, 1876, aged seventy-nine 
years. 

The first death in the township was 
Charles F., a son of James M. and Mary 
E. Elder, who died on the 2d of Septem- 
ber, 1866. 

The first postoffice in the township was 
established at Concord, or as it was then 
called, "Hancock Center," in 1867, with 
James M. Elder, as postmaster. For his 
labors in this office, he received the mu- 
nificent sum of $12 per year. He contin- 
ued to handle the mail for "Uncle Sam- 
uel," until 1870, when he was succeeded 
by C. D. Pritchard, who however held it 
but a short time. In 1871 Charles C. 
Doolittle was commissioned to fill this 
position which he at present holds. The 
cares of the office are not very onerous, 
nor the pay very large, the latter being 
only $250 per year. 

The village of Concord has no busi- 
ness interests at present, the larger rail- 
road town of Garner, lying within a mile 



of it, drawing all industries to itseJf and 
leaving Concord with no commerce what- 



's 
soever. 



The first election in Concord township 
for school directors took place in March, 
1870, and resulted in the choice of J. M. 
Elder, Ira Bailey and Manser Dyer. At 
this election there were just ten votes 
cast in the township. 

The township of Concord was organized 
in the fall of 1869, and the first election 
was held in October of that year. The 
following is a list of the first officers, 
chosen at that time: J. M. Elder, Ira 
Bailey and Manser Dyer, trustees; John 
Milroy, clerk; J. M. Elder and Ira Bailey, 
justices of the peace; A. Hoose and S. R. 
Kelley, constables, and Manser Dyer, road 
supervisor. 

The present officers are: H. F. Welle- 
meyer, Frederick Fenniger and William 
Yoter, trustees; Walter Dickson, clerk; 
J. M. Elder and A. R. Barnes, justices; 
J. E. Green, constable; George Terwilli- 
ger, aisessor. 

TOWN OF GAKNEE. 

In the summer of 1870 John Maben, in 
conjunction with the C, M. & St. P. 
Railway Company, laid out a town plat on 
the southeast quarter of section 30, in 
township 96 north, range 23 west, and 
filed the plat for record on the 23d day of 
August, 1870. Shortly after this, inter- 
ests in the same were purchased by H. N. 
Brockway and Bush & Allen. This town 
was called Garner, after one of the rail- 
road officials, and almost from the start 
was the chief town in the county, a posi- 
tion it held until since 1880; but of late 
years it is threatened with a serious rival 
in the town of Britt, but with the public 



rpr 



<S k^ 



676 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



spirited people of this city, so united in 
the strife to make Gar.ier the leading 
town of the county against all rivals, it 
does seem that it may attain the reward 
and be the metropolis of Hancock county. 

The first hotel was built by John 
Davidson, of Galesburg, 111., in the spring 
of L 8*7 1 . He operated this about a year, 
when it passed into the hands of William 
Finch, who shortly afterwards converted 
it into a dwelling house. 

The next hotel was built by Robert Elder 
duringthe year 1873. This was opened as 
the Elder House, under the management of 
Robert Elder, the proprietor, now the dep- 
uty treasurer of the county. A model laud- 
lord, who knew how to make his guests 
feel at home, Mr. Elder at once drew to 
himself a large patronage. This is the 
house now known as the Fehly House, 
Frederick Fehly having purchased it some 
eight years ago, and is doing a good busi- 
ness therein. 

Frederick Fehly, proprietor of the 
Fehly House, Garner, Iowa, was born in 
Mecklenburg, Germany, on the 6th of 
.January, 1826. He was educated in Ber- 
lin in one of the largest engine works in 
the world. He has also traveled in all 
the principal cities in Europe to facilitate 
his education as a machinist. In 1848 he was 
married to Mariah Louisa Pasker, and im- 
mediately embarked for America, and set- 
tled at Patterson, N. J., where he was em- 
ployed by Roger's Locomotive Works, re- 
maining about two and one-half years. He 
then removed to Trenton, where he was 
employed as an expert by Cooper's Ma- 
chine Works. In 1854 he removed to 
Chicago, where he was engaged in the 
Illinois Central Railroad shops one year 



and a half, and later was employed by the 
same company until 1860, when he es- 
tablished the Fehly machine shops, at a 
cost of $ 15,000, employing eighteen men, 
which business he followed up until 1876, 
when he sold, his interest and removed to 
Hancock county, where he purchased 
land and engaged in farming, and in con- 
nection run his hotel at Garner. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fehly are the parents of five chil- 
dren — Josie, a graduate of Mt. Carroll 
Seminary, now the wife of George By- 
water, of Letcher, Dak.; Emma, llattie, 
wife of H. C. Porter, Letcher, Dak.; Minnie 
and Frederick. Mr. Fehly is a member 
of the I. O. O. F., Freeport Lodge, No. 
239. In politics he is a staunch democrat. 

The Cassill House was erected by the 
present proprietor, Mr. Cassill, in 1876, 
and it has continued under his manage- 
ment ever since. 

Much of the business interests of Gar- 
ner date from the first start of the town, 
for when the iron horse first made its ap- 
pearance, in 1870, the whole town sprang 
up, as if by magic, and a great stride in 
the forward march of progress was made 
in the first year of its existence. 

The first merchant to open a store in 
Garner was Royal Lovell. He erected 
the first store building, and, in fact, the 
first structure of any kind, on the town 
site, except the depot, in 1S70. He 
opened a general merchandise store, as 
soon as his building was finished, and 
carried a good line of goods in the vari- 
ous departments that go to make up the 
average country store. Mr. Lovell con- 
tinued to occupy the place of principal 
merchant for many years, removing in 
the meantime to more commodious quar- 



iK 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



ters, as business increased. In January, 
1881, Mr. Shuler was admitted as a part- 
ner, and the business is now carried on 
under the firm name of Lovell & Shuler. 
These gentlemen carry a stock of not less 
than $8,000 worth of well selected goods, 
and enjoy a most excellent trade. 

The business of general merchandising 
is now represented by A. B. Elliott & 
Co., Lovell & Shuler, C. Borman and 
Hubbard Bros. 

The first furniture store in Garner was 
established in 1871 by Kemp & Christie. 
In 1880 William Yoter purchased the 
business, and is the present representative 
of that line, enjoying a monopoly. A de- 
partment for the repair of disabled furni- 
ture receives the attention of Mr. Yoter, 
who is a good practical workman, and 
whatever he takes hold of is well done. 

William Yoter, a native of Cumberland 
Co., Penn., was born on the 20th day of 
May, 1819. When nineteen years old he 
went to Pittsburg, where he was appren- 
ticed to the trade of cabinetmaker. Here 
he cast his first vote for William Henry 
Harrison. Soon after finishing his trade 
he established himself in New Castle, 
where he followed the same for sixteen 
years. In 1857 he was joined in wedlock 
with Eliza Dalzell. They had one child 
— Clara Bell, now married- By a former 
marriage he had three children — Jane, 
Adeline and Sarah Ann. In 1858 Mr. 
Yoter emigrated to Illinois and settled in 
Douglas county, where he again embarked 
in his present business. In 1878 he came 
to Hancock county, where he has since 
resided. Mr. Yoter is a member of the 
United Presbyterian Church. In politics 
he is a republican. 



The first and only jewelry establish- 
ment in Garner was opened in 1876, by 
P. S. Dow, the present proprietor. At 
first the business was small, as Mr. Dow 
came here with a limited capital, and 
rented a small portion of the store of Mr. 
Borman for the transaction of his busi- 
ness. Trade, however, increasing, and 
feeling the want of more room, he re- 
moved to what is now the residence of 
Mr. Finch, and in 1878 removed to his 
present location in the postoffice building. 
Mr. Dow is a practical workman, and dot 8 
a large business in the way of watch and 
general repairing. In connection with 
his jewelry and silver plated stock, he 
carries quite an extensive stock of books, 
stationery, holiday and fancy goods. 

William Borman, merchant, was born 
in Prussia, June 2, 1824. There he was 
reared and educated and learned the trade 
of a paper maker, which he followed for 
a few years. In 1848 he came to Ameri- 
ca and stopped at Toledo, Ohio, a short 
time, when he went to Wood Co., Wis. 
In 1852 he married Catharine Bowhacker, 
who came to this county when thirteen 
years old. They have three children — 
John, Carrie and William. Previous to 
coming to Iowa, in 1870, they were resi- 
dents of Grant Co., Wis. They settled in 
Kossuth county where they remained un- 
til 1875, when they came to Garner, where 
they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. 
Borman are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. When Mr. Bowhack- 
er landed in Grant Co., Wis., he had but 
twenty-five cents in his pocket. In a new 
county, with a large family, thus he strug- 
gled through, and at the time of his death 
in 1872 had accumulated a comfortable 



678 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



property. Mr. Borman established his 
business in 1875, carrying a stock of from 
$3,000 to $4,000. 

The first boot and shoe store was es- 
tablished by G. A. Ilaes, in 1871, and it is 
yet under the able management of the 
same gentleman. In connection with his 
store, a shoemaking and repairing de- 
partment is run, and has quite a consider- 
able patronage. Mr. Haes carries quite 
a good sized stock of boots and shoes, 
and furnishes the foot coverings for a 
large part of the people of this vicinity. 
This is the only exclusive shoe store in 
the place, although all the general mer- 
chandise stores carry stock of this kind 
in connection with other goods. 

The pioneer drug store was established 
by Funk & Hawley during the year 1871. 
These gentlemen were afterward bought 
out by William Finch and with other 
changes passed into the hands of T. F. 
Finch, the present proprietor. 

The drug establishment of H. W. Smith 
is one of the live institutions of the town 
of Garner. His large practice as a disci- 
ple of the healing art requires drugs and 
medicines of almost absolute purity, and 
his knowledge in the broader fields of 
medical practice, enables him to purchase 
only such goods as possess the requisite 
freedom from adulteration. He is build- 
ing up an immense trade in consequence, 
and bids fair to overshadow all rivals at 
an early day. 

The first hardware store was started in 
1870, by Sweeney & Schell, but after run- 
ning it for two years or more, in 1873, 
they disposed of the stock and business 
to William Finch. He operated it alone 
until 1875 when he admitted as a partner 



his brother, T. F. Finch. This firm, how- 
ever, was of short duration, for in 18T6, 
T. F. bought out William, who retired, 
and the former has continued carry on 
the hardware business in connection with 
the drug trade. Mr. Finch carries a fine 
stock in both lines and meets a merited 
favor from a large class of patrons. 

The lumber business was initiated by 
J. M. Elder, W. C. Wells and T. Wood 
ford, who started a yard at Garner in 
1870. In 1872 Messrs. Wells and Wood- 
ford purchased the interest of Mr. Elder 
and are at the present time the sole rep- 
resentatives of this line of business. 
They are doing an extensive business and 
draw trade from the remote quarters of 
the county. 

Probably there is no otherbusiness more 
prominent or important to the county of 
Hancock, than that for the sale of lands, 
and the general business transacted by 
those who are generally known as "bind 
agents." These men, whose value is not 
at all acknowledged, spend money and 
time in advertising the county, its re- 
sources, its facilities, its wonderful fer- 
tility, in the hopes of inducing emigra- 
tion to bend its steps this way. Perhaps 
there may be a selfish motive back of 
this, but their influence in a county is a 
very important aid to the building up of 
the population. This business in the 
township is in the hands of men whose 
names are synonyms for honesty and in- 
tegrity, Brockway & Elder, in Concord, 
and A. C. Ripley, in Garner. 

The Hancock County Bank was organ- 
ized in December, 1874, by J. M. Elder 
and II. N. Brockway, and was the first 
establishment of the kind in the county. 



TV 

!! 



»£ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



67 9 



At the first meeting J. M. Elder was 
elected president; H. N. Brockway, vice- 
president ; William McBride, cashier. 
Under the able management of these men 
the bank lias taken a front rank among 
the businesses of Hancock county. For 
the security of the funds entrusted to 
their care, a large fire and burglar-proof 
safe has been provided and the Yale time- 
lock doubles the security thereof. The 
bank has correspondents in New York, 
Chicago and most all foreign ports on 
which it can make drafts. The present 
officers are: James M. Elder, president; 
Harvey N. Brockway, vice-president ; A. 
R. Barnes, cashier. 

In the spring of 1880 John Burnside 
and A. R. Barnes established the far- 
famed "B. B. Creamery," at Garner. 
The building which they erected for this 
purpose is 24x36 feet in size, with an ad- 
dition in the shape of an icehouse twenty- 
four feet square. The motive power for 
the machinery is supplied by a fine engine 
of eight horse power. The whole plant 
cost about $-2,500. With this and the milk 
from 1,000 cows, it is no wonder that 
the daily average capacity of 800 pounds 
of butler should be reached through 
three-fouths of the year. Great care is 
exercised in the production of this butter 
and it goes into New York city, its proper 
market, marked "extra fine quality." 

The first grain warehouse was erected 
by R. Lovell, in 1871, and he enjoys the 
credit of handling the first grain in Gar- 
ner. During the first year of his busi- 
ness in this line, he purchased something 
like 25,000 bushels of grain and the suc- 
ceeding year 45,000. The business is 
represented at present by R. Lovell, Wil- 



liam Finch and Dwight Putnam, the last 
two gentlemen having fine elevators at 
this point. 

The first blacksmith who located in 
Garner, was Walter Dickson, who estab- 
lished his shop the first year of the 
town's existence. He is now engaged in 
the business of farming in this township. 
The business is represented at this writ- 
ing by R. \V. Noble and Charles Krouse. 

There are also located in the town of 
Garner, three hay presses. This business 
of baling up the wild but nutritive grasses 
of the western prairie and shipping this 
surplus hay to those portions of the 
country where there is a scarcity of that 
article, is, although an industry in its in- 
fancy, one of the most important in the 
county. It is represented here by H. F. 
Fiegenbaum, John Burnside and Charles 
Kluckhohn, who all do an extensive and 
lucrative business. 

In 1875 John Burnside started a meat 
market in Garner, the first in Hancock 
county, and continues to monopolize that 
trade in the town. 

The postoffice at Garner was estab- 
lished in 1870, and Royal Lovell was 
commissioned the first postmaster. He 
continued to hold this position for about 
a year and a half when he was succeeded 
by George Lanning, who was the editor 
and projector of the first newspaper pub- 
lished at Garner. Since his appointment 
it seems that the office of postmaster has 
continued to fall to the lot of the publisher 
of the Signed. Mr. Lanning was succeeded 
by W. C. Haywood and he by II. II. Bush, 
the present incumbent. 

The first attorneys to locate here were 
Bush & Bush, closely followed by H. N. 



*7h 



ajpv 



±h 



680 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNT Y. 



Brockway and A. C. Ripley, all of whom 
are noticed in the chapter devoted to 
the "Bar of the County." 

Charles Valliket has the credit of being 
the first to engage in the livery business. 
The present livery stable is owned and 
operated by Joseph Jewell. 

The wagon shop of Strible is also one 
of the live industries of the town. The 
gentleman in question, besides turning 
out good substantial wagons, has a gen- 
eral repair shop, that has a large patron- 
age. Kemp & Christie opened the first in 
this line, at the same time they did their 
furniture store. 

There are four religious organizations 
in Garner — Methodist, German Methodist, 
United Presbyterian and Catholic. The 
Catholics, United Presbyterians and Ger- 
man Methodists have fine church buildings. 
The American Methodists use one of the 
school rooms. There are three flourish- 
ing Sabbath schools in the place. 

The German society of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, of Garner, was first 
organized in Ell township as a mission 
Church. The first meeting was held at 
the house of Sebastian Ell, and the Rev. 
William F. Koerner, preached the sermon. 
At or about this time this gentleman, who 
was what was called the circuit preacher 
organized the first class, from which has 
grown the present society. Among the 
members of this class were Sebastian Ell 
and wife, Mary, Christina, Katie, Philip 
and J. C. Ell, Philip Goetz and wife, 
making ten members in all. Sebastian Ell 
was chosen class leader, a position he held 
for several years. Mr. Koerner was the 
pastor of this little mission Church, which 
met at the dwelling houses of its members 



for about two years. In the fall of 1872 
the Rev. Gottleib Iloefner was appointed 
to this infant Church and remained in 
charge about two years. In October, 
1874, the mission was changed to a cir- 
cuit and the Rev. Auguste Biebighauser 
was appointed to take charge, which he 
did for a term of two ) r ears. In 1876 
Rev. E. W. Ilenke was sent to take 
charge of the Church, and remained some 
two years also. He was succeeded by C. 
F. Framen, and Gottleib Iloefner, and in 
1883, Kev. William Koerner, the first pas- 
tor, took charge of his old Church and is 
the present minister. The society built 
their present church edifice in 1881, at a 
cost of $2,300, which is an ornament to 
the town. 

Rev. William F. Koerner, pastor of the 
German Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Garner, was born Aug 14, 1842, in Mose- 
beck, Lippe Detmold, Germany. He was 
brought up at the same place, on a farm 
owned by his parents and received his ed- 
ucation in the village school in an adjoin- 
ing place. In the year 1868 he came to 
the United States of America, and located 
near Freeport, 111. There he was con- 
verted and joined the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, belonging formerly to the re- 
formed Church of the old country. The 
year following he went to Ulster, Floyd 
Co., Iowa, engaging in farming. On April 
11, 1869, he married Mary F., a daughter 
of H. A. Vennekolt, of Stephenson Co., 111. 
In 1870 Rev. Mr. Koerner began preach- 
ing, his first appointment being Shell 
Rock Mission, consisting of Nora Springs, 
Rock Falls, Newburg, Clear Lake and 
Concord, remaining there two years; after 
that he served as pastor on the following 



><* <s 



» "V 



_9 



<4* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



681 



charges: Colesburg Circuit, two years; 
Scherrills Mound Circuit one year; Man- 
chester Mission, one year; Lancing Cir- 
cuit, two years; these Churches being all 
in Iowa. Then he was sent to Minne- 
opolis, where lie had charge of the St. 
Paul Second Church, two years; then the 
Winona Mission, three years. He re- 
turned to Iowa in the fall of 1883 and 
took charge of the Garner circuit, con- 
sisting of three appointments: Garner, 
Gerraantown and Forest City. Mr. and 
Mrs. Koerper have five children — Emma 
L., aged fourteen; Willie F., aged twelve; 
Sarah C, aged ten; OttilieL., aged seven, 
and Albert G., aged three years. 

The regular Methodist Episcopal 
Church society, is said, in the absence of 
all records, to have orginated about 1871, 
and the Rev. Mr. Williams was the first 
regular preacher. Prior to this the Rev. 
A. S. R. Groom, a Methodist clergyman 
from Forest city, came here at the invita- 
tion of a personal friend, J. M. Elder, 
and preached to the people. It is said 
that Mr. Groom was a poor man, so Mr. 
Elder paid him $5 for a fee for the ser- 
vice. The first class was formed by Rev. 
W. W. Robinson, in 1872, but the names 
of the members could not be obtained. 
At the present time there are about twen- 
ty-five members under the ministration of 
the Rev. A. C. Elliott. The Church so- 
ciety has no building but conduct their 
services in the school house. The M. E. 
Sabbath school is well attended and 
much interest is manifested. Their 
average attendance is forty-five. Mrs 
Eliza B. Wells is the present superin- 
tendent and Charles Elliott, secretary. 



Rev. II. R. Fiegenbaum was born in 
St. Charles Co., Mo., Jan. 2, 1837. He 
was a son of Adolph and Christina (John- 
son) Fiegenbaum, natives of Westphalia, 
Germany, who emigrated to America in 
1834 with a family of five children and 
located at St. Charles, Mo. He was a car- 
tenter by trade which he followed in con- 
nection with farming. In the spring of 
1850 he removed to Louisa Co., Iowa. 
Here Mrs. Fiegenbaum died. Mr. Fieg- 
enbaum afterward came to Garner where 
he died in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Fiegenbaum 
were members of the M. E. Church and 
four of his sons became itinerant preachers, 
three of which are in regular work. H. 
R. Fiegenbaum, the subject of this sketch, 
was reared on a farm and received his 
early education in the common schools. 
He afterward attended the M. E. College 
at Quincy, 111. He was ordained as 
deacon of the Church at Davenport, Iowa, 
in 1863. In 1865 he was ordained elder 
by Bishop Ames of Milwaukee, Wis. He 
was married in 1860 to Elizabeth Krum- 
pel of Delaware Co., Iowa. By this union 
there are three living children — Emma 
L., Charles H. and Arthur F. In 1877 
Mrs. Fiegenbaum died. In 1878 he was 
again married to Elizabeth, a daughter 
of Rev. Peter Helwig, now of Hancock 
county. Three children blessed this 
union — Luella, Adelaide, and Elsie A. In 
1873 Mr. Fiegenbaum came to Hancock 
county, where he has since resided. 

Bethel Lodge, No. 319, A. F. & A. 
M., located at Garner, was instituted by 
dispensation July 27, 1872, by O. P. Wa- 
ters, of Burlington, Iowa, grand master of 
the order. There were at first only some 
eight or ten members, but the lodge has 



682 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



flourished exceedingly well, and can now 
number some thirty-one brothers of the 
mystic tie. One of the most singular 
features of the lodge is that in the eleven 
years since its formation, death has never 
severed one link in the chain, no brother 
has died. 

The first officers of the lodge were: J. 
M. Elder, W. M.; C. C. Doolittle, S. W.; 
C. C Howland, J. W.; J. W. Elder, 
treasurer; Albert Howe, secretary; L. B. 
Bailey, S. D.; Robert Elder, J. D.; John 
Veits, tyler. 

Since the time of its organization the 
lodge as been presided over by the follow- 
ing masters: James M. Elder, for the 
years 1873 and 1874; C. C. Doolittle, 
1875; Z. C. Green, 1876-7; J.J.Upton, 
1878-9; L. B. Bailey, 1880; J. M. Elder, 
1881; J. J. Upton, 1882 and is the present 
master. 

The lodge has a finely fitted up room 
for its meetings, and all meetings are well 
attended, and the work pronounced good 
and perfect. 

The Garner Ladies' Library Association, 
one of the institutions of which the town 
is justly proud, was organized in 1873, by 
thirteen of the prominent ladies of the 
then new town. These thirteen corporate 
members were: Mrs. Robert Elder, Mrs. 
Royal Lovell, Mrs. Henry H. Bush, Mrs. 
William Finch, Mrs. W. C. Wells, Mrs. 

A. Haes, Mrs. S. A. Howe, Mrs. H. C. 
Knappen, Mrs. C. E. Holland, Mrs. N. 
Mitchell, Mrs. Walter Dickson, Mrs. A. 

B. Cassill, Mrs. J. F. Veits, Mrs. A. B. 
Elliott and Mrs. D. Gould. The first 
money to carry out their laudable under- 
taking was raised by sociables and work 
by the ladies. Starting out with a fund 



of but $60, they have accumulated a fine 
library, containing some 200 volumes val- 
ued at about $200. In 1882 they erected 
a building to contain the library, and for 
other purposes, at a cost of $500, of which 
$350 is already paid. The 'first board of 
directors consisted of the following ladies: 
Mrs. R. Lovell, Mrs. A. Haes and Mrs. 
Walter Dickson. Mrs. H. H. Bush was 
the first secretary, and Mrs. Robert Elder 
the first treasurer. The society is en- 
gaged in a truly meritorious work and is 
in a most flourishing condition, which 
speaks well for the intelligence of the 
community. The present officers are: 
Mrs. H. II. Bush, Mrs. R. Lovell and Mrs. 
A. R. Barnes, directors; Mrs. W. C. Wells, 
secretary; and Mrs. William Finch, treas- 
urer. 

In the fall of 1883 James and W. C. 
Moak, the latter the popular sheriff of 
Hancock county, erected a building for 
public entertainments that could be called 
the opera house. This edifice is a large 
roomy one and fitted up in good style, 
with elevated stage and all the accessories 
of a good theater. The fine drop curtain 
and excellent scenery, although painted 
by amateurs at the business, Mr. H. E. 
Barbour, the efficient station agent, and 
Frank N. Pitkin, display ability in that 
line that would not disgrace professional 
scenic artists. The whole fitting up 
of this hall betrays a laudable effort on 
the part of the Messrs. Moak to keep their 
town in the van of progress, and is a 
credit to the community in which it is 
built. The edifice was thrown open to 
the public, and initiated upon the evening 
of the 29th of November, Thanksgiving 
day, 1883. On that occasion the Garner 



-# 9 



4* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



683 



Dramatic Club gave an entertainrnent,pre- 
senting the play of "The Hidden Hand." 

Garner was incorporated as a town of 
the -fourth class in 1881 and C. S. Ter- 
williger was chosen as mayor. He served 
but a short time, when A. R. Barnes, one 
of Garner's most influential citizens, was 
chosen to fill the position at the head of 
municipal affairs, which he did until the 
election of his successor, H. H. Bush, who 
is the present mayor. The following is 
the complete list of city officials, as at 
present composed: Mayor, H. H. Bush; 
recorder, A. C. Ripley; assessor, William 
Yoter; trustees, W. C. Wells, J. J. Upton 
T. F. Finch; H. E. Barber, A. B. Cassill 
and Frank Wilson; marshal, H. G. Ma- 
ben; street commissioner, John T. Bush. 

The town of Garner has a population of 
about 600, and everything about it mani- 
fests the fact that there is little if any 
idleness here, the drones being driven 
forth from this hive of industry. 

The main street is 100 feet wide and 
the others sixty-six feet. 

Residence grounds are neatly fenced, 
and the town abounds in beautiful shade 
trees, good sidewalks, graded streets and 
other evidences of thrift, enterprise and 
good taste. 

A handsome public park is situated 
about half way between Garner and Con- 
cord. 

The town has a fine large two-story 
school building, with three departments 
running, and room for one more when 
needed. This school has for years been 
considered the best in the county, and 
one of the best in northern Iowa. 

Myron Bowers, farmer and stock raiser, 
is a native of Carroll Co., 111., born Sept. 



9, 1857. His father, Joseph Bowers, was 
born in Germany in 1832. When four- 
teen years of age, he came to the United 
States, locating in Washington Co., Md. 
In 1854 he came to Carroll Co., 111., and 
engaged in farming. In 1868 lie came to 
Hancock Co., Iowa, settling on section 
25, Concord township, now owning eighty 
acres of land under a high state of culti- 
vation. His mother, Ann C. Blessing, 
was born in Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bowers are the parents of seven children 
— Hannah, Mary, Myron, Charles, Minnie, 
George and Delia. Myron Bowers was 
married Nov. 11, 1880, to Nellie Nichols, 
of Delaware Co., Iowa. One child has 
blessed this union —Clarence, born Sept. 
29,1881. 

Samuel A. Westphall, one of the early 
settlers of Hancock county, was born 
March 31,1818, in New York State. When 
quite young his parents removed to Can- 
ada, where Samuel A. grew to manhood. 
In 1844 he was married to Bridget Shock - 
nessery, by whom he had eight children, 
six of whom are living — John, William, 
James, Byron, Ira and Charles. In 1855 
Mr. Westphall removed to Carroll Co., 
111., where he engaged in farming. In 
1868 he came to Hancock county, where 
he has since resided. Mr. Westphall's 
farm consists of eighty acres of land. In 
politics, he is a republican. 

Fred Fenninger was born Dec. 12, 1840, 
in Germany. His parents emigrated to 
this country when Fred was but eighteen 
months old, locating in Crawford Co., 
Ohio. When he was eleven years of age, 
they moved to Carroll Co., 111., where he 
remained until May 24, 1871, then came to 



29 



y& 



^. ?v 



684 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Hancock Co., Iowa, settling on section 26, 
Concord township. In the fall of 1871, 
Mr. Fenninger built a house and removed 
his family. He has 120 acres of valuable 
land, on which are good substantial build- 
ings. In politics, he is a strong republi- 
can. He has held several local offices. 



He was trustee for eight years and is now 
one of the school directors. Mr. Fennin- 
ger was married Jan. 31, 1860, to Eliza- 
beth Kunyon, born Nov. 5, 1840, in New 
York State. By this union there were 
six children — Carrie, Charles, Alice, Jen- 
nie, Freddie and Ilortense. 



CHAPTER XX. 



CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP. 



This township is located in the north- 
ern tier, the second from the west line. 
For some ten years from the date of its 
organization, it comprised all that terri- 
tory now known as Bingham, in addition 
to the present Crystal township. The 
land is more of an undulating, swelling 
nature than elsewhere in the county, and 
in the northeast corner of the township 
are some hills with intervening ravines. 
If these could be protected from prairie 
fires they would soon be covered with an 
indigenous growth of oak, basswood and 
poplar timber, a consummation devoutly 
to be wished for, as timber is the one 
thing needful in this country. The larger 
portion of the township is arable land, 
well adapted to general farming and stock 
raising. Rich, luxuriant growth of native 
grasses and an abundance of good water 
are here to be found. Two lakes are 
found within the limits of the precinct, 
Crystal lake and Lake Edward. The first 
named is one and a fourth miles long, and 



half a mile wide. It is well stocked with 
fish, and during the larger part of the 
spring, summer and autumn months, is 
covered with wild water fowls Lake 
Edward is of about half the size of Crys- 
tal lake and also abounds in fish and 
game. There is no timber in this town- 
ship except one or two small groves on 
the banks of Crystal lake and a few trees 
near Lake Edward. The township con- 
tains large quantities of peat; enough to 
last a century. Prof. White, State Geol- 
ogist, pronounces it equal in quality to 
any in the State. 

The township roads are justly acknowl- 
edged to be the best of any in the county. 

Several small streams drain the country 
emptying into the above mentioned lakes, 
and enrich the surrounding soil by sup- 
plying that prime necessity — water. 

Any history of this township must be 
noted for its brevity, for its settlement 
dates from a quite recent date. The 
beautiful expanse of country, now set- 



•IL. 



HISTORY OB 1 HANCOCK COUNTY. 



685 



tling up and affording rich promise for fu- 
ture wealth and unbounded resources, lay 
dormant under the hand of nature until 
1865, when Edwin Trumbull and Myron 
Booth pushed their way thither and set- 
tled on the banks of a pellucid lake, to 
which they gave the name it now bears 
—Crystal. 

Edwin Trumbull located upon the south 
side of the lake, on a portion of section 
16. Here he reared his "lowly cot," and 
at once commenced to break the sod of 
the virgin prairie that surrounded him, 
and sow the seed for future harvest. Mr. 
Trumbull did not remain long a resident 
of the county, but after a few years went 
to Webster City, where he is still living. 

Myron Booth settled near Mr. Trum- 
bull, and remained for some years upon 
the farm he thus opened up. He some 
time ago, however, removed from the 
township and county, and is living at 
present at Ounlap, this State. 

In 1866 James McDowell and Warren 
E. Turner settled in this township, where 
they remained, but finally removed, the 
former to Missouri and the latter to Kan- 
sas. B. W. Witt is said to have been a 
settler, also, of this year. 

In 1868 a fresh flood of emigration 
swept this way, and among the in-comers 
of that year were numbered Eugene Mar- 
shall, Jonas A. Scott, Jacob Scott, F. G. 
Scott, E. W. Scott, Byron F. Scott, W. 
H. McQuairie, Peter Spang and Luke 
Nichols. Of these Eugene Marshall at- 
tained some eminence in the county, hold- 
ing the several positions, at various times, 
of county surveyor, superintendent and 
deputy treasurer. Some years ago he 



left Hancock county, and is at present 
managing a bank at Caledonia, Minn. 

The five members of the Scott family 
remained some years, and being a numer- 
ous clique in a sparsely settled district, 
they engineered the finances of school 
fund to their own advantage. A story is 
told that when the township of Britt was 
set off from that of Crystal, the new 
treasurer went to see the gentleman of 
the Scott family who was then sphool 
treasurer, for a settlement, and found, 
among other items, one of $700, the only 
credit for which, or accounting for its ab- 
sence, being the entry, "Don't know 
where it's gone." When the township 
had settled up so that they could no 
longer manipulate the funds as suited 
them, they all incontinently left the 
county. 

\V. H. McQuairie was long a resident 
of this township, having but just left it 
in October, 1883, for a home in the new 
Eldorado of the west, Washington Terri- 
tory. 

Luke Nichols was from Illinois, and 
remained a resident of the township and 
county until his death a few years ago. 

Peter Spang, after remaining here sev- 
eral years, finally gave up pioneering on 
the western prairies and returned to his 
former home in the "Old Granite State" — 
New Hampshire. Thus but few of the 
original settlers are to be found in this 
vicinity, for the restless nature of the 
average frontiersman makes them all 
"move on." 

The pioneer days may be said to have 
ended by the time that these had all 
made their settlement. 



I 

?-,> 



686 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



The township was organized on the 
12th of October, 1869, taking the name of 
"Crystal." At this time the township 
consisted of this and Bingham township. 
The first officers elected were as follows: 
County supervisor, B. F. Scott; clerk, E. 
\V. Scott; assessor,William H. McQuairie; 
trustees, Eugene Marshall, Warren E. 
Turner and Jacob E. Scott; justices of the 
peace, John G. Bingham and James Mc- 
Dowell; constables, B. F. Scott and My- 
ron Booth; road supervisor, Peter Spang. 
Messrs. Bingham and McDowell declined 
to qualify, and on the 20th of March, 
1870, the trustees appointed William G. 
Rodman justice of the peace. 

Daniel W. Chase was elected constable 
on the 5th of November, 1872, and was 
the first person elected to that office who 
qualified. 

At the first election eleven votes were 
cast, and, what is remarkable of these, 
five were cast by veterans of our late 
war. 

The following is tbe list of the present 
township officers who manage the affairs 
of Crystal: A. J. Chase, John Kennedy 
and Marten Larson, trustees ; D. W- 
Chase, town clerk; James Johnson, asses- 
sor; W. G. Rodman and Daniel Chase, 
justices. 

The township school district was not 
organized until the year 1870, when the 
following were elected directors: Peter 
Spang, B. W. Witt and Jacob Scott. F. 
G. Scott was appointed secretary and 
William G. Rodman, treasurer. 

Crystal Lake postoffice was established 
by the department in 1870, with William 
G. Rodman as postmaster. This office 
continued under his charge until the year 



1878, when it was discontinued and has 
never been revived. 

The first marriage in the township was 
that of Henry Hennenhofer to Maria 
Smith, in 1872. The ceremony was per- 
formed by Luke Nichols, at that time a 
justice of the peace. 

The first birth was that of a son of Mr 
and Mrs. William H. McQuairie, who was 
born during the year 1869. 

The first death that occurred within the 
township of Crystal was that of a daugh- 
ter of F. G. Scott, the date of whose de- 
mise was in 1870. 

The first sermon delivered in the town- 
ship was by the Rev. A. S. R. Groom, and 
was during the summer of 1869. Preach- 
ing has since been held at irregular in- 
tervals, but no church edifice raises its 
Heaven-pointing spire within the limits 
of Crystal. 

The first school house was erected dur- 
ing the year 1867, at Crystal Lake, and 
was 22x28 feet in dimensions, costing 
about $400. Martha Church was the pre- 
ceptress that taught the young pioneers. 

The second school house was built in 
the year 1870, at or near the site of the 
present Lake Edward school house. Wil- 
liam Overbaugh enjoys the credit of being 
the primal pedagogue that presided, fer- 
rule in hand, over the unruly urchins that 
congregated there. During the spring of 
1883 this old building was razed to the 
ground and a new structure erected at a 
cost of about $400. This was finished in 
June, and is 16x22 feet in size, and neat 
and substantial in build. Bertha Pitkin 
was the first teacher of the new school. 

Buffalo Grove school house' was built 
in 1871, and is in size the same as the 



-ST 



IE* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



687 



Other, 16x22 feet, and cost about $375. 
The first to "rear the tender shoot" was 
Marcus Williams, who taught during the 
winter of 1871-2. 

At Crystal Lake is another school house 
of a much later date of construction. 

The population of the township is at 
present 125, but with a rapidly growing 
community. 

Hats and brooms are manufactured in 
the township in sufficient quantity to 
supply the local demands, and some are 
sold in the adjacent towns. 

Considerable butter is made for the 
market. 

Stock raising is an industry that is by 
no means neglected. Luke Nichols is 
quite extensively engaged in this business. 

The township has also a public library 
of 175 well selected volumes. The basis 
of this was laid in 1876, and small addi- 
tions made to it every year. 

There is also a public cemetery belong- 
ing to the township. The site for this 
was selected and grounds purchased in 
1875. The same year a tax of $200 was 
levied for the purpose of fencing the 
grounds, planting trees, etc. It is in 
charge of a board of trustees in accordance 
with the law. 

Here it w ould be as well to mention 
the singular fact that this people are 
of such an industrious and harmonious 
nature that there has never a suit at law 
originated within the limits of the town- 
ship. 

Marten Larson was born in Denmark, 
May 16, 1847. His parents, Lars and Mary 
(Jansen) Larson have been dead for sev- 
eral years. Marten was reared in his native 
land, and when twenty-five years of age 



emigrated to America, locating first at 
Dunlap Station, Peoria Co., 111. He there 
followed farming for two years, and in 
1874 came to Hancock Co., Iowa. He 
bought eighty acres of land on section 16, 
all of which is improved and valued at 
$20 per acre. Mr. Larson raises a large 
amount of stock for market, and votes the 
straight republican ticket. In January, 
1875, he married Carrie Matteson, daugh- 
ter of Matt and Anna Sceanson, of Elling- 
ton township, this county. They have 
five children — Larrets, Mary, William, 
George and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Larson 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mrs. Larson's father resides at Britt, Iowa, 
but her mother is deceased. 

James Johnson has been a resident 
of Crystal township since 1869. He 
owns 120 acres on section 19, a like num- 
ber of acres on section 29, and a tree 
claim of forty acres on section 30. The 
two former pieces are under cultivation. 
Mr. Johnson was born in Denmark, April 
18, 1833, and there resided until thirty-six 
years of age. In 1863,5when Austria and 
Prussia attempted to seize the kingdom 
of the Danes, Mi'- Johnson enlisted in 
the armies of his native land, and on 
April 13, 1864, was severely wounded in 
the arm by the bursting of a bomb-shell. 
In 1869 he came to America with his fam- 
ily, and located in Hancock Co., Iowa. 
Then, in connection with a brother-in-law, 
C. W. Nelson, he purchased 240 acres of 
land in Crystal township. Two years 
later, they divided the land equally, and 
Mr. Johnson has since added to his pos- 
sessions, as before stated. In 1855, he 
was married to Hans Sene Larson, also a 
native of Denmark. Nine children have 



^ 



688 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



been born to them, five in Denmark and 
four in America. Six are living — Ras- 
mus P., Anna Sophia, Hans G., Claude 
C, James and William L. While resi- 
dents of Denmark, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson 
were members of the Lutheran Church, 
but since coming to America, have not 
united with any religious denomination. 
Mr. Johnson's father is deceased, but his 
mother, Mam (Jansen) Johnson, is 
seventy-six years of age, and resides with 
her son, Christian Johnson, of this town- 
ship. Mrs. Johnson's mother died many 
years ago, but her father still lives in 
Denmark. When Mr. Johnson first set- 
tled on his present farm, he lived for the 
first three months in a sod house. In 
1880, he erected a neat and substantial 
one and a half story frame house, in the 
furnishing of which he has shown excel- 
lent taste. 

Capt. William G. Rodman and wife 
are the oldest settlers now residing in 
Crystal township, and none are more 
highly respected. William G. Rodman 
was born in Westchester county, near 
Mt. Vernon, N. Y., July 9, 1811. 
Wheu fourteen years of age, he went to 
New York city, and secured a position 
in a wholesale grocery house owned by 
an uncle. Seven months afterward, he 
shipped as cabin boy on board an outward 
bound sailing vessel, and followed the life 
of a sailor for twenty years. By paying 
strict attention to his duties, in whatever 
position he held, he rose slowly but surely 
in official ranks, until he trod the quarter 
deck as captain of a fine vessel. In 1832 
he was serving on board of the United 
States frigate Potomac, Commodore 
Downes, commanding the squadron, and an 



able seamam, and participated in the bat- 
tle of Qualabattoo, Malay Islands. He 
left the sea in 1846, and two years later 
engaged in the manufacture of hats. He 
followed this business for eleven years, 
and during the period invented a servic- 
able water proof hat. He next went to 
California and purchased land near Oak- 
land, eight miles from the Pacific slope 
metropolis. After a six years residence 
there, he disposed of his property, and 
went east, locating at Babylon, Long 
Island. Four years subsequently, in 
April, 1869, he came to Hancock county 
and made a permanent settlement. In 
1859, he had made a purchase of 500 acres 
in Hancock and Kossuth counties, Iowa, 
and I;e now owns 320 acres in Hancock, 
and 520 acres in Palo Alto Co., Iowa. 
The greater portion of this land is well 
improved. Politically, Mr. Rodman is 
an earnest and conscientious advocate of 
republican principles. He was married 
July 9, 1842, to Phebe Bamper, of Patter- 
son, N. J., born June 5, 1824. Five 
children were born to this union, all of 
whom are deceased — Harry E., son of 
Garry Bamper, and a nephew of Mrs. Rod- 
man, resides with our subject. Mrs. Rod- 
man is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Ever since Mr. Rodman en- 
tered the wholesale house in New York 
city he has worked hard, and now as old 
age is coming on, is prepared to live com- 
fortably 

Daniel Chase is one of the prominent 
and esteemed citizens of this township. 
He was born in Winchendon, Mass., July 
16, 1814. When two years of age, his 
parents removed to Jaffrey, N. II., where 
the father purchased a farm. He there 



•f\<r 



±\L 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



689 



died in 1831, aged fifty-nine years. In 
1834 the son Daniel went back to the old 
home in Massachusetts, and in 1840 re- 
moved to Illinois. Two years later he re- 
turned to Winchendon, in his native 
State, and lived there ten years, dividing 
this time between labor in a manufactur- 
ing establishment and working at the 
painting trade. He then went to Jaffrey, 
N. H., and bought a farm, which he culti- 
vated for two years. He then disposed 
of this farm and purchased land near Fitz- 
william, in the same State, but sold it a 
year later. He subsequently bought a 
farm and saw-mill, tilling the former in 
spring and summer, and operating the 
latter during the winter months for a 
period of fifteen years. He then dis- 
posed of all his town and farming in- 
terests in New Hampshire, and in 1870, 
came to Hancock Co., Iowa, making a 
permanent settlement on section 16, of 
Crystal township, where he owns a good 
farm of 400 acres, and also bought sev- 
enty acres on section 9. This land he 
lias divided among his children, retaining 
only 190 acres for his own support. He 
is an extensive dealer in the better grades 
of stock, and in politics, has been a life- 
long republican. For the benefit of his 
neighbors, he keeps what is familiarly 
termed the "accommodation postoffice" 
i e, any of the neighbors that make a trip 
to Forest City, bring back the mail for 
the neighborhood and Mr. Chase distrib- 
ute? it gratuitously, and has done so for 
the past two years. He also retails a 
small stock of groceries, tobaccos, confec- 
tionery, etc. In November, 1861, he 
enlisted from New Hampshire, in com- 
pany F, of Col. Beadeau's sharpshooters, 



attached to the 2d regiment sharp- 
shooters. He served till the spring of 
1862, and received an honorable dis- 
charge on account of physical disability 
received while in the service. Mr. Chase 
was united in marriage, July 16, 1837, to 
Mary Hale, of his native place, Win- 
chendon, Mass. Eleven children " have 
been sent to bless this union — Mary A., 
Daniel W., Harriet E., Andrew J., Wil- 
liam F. and Morrill Dow are still living, 
and all reside near their parents, except 
one living in Fitzwilliam, N. H. Mr. 
and Mrs. Chase were formerly members 
of the M. E. and Baptist Churches. 

Andrew J. Chase resides on section 1, 
where, in 1879, he purchased 240 acres of 
land. He comes of New England stock, 
having been born in New Hampshire, 
Nov. 24, 1851. When eighteen years of 
age he accompanied his parents, Daniel 
and Mary (Hale) Chase, to Crystal Lake, 
Iowa, where he soon after bought ninety 
acres of land, and where his parents still 
reside. About 170 acres of his present 
farm is under cultivation, and he raises 
considerable stock. On Dec. 9, 1874, Mr. 
Chase was united in marriage with Ellen 
Nichols, of Crystal township. Four chil- 
dren have been sent to bless this union, 
three of whom are living — Lawson, Har- 
riet A. and Charles. Mr. Chase votes for 
the candidates of the republican party. 
Mrs. Chase's parents, Luke and Maria 
Nichols, are deceased. 

Lawrenteus Larsen, son of Lars and 
Anna Lawrenson was born May 19, 1838, 
in Denmark. He followed farming in 
that place until twenty-eight years old, 
when he came to America, locating in 
Oshkosh, Wis., where he drove team in a 



•< lb 



.&- 



& 



-• •!* 



690 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



lumber yard for about four years. He then 
came to Iowa, locating in Madison town- 
ship, about three miles south of Forest 
City, where he rented eighty acres of 
land. He remained there about four 
years, then he purchased eighty acres of 
land on section 19, Crystal township. He 
was married in 18G9 to Millie Hanson, 



daughter of Andrew and Dora (Olson) 
Hanson, of Denmark. They have had 
four children, three of whom are living — ■ 
Anna, Ida and Lawrence. Mr. and Mrs. 
Larsen are members of the Lutheran 
Church. Mr. Larsen is a republican. 
When in the old country he belonged to 
the regular army. 



CHAPTER. XXI 



ELL TOWNSHIP. 



The township of Ell is that sub-divis 
ion of Hancock county contained within 
congressional township 95 north, range 
23 west, and is bounded on the north by 
Concord township, on the south and west 
by Avery and German townships respec- 
tively, and on the east by Cerro Gordo 
county. Several affluents of the Iowa 
river supply the needed amount of water 
for the purpose of assisting the fertility 
of the soil and for stock raising. The 
surface is slightly undulating prairie, al- 
though there are some low and swampy 
places, but these latter, as the land around 
them is opened up for cultivation, drain 
out and become the most valuable proper- 
ty in the section. Black alluvial soil, the 
deposit of pre-historic seas, is the soil of 
all this township, and covers the vast beds 
of drift that underly the whole of this 
region. No building stone is found in the 
locality, other than the boulders scattered 
over the prairie, left by the glaciers of in- 
finite aires ago. 



The first settler in this precinct was 
Sebastian Ell, after whom the township 
is named. In September, 1870, lie locat- 
ed upon section 15, and put up the first 
house in the township. Mr. Ell is a resident 
of this farm that he settled upon then. 

Sebastian Ell is a native of Prussia, 
born Jan. 22, 1820. He emigrated with 
his parents to America when sixteen years 
of age, settling at Columbus, Ohio. After 
being engaged in farming there eighteen 
years, he went|to Ogle Co., 111., residing 
there thirteen years. In 1870 he came to 
Hancock Co., Iowa, settling on section 5, 
Ell township. Being the first settler in 
the township it took his name. He built 
the first house in the township, in which 
he now lives. It is a frame structure, 
28x32 feet. Mr. Ell was married in 1842, 
in Ohio, to Catharine Wideman, born in 
April, 1S25, in Hesse, Germany. There 
are nine children — Conrat, Philip, George, 
Barbara, Margaret, Katharina, Mary, 
Christina and Lucy. Mr. Ell is a mem- 



T 



it 



•k. 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



691 



ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Politically, he is a republican. 

Philip Getz also settled in the town- 
ship, in September, 1870, locating upon 
section 4, where he still resides. 

John Bock was another of the pioneers 
of Ell township, locating upon section 31, 
in the year 1873. He is still living upon 
this property, one of the prominent and 
influential citizens of the township. 

Wilhelm Baker, who settled in 1875, 
upon section 29, was the next to locate 
here, and is still a resident of the town- 
ship. 

The township was organized in 1879, 
and the first election was held on the 1 lth 
of October, of that year, at school house 
No. 2, and resulted in the choice of the 
following officers: J. M. Bickford, Sebas- 
tian Ell and John Succow, trustees; Charles 
Kluckhohn, clerk; Frank Robbins, asses- 
sor; S. Graham, justice; H. Merrill, con- 
stable; Philip Getz, road supervisor. At 
this election there were only twenty-seven 
ballots cast. 

The officers at present holding office in 
the township are: Sebastian Ell, R. Corey 
and S. B. Day, trustees; John Stork, clerk; 
R. M. Day and R. Corey, justices; Valen- 
tine Joslin and John Bock, constables; 
John Stork, R. M. Day and Charles Ford, 
school directors. 

The German Reformed Church in this 
township is the outgrowth of a series of 
meetings held in German township. On 
the 22d of August, 1878, the Rev. Fred- 
erick Mosebach preached the first sermon 
at the school house in that township, 
known as Peck's, and which stood on sec- 
tion 12. At this time Mr. Mosebach lived 
with a family in German township, by the 



name of Henry Katter. The present 
church was erected in October, 1879, on 
section 7. It is 30x40 feet in dimension, 
and seventeen feet high, to the ceiling. It 
is a good substantial frame edifice, and is 
well finished and painted within and 
without. This building was built at an 
expense of about $1,800. Twenty-four 
families support this Church, but they are 
scattered over four townships, Ell, Ger- 
man, Twin Lake and Concord; some of 
them coming eight miles to Divine ser- 
vice. Five acres of ground, including the 
cemetery, surround the church and are the 
property of the society. 

The pastor, Frederick Mosebach, is a 
native of Essen, Prussia, where he was 
born on the 24th of March, 1849. After 
attending college in Germany, he emi- 
grated to America, in 1876, and locating in 
New York, there attended the theologi- 
cal seminary. Moving to Sheboygan, 
Wis., before completing his studies, he 
entered the college at that place, where 
he remained two years. He was married 
to Helen Engleman, and they inhabit 
rooms connected with the church. They 
have two interesting children — Frederick, 
born Sept. 4, 1880, and Lydia, born Aug. 
25, 1882. He teaches a German common 
school, three months in the year, and holds 
their session in the church building. Also, 
a Church school, at the same place, on 
Friday of each week, two hours per day, 
in preparing the youth of the Church for 
the important rite of confirmation. 

S. B. Day, one of the substantial farm- 
ers of Ell township, was born in Green 
Co., Penn., June 26, 1851. He resided at 
the home of his birth until nineteen years 
of age, when he started west to seek anew 



*7Q 



^ 



692 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



home. He came to Upper Grove and pur- 
chased 160 acres of good land in Ell town- 
ship, section 31, where he now resides. 
Besides farming, Mr. Day deals in stock 
to some extent. He was married in De- 
cember, 1876, to Ida Robbins, born in 
Illinois in 1857. Mr. Day's father, John 
Nelson Day, was born in Green Co., Perm., 
in 18-23. His mother, Elizabeth (Cooper) 
Day, was born in Pennsylvania in 1828. 
There were three children born to them 
— Reverda, Mary L. and S. B., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. Politically, Mr. Day 
is a democrat. 

John Bock was born in Darmstadt Co., 
Ludwigshafen, Dec. 8, 1839. Coming to 
America April 6, 1867, he landed at New 
York and went from there to Belleville, 
111., where he resided two years; thence 
to Quincy, 111., where he also resided two 
years. He then went back to the old 
country, in the spring of 1871, returning 
to the United States in 1872, landing at 
New York, and traveled through the dif- 
ferent States until March 18, 1874, when 
he came to Garner, Hancock Co., Iowa, 
lie purchased 160 acres of good land on 
the southeast quarter of section 21, in Ell 
township, where he has since lived. In 
1875 his friend and neighbor, William 
Becker, and family, came and lived with 
him and kept house for him for one year. 
In the fall of 1876 his brother, Fred Bock, 
and family, came from the old country, 
and have kept house for him since that 
time until now. John Bock is the pres- 
ent constable of Ell township. He is a 
republican in politics. He is a member 
of the Reform German Church. 

Joseph Karr, farmer, was born Feb. 26, 
1840, in Allegany Co., N. Y., where he 



resided nineteen years, then removing 
to Wisconsin. In 1876 he moved to El- 
lington township, Hancock Co., Iowa, and 
in 1*78 came to Ell township, settling on 
section 23, where he has eighty acres of 
well improved land. Mr. Karr was mar- 
ried Oct. 11, 1863, to Charlotte Van 
Iloosen, born in 1846 in Ohio. They 
have had four children — Daniel, born 
Dec. 25, 1867; Jessie, born in 1875; 
Gertie, born in 1877; Dora, born in 1880. 
Mr. Karr enlisted in company C, 38th 
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, March 21, 
1864, serving fourteen months, and being 
discharged May 25, 1865. While charg- 
ing the rebel's works before Petersburg, 
June 17, 1864, he was wounded in the left 
leg by a minnie ball. After being in the 
hospital at Providence, R. I., six months, 
he came home on a furlough. He was 
afterward sent to Madison, Wis., where 
he remained until after his discharge. He 
has since been engaged in farming on his 
land at this place. At the time of his 
discharge Mr. Karr's leg was crooked so 
that he could not get it to the ground, and 
he at one time came near losing it, but he 
now walks pretty well. Mr. Karr is a 
pensioner, receiving $14 per month. 

Charles Ford, farmer, is a native of 
England, born Dec. 8, 1st |. In 1 850 he 
emigrated to Canada, remaining there 
until 1860. In 1861 he removed to New 
York, thence to Jefferson Co., Wis. In 
1879 he came to Hancock county, and lo- 
cated on section 18, Ell township. He 
has 160 acres of good land, and is engaged 
in grain and stock raising. On the 1st of 
January, 1S63, he was united in marriage 
with Mary Daily, born in Ireland, Dec. 
25, 1843. They have seven children — . 



iPT 



sfc 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 



693 



W. H., John C, George B., Lillie A., 
Charlotte, Mary and Catharine. Mr. Ford 
is a republican. 

John Stork, farmer, was born Sept. 5, 
1853, in Austria. In 1856 his parents re- 
moved to America, locating in New York, 
thence in Iowa Co., Wis., where they re- 
sided fourteen years. They then removed 
to Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, locating in 
Union township. Thence to Garfield 
township, Hancock county. In 1S"76 he 
removed to Franklin county. In 1878 he 
purchased eighty acres on section 13, Ell 
township. In 1881 he was married to 
Mary Hubbard, born in Jefferson Co., 
Wis., May 7, 1857. They have one child 
— Winnie Inez, born Jan. 21,1883. Mr. 
Stork is a republican, and a member of 
the Catholic Church. 

Richard Corey was born Aug. 22, 1845, 
in Winnebago Co., 111., where he resided 
until 1871, engaged in farming. He then 
became engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness in Mason City, Cerro Gordo Co., 
Iowa. In 1876 he sold out his business 
and purchased a farm, engaging in that 
business. In 1880 he came to Hancock 
Co., Iowa, settling on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 2, Ell township, which he 
has since made his home. He has 120 
acres of well improved land and is en- 
gaged extensively in stock raising. Mr. 
Corey has also large herds of cattle 
from Cerro Gordo, Mitchell and Floyd 
counties, which he herds and returns in 
the fall. He makes a specialty of" raising 
thoroughbred Duroc hogs. Mr. Corey is 
a republican. He is one of the justices or 
magistrates of Ell township, secretary of 
the school board, also one of the township 
trustees. Mr. Corey was married May 5, 



1865, to Charlotte E. Herrick, born Sept. 
14, 1843, in Chittenden Co., Vt., near 
Lake Champlain. They have one child — 
George H., born in Rockford, Winnebago 
Co., 111., Nov. 14, 1867. Mr. Corey's 
father, Lonson Corey, was born in 1816 
near Saratoga Springs, N. Y. He is still 
living and makes his home in Rockford, 
III. His mother, Margaret (Long) Corey, 
was born in 1819, in Kentucky, and died 
in 1875 at Rockford, 111. They had eight 
children, five of whom are living — Mar- 
garet, James, Richard, William and 
Frank. Richard is the third child. The 
father of Mrs. Corey, Phineas Herrick, 
was born July 24, 1803, at Rutland, Vt. 
He is still living in Vermont. Her 
mother, Emily (Mears) Herrick, was 
born at Milton, Vt., Aug. 3, 1805, where 
she is still living. They had eleven chil- 
dren, five of whom are living — Dwight, 
Huldah Eliza, Stephen Edgar, Charlotte 
and George. Charlotte is next to the 
youngest child. She is a member of the 
Congregational Church. 

J. B. Thiel, farmer, is a native of Ver- 
non' Co., Wis., born April 25, 1856. He 
resided in his native county until the 
spring of 1882, when he came to Hancock 
Co., Iowa, settling in Garner, and in 1883, 
moving to the place where he now lives. 
Mr. Thiel is a republican. He was mar- 
ried Oct. 16, 1883, to Matilda Cietlon, 
born in 1861, in Houston Co., Minn. Mr. 
Thiel is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Garner. His father, 
John Thiel, was born in 1817, in Ger- 
many, and is now living in Wisconsin. 
His mother, Theressa Ehm, was born in 
Germany and died in 1858. They had 
two children, J. B. being the youngest. 



i 



iV 



♦^1: 



Jha 



694 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Norman Sclioonover was born in the 
town of Cbili, Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 
31, 1821. When ten years of age bis 
parents removed to Ohio, locating on the 
Cuyahoga river, about thirty miles south 

of Cleveland. Here the subject of this 
narrative was reared to manhood, and at 
the age of eleven years was given a yoke 
of oxen, and plowed the ground for four 
acres of corn, four acres of wheat, two 
acres of buckwheat, and the same fall 
sowed four acres of wheat. Taking every- 
thing into consideration, this work was 
spoken of in a very creditable manner, 
and the boy 'praised very highly. In 



1854 Mr. Schoonover started to Califor- 
nia by the "overland route," driving rive 
yoke of oxen hitched to a wagon con- 
taining two tons of merchandise for the 
traders at Salt Lake City, Utah. The 
wagon train was once surrounded by 
hostile Indians, but our subject escaped 
without any serious loss. He subsequently 
returned to Ohio, and in after years t'av- 
eled extensively, visiting the various ports 
of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and 
Carribean sea, and the larger portion of 
the principal cities in the United States 
He was a soldier in the Union army dur- 
ing the Civil War, and received an hon- 
orable discharge. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



ELLINGTON TOWNSHIP. 






This township, one of the oldest set- 
tled, is located in the northeastern corner 
of the county, having Madison on the 
west and Concord on the south. It is a 
complete congressional township, being 
six miles square and contains thirty-six 
square miles or about 23,040 acres. Lime 
creek, a considerable stream, traverses 
the entire township from west to east, 
with the general course slightly inclined 
to the southwest ; entering, as it does, on 
section 18, and leaving again on the south- 
east line of section 24. This and its 
affluents provide a liberal supply of life- 
giving water for all stock purposes. 



The first individual to settle in the ter- 
ritory that now is known as Ellington, 
was Jacob Ward, who came into this sec- 
tion with John Maben. The latter gen- 
tleman located in what is now Madison 
township, but Mr. Ward made a settle- 
ment on section 22, of this township. A 
choice that he never was in the least dis- 
satisfied with. Here he first reared the 
humble cot that sheltered him and his 
from the inclemency of the weather. The 
date of Mr. Ward's entrance to the county 
is given as the 27th day of September, 
1855, and was, with Mr. Maben, the first 
in the northern portion of the county. 



V 



9 £w 



-« »h> 



k* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



695 



Jacob Ward, or as he is familiarly and 
affectionately called by all, "Uncle Jake," 
lived on his farm, although often lured 
from its peaceful rest to mingle in the 
turmoil of politics, until the summer of 
1881, when he was killed in the cyclone 
of that year, that devastated this part of 
the township. He was a man of gener- 
ous impulses and hospitable temperament, 
and largely identified with the growth 
and development of the county and was 
mourned by a large circle of friends and 
acquaintances. 

Catharine Ward was born in Wurtem- 
berg, Germany, Nov. 30, 1826. She em- 
igrated to America in 1852, landing in 
New York. In 1856 she and her hus- 
band came to Hancock county, locating 
on section 22, Ellington township. She 
was married to Joseph Kneldler, June 4, 
1844. lie died in October, 1859. They 
had nine children, four of whom are liv- 
ing — Amelia, born June 7, 1848, now the 
wife of George Stonebaugh, of Dakota; 
Mary, bom Aug. 28, 1849, now the wife 
of George Lannager, of Dakota; Odelia, 
born Dec. 10, 1855, wife of Charles 
Palmer, of Britt, and Joseph, born Sept. 
20, 1858. She was married to Jacob 
Ward, in October, 1860. He was born in 
New York, April 2, 1821. He was killed 
by a cyclone oil the 11th of June, 1S81. 
They have three children living — Katie, 
born June 27, 1863; Francis, born March 
13, 1865, and Ella, born April 2, 1867. 
Katie is a school teacher. In the winter 
of 1882 she taught school at No. 7, this 
township, and in 1883 taught in Britt. 

In the fall, shortly after the arrival of 
Mr. Ward, Jacob and Harrison H. Rice 
made a settlement on section 8, and where 



they remained a few years. They finally 
sold out to Mr. Maben and removed to a 
warmer climate. 

Philip Tennis was 'another settler of 
the year 1855, he locating upon the north- 
east quarter of section 7. 

Mr. Pease, who made a temporary settle- 
ment here in 1855, also located on section 
23. These latter parties were of that 
class of pioneers, who, as soon as settle- 
ments spring up around them, move out 
to newer countries, more suited to their 
tastes and mode of life. They have re- 
moved from the county long years ago. 

In December of the same year Bernard 
and Andrew Bolsinger, Joseph and Lewis 
Barth settled in the same vicinity. 

Bernard Bolsinger some years ago 
emigrated to that new Eldorado of the 
west, Oregon, and there died. His cousin, 
Andrew, is still a resident of the county. 

Lewis Barth, who was somewhat identi- 
fied with the organization of the township, 
and was a prominent citizen, is now a res- 
ident of Sioux county this State. 

Joseph Barth is still a prominent resident 
of the county. 

Francis N. and Richard Colburn and S. 
J. Wright made a settlement in the town- 
ship next, locating on lands in the vicinity 
of the others, during the year 1856. 

Of these Francis N. Colburn and Rich- 
ard Colburn are still residents of this 
township and county and are numbered 
among the most solid citizens thereof. 

Francis N. Colburn was born Sept. 9, 
1801, in New York. When thirty-one 
years of age he came to Ohio, and settled 
in Trumbull county where for twenty years 
he lived on a farm. From there he came 
to Hancock Co., Iowa, settling on the 



W 



696 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



southeast quarter of section 22, Ellington 
township, where he resides, having 223 
acres of fine land, well improved. Farm- 
ing has been his profession all through 
life. For three terms he has held the 
office of township trustee. March 16, 
1826, he married Caroline Bloss, of New 
York, born Feb. 20, 1805, in Vermont. 
They had ten children, six of whom are 
living — Perley, Paul R., Lorenzo, Richard, 
Oliver, Harvey, Francis, Lewis, Rhoda 
and Marietta. Paul enlisted in an Illinois 
regiment and was killed in battle near 
Richmond, a minnie ball piercing him in 
the forehead. Lorenzo enlisted in the 
12th Wisconsin regiment and died in the 
hospital. Of six sons who served in the 
war, only two lived to reach home. Rich- 
ard is the only son now living in Han- 
cock county. He was shot through the 
calf of his right leg with a minnie ball. 
A cyclone passed through Ellington town- 
ship June 11, 1881, striking the house of 
Mr. Colburn, taking off the east end, also 
carrying away the woodshed and the 
chimney. At the time of the storm, Mr. 
Colburn was milking in the basement of 
his barn, when it was taken entirely away, 
also a horse and barn 16x32 feet in size. 
Something struck Mr. Colburn on the 
head, cutting two long gashes, also one 
under his chin. His eyesight soon after 
failed him, so he has not been able to do 
much of anything since the storm. Mr. 
Colburn is a republican. 

James C. Bonar located on section 7, in 
Ellington township, during the year 1855. 
Mr. Bonar was quite prominent in the po- 
litical field, in the county, in the pioneer 
days, having held the office of drainage 
commissioner in 1859. He left the county 



years ago, and is at present a citizen of 
Minnesota. 

Grove R. Maben is one of the promi- 
nent old settlers of this locality, also hav- 
ing made his claim in 1857. 

G. R. Maben was born Feb. 9, 1831, in 
New York. In 1856 he went to Stephen- 
son Co., 111., staying one year, then came to 
Hancock Co., Iowa, and bought 1^0 acres 
on sections 6 and 7, Ellington township, 
where he has made his home most of the 
time, raising stock. He now owns over 
1,000 acres of fine land, having his resi- 
dence on section 7 Ellington township, 
having built a fine brick house in 1869. 
He made the brick on his place, and 
hauled them ten miles to build the court 
house at Concord, the county seat of Han- 
cock county. He also had the contract 
for building the court house. He raises 
some fine Durham cattle, and averages 
the sale of over 100 head of three year 
old steers annually. Mr. Maben has held 
the office of county superintendent, also, 
for several terms, has been county super- 
visor, besides holding various other offices. 
In March, 1859, he married Elvira Pike, 
born March, 1838, in Broome Co., N. Y. 
There are seven children — B. G., Ella, 
Alice, O.K., Rollie W., Carrie and Clyde. 

The first marriage in the township, tra- 
dition claims, was that of a man by the 
name of Edson, who was united to Miss 
Gillespie, during the year 1859. They 
have since that event left the county. 

Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Emily 
Ward, who was born in February, 1856, 
was the first birth in the township. 

The first death in Ellington was Calista 
C. Colburn, infant daughter of Richard 
and Diana Colburn, in 1858. 



19 

r 



M a - 



tli 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



697 



The first adult that was called hence to 
a glorious reward was Diana Colburn, the 
wife of Richard Colburn. Mrs. Colburn 
was buried in the wood at the time of her 
death in April, 1858, but on the opening 
of the cemetery her body was removed to 
that place. 

The first school taught in the township 
was in a dwelling house that stood on 
section 22, but was destroyed in the cy- 
clone of 1881. Hannah Johnson presided 
over the destinies of this pioneer school. 
There is a difference in the date of this 
which was either during the year 1858 or 
1859. 

The postoffice of Ellington was estab- 
lished in 1859, and Charles C. Doolitile, 
now clerk of the courts, appointed post- 
master. He was succeeded by James 
Crow. Since then G. W. Beadle and G. 
W. Gillett have held that responsible posi- 
tion as custodian of the mails. The latter 
gentleman, Mr. Gillett, is the present in- 
cumbent. 

There is one cemetery in the township, 
located upon a part of section 23. The 
first burial therein was Diana Colburn, 
wife of Richard Colburn. Mrs. Colburn, 
as lias been stated, was buried in the for- 
est at the time of her death in 1858, but 
was raised when the cemetery was insti- 
tuted and interred therein. 

The township of Ellington was organ- 
ized in June, 1861, and the election took 
place at the same time as the general 
election in October, 1861. Francis N. 
Colburn, James Crow and Jacob Ward, 
were judges of election, and B. F. Dens- 
low and C. C. Doolittle, clerks. The 
election resulted in the choice of the fol- 
lowing officers, who were duly qualified 



at the beginning of theyearl862: Fran- 
cis N. Colburn, C. Bice and Luois Barth, 
trustees; Charles C. Doolittle, clerk; James 
Crow and C. C. Doolittle, justices; Louis 
Barth, constable. 

The present township officers are: J. 
Q. Beadle, Jabez Hubbard and E. C. Mil- 
ler, trustees; Edmund Davis, justice; 
Charles A. Clark, clerk. 

In June, 1881, a fearful cyclone devas- 
tated this fair township, destroying large 
amounts of property, etc. A local writer 
thus communicates the account of it to 
the county paper, the Garner Signal, of a 
cotemporary date: 

"A terrible cyclone swept across our 
county last Saturday afternoon, carrying 
destruction to nearly all within its reach, 
and leaving desolate ruin in its wake. It 
came from the southwest and traveled in a 
direct northeasterly course. It first struck 
the ground in Garfield township and made 
ruins of everything before it. * * * 

"The first building it struck in Elling- 
ton township was that of J. B. Gould, in 
the southwest corner, occupied, at the 
time, by Harvey Gould and family. The 
house was blown into kindling wood and 
Mr. Gould and his wife dangerously 
wounded. Mrs. Gould was badly cut and 
bruised about the head, and, in fact, all 
over body and limbs also. Her collar bone 
was broken and her lower limbs and the 
lower part of her body paralyzed. At 
this writing she lies in a very precarious 
situation. Mr. Gould had several ribs 
broken and was otherwise bruised and 
cut. 

"W. C. Moak's farm house, occupied by 
a German family, had the roof taken off; 



*? 



f 

it, 



698 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



the granary and stable were also demol- 
ished. 

"C. A. Clark's house, built of logs, was 
next taken and not one log left on an- 
other. The family of five were all in the 
house, but fortunately escaped with but 
slight bruises. Their little girl was up- 
stairs when the storm came, and was 
blown some ten or twelve rods, and when 
found a log was lying on her clothes, hold- 
ing her down, but she was not hurt. 

"Jacob Ward's farm house and build- 
ings was the next point of marked, posi- 
tive and terrible disaster. His fine double 
farm residence, large barn, 100 feet long, 
sheds, etc., where blown into splinters 
and Uncle Jake found a lifeless corpse 
among the ruins, some eight or ten rods 
from where the house had stood. lie had 
stepped out of doors from the supper ta- 
ble, remarking that he thought the wind 
was going to blow and he would see to 
his wind mill, and just as he stepped out- 
side the storm struck him. He was found 
with his neck broken and his breast 
crushed in. The others of the family es- 
caped without dangerous injury. Uncle 
Jacob Ward was one of the pioneer set- 
tlers of the county, widely known and 
universally respected. He was otice 
treasurer and recorder of the county, and 
an active participant in our political and 
social affairs. He was sixty-one years of 
age, had a fine farm, and was in shape to 
pass the remainder of his allotted days in 
peace, comfort and plenty. But now he 
is no more. Thousands of dollars of his 
earnings, and his own life, went before 
the blast of the hurricane in a moment of 
time. 



"Francis N. Colburn's large barn, gran- 
ary and kitchen to his house were .de- 
molished. 

"Richard Colburn's house was taken 
entirely off the foundation, and literally 
ruined. The roof was taken off, and the 
sides of the building, though left stand- 
ing, were racked to pieces. His granary 
and barn were blown down and some of 
his stock killed. 

"Beyond Mr. Colburn's the houses of 
Lewis Thompson and of Nels Oleson were 
destroyed. 

"The Center school house at Ellington, 
a large two story building, was entirely 
destroyed. 

"Andrew Bolsinger's house was blown 
into kindling wood, but aside from light 
bruises, the whole family escaped unin- 
jured. 

"George W. Gillett lost his stables, 
blacksmith shop and kitchen to his house, 
but the main part of his house was left 
standing. A portion of the planking was 
torn off the bridge across Lime creek, and 
several small bridges destroyed. 

"S. N. Hovvland's buildings were dam- 
aged somewhat. The empty log house on 
his prairie farm, where George Stonebatigh 
used to live, had the roof taken off. 

"Joseph Whiteis had some stables 
blown down, and Charles Nelson lost a 
granary. 

"O. K. Pike was driving home with a 
new lumber wagon, and buggy hitched 
behind. The storm blew him out into a 
slough, lifted one horse clear over the 
other, and broke his wagon and buggy. 
The box to his wagon was taken entirely 
away and he has been unable to find any 
trace of it. 



i V 



fe- 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



699 



"G. Carlson, lost a granary, on the 
Blanchard Barrett farm. 

"There were, of course, many others 
who sustained damages to a greater or 
less extent. Fences were swept away and 
broken down. 

"In company with J. J. Upton we 
drove, on the next morning after the 
storm, over several miles of the track of 
the tornado. One could easily follow its 
path over the prairie by the flattened 
grass and weeds, and pieces of boards 
and sticks driven partly into the ground. 
The track of the whirlwind seemed to be 
from three to six rods wide. Of course this 
hurricane caused a heavy current of air 
and heavy wind that reached some dis- 
tance each side, and did some damage. 

"It was a terrible storm, and one never 
to be forgotten by those who felt and 
witnessed its effects." 

J. Q. Beadle was born Feb. 5, 1829, in 
Vermont. When twenty-one years of 
age, he went to Massachusetts, spending 
the summer, then returning to Vermont. 
In the spring of 1852 he took a trip to 
California, in search for gold, going by 
way of Nicaragua, Central America. 
After spending three years in the mines 
of California, he returned to Vermont, to 
stay only three months. In the fall of 
1855 he came by way of Chicago to 
Mitchell Co., Iowa, then went to Worth 
county, remaining till 1861, when he en- 
listed in company C, 12th United States 
Infantry, and served three years. He 
participated in all the eighteen hard 
fought battles of the Army of the Potomac 
from the second Bull Run fight, to the 
capture of Petersburg. He was honor- 
ably discharged at Elmira N. Y., and 



came to Hancock Co., Iowa, where he 
bought land on section 16, Ellington 
township, where he is now living. He 
has 240 acres of fine land, and raises 
stock and grain of all kinds. Mr. Beadle 
is a republican. 

G. W. Beadle was born July 8, 1835, in 
Vermont, where he grew to manhood and 
was educated. When twenty years of 
age, he removed to Lyons, Clinton Co., 
Iowa, where he lived two years, then 
came to Worth county, making his home 
for two years at Bristol. He then removed 
to Forest City, Winnebago county, and re- 
mained there till 1861, when he came to 
Hancock county, settling on section 16, 
Ellington township. He has 700 acres of 
good land, 500 acres of which lies in one 
body, where he lives. While in Forest 
City, he manufactured brick for the court 
house at Forest City and the Clark hotel. 
Mr. Beadle has held the office of county 
supervisor two terms. On June 24, 1860, 
he married Sarah J. Streator, born May 
6, 1*35, in New York. They have four 
living children — Howard G., Clara L., 
Julia M. and Charles L. Mr. Beadle is a 
republican. 

Wes Hayes, farmers and stock dealer, 
is a native of New York, born Sept. 9, 
1832. He resided in New York until 
twenty-five years of age, when he came to 
this county, settling on section 24, this 
township. He has 320 acres of land on 
sections 24 and 25. He also has eighty 
acres in Fillmore Co., Minn. He was en- 
gaged in running a meat market in Forest 
City, but recently disposed of it. He has 
a meat market in Clear Lake, Cerro 
Gordo county. He has furnished fresh 
meat to his neighbors for ten miles around 



30 



700 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



bis home ever since 1868 or 1869. On 
the 13th of February, 1858, be was united 
in marriage with Polly Roberts, born in 
Plattsburg, N. Y., Sept. 20, 1832. They 
have three children living — Foster, born 
July 9, 1860; G. W., born Jan. 1, 1862; 
and Dora, born March 7, 1869. Mr. Hayes 
was one of the first settlers of Hancock 
county. The brush was so thick at the 
place where he erected his house, that he 
had to burn a place big enough to dig a 
cellar. He is a member of the Free 
Masons, Truth Lodge, No. 213, Forest 
City. He belongs to the Congregational 
Church. His father, Daniel Hayes, was 
born on the Connecticut river in 1793. 
He died in Plattsburg, N. Y., in 1873. 
He had command of a squad of men in the 
War of 1812, and took an active part in 
the battle Plattsburg, N. Y., on Sept. 11, 
1812. His mother, Mary (Reynolds) 
Hayes, was born in 1804. Wes is the 
next to the youngest of six children — 
Reuben, Cornelia, Millie, Susan, Wes and 
Amelia. Mrs Hayes' father, Reuben 
Roberts, was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., 
Aug. 26, 1803. He now lives in Elling- 
ton township, this county. Her mother, 
Eveline (Pate) Roberts, was born in Ver- 
mont, July 11, 1810, and is still living. 
They had seven children — Benjamin P., 
Polly L., Angeline B., Ether A., Mary L., 
Edwin and Ella. Mr. Hayes has held 
various township offices, and is the pres- 
ent supervisor from this township. 

S. D. Willson is a native of Erie Co., 
N. Y., born in Hamburg, Sept. 24, 1814. 
In the spring of 1842 he removed to Wis- 
consin, where he resided until 1808, when 
he removed to this county, locating on 
section 24, Ellington township. His farm 



consists of 120 acres of well improved 
land. He was married in 1842, to Harriet 
E. Sedgwick, born in Connecticut in 1822. 
They have three children living — Orin, 
Clark D. and Bird. Mr. Willson is en- 
gaged in mixed fanning. He is a demo- 
crat, politically. 

A. W. Larson was born in Sweden, Dec. 
18,1832. He came to America in 1866, 
landing at New York, then went to Rock 
Island where he lived a short time, then 
going to Henry Co., 111. In 1868 he re- 
moved to Mitchell Co., Iowa, and in 1869 
came to Hancock county, settling on sec- 
tion 29, Ellington township, where he 
has since resided. He has 120 acres of 
fine land, well improved. In 1873 he 
married Caroline Addison, born in Nor- 
way in 1847. There are four children — 
Eddie, Augustus, Matilda S. and Lars. 
Mr. Larson belongs to the Lutheran 
Church, and is politically a republican. 

Isaac N. Aid rich was born in Ashtabu- 
la Co., Ohio, on the 2d of August, 1852. 
When eight years of age his parents re- 
moved to Lorain Co., Ohio, for the pur- 
pose of educating their children. Previ- 
ous to their removal his father had pur- 
chased a farm in Kendall Co., III., where 
they resided one year. After Isaac fin- 
ished his education his parents removed 
to this county, locating on section 1, 
Madison township. He commenced teach- 
ing at the age of seventeen years, contin- 
uing until 1880, not missing a term, ex- 
cept in 1871, when he attended Sac Semi- 
nary, in Sac Co., Iowa. In 1880 he com- 
menced farming. He has a fine farm of 
324 acres on section 7, Ellington town- 
ship, also 320 acres on section 11, Madi- 
son township, and 120 acres on section 14, 



_ 



\u 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



701 



Madison township, making a total of 764 
acres of land. He resides on section 7, 
this township. On the 3d of January, 
1875, he married Lucinda M. Cass, born 
May 7, 1850, in Walworth Co., Wis. 
This union has been blessed with four 
children, two of whom are living — Judson 
N., born Nov. 17, 1879; and Leonard C, 
born March IS, 1881. Mrs. Aldrich is a 
member of the M. E. Church. He is a 
member of the Free Methodist Church. 

E. A. Roberts is a native of New York, 
born Aug. 6, 1838. He resided in his old 
home until 1869, when he removed to 
this county, locating in Ellington town- 
ship, where he has since lived, with the 
exception of two years that he was em- 
ployed on the Green Bay & Winona Rail- 
road. He resides on section 24, where he 
has eighty-two acres of good land. He 
was married July 9, 1873, to Elizabeth 
Whickrock, born in Wisconsin, Sept. 15, 
1855. She died Dec. 29, 1880, leaving 
one child — George C, born Sept. 13, 
1879. Mr. Roberts belongs to the M. E. 
Church. He is a republican. 

F. S. Northnp was born in Cattaraugus 
Co., N. Y., in 1826. He was married in 
1846, to Minerva L. Abbey, also a resi- 
dent of New York, and there born in 
1829. In 1855 they went to Winneshiek 
Co., Iowa, where Mr. Northup practiced 
medicine for fifteen years. During his 
residence in that county he officiated as 
county supervisor two years, township 
clerk six years, and township assessor 
three years. He finally removed to Han- 
cock county, where he abandoned his 
medical aspirations and practice, and en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He lo- 
cated in Ellington township, on section 



28, where he now owns 120 acres of 
prairie and six acres of timber land. He 
also raises considerable stock. Since 
coming to this township Mr. Northup lias 
served in some of the township offices. 
Politically he is a republican. Mr. and 
Mrs. Northup have six children — Loraine, 
George, Frank, Ella, Fred and Alta. 

Godfrey Carlson was born Feb. 9, 1847, 
in Sweden. He came to America in 1866, 
landing at Quebec on the 15th of May. 
From thence he went to Henry Co., 111., 
where he lived eighteen months, then re- 
moved to Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa. 
After remaining there two years, he was 
married to Mary Pearson, Dec. 5, 1870. 
She was born in Sweden, March 10, 1847. 
He then came to Hancock county and lo- 
cated in Ellington township, on section 

29. He owns 200 acres of land, well im- 
proved. They have six children — Emma 
Carolina, Carl Johan, Ana, Henry, Oscar 
and Mina Lovesa. Mr. Carlson and family 
are members of the Lutheran Church. In 
politics Mr. Carlson is a republican. 

David Howes, farmer, was born in 
Clinton Co., N. Y., on the 28th of August, 
1811. He followed brick making for 
twenty-two years. He worked at the 
blacksmith business three years. He re- 
sided in the home of his birth until 1870, 
when he came to Hancock county, locat- 
ing on section 22. He was married on 
the 31st of March, 1834, to Didana Cook, 
born May 8, 1818, in St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y. This union was blessed witli seven 
children — Louis E., James M., Edgar C, 
Martha E., Olive A., Mary E. and D. M. 
Mr. and Mrs. Howes are members of the 
M. E. Church. Louis, James and Edgar 



*RT 



<? w_ 



702 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



were soldiers in the late war. Mr. Howes 
is a republican. 

L. W. Chase, born Aug. 20, 1841, in 
Jefferson Co., N. Y., came to Hancock 
Co., Iowa, in 1871, settling on section 18, 
Ellington township, where he has ever 
since lived. He has eighty acres of fine 
land. He was reared in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and in politics, is a re- 
publican. Mr. Chase, July 4, 1873, mar- 
ried Mary J. Melins, born Dec. 26, 1854, 
in New York. There are three children 
— Fred, born June 7, 1874; William, born 
Feb. 26, 1878; Henry C, born July 20, 
1882. 

E. Tompkins, one of the substantial 
farmers of Ellington township, is a native 
of New York, born Jan. 6, 1847. He lived 
in New York until 1872, when he removed 
to Hancock Co., Iowa, locating on section 
24, Ellington township. He has 220 acres 
of well improved land. In February, 
1874, he was united in marriage with 
Nettie Haight, born in Wisconsin, Feb. 
14, 1857. They have one child — Flora, 
born Oct. 20, 18S0. Thomas H. Tomp- 
kins, father of the subject of our sketch, 
was born in New York, in 1822, and died 
in 1859. His mother, Charlotte (Purdy) 
Tompkins, was born in New York, in 
1814, and died in 1869 or 1870. They had 
five children — Elias W., Sarah J., Her- 
bert, Elijah and Purdy S. 

S. N. Howland is a native of New York, 
born May 9, 1834. When eighteen years 
old he removed to Pennsylvania, where 
he resided two years, thence to Wiscon- 
sin, where he remained four years, thence 
back to New York, thence to Missouri, 
remaining there four inontliR, thence to 
Wisconsin, where he worked in the pin- 



eries two years, thence to New Orleans, 
thence to Houston, Texas. He enlisted 
in the Texas Rangers, and served three 
months, then returned to Wisconsin, to 
La Crosse, where he lay sick for three 
months. He then went into the pineries 
for six months, thence to Idaho, remain- 
ing there five months, thence to Oregon, 
hunting and trapping, thence to Wash- 
ington territory, back to Idaho, remaining 
there thirteen months in the gold mines, 
thence to Wisconsin, and then to Iowa, 
locating on section 23, Ellington town- 
ship, Hancock county, where he has 180 
acres of good land. He was married to 
Eliza Glispa, Sept. 7, 1862. They have 
four children — Agnes, Flora, Maud and 
Addie. Mrs. Howland is a member of 
the M. E. Church. He belongs to the 
Free Masons, Garner Lodge, No. 319. He 
is a democrat. 

Mrs. M. J. Abbey was born March 29, 
1821, in New York. In 1845 she was 
married to Abraham Abbey. In 1855 she 
came to Iowa, settling in Winneshiek 
county, where she resided until 1875, then 
she removed to Hancock county, locating 
on section 18, in Ellington township, 
where she still resides. She owns 120 
acres of land, and raises all kinds of grain. 
There were eight children born to their 
union, five living — Thomas E., Leroy C, 
Edward, Ilattie A. and Abraham L. Mrs. 
Abbey is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

E. C. Miller, born March 26, 1835, in 
Vermont, is the son of Church and Eliza- 
beth L. (Boyden) Miller. He came to 
Iowa in 1875, settling on section 30, Ell- 
ington township, Hancock county, where 
he has since resided. He has 240 acres 



•^ « 



_* e )?• 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



703 



of fine land, where he follows farming and 
stock raising. Since Aug. 21, 1878, Mr. 
Miller has been postmaster, has also been 
township treasurer four years. He is a 
member of the Free Masons, Truth Lodge, 
No. 213, Forest City, and is a republican. 
He enlisted in company F, 88th Volunteer 
Infantry, mustered in Aug. 26, 1862, serv- 
ing three years, and was discharged March 
19, 1863, at Louisville, Ky. He was badly 
wounded Dec. 30, 1862, at Stone River, 
Tenn.; is now a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, Hayden Lodge, 
Forest City. He was married March 27, 
1866, to Phoebe Morey, of Illinois, born 
May 6, 1844, in Pennsylvania. They have 
three children — Frank, born July 4, 1878; 
Arthur, born Dec. 14, 1879; Nellie, born 
Nov. 30, 1881. 

Charles A. Clark, farmer, is a native of 
Vermont, born Feb. 24, 1845. He lived 
in his native State until 1870, when he re- 
moved to New Hampshire. He resided 
there until 1875, when he came to this 
county, lie located on section 2 8, Elling- 
ton township, and owns 160 acres of 
land. He has held the office of town- 
ship clerk since 1877, and was school 
director in 18*2. He is a Free Mason, 
and belongs to Truth Lodge, No. 213, 
Forest City. He enlisted in company B, 
16th regiment, Vermont Volunteer In- 
fantry, Aug. 28, 1862. He was discharged 
at the end of nine months, his term of 
enlistment expiring. He took part in the 
battle of Gettysburg. He was united in 
marriage Feb. 9, 1870, with Ellen M. Farr, 
born in Chesterfield,N. H., April 30, 1852. 
This union was hlessed with three chil- 
dren, two of whom are living — Mary E., 
born April 18, 1871, and Edward R.,born 



Dec. 27, 1872. Mr. Clark is engaged in 
mixed farming. He is a republican. 

Ole Paulson, farmer, is a native of Nor- 
way, born March 4, 1839. In 1858 he 
emigrated to America, landing at Quebec. 
He started for the west, stopping in Chi- 
cago; thence to Green Co., Wis. He re- 
sided there until 1869, when he removed 
to Mitchell Co., Iowa. After living there 
seven years he came to Hancock county, 
locating on section 36, Ellington town- 
ship, where he has 160 acres of well im- 
proved land. In 1864 he was married to 
Mrs. Mary Brager. They have seven 
children — Peter, Thomas A., Bennett, 
Gabriel, Anton, Nettie and Ole. The 
family all belong to the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Paulson is a republican. 

Peter S. Nelson is a native of Norway 
born Feb. 23, 1833. He emigrated to 
America in 1857, landing at Quebec, Can- 
ada. From Quebec he went to Fillmore 
Co., Minn. In 1864 he enlisted in the 2d 
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, company 
H, serving until July, 1865. He partici- 
pated in the siege of Atlanta, Ga. He re- 
turned to his home in Minnesota, remain- 
ing there until 1866, when he came to 
Iowa, locating in Center township, Win- 
nebago county. In 1878 he removed to 
this county, locating on section 5, Elling- 
ton township. He has eighty acres of 
land, and is engaged in mixed farming. 
In 1861 he was united in marriage with 
Ellen Caroline Gudman. Mrs. Nelson 
died in 1874, leaving six children — Nich- 
olas, Gus, Andrew, Thomas M., John W. 
and Melinda. Mr. Nelson is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



^F 



M 



— •> — -« 



f04 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



ERIN TOWNSHIP. 



The township of Erin embraces all of 
that territory known as congressional 
township 95 north, range 25 west, of the 
fifth principal meridian. The surface of 
this sub-division of the county does not 
differ much from the balance of the land 
in this vicinity, being of a gently undu- 
lating character. A large portion of the 
people of this township are engaged in 
stock raising, and at some future day this 
will no doubt be the universal business of 
the rural population of this portion of the 
county. The rich, dark soil produces a 
magnificent growth of native grasses, on 
which cattle thrive and do well. The 
West Fork of the Iowa river flows through 
sections 1, 2 and 12, and the northeast 
branch of the Boone river through sections 
5, 6, 8, 1 7, 20, 30 and 31 and these together 
with several smaller streams amply supply 
the needed water that produces the rich 
growth of grass, and makes this the para- 
dise of the stock grower. Most of the in- 
habitants of this township are natives of 
Ireland, the Erin of the poets, and thence 
its name. 

The first settlement in this territory was 
made by Garrett Devenpeck, in May, 1871. 
He locate ! on section 3, and built the first 
house in the township. Mr. Devenpeck, 
who died on the 3d of September, 1883, 
was born on the 17th of September, 182(1, 



in Florida, N. Y., but while he was yet 
young his parents removed to Charleston, 
in the same State. Here he was reared 
and lived until the year 1849, when he 
removed to Broome county, where he re- 
mained some three years. About this 
time he was seized with the western 
fever and following the setting sun landed 
in Clinton Co., Iowa, where he remained 
until 1871, when he came to this town- 
ship and located as above mentioned. He 
was married on the 13th of January, 
1848, to Eliza Frank, a native of New 
York State. They had two children, but 
both are now dead. Mr. Devenpeck was 
one of the most promient and influential 
men in the county, and at the time of his 
death was a member of the county board 
of supervisors. He was the first justice 
of the peace of this township, and, at va- 
rious times held other township offices. 

The next settler was William J. Porter, 
who located on section 3, in the last of 
May, 1871. Mr. Porter boarded at the 
house of Mr. Devenpeck while he was 
breaking his land, but in the fall he 
erected the house in which he now lives. 
Mr. Porter is a native of Ireland, where 
he was born Jan. 25, 1831. He came to 
this country in 1845, landing in Mass- 
achusetts, where he remained until 18G8, 
when he came to the great and growing 



- 2 J- 



~*\% 



>\£, 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



705 



west. He first located in Mitchell county, 
lmt in the spring of 1871 removed to 
Hancock county, as stated. He was mar- 
ried May 6, 1852, to Ellen Foley, by whom 
he has had four children — Joseph, Wil- 
liam, Ella and Samuel. Mr. Porter has 
held several local offices, and is a man 
universally respected by his neighbors 
and acquaintances. 

B.McMullen was the next to settle in this 
township, locating in 1873, on section 11. 

Mr. Mackeu came also during the year 
1873 and settled upon section 14. 

Among the settlers of the year 1874 may 
be found the names of Michael McGnuler, 
Patrick McGruder and J. O'Rourke. 

The first marriage in Erin township 
took place on the 27th of February, 1879, 
between F.T. Burdick and Nellie M. Dev- 
enpeck. 

The first death was that of John Porter, 
who was killed by a fall from a wagon. 

Erin township was organized at the Oc- 
tober election of 1879, and the following 
officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
John Murry, B. McMullen and P. Sher- 
idan, trustees, and G. De\ienpeck, clerk. 

The present officers are: John Mc- 
Mahon, H. J. Anderson and J. W. Whit- 
ney, trustees; John Love, clerk. 

The first school board of Erin township 
was elected at the March election, 1879, 
and consisted of Mary E. Donahoe, John 
O'Rourke and J. V. Hill. J. J. Donahoe 
was appointed secretary, and B. McMul- 
len, treasurer. The first school was held 
in the Devenpeck school house during the 
fall of 1873, and Betsy Swartwood was 
the teacher. This building, which stood 
on a portion of section 3, was the first 



school edifice built in the township. At 
the time of its erection the present town- 
ships of Erin and Britt were all one school 
district. In the fall of 1879 this building 
was removed to the southeast corner of 
section 8, on the land of Mr. Murry, 
where it now stands. Andrew Murry was 
the teacher in its new location. Miss 
McCormick is the present teacher. 

The next is what is known as the Mc- 
Mullen school house, as it is located on 
section 11, the land of B. McMullen. In 
1877 a coal house was purchased and 
moved from the Daggett district, in Orthel 
township, and out of this was built this 
school house. The first teacher therein 
was Nancy Clark, who taught the same 
year of its erection In the spring of 
1882 this building was moved to the farm 
of Mr. Lawton, on section 23. The first 
teacher in the new location was Ella Law- 
ton, who was succeeded by Dela Whitney, 
the present preceptress. 

The Porter school house was erected in 
September, 1882, and was opened that fall 
with Mrs. Mary Porter as teacher. This 
is a very fine edifice, an ornament to the 
district, and cost, together with the site 
on which it stands, $1,000. The present 
teacher is Katie Ward. 

The Glidden school house was erected 
during the winter of 1882, the building 
costing $100. The first teacher was Emily 
Lincoln. 

The present board of school directors 
is composed of the following well known 
gentlemen: F. T. Burdick, president; F. 
B. Glidden, secretary; O. C. Peterson, 
treasurer; H. L. Grubb and P. Sheridan, 
directors. 



w 



706 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Frank T. Burdick was born in Fillmore 
Co., Minn., May 8, 1857. In 1861 lie re- 
moved with his parents to Winneshiek 
Co., Iowa, where Frank was reared on a 
farm, being engaged in that occupation 
there until 1878. He then came to Han- 
cock county, locating in Britt township. 
In 188-2 he settled on his present farm, on 
section 3, Erin township. Mr. Burdick 
was united in marriage Feb. 27, 1879, 
with Nellie M. Devenpeck. They have 
two children — Fannie and Jerry. In the 
spring of 1883 Mr. Burdick was elected 
school director of this township. 

Fremont B. Glidden was born Feb 15, 
1853, it) Dane Co., Wis. His parents, 
Wilber and Lucinda (Bingham) Glidden, 
were old settlers of Dane county. Fre- 
mont was there reared and educated. In 
1879 he came to Hancock Co., Iowa, set- 
tling on section 20, Erin township, where 
he still lives, having a farm of 160 acres. 
Mr. Glidden was married Feb. 18, 1874, 
to Ella McMillan, a native of Wisconsin. 
Mr. and Mrs. Glidden have been blessed 
with two children — Vernon F. and Wil- 
ber J. Mr. Glidden was elected justice 
of the peace of Erin township in 1881, 
and his term of office expires Jan. 1, 1885. 
He is now secretary of the school board. 
Mr. and Mrs. Glidden are members of the 
Baptist Church. 

Otto C. Petersen was born in Scott Co., 
Iowa, June 3, 1857. When ten years of 



age he moved with the family to Clinton 
county, where they resided two years. In 
1868 they removed to Grundy county, 
where Otto and his brothers were engaged 
in the 'lumber business at Reinbeck, that 
county. In the fall of 1881 he came to 
Hancock county, and with his brothers 
located on section 26, Erin township, 
where they now live, having a farm of 
640 acres of good land. They are con- 
sidered among the most successful young 
farmers in the county. Mr. Petersen has 
been township treasurer of Erin town- 
ship, and in 1882 was elected township 
clerk. 

Henry L. Grubb was born Aug. 25, 
1853, in Benton Co., Iowa. His parents, 
Jacob and Elizabeth (Acker) Grubb, were 
natives of Pennsylvania. They came to 
Iowa in 1851. Henry was reared on a 
farm in his native county, receiving his 
education in the county schools. In 1875 
he left the farm and removed to Shells- 
burg, Iowa, engaging in various lines of 
trade, and in 1878 returned to farming. 
In the spring of 1881 he came to Han- 
cock county, and in the fall located in 
Erin township, where he has 160 acres of 
land on section 20. Mr. Grubb was mar- 
ried Dec. 25, 1873, to Rosa Escher, born 
in Philadelphia, Penn. They have two 
children — Charles J. and Ottie M. Mr. 
Grubb is one of the school directors of 
Erin township. 






A« 



•t 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



707 



CHAPTER XXIV 



GARFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



The sub-divieion of Hancock county, 
known by the name of Garfield, comprises 
the territory lying within congressional 
township 96 north, range 24 west, and in- 
cludes some of as good land as lies in the 
county. The surface is almost level, the 
easy slope, being only enough to drain 
the arable portion of the ground. This 
latter is composed of the rich alluvial soil 
that is characteristic of this portion of 
the State. A luxuriant growth of native 
grasses cover, as yet, the virgin sod, and 
is fed on by the herds of cattle driven 
here from other counties. The land having 
been in the hands of speculators has kept 
this portion of the county from settling 
up as it might otherwise have done, but 
a start has been made and the time looks 
short when these now wild lands will be re- 
claimed and brought under the plough. 
Garfield township is favored with several 
fine lakes. None of these are very large, 
however, nor take up much space that 
could be utilized for agriculture. Eagle 
lake, on the western limit of the town- 
ship is a considerable body of water, and 
at a slight expense could be made a fine 
body of water, and by stocking it with 
fish it could be made to yield a consider- 
able revenue. The C. M. & St. P. 
Railroad crosses the township from east 
to west, but there is no town or station 
within its limits. 



The first settler in this waste of grass 
and flowers, was John Stork, who is now 
a resident of Ell township, to which 
place the reader is referred for a more 
detailed sketch. Mr. Stork broke the first 
prairie in the township and sowed the 
first grain. He also erected the first log 
cabin. His son, Frank Stork, built the 
first frame structure within the same 
limits. Among the other early settlers of 
this township were: John Yarosh, Her- 
man Slick, Joseph Hijlek, John M. 
Hoesley and Eben Melcher. 

The township was organized in 1880, 
and received its name from President- 
elect Garfield. The election was held at, 
the Slick school house on the 2d of Novem- 
ber, 1880, and resulted in the choice of 
the following officers: J. M. Hoesley, A. 
0. B. Smith and John Hartman, trustees; 
Eben Melcher, clerk; J. W. Finch, as- 
sessor; A. O. B. Smith and John Schiller, 
justices; A. J. Smith and John Danger- 
field, constables. At this election, the 
judges were J. M. Hoesley, Eben Melcher 
and A. O. B. Smith; J. W. Finch and 
George F. Schuler, acted as clerks. 

The officers of the township at present 
are as follows: J. F. Brown, C. Schuler, 
J. M. Hoesley, trustees ; Eben Melcher, 
clerk; James F. Manuel, assessor; Charles 
Schuler and Eben Melcher, justices; John 
Hartman, Jr., constable. 



V 



+^t 



■+ — *u 



708 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



The township is settled by a quiet 
peacable body of people, in which the 
German element largely predominates, 
and it is recorded that in the three years 
of its political existence, there has never 
been a law-suit, and an election to the 
office of justice of the peace, is an empty 
honor. 

J. M. Iloesley, one of the enterprising 
farmers of Hancock Co., Iowa, was born 
in Elberfeld, Prussia, March 24, 1835. 
lie was reared in Switzerland. In 1847 
he came with his parents to the United 
States, landing at New Orleans and spend- 
ing the winter there. They then went to 
Ohio, and shortly after removed to Galena, 
111., where they remained two years. They 
afterwards went to LaFayette Co., Wis., 
then a vast wilderness. In 1861 Mr. 
Iloesley enlisted in company I. 16th regi- 
ment, Wisconsin Infantry. He was 
wounded in the left leg at the battle of 
Shiloh, and was taken to Savannah, Tenn., 
where he remained a short time, and was 
then sent to Cincinnati, being in the hos- 
pital at that place for some time. He 
then procured a furlough and went home, 
being discharged the following November 
on account of disability. In 1863 he 
again enlisted as corporal in the 2d Wis- 
consin Cavalry. He had not yet recovered 
from his wound, but was anxious to see 
the war through. His regiment partici- 
pated in a good many engagements. 
Many times his clothes were pierced with 
bullets, but he escaped without any 
wounds. He was always found at his 
post, never shirking duty. He was mus- 
tered out at Austin, Texas, Nov. 15, 1865. 
Mr. Iloesley married Louisa Strceber, by 
whom he had eight children— Emma, 



Helen, Henry, Charlie, Lucy, Lydia, 
Flora and Frank, who was drowned. In 
1868 Mr. Iloesley moved to Floyd county, 
and in 1871 to Missouri, but on account 
of sickness he was forced to leave Mis- 
souri. He came to Hancock county in 
1874, and settled in Garfield township, 
where he has since been engaged in fann- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Iloesley are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Eben Foster Melcher was born in Sul- 
livan Co., N. Y., June 27, 1850. His 
parents, George and Mary (Stoppe) Mel- 
cher, are natives of Germany, and emi- 
grated to the United States in 1844, and 
settled in New York. In 1852 he came 
west with his parents, locating in Dodge 
Co., Wis. In 1866 they removed to 
Chickasaw Co., Iowa, and in 1868 to 
Floyd county, where they still live. Mr. 
Melcher was reared on a farm. In 1873 
he was married to Mary Streber, of Floyd 
county, lay this union there were four 
children — Louis, Arthur, George and 
Alice. Mr. Melcher came to Hancock 
county in 1877, settling in Concord town- 
ship, now Garfield, on section 13, where 
he has a farm in a good state of cultiva- 
tion. In politics he is a republican, and 
has held several local offices of trust. Mr. 
and Mrs. Melcher are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Mel- 
cher is a member of the I. O. O. F., join- 
ing National Lodge, No. 165, of Charles 
City, Iowa, in 1874. 

William Nisbet, blooded stock breeder, 
and one of the enterprising farmers of 
Garfield township, was born in the county 
of Lambton, province of Ontario, July 20, 
1836. His parents, William and Eliza- 
beth (Black) Nisbet, were natives of 






9 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



709 



Scotland, and emigrated to Canada in 
1832, then a wild, unsettled country. Mr. 
Nisbet was married in 1868 to Margaret 
Ann Smith, by whom he has had six chil- 
dren, four sons and two daughters — Eliza- 
beth J., William A., Peter H., Cecelia, 
Matthew and Raleigh. He came to Han- 
cock county in April, 1881, and purchased 



land on section 13, Garfield township, 
where he has since been engaged in 
farming and stock raising. Mr. Nisbet 
takes great pride in his stock, and has 
one of the best stock farms in the county. 
He has 160 acres of land, 100 of which is 
under cultivation, valued at $20 per acre. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



GERMAN TOWNSHIP. 



All of congressional township 95 north, 
range 24 west, is included in the civil 
township of German. Settled at a later 
date than most of the other townships, it 
shows, as yet, but little improvement from 
the state in which nature left it. The 
surface is a beautiful prairie sloping away 
to the rivers on each side, in easy swell- 
ing lines. Watered abundantly, as it is, 
by the Dast and West Forks of the Iowa 
river, both considerable streams, with the 
rich grasses, indigenous to this latitude, 
would seem to proclaim this one of the 
finest parts of the county for stock pur- 
poses, and no doubt the time is not far 
distant when its plains will be covered 
with cattle and sheep. As German has 
been almost an exclusively agricultural 
township, it has but very little history to 
collect, but an effort has been made to 
gather all that was accessible. 

The first settler in the township was 
Harvey R. Stull, who located upon section 
32, in the year 1869, building the first 



house in that locality. Mr. Stull went 
away from the county some years ago 
and died at Wadena, Minn., about two 
years ago. 

Manser Dyer, an old settler in the 
county, moved into German township, in 
1870, and erected the second house. Mr. 
Dyer is now in Kansas, to which State he 
emigrated several years ago. 

The third settler was James Peck, who 
settled here about 1871, erecting a house 
and opening a farm. He remained here 
until the 6th of April, 1880, when he died. 

Among the other settlers of the earlier 
days of this county, were the following, 
in about the order of their location: 
Frank Wellmyer, M. Y. Moore, Henry 
Switzberg, John Mason and Fritz Griewe, 
the latter of these in 1875. 

The township was organized in 1878, 
and the first election was held attheLinz 
school house, Oct. 8, 1878. The follow- 
ing officers were chosen: F. Hartke, II. 
Terhufen and Henry Stille, trustees; G. 



•IV 



710 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



P. Mertin, clerk; H. Griewe, assessor; S. 
W. Mertin, justice; E. Steineke and II. 
Schwartzenberg, constables. This elec- 
tion passed off quietly and orderly. The 
judges of this election were: Henry Ter- 
hufen, E. Linz and G. P. Mertin; and S. 
W. Mertin and F. Linz acted as clerks. 
Only twenty-four votes were cast. 

The present officers are as follows: 
August Law, J. C. Schuldt and John 
Gretznasber, trustees; Louis Sampson, 
clerk; S. W. Mertin and J. C. Linz, jus- 



tices; August Law and H. Schuldt, con- 
stables. 

The first and only postoffioe was estab- 
lished during the year lScs2, and Henry 
Terhufen was commissioned as post- 
master. It had but a short life, however, 
being discontinued shortly afterwards, 
and there is now none in the township. 

Nearly all the inhabitants of this town- 
ship are German, or German extraction, 
hence the name given to it. 



CHAPTER XXVI 



MADISON TOWNSHIP. 



The civil township comprises the terri- 
tory known as congressional township 97, 
range 24 west, of the 5th principal meri- 
dian. It is located in the northern tier 
of townships, the second from the east 
line of the county. It is bounded on the 
north by Winnebago county, on the east 
by Ellington township, on the south by 
Garfield and west by Crystal. The sur- 
face is gently undulating prairie, inter- 
spersed with groves and woods, to a 
slight extent. Considerable of the land, 
in an early day, was thought to be too 
swampy for cultivation, but has improved 
in quality as the surrounding country was 
opened up into farms, as it is well known 
that the cultivation of any considerable 
portion of the country has a tendency to 
drain the surrounding land. The soil is 
of the same dark, alluvial character as the 



balance of this region, fertile to an almost 
unlimited degree. The township is 
watered by Lime creek and a branch of 
the Iowa river. The former takes its rise 
in a small lake or pond on the northwest 
quarter of section 5, and flowing in, first 
asoutheasterly, then an easterly direction, 
passes into the township of Ellington, on 
section 12. This stream, and its affluents, 
amply waters the northern part of Madi- 
son township. The East Fork of the Iowa 
river rises on sections 21 and 26, the two 
small brooks coming together on the 
northwest quarter of section 35, from 
whence the stream flows in a southeasterly 
course out of the township. For many 
years, wheat was the niain crop here, as it 
was everywhere in northern Iowa, but 
owing to the repeated failures in the crop 
of that cereal, the farmers are turning 



e>PV 



9 ^_ 



-J 5> 



£* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



711 



their attention to stock, with most excel- 
lent success. 

The first settlement in this township 
was affected in September, 1855, by John 
Maben. On the 27th of that month he 
located in the eastern edge of the present 
township, on sections 12 and 13, which 
place he has made his home almost ever 
since. Mr. Maben has, since his coining, 
been one of the most prominent and in- 
fluential citizens of the county and been 
honored by his fellow-citizens with many 
official positions of trust, and is the treas- 
urer elect, of the county, at the present 
writing. 

In the late fall of 1855 James J. Barker 
and Samuel Jefford made their appearance 
in this township and settled, the former 
upon section 2, and the latter on section 1 1 . 
Mr. Jeffords died of consumption during 
the winter of 1859. Mr. Barker has also 
been dead for many years, dying while a 
resident of this county. 

In 1856, Eli Moon, Charles R. Wright 
and George Stroskopf came into this town- 
ship and made a settlement. Eli Moon 
located upon a portion of section 1, where 
he remained for many years. 

Charles R. Wright settled upon parts of 
sections 12 and 13, and proceeded to open 
up a farm. He was often called away to 
attend to surveying, as he had been elect- 
ed county surveyor. In one of these ex- 
cursions, laying out roads, and defining 
boundaries of sections and sub-divisions, 
he contracted a cold, which instead of 
getting better, soon settled on his lnngs, 
and in 1859, he died. He was one of the 
best educated of any of his compeers, and 
in Ids death, the county met with a great 
loss. 



Later on, among the more prominent of 
the pioneers of Madison township were 
James Lackore, Harrison Wheelock, Ja- 
cob Seibert and others. 

James Lackore was born in Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., Nov. 1, 1835. When sixteen 
years old he removed to Illinois and lo- 
cated within twelve miles of Chicago. 
He remained there five years and then re- 
moved to Iowa, locating in Forest City, 
Winnebago county. He soon after bought 
eighty acres of land in Madison town- 
ship, Hancock county, seclion 3. He . 
lived in Forest City five years, erecting 
the first frame house built in that town. 
He then built a house on his farm and re- 
moved thereon in 1864. In 1868 he 
bought another eighty acres in Madison 
township. He has twenty acres of timber 
in Ellington township, this county, and 
ten acres of timber in Forest township, 
Winnebago county. He has been mar- 
ried twice. His first marriage was in 
1864, to Sophia Seibert, of Illinois. Re- 
sult of union, seven children, four of whom 
are living — William, Cora, Peter and 
Johnnie. Mrs. Sophia Lackore died Jan. 
2, 1876, aged thirty-nine years, five 
months and twelve days. He was mar- 
ried the second time, Nov. 21, 1879, to 
Mrs. Elizabeth Schwichtenberg, of Ger- 
mantown, Hancock county. Result of 
union, two children — Arthur Pearl and 
Ervin Millard. Mrs. Lackore had three 
children by her first husband — Martha 
Mary, Alice Lida and Ida Hettie. Mrs. 
Lackore is a member of the Germantown 
M. E. Church. Mr. Lackore is a republi- 
can. In 1864, he enlisted in the 8th Iowa 
regiment, company F, and served under 
Gen. A. J. Smith until the close of the 



•t> 



712 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



war, participating in the battle of Span- 
ish Fort and many skirmishes of minor 
note. His parents, William and Eliza- 
beth Laekore, live in Forest City. Mrs. 
Lackore's mother died seven years ago. 
Her father lives in Allamakee Co., Iowa. 

The first school house was erected in 
1858, and is what is known as the Barker 
school house. Here the first school 
was taught by Hannah Johnson, a lady 
from Boston. After several years spent 
in this county, she returned to Massachu- 
setts where she is yet living, unmarried. 
The Barker school house is a neat frame 
structure, 18x30 feet in size, and cost in the 
neighborhood of $600 to build. The 
Skinner or Hartletz school building was 
erected in 1868, on section 15, where it 
stands, at a cost of about $600. This is 
also a frame building. 

The Maben school house was built dur- 
ing the year 1869. This is a brick struct- 
ure, and cost about $900 to build. It 
stands on section 13. L. B. Phelps was 
the first teacher, and C. B. Maben, the 
second. 

The Steiff or Laekore school house was 
erected in 1869, on section 3, and is a 
brick edifice, 20x36 feet in dimension, and 
cost $600. The first teacher here was a 
Mr. Walker. 

The Greis school house was built in 
1879, on section 6, and is 18x24 feet in 
size, and cost $500 to erect. Sophia Cou- 
riers was the first teacher in this building. 

A cemetery was laid out as a public 
burial place in 1864, on section 11. The 
first interment was that of Charles R. 
Wright, who died in the year 1859, while 
county surveyor. Mr. Wright was the 
first citizen of the township to die, and 



was buried at Forest City, but on the laying 
out of this cemetery his remains were ex- 
humed by his friends and brought to this 
place and re-buried. 

The first birth occurred in January, 
1856, and was that of a son of Thomas 
Bearse. 

The first marriage was that between 
James J. Barker and Harriet Dawson, 
which took place in 1860. 

The township of Madison, then com- 
prising the north half of Hancock county, 
was organized in June, 1858. The first 
election was held at the dwelling of James 
C. Bonar. The judges of the election, at 
this time, were James C. Bonar, Jacob 
Ward and F. N. Colburn. The records of 
the election are very incomplete, as are 
all the papers of pioneer days and full 
returns are totally inaccessible. The fol- 
lowing were, however, elected: G. R. 
Maben and Charles R. Wright, justices of 
the peace; John Jeffords and H. H. Rice, 
constables. 

The returns of this election were sent 
to Winnebago county, where they were 
canvassed by Robert Clark, the county 
judge of that county, and C. D. Stockton 
and C. W. Scott, two justices of the same. 

J. H. Heunenhofer was born in Prussia, 
Aug. 15, 1843. When he was three years 
old his parents emigrated to America, 
landing at New Orleans, La. He soon 
moved to Coffeeton, Ky., thence to Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, thence to Indiana. On account 
of sickness in the family of his parents he 
soon left there and came to Iowa, locating 
in Keokuk. After remaining there three 
years he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, 
thence to Davenport, Iowa, thence to 
Kirksville, Mo. For several years after- 



t 



4 

AK 



>k 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



713 



ward lie moved around from place to 
place, finally bringing up in Savan- 
nah, 111., where he remained fifteen 
years. In 1864 he went to California and 
remained there until 1866, when he went 
back to Illinois. In 1868 ho came to Iowa, 
locating in Forest City,Winnebago county. 
He then bought 160 acres of land on sec- 
tion 4, Madison township, Hancock county. 
In 1876 he took a trip to California 
Washington territory and Oregon, and 
was gone about a year. In 1881 he sold 
his farm on section 4, and purchased 
eighty acres on section 7. In 1882 he sold 
out and bought 160 acres on section 3, 
where he now lives. Mr. Hennenhofer 
was married on Christmas day, 1872, to 
Maria Smith, of Madison township. Re- 
sult of union, six children, four of whom 
are living — Peter, Daisy, Myrtle and Lil- 
lie. Mr. Hennenhofer belongs to the 
Catholic Church and his wife to the M. 
E. Church. 

Silas R. Smith was born in Huron Co., 
Ohio, Aug. 15, 1829. When about one 
year old his parents removed to Kalama- 
zoo Co., Mich. The subject of this sketch 
lived in that place until about twenty- 
four years of age, then removed to Kane 
Co., III. He lived in Kane county un- 
til the spring of 1857, when he removed 
to Kansas, being one of the pioneers of 
that State. He left that State in 1860, 
because of the extreme drouth, and went 
back to Illinois, locating, this time, in 
DeKalb county. He remained there about 
two years, then he went to Michigan, 
where he purchased a farm. He lived on 
the farm for about two and a half years, 
then returned to Illinois, locating in Ge- 
noa. Here, he formed a partnership with 



his father-in-law and went into the hotel 
business. They run the hotel, Genoa Ex- 
change, for a year, when Mr. Smith sold 
out and went to farming again. In the 
spring of 1870 he came to Iowa, locating 
in Hancock county, near Forest City. He 
purchased eighty acres of land on sec- 
tion 6, in Madison township. Has since 
purchased another eighty, making 160 acres 
in all. When he first moved on his farm he 
built a hay shed, and lived in it for about 
three months, until he could build a log 
cabin, which when finished was 18x22 
feet in dimensions. Mr. Smith was united 
in marriage with Adeline Nichols, of 
Kane Co., 111. The result of this union 
is five children — Maria E., Ebenezer M., 
Horatio N., Charles E. and Ernest T. Mr. 
Smith is a republican in politics. He is 
quite an extensive stock dealer, and keeps 
some nice graded stock. 

Frederick Steiff is a native of New 
York, and was born at Waterloo, Seneca 
couuty, Jan. 27, 1855. He there resided 
until eleven years of age, and his parents 
then removed to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, 
where his father purchased a farm. Five 
years later, the father removed to Han- 
cock county, located in Madison town- 
ship, and purchased a farm on section 3. 
He there died Oct. 11, 1872. The son 
carried on the farm until 1878, and in 
1882, bought his present farm of eighty 
acres on section 7. Mr. Steiff is a demo- 
crat of the "true Jacksonian stripe," and 
is a highly respected citizen. He was 
married, Nov. 26, 1877, to Caroline Sei- 
bert, of Madison township. Three chil- 
dren have been born to them — Frederick 
William, Lora Ellen and Joseph Austin. 
Both parents are members of the Method- 



.£ 



714 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNT Y. 



ist Episcopal Church. Mr. Steiff's mother, 
Mrs. Catharine (Steiff) Filter, still re- 
sides in this township. 

Henry A. Bates was born in Plymouth 
Co., Mass., Oct. 5, 1843. When thirteen 
years of age, his parents moved to Lodi, 
Columbia Co., Wis., where he was reared 
and educated. In 1862 he enlisted in the 
23d regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantry, company H, and served three 
years. He participated in fifteen general 
engagements, among which may be men- 
tioned Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Port 
Gibson, Black River Bridge, Jackson, 
Arkansas Post and Mobile. At the expi- 
ration of his term of service, he returned 
to Wisconsin, where he followed farming 
for two years. In 1867 he removed to 
Iowa, and for five years traveled from one 
point to another, remaining for a short 
time in each of the following named 
places: Algona, Fort Dodge, Iowa Falls 
and Winthrop. He finally located in 
Hancock county, and with his brother, 
Adrian W., purchased 160 acres of land 
on section 24, Madison township. This 
land is all under cultivation. Mr. Bates 
and his brother, with four maiden sisters 
— Harriet A., Zalina A., Mary I. and Ella, 
live together. Their parents, Henry and 
Harriet Bates, died some years ago. 

Joseph Wernet is a native of Germany, 
born March 19, 1826. He was there 
reared, attending the public or parochial 
schools for the term of years designated 
by law, and served three years in the reg- 
ular army. He participated in the con- 
flict immediately following the revolution 
of Baden (in 1847-8) and during the lat- 
ter year emigrated to America. He first 
located in Philadelphia, Penn., and soon 



after embarked in the fresh and salt meat 
trade. A year later he went to St. Louis, 
Mo., and from that point commenced a 
series of wanderings which covered a 
period of seventeen years, and finally cul- 
minated in his locating near Savannah, 
111., and engaging in agricultural pursuits. 
During the time above mentioned he 
visited, or engaged in business at Dubuque, 
La Claire, Byron, Lyons and Clinton, in 
Iowa, and Galena, Rock Island, Moline 
and Savannah in Illinois. He remained 
seven years at the latter place, alternately 
engaged in farming and the saloon and 
restaurant business. In 1*73 he disposed 
of liis business interests and came to 
Iowa, locating in this township. He now 
owns 335 acres of excellent farming land 
on sections 9 and 16, the greater portion 
of which is under cultivation. Mr. Wer- 
net was united in marriage Jau. 28, 1852, 
to Wilhemina Hennenhofer, of Dubuque, 
Iowa. Of the ten children born to them 
nine are living — Joseph, Henry, Peter, 
Laypolt, William, John, George, Frank 
and Wilhemina. Mr. and Mrs. Wernet 
are members of the Roman Catholic 
Church, and the former is connected by 
principles of patriotic belief with the re- 
publican party. 

Nils Harraldson became a resident of 
Madison township in 1879. He was born 
among the cold, barren slopes of Norway, 
March 9, 18o0. When nine years of age 
his parents removed to Wisconsin, locat- 
ing in Iowa county, where Nils resided 
until 1874. He then removed to Mitchell 
Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming, 
finally purchasing and locating on 160 
acres in the township of Britt, Hancock 
county. In 1879 he sold his land and 






- — ;J L 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



15 



came to Madison township, renting of 
John Maben the farm on section 24, where 
he still resides. Mr. Harraldson is a true 
believer of republican principles, and 
votes for the candidates of. that party. He 
was married in 1875 to Julia B. Wall, of 
Iowa Co., Wis. They are the parents of 
two children — Carrie Sophia and Henry 
Bennie. 

Anton Gries was born in New York, 
May 15, 1850. When three years of age 
his parents removed to Polk Co., Wis., 
near Mil waukee. In 1857 they removed 
to Manitowoc Co., Wis., where they pur- 
chased a farm. From that place the sub- 



ject of this sketch went to Michigan and 
located in Menomonee, where he remained 
twelve years, then he came to Iowa and 
located in Madison township, Hancock 
county. He bought 160 acres of land on 
section 6, all of which is under cultivation. 
On the 21st of June, 1876, Mr. Gries was 
married to Ida Kirk, of Madison town- 
ship. The result of this union has been 
three children, two of whom are living — 
Ella and Joseph Garfield. Mr. Gries is a 
democrat. His parents, Peter and Mary 
Gries, live in Meeme, Wis. Mrs. Gries' 
parents, David and Lucy Kirk, make their 
home with Mr. and Mrs. Gries. 



CHAPTER XXVII 



MAGOR TOWNSHIP. 



In the extreme southwestern portion of 
Hancock county lies the congressional 
township 94, range 26, containing some of 
the finest land in the county. Rich, black 
loamy soil, in endless rolls, sweep across 
its entire length; and the almost complete 
absence of sloughy land, and the deep 
substratum of yellow clay, together with 
the streams and rivers that water its 
fertile meadows, all evidence the produc- 
tiveness of its territory. This precinct is 
Magor township, called so in honor of 
Henry Magor, one of its early settlers 
and prominent, representative men. The 
territory formerly was a component part 
of Amsterdam township, but in 1878, it 



was set apart and made a separate civil 
township. The first election was held in 
the fall of that year and resulted in the 
choice of the following officers for the 
township government: James Crane and 
Alvah Packard, trustees; William Magor, 
clerk; Harrison Bailey, assessor; Thomas 
Magor, justice ; M. Lang, constable ; 
Henry Magor, road supervisor. The 
township is officered at present by the fol- 
lowing gentlemen : George W. Gray, Her- 
man Brummund and Ludwig Meissner, 
trustees; Ernest Brummund, clerk ; Wil- 
liam Brummund, assessor; Frank P. Hes- 
kett and W. II. Churchill, justices ; F. 
E. Shaw and Leander Smith, constables ; 



S\ 



& 



J * * ■ 



At 



716 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Henry Buntting, W. H. Churchill and 
Peter Kamitson, road supervisors. It is 
noted, that at the first election mentioned 
above, there were but ten voters in the 
township and a difficulty arose as to how 
to divide the offices, as there were more 
places than men. 

The pioneer settler in Magor township 
was James Crane, a native of New York 
State, who located on section 21 in the 
year 1866. Here he continued to make it 
his residence, for years the only inhabit- 
ant of the dreary waste of grass and 
weeds, miles from his nearest neighbor. 
Here he reigned "monarch of all he sur- 
veyed" until June, 1880, when he was 
killed. It seems that a man by the name 
of Samuel Bisel, was herding cattle on 
the prairie near Mr. Crane's farm, and 
allowed some of his stock to wander off 
into the fields of the latter, to the great 
detriment and damage of the growing 
crops. This angered Mr. Crane, and 
seizing a club, he started out to drive 
them off. This was the occasion of an 
altercation between the men and blows 
were exchanged, when the herder, in turn 
grown wrathy, raised a shot-gun which he 
had with him and struck Crane over the 
head with the butt of it. This staggered 
him, when the man gave another blow, 
the locks of the gnn this time pene- 
trating the skull and injuring the brain, 
so that death did not long linger, but trod 
close upon the heels of the blow. The 
law took cognizance of the offence against 
the State, and Bisel was brought before a 
jury of his peers, which after a lengthy 
trial disagreed, and the case was carried, 
by change of venue, to Wright county, 



where the man was finally acquitted and 
discharged. 

The next settler in the township was 
Harrison Bailey, who located on section 
16 during the year 1869. He did not re- 
main here long, however, but removed to 
the neighboring State of Minnesota. 

A long time now elapsed before any 
more settlers came here, a time while 
nature reigned supreme in these solitudes. 
However, in the spring of 1878, Henry 
Magor came, and locating on section 
25, opened up a farm. He came here 
from Wisconsin, although a native of 
England. Mr. Magor, who is still a resi- 
dent of the township, is one of its most 
influential and prominent men. 

Henry Magor, son of Henry and Sarah 
Magor, was born in Cornwall, England, 
April, 11, 1823. He received a good com- 
mon school education. While living in 
England, he was interested in the tin 
mines. He came to America in 1846, 
locating in Grant Co., Wis. He had 
upon his arrival in Wisconsin a wife 
and child and $40 in money. Being 
very successful in whatever he undertook 
to do, he made money rapidly. He 
soon formed a partnership known as 
Crawford, Mills & Co., being engaged in 
lead mining, and owning and running 
three blast furnaces. For thirty-five years 
he made his residence in Wisconsin ; in 
the meantime visiting California, where 
he remained two and a half years, and 
engaged in gold mining. He owned the 
Wisconsin claim on Wood's creek, near 
Sonora. In the spring of 1878, Mr. Ma- 
gor came to Iowa, locating on section 25, 
Amsterdam township, Hancock county. 
He, in partnership with J. E. Corwith, 



^ c 



±1 



-4- 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



717 



of Galena, 111., purchased about 1,700 
acres of land. About 400 acres of this 
land is under plow, and the rest of the 
farm produces hay. Mr. Magor was mar- 
ried Jan. 11, 1844, to Jane, daughter of 
Richard and Jane Cornelius, of Cornwall, 
England. They have had nine children, 
four of whom are living— Richard,Thomas, 
William and John. Mr. and Mrs. Magor 
are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
Magor is a republican. Three of Mr. 
Magor's sons — Richard, Thomas and Wil- 
liam — are married. Richard and William 
live in Wyoming territory, being engaged 
in the mercantile business in Rawlins, a 
station on the Union Pacific railroad. 
Thomas lives with his father on the farm. 
Messrs. Magor & Corwith are extensive 
stock dealers, raising, buying and selling 
cattle, horses and hogs. They have one 
barn 56x64 feet in size; another for cattle, 
hay and horses, 24x108 feet in size. They 
have a machine house 16x42 feet in size, 
for farming implements ; outbuildings, 
barns, etc., costing over $4,000. They 
employ four men on an average the year 
round. A wind mill on the farm draws 
water from a well 112 feet deep. Pipes 
are laid from the well to the house, stock 
yards, and piggery, which keep a good 
supply of fresh water on hand all the 
time. These pipes are laid about three 
feet under the surface of the ground. 
These men also raise a large amount of 
grain, raising in 1883 over 5 000 bushels 
of oats. 

No other settlements were made in this 
township until the founding of the town 
of Corwith in 1880, a beautiful little place. 
Many parties owned land in the town- 
ship before this, but did not live there, 



hence cannot be viewed in the light of 
settlers. 

The first death in the township of Ma- 
gor was that of James Crane, in June, 
1880, as already detailed. 

The first birth was that of a daughter 
of Mr. Crane's, but the date of the event 
is inaccessible. 

The first marriage was that of O. H. 
Stilson to Lida Olmsted, which occurred 
upon the 2d of October, 1881. The bride 
was at the time a resident of Manchester, 
Delaware Co., Iowa. 

The first school was taught in 1879, by 
Alice Crane, in a building on section 28. 
She had but three scholars, all her 
cousins, whose names were R. D., Prudie 
and Katie Crane. 

The first school board consisted of the 
following gentlemen : James Crane, pres- 
ident ; Willam Brummund, treasurer; 
Harrison Bailey, secretary; Alvah Packard 
and Thomas Magor, directors. The pres- 
ent government of educational matter is 
placed in the hands of the board com- 
posed as follows: George Gray, president; 
J. H. Taylor, treasurer ; Ernest Brum- 
mund, secretary; John Henderson and F. 
P. Heskett, directors. 

The Brummund school house was built 
in 1881, and Miss Harding has the honor 
of being the pioneer teacher. 

The Gray school dates from 1882, when 
it was erected, and Mrs. Smith took the 
first charge of the school therein. 

The Whiteman school house was built 
during the year 18R2, and the first teacher 
installed was Mary Blood. 

CORWITH. 

This beautiful village is situated on the 

northeast quarter of the northeast quarter 



r 



J- 






718 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



of section 6, and lies upon the banks of 
the Boone river. It is well drained and 
is never troubled with mud, quite an item 
of comfort in this country. The land sur- 
rounding it, is said to be the finest in the 
State. The town site is owned by E. W. 
Gaylord, now of Angus, Iowa, where he 
is engaged in the coal and stock business. 
The plat was laid out in June, 1880, and 
filed for record on the 1st of September, 
of the same year. The first building 
erected was Gaylord's Hotel, a large two 
story frame building. It was built by Mr. 
Gaylord, the proprietor of the town, and 
was rented and run as a house of enter- 
tainment for two years by L. Moon. Mr. 
Gaylord was at that time the superintend- 
ent of the railroad, and the house was 
erected for the accommodation of train 
men and railroad hands in general. This 
is now unoccupied and vacant. 

The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad 
was built to this point during the summer 
of 1880, and with its coming this village 
was ushered into being. The depot of 
this line, at this town, was the second 
building erected, being finished very 
shortly after the above mentioned hotel. 
The first edifice erected for mercantile 
purposes was put up that same year, and 
run as a saloon by Able <£ Tierney. This, 
however, lasted but two months, when 
the building was sold to O. II. Stilson & 
Co., who put in a stock of general mer- 
chandise. After owning the building for 
about a year, it was sold to Louis Lenten- 
gre, the present owner, and is occupied 
by Frank Heskett, as a drug store. 

In September, 1880, T. P. Griffin erected 
a store building and dwelling house. In 
this structure he opened a stock of hard- 



ware and general merchandise. For about 
eighteen months he carried on this business 
when he sold out to Farner Shaw, who 
converted the building into the present 
Shaw House, the only hotel the town 
boasts of at present. This was in Janu- 
ary, 1882. The building is a large, two- 
story, frame one, and is a good place for 
for the weary traveler to stop, rest and 
refresh himself at. A good livery and 
feed stable was erected by Mr. Shaw, in 
the fall of 1883, which he runs in con- 
nection with the hotel. 

Farner Shaw is the geniaTproprietor of 
the Shaw House at Corwith — a hotel 
which enjoys an excellent reputation 
among the traveling public. He was 
born in Columbiana Co., Wis., Feb. 15, 
1844. When ten years of age his parents, 
Henry and Susan Shaw, removed to Dane 
Co., Wis., and they •purchased a farm. 
In 1857 the father sold this land, and 
then removed his family to Freeborn Co., 
Minn., where he bought another farm. 
The son here grew to manhood, and in 
1862 enlisted in company F, 4th regiment, 
Minnesota Volunteers. He served until 
the great struggle culminated in Lee's 
surrender at Appomattox, and participated 
in nineteen general engagements. Among 
these may be mentioned the siege of Cor- 
nith, Iuka, siege of Vicksburg, Allatoona, 
siege of Savannah, Missionary Ridge, 
Champion Hills and Columbia. During his 
enlistment he marched with his regiment 
2,915 miles, and traveled by railroad and 
steamboat 6,245 miles. After the war he 
remained at home in Minnesota for two 
years, and was engaged in farming. He 
then removed to Worth Co., Iowa, and 
there resided until 1880, when he removed 



7 



f 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



719 



to Hancock county, purchasing a farm in 
Amsterdam township. He remained on 
the farm until February, 1882, when lie 
purchased property in Corwith and im- 
mediately opened his present hotel. He 
has lately erected a commodious livery 
and feed stable, which is operated in con- 
nection with the house. Mr. Shaw is a 
republican, and the present town consta- 
ble. He was married in 1869, to Julia 
Shaw, of Minnesota. They have had 
four children born to them, three of whom 
are living — Esther, Ida and Mervin. Mr. 
and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

The first residence of any consequence 
was built during the winter of 1880, by B. 
R. Gass. 

About the same time dwellings were 
erected by Hans Ballson, at that time the 
"section boss," who afterwards went to 
Waseca, Minn.; George Gurne and J. M. 
Wood. 

The first blacksmith shop was opened 
in the early winter of 1880, by J. M. 
Wood. This business is represented at 
present by Battle & Lallier, two gentle- 
men from New York, who came here in 
1882 and erected their present buildings, 
where they carry on the blacksmithing 
and wagon making business. 

The first general merchandise store in 
Corwith was opened by O. H. Stilson & 
Co., in September, 1880. This firm carry 
a large and complete stock of dry goods, 
boots ami shoes, hats and caps, clothing, 
groceries, notions, etc., which will invoioe 
fully |10,000, and do an annual business 
of more than $30,000, selling goods into 
Wright, Kossuth and Humbuldt counties 
besides their home trade. By energy, 



perseverance and able business tact Mr. 
Stilson has succeeded in working up a 
business far in advance of all competitors 
in the district, and well deserves the im- 
mense patronage he draws from an appre- 
ciative people. 

O. H. Stilson is one of the prominent 
business men of Corwith. He carries a 
stock of general merchandise valued at 
$10,000, and enjoys an annual trade 
amounting in the aggregate to nearly 
$30,000. He is a son of James M. and 
Dorlisca R. Stilson, and was born at Chip- 
pewa Falls, Wis., Feb. 9, 1857. He was 
there reared to manhood, and received a 
good English education. With the inten- 
tion of following a teacher's profession 
he fitted himself for that arduous duty, 
and when he arrived at maturity he taught 
several terms of school in Chippewa 
county, and then went to Mason City, 
Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa. He there re- 
mained about one year, farming <I 00 acres 
of land, and teaching two terms of school. 
He then went to Forest City, Iowa, and 
assumed the general management of a 
large hardware store, owned by a cousin, 
E. L. Stilson. At the expiration of one 
year he formed a partnership with his 
cousin, and located a branch store at Cor- 
with, where his success has exceeded his 
most hopeful expectations. This large 
trade is due in a great measure to the 
never-tiring energy and enterprise of our 
subject. He is a member of the great re- 
publican party, and has served his fellow 
citizens as justice of the peace. On Oct. 
2, 1881, he was married to Lydia Olmsted, 
of Manchester, Iowa. They have one 
son — Ernest Lyell. Mr. Stilson's parents 
reside near Chippewa Kails, Wis. Mrs. 



nv 



■' <s ^~ 



-4^ 



720 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Stilson's mother is dead, but her father is 
still living, at Manchester, Iowa. 

Thomas Cook & Co., are the other gen- 
eral merchandise dealers of the town, but 
are projecting a removal, hence, at an early 
day. This establishment was started in 
the spring of 1882, by Blair & Owen, of 
Rock Falls. In the spring of 188.3, they 
disposed of their stock to William Lan- 
diman, of Hillsboro, Kansas, who, how- 
ever, run it but two months, when it 
passed into the hands of its present 
owners. 

The hardware business is represented 
by J. H. Taylor, who carries a large and 
complete stock of the goods usually found 
in stores of that kind. This institution 
dates from the winter of 1880-81, when 
it was founded by Edward Smith, who 
erected the building and opened the busi- 
ness. In February, 1882, he sold out to 
Mr. Taylor, and removed to Perry, Iowa. 

The drug trade is ably represented by- 
Frank P. Heskett, who founded the busi- 
ness in Corwith, in January, 1882. His 
store is filled from floor to ceiling with a 
choice and well selected stock of pure 
drugs, of which he makes a leading spe- 
cialty, school books, confectionery, tobac- 
co and choice cigars. A man of thorough 
education, a rare business talent, he well 
merits the confidence reposed in him by 
the community at large. 

Frank P. Heskett, son of David and 
Catharine Heskett, was born on the 20th 
of April, 1853, in Belmont Co., Ohio. 
He made that place his home until he 
came to Iowa, in 1882. He remained on 
the farm with his father until twenty 
years of age, receiving a good common 
school education. He then attended, for 



one year, Hopevale College, in Harrison 
Co., Ohio. He afterward went to Fair- 
mount, W. Va., where he graduated, in 
1875, from the State Normal school. In 

1880 he graduated from the University at 
Lebanon, Ohio. At different times dur- 
ing the past ten years he has taught school. 
In 1876-77 he was principal of the school 
at Piedmont, W. Va. This school con- 
tained six grades. In 1878 he was prin- 
cipal of the school at Keyser, W. Va. In 

1881 he was principal of the high school 
at Belmont, Ohio. In January, 1882, he 
came to Iowa, locating at Corwith, where 
he engaged in the drug business. The 
house he occupies with his store was the 
first store building erected in Corwith. 
Mr. Heskett was married Nov. 9, 1881, to 
Ida, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Tolbert, 
of Hunter, Ohio. They have one child. 
Mrs. Heskett is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church. Mr. Heskett is a republi- 
can. His mother, Catharine Heskett, lives 
in Belmont, Ohio. His father, David 
Heskett, died in 1859. Mrs. Heskett's 
parents live in Perry, Dallas Co., Iowa. 
Mrs. Heskett was formerly a school teach- 
er. She is also a good artist, painting in 
crayon and oil. 

M. O. Tang, formerly of Forest City, 
Winnebago county, is the proprietor of 
the only shoemaking establishment in the 
village. This business he founded in the 
spring of 1883. 

One of the prominent industries of 
this thriving little "burg," is the Corwith 
Creamery, which was initiated during the 
spring of 1882, by Simonet & Kleinpeter, 
Since its inception, however, Mr. Si- 
monet has disposed of his interest to his 
partner, Mr. Kleinpeter, who continues 



•k. 



£! 



-k* 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



721 



sole proprietor. The institution gathers 
cream from Hancock, Kossuth and Wright 
county farms, keeping on an average some 
five teams on the road. The creamery has 
facilities for making about 1,000 pounds 
of butter daily, an amount that is usually 
reached during the busy season. Mr. 
Kleinpeter ships all the product of the 
creamery to Wooster, Mass., where it 
commands the highest price in the mar- 
ket on account of its "gilt-edged" quality. 
Among Corwith's busiest establish- 
ments, can be named the feed mill. Al- 
though but a new industry in the village, 
it bids fair to prove one of the leading 
businesses, at no distant date. This en- 
terprise was started in the summer of 
1883, by F. H. Latham, erecting the build- 
ing and putting in the machinery, getting 
into running order by the 1st of Septem- 
ber. Since that time there has been no 
cessation to an almost endless round of 
business. He grinds corn meal, graham 
mid buckwheat flour, ground feed, etc. 
The building, which is located on the line 
of the railroad, is 20x30 feet in size, with 
an engine room, in addition, 16x18 feet, 
besides a corn crib 8x30 feet. Power is 
obtained from an upright, portable engine 
of fourteen horse power. All the machin- 
ery was of the most improved description, 
and the whole plant is valued at $2,000. 
F. H. Latham was born Feb. 10, 1858, 
in Monroeville, Huron Co., Ohio. He re- 
ceived a good common education at the 
home of his birth, and then attended the 
Normal school at Ada, _Ohio. When 
twenty-one years of age, he moved to 
Janesville, Wis., where he attended the 
Telegraph College, for aboutayear. Then 
he came to Iowa, locating in Britt, Han- 



cock county. At the latter place he was 
operator and had charge of the M. & St. 
P. U. R. business, for about eight months. 
In 1880 he moved to Corwith, and took 
charge of the station at that place, of the 
M. & St. L. R. R. He is operator, sta- 
tion ag«nt, baggageman, etc. Mr. Latham 
was married in June, 1883, to Laura Sher- 
man, of Corwith, Iowa. Mr. Latham is a 
republican, politically. He was at one 
time engaged in selling town lots and 
lands. He is proprietor of the Corwith 
Feed Mills. 

There is also a hay press located south of 
the railroad, which is owned by L. Tuttle, 
which was started in the autumn of 1883. 
This has a capacity of baling some 215 
bales of hay, or one carload per day, and is 
worked to its fullest extent. The build- 
ing is 24x48 feet in dimension, with a 
large wing for horsepower, stable and 
oatsbin. This promises to be one of the 
leading industries of this locality, and a 
remunerative business will reward the 
promoter of it, at no very distant day. 

The lumber yard of Corwith was initi- 
ated by William Brummund, in June, 1880. 
He carries a full and complete stock of 
all the leading grades of' lumber, sash, 
doors, blinds, building paper, and in fact 
everything usually found in a first-class 
yard of this description. All the lumber 
is of Minneapolis manufacture, brought 
hither by the Minneapolis & St. Louis 
Railroad. Mr. Brummund is doing, as 
the saying goes, "a land office business," 
in this line, handling more lumber than 
any two other firms in the county in the 
same business, and has a glorious future 
in the way of increased business. 



•FT 



i22 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



William Brummund, son of Gottleib and 
Freilericka Brummund, was born in 
Prussia, Oct. 20, 1840. When about ten 
years of age, his parents removed to 
America, locating in Columbia Co., Wis., 
where they purchased a farm. Mr. Brum- 
- mund followed farming in this place until 
1864, when he came to Iowa, locating in 
Mitchell county, where he purchased a 
farm. In 1879 he sold out and came to 
Magor township, Hancock county, and 
purchased 160 acres of land on section 35. 
In 1881 he sold this land and bought an- 
other 160 acres on same section, and also 
eighty acres in Amsterdam township, sec- 
tion 3. This land is partially under cul- 
tivation. Mr. Brummund was married in 
the spring of 1871, to Katherine Ilof, of 
Chickasaw Co., Iowa. They have had 
five children, two of whom are living — 
Ellen and Laura. Mr. and Mrs. Brum- 
mund are members of the Evangelical 
Church. He is a republican, politically, 
and is engaged in the lumber business in 
Corwith. His parents live in Mitchell 
county, and his wife's parents in Chicka- 
saw Co., Iowa. 

A large coal yard was started in the 
fall of 1880 by Ernest Brummund, and 
has resulted in drawing a large trade 
from this and the adjoining counties. 
Most of the coal here is from Kalo and 
Otho, in Webster county, which is of most 
excellent quality, and finds a ready sale at 
from $3.25 to $4 per ton. Mr. Brummund 
also handles wood, brick, lime, stucco, etc. 

Ernest Brummund is also a son of Gott- 
lieb and Fredericka Brummund. He 
was one of the first to locate in business 
at Corwith, and is now engaged in the 



coal trade. He was born in eastern Prus- 
sia, Oct. 9, 1851, and in 1856 accompanied 
his parents to the United States. They 
located in Columbia Co., Wis., and in 
1865, in Mitchell Co., Iowa. In 1874, 
Mr. Brummund purchased eighty acres of 
land in Mitchell county, but in October, 
1880, came to Corwith, in this township, 
and commenced a mercantile career. He 
has been fairly successful in business, and 
enjoys a good trade. In 1878, while yet 
a resident of Mitchell county, he bought 
a quarter section of land in this township, 
but has since disposed of it. Politically 
he is a republican and has held the offices 
of township clerk and secretary of the 
township school board. He was married 
Oct. 22, 1876, to Albertine, daughter of 
Carl and Christine Hartwig, of Mitchell 
Co., Iowa. They have no children. Mrs. 
Brummund is a member of the German 
Evangelical Church. 

The first school in the village was 
erected by a stock company, in the sum- 
mer of 1881. This was a temporary 
structure and was rented to the district 
until the township could build one more 
suitable for the purpose. The first term 
was taught by Mary Maher. This build- 
ing is now occupied as a residence. The 
present high school building was erected 
in the northern part of town, in the fall of 
1883. It is a fine, large, two story, frame 
structure, and contains two large rooms, 
each 24x36 feet in size, one up stairs, the 
other down. This edifice and furniture 
cost over $2,000, and is well fitted up with 
patent desks and seats, and is well lighted 
and ventilated, and is altogether a model 
school house. There is an average at- 
tendance of sixty children. 



r 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



723 



The postoffice was established at Cor- 
with, in the fall of 1880, and T. P. Grif- 
fin appointed the first postmaster. The 
office was held in the store of the post- 
master, for the convenience of all con- 
cerned. Mr. Griffin held this office until 
February, 1882, when he was succeeded 
by O. H. Stilson, the present incumbent, 
who removed it to his store where it is at 
present located. 

There is no regular organized bank in 
Corwith, but J. H. Taylor transacts the 
necessary exchange business, drawing 
drafts on his correspondents in Chicago, 
the Commercial National Bank, for the 
accommodation of the people of the com- 
munity. 

There is no church building at present 
in the village, but the people are by no 
means left in "outer darkness" in relig- 
ious matters, as services are held, every 
fortnight, in the school building, alter- 
nately by Rev. B. St. John, the Congre- 
gational minister of Britt, and Rev. Hen- 
ry J. Huston, the Methodist pastor, of the 
same place. 

One of the settlers of the township has 
had such a succession of singular acci- 
dents occur to him, that the relation of 
his experionces will not be uninteresting 
or improper in this connection. The gen- 
tleman in question is Thomas Magor, a 
son of Henry Magor, and the first incident 
in this chain of accidents is related as fol- 
lows: In September, 1870, the father and 
son while living at Hazel Green, Wis., 
made a trip to Dubuque, and while 
there purchased a large quantity of that 
terrible explosive, nitro-glycerine, which 
they were using for blasting purposes. 



They reached home about two o'clock in 
the morning, and after emptying the dan- 
gerous stuff in the magazine provided for 
it went to bed. About nine o'clock the 
next morning the son started with the 
empty wagon, after another load of the 
explosive. While riding along he heard 
a noise, when the wagon jolted, that 
sounded, to his ears, like the snapping of 
a gun. It seems that the leakage from the 
cans the night before had been more con- 
siderable than they had thought, and had 
run through the floor of the wagon box, 
down on to the axle and springs. After 
driving on for a short time a sudden jolt 
threw the springs together, and there was 
heard a terrible report. The nitro-glycer- 
ine had exploded, and although it was ap- 
parently a small quantity, yet it was 
enough to demoralize the wagon com- 
pletely. The report was heard for miles 
around, the inhabitants thinking that a 
powder magazine had exploded. Thomas 
was lifted, by the force of the explosion, 
some forty-five feet into the air, coming 
down through the limbs and branches of 
an oak tree that stood by the side of the 
road, and which tore almost all of the 
clothing off of him. A portion of his 
shirt was afterwards found some forty 
feet from the ground, in the branches of 
this "grand old oak." His mother caught 
him as he raised up and assisted him to 
the house. Three days after he was able 
to be around at work. 

The same young man was in the terrible 
tornado of 1876, that devastated the 
neighborhood of Hazel Green. It seems 
that when the whirlwind struck them, he 
was in the barn with his brother-in-law. 
There were at the same time in the same 



tfv 



>u 



724 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



building, two horses, three head of cattle, 
and numerous pigs and chickens, and he 
alone survived the terrible stroke of the 
blast. At the same time the balance of 
the family, at the house, consisting of 
another brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, 
sister, and the children, were all killed, 
he being the sole survivor of the numer- 
ous family and their live stock. The 
third time he was knocked down by light- 



ning, on the 23d of June, 1882, in Magor 
township. He was herding cattle for his 
father, and the same bolt that prostrated 
him, overthrew his pony and numerous 
head of cattle. After having so many 
hair breadth escapes, it may occur to the 
mind of the reader to ask the question, 
for what is Thomas saved? Is it for some 
great mission which he is to perform? 
Time alone will tell the story. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



ORTHEL TOWNSHIP. 



Until the 7th of November, 1882, this 
township was a component part of that of 
Boone, being set off from that precinct 
by order of the board of supervisors, at 
their June session of that year. Of a 
necessity, its history will be brief, as its 
tender age has not allowed much data 
for the historian to accumulate. 

The first settler within the limits of the 
present township was John B. Daggett, 
who, in the year 1870, established a farm 
on section 21. Here he erected his house 
during the year 1871, and on the 26th day 
of March, 1872, moved his family into it 
bringing them from Algona, Kossuth 
county, on sleds, for the snow as yet cov- 
ered the ground, and the railways at that 
date did not keep the road open during the 
winter months. The day that the family 
moved was very cold, the thermometer 



registering eight degrees below zero, with 
a strong wind blowing. The country 
then being hardly settled up at all, it was 
impossible to find a place between Algona 
and Wesley, where the ladies of the fam- 
ily could alight for warmth and rest, and 
they leached the latter place chilled 
through. But even the longest journey 
must have an end so at last they reached 
the farm where they afterwards passed 
many happy hours. This place was 
christened Tashmoo, derived from an 
Indian word signifying, home for a friend. 
Mr. Daggett was the pioneer in develop- 
ing the dairy resources of northwestern 
Iowa. He built a cheese factory and 
made cheese from the milk of fifty cows 
in the summer, and in the fall and winter, 
turned it into a creamery and manufac- 
tured butter. 



j «- 



e> "V 






HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



725 



By the manufacture, it is said by one 
who knew and loved him, of good dairy 
products, and from which he derived a 
good income, he silenced the doubts and 
ridicule of the public. By earnest public 
lectures and private counsel and aid, he 
awakened an interest in our neighboring 
county of Kossuth that has made that sec- 
tion the banner dairy county of the north- 
western portion of the State. Hancock 
county was slower to perceive the advan- 
tages nature had so lavishly bestowed 
upon her, but now their eyes are beginning 
to open and stock and dairy farms are 
rapidly multiplying. Mr. Daggett was a 
native of Maine, with all the energy, push 
and progressiveness, that distinguish those 
hardy sons of New England, no matter on 
what spot of the globe you find them. 
He died March 12, 1879, but his family, 
who reside at Mason City, temporarily, 
still remain owners of the old homestead 
in Boone township. 

The next pioneer was a Mr. Sprague, a 
New Yorker, who settled about the year 
1873. He remained only about four 
years, when he removed to Kansas, where 
he is supposed to be living at present. 

In 1876 the third settler made his ap- 
pearance, in the person of H. C. Potter, 
who settled upon section j5, where he 
still resides. 

Henry C. Potter is one of the most 
prominent and influential citizens of Or- 
thel township. He owns a quarter section 
of land on section 15, and has held the 
following township offices: Trustee, jus- 
tice of the peace, road supervisor, presi- 
dent of the school board, and is the pres- 
ent director from his school district. Mr. 
Potter was born at Rockford, 111., April 



2, 1838. When sixteen years of age his 
parents, Herman B. and Minerva Potter, 
removed to Iowa and settled in Cedar 
county, where the father purchased a 
good farm. In 1862 the subject of this 
sketch enlisted in company L, 1st Iowa 
Cavalry, served during the entire war, 
and participated in the battles of Prairie 
Grove, Little Rock, Red River and many 
others. He subsequently went to Texas 
with Major-Gen. Custer, and after the ex- 
piration of his enlistment studied for 
some time under the tuition of his broth- 
er, Col. L. H. Potter, who was then presi- 
dent of the Illinois Soldiers' College, at 
Fulton, Whiteside county. He then en- 
gaged in the stock trade for three years, 
then went to Wheatland, Clinton Co., 
Iowa, where he embarked with a brother 
in mercantile pursuits. The business not 
agreeing with his health, he disposed of 
his interest and went to Lee Co., 111., and 
subsequently to Adams Co., Iowa, where 
he purchased a farm and resided for one 
year. He then came to Hancock Co., 
Iowa, and located in Britt (now Orthel) 
township, where he has since resided. 
Mr. Potter is an extensive grower of 
stock, and in politics affiliates with the 
republican party. He was married, in 
October, 1869, to Hannah Palmer, of Mt. 
Morris, N. Y. Four children have blessed 
their union, three of whom are living — 
George, Edith and Ethel. Mr. Potter's 
mother resides in Chicago, 111., and his 
father is deceased. Mrs. Potter's parents 
are dead. 

Alfred Dyke made a settlement within 
Orthel in 1878, on section 16. He re- 
mained sometime and then returned to 
Wisconsin. 



+M- 



726 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Frank Heal, one of the prominent young 
men of the county, was another arrival of 
the year 1878. 

Frank Heal is a young and promising 
farmer of Orthel township, and has been 
a resident here since the spring of 1879. 
He was born in Wiltshire, England,, April 
13, 1858. When eleven years of age his 
parents, John and Anna Heal, came to 
America and settled at Vinton, Benton 
Co., Iowa, where the father was soon en- 
gaged in the contracting for and erection 
of business blocks and dwellings. In 
1871 Frank left home and went to Kansas, 
where he remained five years, and was 
employed as brakeman on a railroad, 
herding catttle, etc. He also took a trip 
through Nebraska, and then returned to 
his home at Vinton, Iowa. In May, 1878, 
he came to Hancock county, and was first 
engaged in herding cattle on a piece of 
land that is now the site of the village of 
Britt. He then followed farming for a 
while, working one season for H. C. Pot- 
ter. In 1880 he rented the "Daggett 
farm" of 240 acres, and has cultivated 
it each year since, with the exception of 
eighty acres during the season of 1883. 
He owns a large number of fine cattle 
and stock hogs, and in his financial trans- 
actions has shown excellent business quali- 
fications. Mr. Heal is a republican, has 
been elected constable, and is now serv- 
ing his second term as township clerk. 
On July 5, 1876, Mr. Heal's father had 
his back broken by the fall of a scaffold, 
and survived* only six weeks. He is 
buried at Vinton, where the mother and 
sister, Minnie, still reside. A married sis- 
ter is a resident of St. Louis, Mo. 



Thus it will be seen that this part of 
the county was slow to settle up, in fact, 
up to 1880, but little advance was made 
toward anything like an inflow of immi- 
gration, but with that year a current of 
settlers streamed in, and although the 
stream was small, yet it gave some ap- 
pearance of growth to the youngest mem- 
ber of the county. 

The first birth was that of Eliphalet 
Clark Daggett, son of John B. and. C. 
D. Daggett, who was ushered into ex- 
istence June 13, 1873. 

The first death was this same child that 
the Supreme Ruler, who had only lent him 
for one short year to his fond parents, re- 
called to a happier home in the skies, on 
the 10th of June, 1874. 

Matrimony does not seem to run in the 
heads of the settlers of this township, 
either because those that did locate here 
were already provided with the necessary 
better-half, or there were no young ladies 
of a marriagable age, or perhaps for both 
reasons. Be that as it may, the first to' 
enter into the bonds of holy matrimony 
in this precinct were August M. Moncelle 
and Elizabeth Orthel. This was in May, 
1883, the license bearing date of the 24th 
of that month. 

Orthel was set aside from Boone town- 
ship and the election for the first officers 
took place on the 7th of November, 1882. 
At that time J. J. Donahue, J. M. Orthel 
and Albert Dyke, were judges, and F. 
Heal, clerk of the election. The follow- 
ing gentlemen were elected to fill the va- 
rious offices, necessary to manage the 
affairs of the town government: H. C. 
Potter, J. M. Orthel and Joseph Lans, 
trustees; Frank Heal, town clerk; J. J. 



"7 



-.«. s> 



£< 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



727 



Donahue, assessor; H. C. Potter and A. 
Dyke, justices of the peace; Fred Schwartz 
and Jacob Schmidt, constables; H. C. Pot- 
ter, road supervisor. 

All these officers are occupying the 
same offices at the present, with the ex- 
ception that William Orthel is road super- 
visor. 

The Daggett school house was built in 
the spring of 1873, the corner-stone being 



laid sometime in April, with formal ceri- 
monies by Mr. Daggett, in the presence 
of all the district, numbering five persons. 
This building, which is 20x20 feet in di- 
mension, was finished in June, that same 
year, at a cost of about $600. School was 
held therein that summer and Mary L. 
Leggett was installed as the first teacher. 
Abbie M. Curley is the present precept- 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



TWIN LAKE TOWNSHIP. 



All of that portion of Hancock county 
that is comprised in congressional town- 
ship 94 north, range 24 west, is known as 
Twin Lake. The surface is generally of 
of a rolling nature, but in some parts the 
land is nearly flat. The soil is a rich, 
dark loam, with just enough sand enough 
in it to scour a' plough. Two beautiful 
lakes, in the southern part of the town- 
ship, add beauty to the landscape and 
gave the name to the precinct. These 
lakes and the West Fork of the Iowa 
river, which is a considerable stream sup- 
ply a plentiful amount of water for the 
fertility of the soil and for stock pur- 
poses. This fork of the Iowa river enters 
the township on the north line between 
sections 5 and 6, and flows nearly south, 
traversing the whole township, making 
its exit on section 35. 

Most of the first settlers in this town- 
ship were pre-emptors, many only locat- 



ing for the sake of selling out their 
claim to others, but among them were 
some bona fide settlers. The first man to 
make a settlement was an Englishman by 
the name of William Arnett, who, with 
his son and son-in-law, Thomas Sum- 
merill, took up claims in the year 1855. 
Here they built them a log cabin and con- 
tinued to reside. Mr. Arnett was subse- 
quently caught in a blizzard and frozen to 
death, an account of which is given else- 
where. 

Henry Overacker and L. A. Loom is 
settled in this territory in 1856, and re- 
mained for several years. 

In 1858 Abner Stamp, a native of 
Pennsylvania, essayed a settlement upon 
section 30. He located here in the spring 
of that year and managed to live through 
the following summer, fall and winter, 
but being quite an old /nan, sixty-five or 
seventy years of age, he concluded that 



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728 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



he was not fitted for this climate and the 
life of a pioneer, so he turned his back 
upon the west and journeyed back to his na- 
tive State, where he died some years ago. 

John A. Bailey, wife and two sons, 
Lambert B. and Rolla E., together with 
E. C. Packard and wife, she being a 
daughter of Mr. Bailey's, were the next 
and first permanent settlers in Twin Lake. 
They all came here from Waupaca Co., 
Wis., and coming to this portion of Han- 
cock county, took up claims, locating 
themselves upon sections 6 and 7, during 
the year 1864. For three years these 
were all the settlers of the township, the 
settlement being very slow on account of 
the land being in the hands of speculators 
and the tide of emigration swept west- 
ward where government land could then be 
had at a cheaper rate. John A. Bailey 
and E. C. Packard both built log houses 
on their land and settled down to the hard 
life of western pioneers. 

Lambert B. Bailey, his son, has been 
prominently identified with the political 
life of the county, and is the present re- 
corder, under which head, the reader may 
find a more detailed sketch of the gentle- 
man, in the chapter devoted to county 
representation. 

Rolla E. Bailey, the youngest son of 
John A. Bailey, while binding on a har- 
vester, during the summer of 1876, was 
killed by lightning. He, in company with 
Eugene Garten, who was also binding, 
and Jennie Bailey, who was driving, were 
all prostrated by the same bolt. Jen- 
nie fell over the platform on to the 
sickle-bar, a most dangerous place, but the 
horses were felled by the same stroke and 
she arose from that resting place with all 



the alacrity she was mistress of, and while 
engaged in putting out the fire which had 
caught in their clothing, the horses re- 
covered and being scared, ran away. 
Rolla, was found to be dead but the oth- 
ers recovered from the effects of the stroke 
and are both living. Garten is a resident 
of the township. 

John A. Bailey was a native of Caledo- 
nia Co., Vt., born July 6, 1802. He was 
there reared, and when a young man went 
to Essex Co., N. Y., where he lived about 
fifteen years. He then removed to Madi- 
son Co., Ohio, where he resided eighteen 
months. He then went to Granville, 
Licking Co., Ohio, and in 1860, removed 
westward to Waupaca Co., Wis. In June, 
1864, he came to Hancock Co., Iowa, lo- 
cating on section 7, now T* in Lake town- 
ship, at the place which is so well known 
as Bailey's Grove, being one of the first 
settlers in that part of Hancock county. 
He was married in 1821, to Nancy Wash- 
bond, a native of Vermont. They reared 
fourteen children. Mr. Bailey died Dec. 
1,1875. His wife died April 25, 1881. 

John D., son of John A. and Nancy 
(Washbond) Bailey, was born Dec. 27, 
1822, in Essex Co., N. Y. He resided 
with his parents until June 18, 1848, when 
he married and located in Granville, Ohio. 
In 1854 he again removed, and where he 
purchased a farm in Waupaca Co., Wis., 
where he lived until called by the death 
of his father to Hancock Co., Iowa. In 
October, 1877, he located on his father's 
farm, and has since been a very success- 
ful and prominent farmer of the county. 
He has 290 acres of well improved land. 
Mr. Bailey was married June 18, 1848, to 
Martha A. Noyes, a native of Vermont. 



;v 



9 W_ 



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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



729 



They have four children — Edwin N., 
Mary C, Fred H. and Jennie G. Mr. 
Bailey has held the offices of township 
trustee and township treasurer since re- 
siding here. 

E. C. Packard remained on the original 
farm until the fall of 1883, when he re- 
moved to Belmond, Wright county, where 
he at present resides. Mr. Packard has 
not been unhonored in this county, hav- 
ing served in several official capacities, and 
at the time of his departure from the 
county, was a member of the board of 
supervisors. 

The next settler to take up land in this 
township was Jonathan Butterfield, who 
located on section 14, in 1864. He died 
during the year 1880, and the land passed 
into other hands. 

The first birth in the township of Twin 
Lake was that of Bertha M., daughter of 
E. C. and C. N. Packard, born May 28, 
1866, now living with her parents at Bel- 
mond. 

The first death was that of Mrs. Henry 
Langfelt, who died in October, 1869, and 
was buried in the cemetery at Belmond. 

The first marriage was that of Lambert 

B. Bailey and F. A. O'Cain, in Novem- 
ber, 1864. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. E. 

C. Packard, during the year 1867. This 
school was taught at the house of the 
teacher, on section 6. 

The first school house erected in the 
township was the one now known as the 
Bailey school. This was built during the 
summer of 1868, and opened for the fall 
and winter term with Delia Yarrington 
as its first teacher. 



The next was the Gartin school house, 
which was built in 1873, and of which 
Hattie Morse was the first teacher. 

The Harmon school house was opened 
in the fall of 1882, with Mary Granfield 
as teacher. This building was the school 
house built in the Gartin district in 1873, 
as mentioned above, but when in 1882 
that district built a new building, the old 
one was removed to this locality. 

The Butterfield school house was origi- 
nally built on land now a part of Avery 
township, but in 1870 was removed to the 
northeast quarter of section 24, Twin 
Lake township, and in 1880 again moved 
to the northwest quarter of section 13, 
where it stands at present. The first 
record of any teacher commences in 1880, 
on the date of its location on the latter 
section. Ella Cushman taught during the 
summer of 1880. She is now a resident 
of Belmond, Wright county. Richard 
Ruggles was the teacher during the fol- 
lowing fall and winter term, followed by 
May Holtz in the summer of 1881. The 
winter term of this school was presided 
over by Alma Butte, now a resident of 
Cerro Gordo county. Ashley Boughton, 
now teaching in the vicinity of Garner, 
taught the summer term of 1882. Laura 
Christie was the last teacher during the 
year 1883. 

The township of Twin Lake was set off 
during the summer of 1882, and was or- 
ganized at the general election of the 7th 
of October, of that year, when the follow 
ing officers were chosen: James Wilson, 
J. D. Bailey and Levi Gartin, trustees; 
Eugene Gartin, clerk: E. C. Packard and 
J. D. Barnham, justices; S. D. Rathburn, 
assessor, and Joseph Brown, constable. 



rr 



-» J> 



730 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



These are the officers at the present writ- 
ing, their term of office not having expired 
as yet, with the one exception of S. D. 
Rathburn, who fills the office of justice of 
the peace, made vacant by the resignation 
of Mr. Barnham. 

The first marriage in the township after 
its organization was that of N. L. Har- 
mon to Mary Laughlin, who were united 
in matrimony on the 1st of March, 1883, 
by J. D. Barnham, justice of the peace. 

The first death after the organization 
was that of a daughter of E. C. Packard, 
who died in November, 1882. 

There is but one postoffice in the town- 
ship, called Bailey's. This was estab- 
lished in April, 187'J, with E. C. Packard 
as postmaster. The office was located at 
the house of Mr. Packard, on section 6. 
He continued to manipulate the mail bags 
until the 13th of September, 1883, when 
N. D. Welch became his successor, and 
moved the office to his house, which 
stands upon the northwest quarter of the 
same section. There are four weekly 
mails received at this office, which is a 
great convenience to all the inhabitants 
of this township. 

There is held at theGartin school house, 
every alternate Sabbath, a Lutheran meet- 
ing, by the Scandinavian population of 
this and surrounding townships. 

There are also, religious services held by 
a Congregational minister from Belmond, 
Wright county. This gentleman, whose 
name is J. D. Sands, has an appointment 
at the latter place, but comes up to this 
locality, on alternate Sundays, to preach 
the "way of eternal life" to this congrega- 
tion. 

The present directors of the schools of 
l lie district township are: George Chris- 
tie, N. L. Harmon and N. D. Welch. 

James Wilson, farmer, was born in 
Switzerland, Ind., April S, 1840. When 
eight years of age, he went with his par- 
ents to Howard county. When twelve 
years of age, his parents moved to Cass 



county, remaining two years then remov- 
ing to Knox Co., Mo. In 1 8b 1 he enlisted 
in company L, 3d Iowa Cavalry, serving 
four years. He participated in the battles 
of Pea Ridge, Haitsole and Little Rock, 
Ark. After the capture of Little Rock, 
Mr. Wilson veteranized, received a fur- 
lough and remained at home. He reported 
again at Keokuk, Iowa, taking a steamer 
to St. Louis, and from there to Memphis, 
Tenn. He took "part in the battles of 
Guntown, Tupelo, Oldtown Creek, also 
participating in Wilson's raid from Gravel 
Spring to Macon, Ga. He was discharged 
in August, 1865, after which, he went to 
Wapello Co., Iowa, being there married, 
in January, 1866, to Nancy Hunt. She 
was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Feb. 22, 
1837. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have four 
children living — George, born Dec. 16, 
1869; Leonard, born Sept. 20, 1873; James 
H , born Sept. 27, 1875; Daniel G., born 
Nov. 20, 1880. Mr. Wilson is a mem- 
ber of King Solomon Lodge, No. 210, 
A. F. & A. M., of Belmond, Wright 
county. Mr. Wilson has 160 acres of 
land in Twin Lake township. In politics, 
he is a republican. 

George Christie, farmer, was born June 
14, 1845, in Canada. In 1858 he went to 
Iowa Co., Wis., where he resided three 
years, after which he came to Hancock 
Co., Iowa, residing until July 1, 1872, 
with his father, on section 19. He en- 
listed in company B, 32d Iowa Volunteer 
Infantry, but could not be mustered into 
service, on account of having lost his toes 
on both feet. In the winter of 1861-62, 
in going to Hampton to mill, a distance 
of thirty miles, he was caught out in a 
blizzard, staying out all night, and losing 
all his toes. Mr. Christie was married 
Nov. 16,1872, to Lima V. Thayer, born 
May 30, 1853, in Jefferson Co., N. Y. 
They have had four children, three of 
whom are living — Robert G, born Juno I, 
1873; Lucy L., born May 14, 1874;Hattic, 
born Sept. 16, 18S&. Walter was born 
Sept. 4, 1878, and died July 20,1880. Mr. 
Christie is one of the school directors. In 
politics, he is a republican. 



^ - 



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A 



fl£* 



HISTORY 



OF 



WINNEBAGO COUNTY, 



IOWA. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE CHANGE. 



A S the changes of less than half a cen- 
-^ *-tury are contemplated, one can scarce- 
ly realize or comprehend that the wonder- 
ful resnlts of times marvel-working hand 
are the achievements of a period so brief 
as to be within the remembrance — almost 
— of the present generation. 

Let us turn for a moment from the 
busy scenes as they are at present and fix 
our "attention on things as they were but 
a quarter of a century ago, when the ter- 
ritory now comprising Winnebago county 
was still a stranger to the foot of the 
white man, when the hum of industry's 
wheels did not disturb the wild deer 
from its haunt nor the bird from its wood- 
land home. As the scene is pic- 



tured before us, we view a land- 
scape of great beauty, the gently un- 
dulating prairie stretching its green 
waves as far as the eye can reach. Here 
and there small groves of trees stand 
clearly defined against the horizon, and 
again, a miniature lake of pure sparkling 
water, its surface covered with silvery 
ripples, arrests our attention. This land 
of beauty, which nature had endowed 
with such a lavish hand, has never been 
disturbed save by the tread of the red 
man, the hoot of the night-owl, or the 
bark of the prairie wolf as it roams about 
in search of prey. These vast and rolling 
prairies were as green then as now; the 
prairie flowers bloomed as thickly and 



32 



*ph 



MQ- 



£k-, 



732 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



diffused their fragrance as bountifully. 
But there was scarcely a trace of civiliza- 
tion. It was the home of the wild Indian 
and everything was as nature formed it, 
with its varigated hues of vegetation; in 
winter a dreary snow-mantled desert, 
in summer a perfect paradise of flowers. 
What a contrast! Now nearly all traces 
of the primitive are obliterated; in place 
of the tall prairie grass and tangled un- 
der-brush, one beholds the rich waving 
fields of golden grain. In place of the 
dusky warriors' rude cabins, are the sub- 
stantial and often elegant dwellings of 
the thrifty farmers; and the "iron horse,'' 
swifter than the nimble deer, treads the 
pathway so "recently the trail of the red 
man. This soil, then annually devastated 
by the red sickle of fire, which cut away 
the wild herbage and drove to its death 
the stag, is now the home of the cereals 
and nourishes on its broad bosom thous- 
ands of tons of the staple products of the 
great Hawkeye State. Then the storm 
drove the were-wolf to his hiding place, 
now the blast drives the herds of the 
husbandman to comfortable shelter. 
These woodlands that once gave echo to 
the shrill warwhoop, now ring with songs 
of peace, and these valleys that were then 
the breeding places of Indian atrocities, 
are now filled with happy homes. The 
transformation is complete. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTT. 

The Legislature of the State of Iowa, 
during the session of 1850-51, established 
and defined the boundaries of what is now 
Winnebago county. The county was 
named after the tribe of Winnebago 
Indians, who at one time occupied the 
neutral ground in northern Iowa. Prior 



to 1851 Winnebago was a part of Fayette 
county, and at the session of the Legisla= 
ture, above referred to, it was attached to 
Polk county. Jan. 22, 1853, it was at- 
tached to the county of Boone, and re- 
mained a part of that county until July 1, 
1855, when it was attached to Webster. 
Thus Winnebago was under the judicial 
control of Webster county until the fall 
of 1857, when an order was issued for an 
election to organize the county and elect 
county officers. The election was held in 
the fall of that year and the following 
were the officers elected: County judge, 
Robert Clark; treasurer and recorder, C. 
II. Day; clerk of courts, B. F. Denslow; 
sheriff, J. S. Blowers; superintendent of 
schools and surveyor, C. W. Scott; and 
drainage commissioner, Darius Bray. 
The county was located in October, 1858, 
by the following commissioners appointed 
by the Legislature: T. E. Brown, of 
Polk county; Dr. William Church, of 
Webster county; and Dr. William Farmer, 
of Boone county. The commissioners, 
after careful examination of the different 
localities proposed, finally decided that 
the seat of justice for Winnebago 
county should be located on the east half 
of the northeast quarter of section 35, 
township 98, range 24, where in March, 
1856, Robert Clark had laid out the town 
of Forest City. 

LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY AND GB0LOT5T. 

Winnebago county is the middle one of 
the northern tier of counties in the State, 
and is bounded on the north by Minne- 
sota, on the east by Worth county, on 
the south by Hancock, and on the west 
by Kossuth county. It comprises the ter- 
ritory of townships 98 to 100 north, in- 



afc 



»..£- 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



733 



elusive, of ranges 23 to 26 west, inclusive, 
and contains a superficial area of about 
400 square miles, equal to 256,000 acres. 

The largest and most important stream 
of water flowing through the county is 
Lime creek, a tributary of the Shell Rock 
river. It rises in Minnesota, enters the 
north part of the county about four miles 
from the east line, and flows in a south- 
westerly direction through the entire 
length of the county. It is from sixty to 
100 feet in width, of good depth, and in 
places affords good water power. There 
are several smaller streams in the county, 
but they are of no consequence in furnish- 
ing water power, being advantageous only 
as they serve to drain the country through 
which they flow. Several small but very 
pretty lakes are found in the county, and 
two of these, located near together, are 
called Twin lakes. Rice lake embrace- 
an area of about one square mile. The 
water in these little lakes is always clear 
and pure, being fed by innumerable 
springs along their shores. Game during 
certain seasons of the year is found in 
great plenty about these lakes, and the 
hunter finds rare sport with his gun. 

The greater portion of the county is 
undulating or rolling prairie, although the 
southeast part is somewhat broken. The 
west half is rolling prairie, with very lit- 
tle timber, but excellent soil. The soil 
consists mostly of a dark loam, with a 
mixture of sand, rendering it very pro- 
ductive, and suited to a rapid and vigor- 
ous growth of vegetation. It is from two 
to four feet deep, with a subsoil, below 
which gravel appears in some places, and 
in others yellow clay or hardpan. The 
soil throughout the entire county is, with- 



out exception, exceedingly fertile, and 
adapted to the successful cultivation of all 
grains, grasses and fruits indigenous or 
acclimated to our northern latitude. The 
county contains considerable timber land, 
mostly in the eastern part, bordering on 
Lime creek. Near the center of the 
county there is a fine body of timber 
called "Coon Grove," a considerable por- 
tion of which is black walnut. A few 
years ago the timber in the county was 
quite heavy, and black walnut trees were 
found in almost every grove, but the ax 
of the woodman has been busy depleting 
the forest groves until very little of the 
valuable timber is left. 

The geological character of Winnebago 
county is composed of the drift deposit 
of the cretaceous age and the formation 
known as the Hamilton group of the De- 
vonian system. Impure limestone of the 
Hamilton group appears south and east of 
this county in the beds of Lime creek and 
Shell Rock river,but its depth increases to- 
wards the northwest. The drift deposit 
is derived from the rocks of Minnesota 
and northern Iowa, and rapidly increases 
in depth from southeast to northwest, as 
the country rises from the valley of the 
Shell Rock river, where the drift is shal- 
low, to the elevated plateau along the south- 
ern Minnesota line, where itreaches an un- 
known depth. It is thought by some 
geologists, owing to the existence of con- 
siderable sand in the soil of this region, 
that the drift deposit is chiefly the result 
of the disintegration of the cretaceous 
formation known as Nishnabotany sand- 
stone. This is probably true, as in places 
there are found evidences of sandy shales, 
and also large sandstone boulders tit for 



£■ 



ho 



734 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



building purposes, adding proof to the 
above theory. 

Extensive beds of peat exist in the 
county, and it is estimated that these beds 
occupy an area of at least 2,000 acres. 
The character of the peat named is equal 
to that of Ireland, and has an average 
depth of about six feet. It is further es- 
timated that each acre of these beds will 
furnish 250 tons of dry fuel for each foot 
of depth. The beds are mostly situated 
in the parts of the comity least favored 
with timber, and usually the dry rolling 
prairie comes up to the very borders of 
the peat marshes, so that they are in no 
way prejudicial to the health of the re- 
gion in which they are situated. At pres- 
ent, owing to the sparsenesss of the popu- 
lation, this peat is not utilized, but from 
the fact of its great distance from the 
coal fields, and the scarcity of timber, the 
time is coming when their value will be 
realized, and the truth demonstrated that 
nature has abundantly compensated the 
deficiency of other fuel. 

RAILROADS. 

Railroad facilities in Winnebago county 
have not yet reached the desired standard. 
There is but one railway in the county at 
present, but the citizens are hopeful that 
before long another road will be laid to 
Forest City, the county seat. There have 
been several projects started, by which it 
was hoped companies might be induced to 
lay their lines into the county, but all, with 
one exception, have proven failures. The 
first railroad to attract the attention and 
raise the hopes of the people, was the 
Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota, 
in 1870 and 1871. In the fall of 1870, this 
company made a survey of their proposed 



line through the county, crossing the south 
boundary near Forest City, and continu- 
ing in a northwesterly direction towards 
Blue Earth, Minn. A contract was en- 
tered into by the company and the citi- 
zens of the county, in which it was stipu- 
lated that the company should receive a 
five per cent tax on all taxable property 
of 1871, in the townships of Forest, Center 
and Iowa; free right of way through the 
county and a bonus of $10,000 — provided, 
that the road were completed through the 
county by the 1st of January, 1873. Every- 
thing at that time seemed to insure the 
consumation of the hopes of the people, 
and every body was elated over the pros- 
pect of getting a railroad. But for some 
reason the company did not push their 
work, and the matter was dropped, al- 
though Hon. David Secor and Judge 
Robert Clark, prominent citizens of For- 
est City, did all in their power to urge 
the company to a completion of the road. 
The Iowa & Minnesota Railroad was.the 
next proposed line through this county. 
The company owning this road, was or- 
ganized in Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa, 
and was headed by John F. Duncombe, a 
prominent man of that place. In the fall 
of 1870, they surveyed their line from 
Fort Dodge in a northeasterly direction 
to Clarion, Wright county, thence almost 
due north through Garner, Hancock 
county, and on through Forest City, to 
Wells, Minn. During the summer of 1873, 
the grading was completed from Fort 
Dodge to Forest City along the line of 
the survey. Thus it seemed that failure 
was impossible, and that ere long cars 
would be running over the road, but again 
the people were doomed to disappoint- 



tfT 



iteu 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



735 



merit. The financial crash of 1873, so 
straightened the affairs of the company, 
that the work went no further, and for 
lack of capital the road was given up. 

On the 27th of April, 1878, the Minne- 
sota & Iowa Southern Railway Company 
was organized at Forest City, and the fol- 
lowing officers were elected: Hon. David 
Secor, president; J. Thompson, vice-pres- 
ident; J. W. Mahoney, secretary; William 
Larson, treasurer; David Secor, M. Peter- 
son, J. Thompson, William Larson, C. D. 
Smith, S. D. Wadsworth, J. M. Hull, J. 
W. Mahoney and S. G. Honsey, directors. 
These gentlemen worked earnestly in 
pushing their plans toward completion, 
and, being a home institution, the citi- 
zens of the county naturally took deep 
interest in the success of the enterprise. 
The proposed line was surveyed from the 
northeast corner of the county, through 
Lake Mills to Forest City, and a subsidy 
of $50,000 was voted by the county. About 
this time negotiations were opened with 
the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad 
Company, and that company finally agreed 
to take the road and complete it, the sub- 
sidy and free right of way to be turned 
over to them. In 1879 the home company 
was re-organized with John Marton, of 
the Minneapolis & S'. Louis Railway 
Company, as president; David Secor, vice- 
president and sacretary; and Jasper 
Thompson, treasurer. The president, 
treasurer and a majority of the directors 
of the new organization were officers of 
the Minneapolis & St. Louis Company, so 
that virtually the latter had control of the 
road. The newly organized company had 
the management of the road from the 
Minnesota line to Livermore, Humboldt 



Co., Iowa. The road was completed to 
Forest City, Dec. 3, 1879, and the first 
passenger train dashed into the village in 
the afternoon of that day. A grand ova- 
tion was held by the citizens, and every 
one felt that the day was one'long to be 
remembered. The balance of the road 
was completed early in the following 
spring, and the Minnesota & Iowa'South- 
ern Company controlled the road until 
January, 1882, when the Minneapolis & 
St. Louis Company assumed the entire 
management. One thing in connection 
with the development of this enterprise 
that deserves special mention, is the fact, 
that seven citizens of the county pledged 
the right of way for the road. These 
parties were: Hon. David Secor, J. W. 
Mahoney, S. D. Wadsworth, William Lar- 
son, S. G. Honsey, C. D. Smith and J. M. 
Hull. 

PROPOSED RAILROAD. 

In May, 1881, the Forest City Southern 
Railway Company was organized at Forest 
City, the enterprise being headed by 
prominent citizens of Forest City and of 
Garner, Hancock county. The officers 
elected were as follows: President, Hon. 
David Secor; vice-president, J. M. Elder; 
secretary, A. H. Chase; treasurer, J. 
Thompson; superintendent, William 
Finch; directors, David Secor, W. C. 
Hayward, W. O. Hanson, B. A. Plummer, 
J. Thompson, J. W. Mahoney, A. H. 
Chase, George H. Beadle, C. A. Church 
and William Finch. Soon after the or- 
ganization, the company purchased the 
grade of the Iowa & Minnesota Railway, 
of which mention is made in this same 
connection, to Belmond, Wright county. 
The proposed line of road is from Forest 



,MS- 



Lk- 



736 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY". 



City through Garner to Belmond, thence 
down the valley of the Iowa river to Al- 
den and Iowa Falls, from the latter place 
to Eldora and south to the junction with 
the Toledo & North western Railroad about 
one mile east of Gifford. In 1882 they 
built about five miles of road from the 



junction to Eldora, known generally as 
the Slippery Elm road, and in 1883 ex- 
tended it to Alden, a distance in all of 
about twenty-six miles. The first station 
north of the junction is named Secor, in 
honor of Hon. David Secor, president of 
the company. 



CHAPTER II 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



Long before there was even any 
thought of settlement being made here, 
and while the confines of civilization were 
yet east of the Mississippi, the region now 
embraced by Winnebago county was the 
hunting ground of the Winnebago Indi- 
ans. As early as 1853 Leander Fallow 
and several companions came into the 
territory to hunt and trap and from that 
time for several years hunters and trap- 
pers passed over the country in search of 
game. No permanent settlement was 
attempted until in the spring of 1855. 

FIEST SETTLEBS. 

There is some controversy as to who 
was in reality the first white settler of 
Winnebago county. Writers at vari- 
ous times have introduced the names 
of different parties who were claimed to 
be the first settlers; but in each case the 
writer has deemed that a settlement was 
not effected unless the party or parties 
themselves owned the land on which they 
located. Surely this is erroneous. If a 



family move into the county with the 
manifest purpose of making it their 
permanent home, they have effected a- 
settlement even should they locate on 
property owned by another. It appears, 
from all the historian can gather, that 
such is the case in Winnebago county. 
Thomas Bearse was the first to bring 
his family into the county, and as 
suggested above, settled on land owned by 
another party — John L. McMillan, of Ma 
son City. Now, certainly, if Mr. Bearse 
came to the county with the intention of 
making it his future residence, and such 
evidently was his purpose, honor should 
be given where honor is due, and he ac- 
knowledged as the first permanent settler. 
This thought will be adhered to in tracing 
the early settlement. 

As early as 1854 Philip Tennis visited 
Winnebago county to hunt and trap. He 
was pleased with the country, found game 
in great abundance and induced Thomas 
Bearse, who was then living at Rhodes' 



if? 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



737 



Mill, Cerro Gordo county, to bring bis 
family and locate. In the spring of 1855, 
Mr. Bearse came with bis family and built 
a log cabin on the east side of Lime 
creek, about three-fourths of a mile 
directly east of where Forest City now 
stands. Mr. Bearse lived in the county 
for twelve successive years, then moved 
into Hancock county. In 1882, he re- 
turned to Winnebago county and became 
a resident of Norway township. Mr. 
Bearse was a genial, warm-hearted fellow, 
and was well liked and held the office of 
county coroner for one term. At an 
early day Mr. Bearse had a severe encoun- 
ter with two bears, a full account of which 
is given in the chapter on reminiscence. 

Geerge W. Thomas came soon after 
Mr. Bearse, in the spring of 1855, and set- 
tled north of Rice lake, about one mile 
southeast of the present site of Lake 
Mills. Mr. Thomas has lived on the same 
farm ever since. He has made many im- 
provements and now has one of the finest 
homes in the county. His father, who 
came with him to the county, died some 
years ago, in about 1857. 

William Gilbert also came in the spring 
of 1855, and entered the northwest quarter 
of section 31, township i)8, range 23. He 
was a native of New York State. In 
18(32 or 1863, he went to Dakota, and when 
last heard from, in 1882, was at Elk Point 
on the Missouri river. 

In the fall of 1855, John Maben and 
John Gilchrist, with their families, also 
James Bonar, came here and settled in the 
southeast part of the county. John Ma- 
beu settled on the southwest quarter of 
section 25, township 98, range 24, and re- 
mained several years, then settled on a 



farm about three miles south of Forest 
City, in Hancock county. He is a native 
of New York State and when he came to 
the county, had a wife and two sons — 
Charles and Jay. Mr. Maben was at one 
time, sheriff of the county, and was one 
of the substantial men of his day. He 
is the present treasurer of Hancock county. 

John Gilchrist was a native of Indiana. 
He staked out a claim on the northeast 
quarter of section 26, township 98, range 
24, and after a stay of three years re- 
turned to his native State. 

James C. Bonar located on the east half 
of the northeast quarter of section 26, 
township 98, range 24. In 1857 he at- 
tended the land sale at Osage, and pur- 
chased land in Hancock county and loca- 
ted there soon after. In 1880 he emigra- 
ted to Todd Co., Minn., and in 1883 went 
to Kansas. 

In the spring and summer of 1856 sev- 
eral came to swell the numbers of the 
little colony. Among these were Philip 
Tennis, Robert Clark, John S. Blowers, 
A. T. Cole, Henry and Edward Allen, 
Robert Stephens, J. L. Hitt, F. M. By- 
ford, John Byford, Thomas Andrews, Ira 
Plummer, John Lamm, Daniel Martin, 
Josiah T. Bray, Archibald Murray and 
Samuel Tennis. 

Philip Tennis came to the county in 
the spring of 1856, and settled on the 
southeast quarter of section 26, township 
98, range 24, where about the same time 
John Jeffords settled. Of course both 
could not own the same land, so, on the 
matter being left to other parties to de- 
termine who should have it, it was decided 
in favor of Mr. Jeffords. Mr. Tennis then 
located in the north part of the county, 



■?[& 



j^SfrAK REFERS 
NEW YORK, «. Y. 



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•* — "V 



?38 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



and entered land. In a few years be sold 
to his brother, William Tennis, and went 
farther west into the region of the Big 
Sioux river, where he and a comrade by 
the name of Pattee were killed by the 
Indians. They had been hunting and 
trapping for some time, and had accumu- 
lated a large quantity of furs, for which 
the Indians killed them. 

Robert Clark located the land where 
Forest City now stands, and made that 
his home until his death. Mr. Clark was 
the first county judge, and is noticed at 
length in that connection. 

A. T. Cole came to the county in March, 
1856, locating on section 26, township 9S, 
range 24. Mr. Cole has been a resident 
of the county ever since. He was the 
first county assessor, and has held various 
other offices of trust. 

A. T. Cole, one of the pioneers of Win- 
nebago county, was born in Franklin Co., 
Ohio, Dec. 21, 1833. He accompanied 
his parents, in 1838, to Adams Co., Ind., 
where he was reared. When quite young 
ke clerked in a store at New Corydon, 
Ind., for two years, and in July, 1855, set- 
tled in Cerro Goi'do Co., Iowa. He re- 
mained there but a short time, and in 
March, 1856, came to Winnebago county, 
where he has since been an active and en- 
terprising citizen. On Aug. 18, 1862, Mr. 
Cole enlisted in the Union army, and was 
discharged July 7, 1865, as a paroled pris- 
oner, at Camp Fort Tyler, Texas. He is 
a blacksmith by trade, and a member of 
Truth Lodge, No. 213, A. F. & A. M., of 
Forest City, Iowa. He was married in 
Jay Co., Ind., Aug. 8, 1852, to Plnebe J. 
Corrington, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They 
are the parents of nine children — Luella, 



Mahala, Allen, George W., Douglas, 
Mary E., Thomas S., Hattie and Maud. 

John S. Blowers located on section 2::, 
township 98, range 24, and lived there 
about a year and a half, then moved into 
Forest City. He purchased a half inter- 
est in the saw mill at that place and run 
it for several years, then sold and located 
on section 16, township 98, range 24. He 
improved this farm, lived on it about one 
year, and then sold, removing to section 
25, same township and range. He is now 
living on section 2, township 97, range 25, 
Hancock county. 

John Lamm was a native of Ohio and 
was a jovial, whole-souled fellow, whom 
to know was to like. On coming here he 
located on section 23, of township 98, 
range 24, and began making improve- 
ments. He broke some of his land, built 
a log house and remained about two years 
and a half, when be sold out and went to 
Missouri. 

Henry Allen and his brother, Edward, 
located near Forest City, but did not re- 
main long. 

Robert Stevens began pioneering on 
section 12, of township 98, range 24. Mr. 
Stevens was a native of Indiana and after 
two years of experience here returned to 
his native State. 

James L. Hitt, another of the pioneers, 
came from Indiana and lived for about 
one year on section 23, township 98, range 
24. He then left for Alden, Hardin 
county, this State, and he now resides in 
Nebraska. 

F. M. Byford and his brother, John, 
came in the summer of 1856 and went 
into quarters in the edge of the timber, a 
short distance north of the present site of 



•I 



rsr- 



.1 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



739 



Forest City. Their stay was short, how- 
ever, and inside of a year they left the 
county. 

In the spring of 1856 a man by the 
name of Matt Heath located on section 
23, township 98, range 24. He remained 
about one year, then returned to Indiana, 
from whence he came. 

John M. Furney came in fall of 1856 
and located in Forest city. He did con- 
siderable speculating in lands and staid 
about two years, then went south in search 
of a warmer climate. 

G. W. Campbell also located in Forest 
City in the same year. He remained 
about one year. 

Philip A. Pulver the same year, lo- 
cating in Forest City. He was the butt 
of fun for the whole community and sev- 
eral good stories are told of him. He was 
an innocent kind of a fellow and was im- 
posed upon a great deal. At one time he 
fell in love with a lady at Clear Lake and 
several of the young men told him that 
the girl was deeply smitten with him and 
all that was necessary was for him to get 
a license and repair to Clear Lake and be 
married. He was too green to see the 
joke that was being played on him and 
started out on foot to Mason City to pro- 
cure a license. He inquired for Judge 
Long, on reaching that place, but learned 
that he was away from the city. He was 
then sent around to all the county officers, 
clerk, treasurer, surveyor, coroner and all 
but did not succeed in getting what he 
wanted. Finally he was directed to the 
postoffice, where some one would give 
him what he was after. He went to the 
postoffice, stated to the brisk young clerk 
what was wanted, and that functionary 



told him that he was just the one who 
could do it. After asking a few questions 
a paper was given to Pulver, which was 
stamped with the office stamp and con- 
tained the following words: 

''The bearer, Philip Pulver, is of mar- 
riageable age, and anyone who meets him 
may marry him. 

"Signed by , 

"Agent of the United States Postal 
Service." 

He took the precious document and 
started for Clear Lake, but there dis- 
covered the hoax, and returned to Forest 
City completely disgusted 'with himself 
and everybody in general. He had to 
treat the whole community, and it was a 
long time before he heard the last of Clear 
Lake. Along in 1S59 Pulver became 
thoroughly discouraged with the way 
things were going, and finally concluded 
to start out on a peddling tour. He went 
to John Blowers, bought a lot of worth- 
less brass jewelry, and got Mr. Blowers 
to help him to fit out a wagon for his trip. 
Blowers searched the town and found 
four worn-out wagon wheels, which he 
put together regardless of their proper 
places, then went out into the woods and 
cut a couple of hickory poles for thills. 
Pulver then bought a poor, dilapidated 
piece of horseflesh and was ready to go. 
His pack of jewelry was put into the old 
shay and with many a cheer following 
him from the crowd of towns people, he 
started off to seek his fortune on a ped- 
dler's cart. He has never since been heard 
from and it is supposed that he made his 
fortune, got married and is now living at 
his ease (?). 



'F 



JkLf 



740 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Thomas Andrews located on the north- 
west quarter of section 35, the same sec- 
tion on which a part of Forest City now 
stands. He was of a roving disposition, 
and soon sold out, going to Mason City. 
From that place he went to Missouri, and 
from there to Oregon. 

Ira Elummer settled in the timber on 
the east side of Lime creek, about two 
miles north of Forest City. His land 
was located on section 23, township 98, 
range 24. He sold in about one year 
and removed to Hardin county. 

The same summer Daniel Martin located 
in the south part of the county and re- 
mained a year or two, then went back to 
Indiana, his native State. 

Josiah T. Bray came to try frontier life 
in the summer of 1856, locating on sec- 
tion 24, township 98, range 24, in the tim- 
ber. He built a log cabin, and after a 
stay of about three years turned his farm 
over to his father, who is still living there. 
Mr. Bray is now in Colorado. 

Archibald Murray came in the fall of 
1856 and located in the north part of the 
county. Pie did not remain long. 

A little later, during the same fall, the 
settlement was enlarged by the addition 
of several families, among whom were 
Charles D. Smith, William Porter and 
John Anderson, all of whom settled in 
the immediate vicinity of Lake Mills. 
Mr. Smith is still a resident of the county, 
anil was for a number of years a member 
of the board of supervisors. 

Alexander Long, familiarly called 
"Uncle Alex," came from Mason City in 
the fall of 1856 and located near Forest 
City. He built a log cabin near where 
the depot now stands, and lived there 



about one year and a half. He was a 
middle aged man, fatherly in his ways, 
and was quite popular with the early set- 
tlers. He was a nephew of John Long, 
first county judge of Cerro Gordo county. 
In the winter of 1856-7, Mr. Long was 
commissioned to go to the State capital 
and make effort to have the General As- 
sembly attach the north tier of townships 
in Hancock county to Winnebago county. 
December 2, he started out with a team of 
horses and sleigh to go to Iowa City, a 
young man by the name of George Myers 
accompanying him. In the afternoon of 
their first day a severe snow storm over- 
took them about half way between Forest 
City and Upper Grove, Hancock county. 
The storm soon developed into a "bliz- 
zard," they became lost and both he and 
his comrade were frozen to death, and 
also the horses. Their bodies lay on the 
prairie until in April following, when a 
company, sent out from Mason City for 
that purpose, found them and took them 
to that place, where they were buried. 

William Porter settled near Lake Mills 
and remained a few years, then went to 
Kansas. He was one of the first justices 
of the peace in the county. 

In the spring and summer of 1857 quite 
a number of settlers came into the south 
part of the county. Among these were 
E. D. Stockton, William Lackoreand fam- 
ily, Charles and David Lutz, Avery Baker, 
the Beebe family and Darius Bray. 

E. D. Stockton came and tried his skill 
at mercantile business for about a year. 
He then tried farming and other occupa- 
tions with varied success. He was a 
member of the first board of supervisors 
in the county. In 1862 he left for parts 



**■ sfv 



Js 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, 



741 



unknown. An amusing story is related 
of Mr. Stockton, which will be trite to 
illustrate the character of the man. It 
seems that in the winter of 1857-8, Judge 
Clark and others made up a purse of 
about $200 and sent Mr. Stockton off to 
Dubuque to purchase a supply of pro- 
visions. Stockton staid about a month, 
used up a great portion of the money in 
"seeing the sights," and returned with a 
barrel of whisky as the bulk of his cargo. 
The people had a jolly time, but were 
rather short for rations. 

William Lackore and family located in 
Forest City, where they have since lived. 

Charles and David Lutz did consider- 
able speculating in lands and other prop- 
erty and made their home in Forest City. 
They were genial fellows and Charles 
held the office of county sheriff for one 
term. Charles is now in Dakota and 
David in Nebraska. 

Avery Baker was a trapper and a sort 
of jack-of -all-trades. His land was south 
of Forest City, where he made his home. 
In 1862 he left for Dakota. 

Martin Bumgardner, a pioneer settler, is 
well remembered by many of the present 
settlers of the county. He it was, who 
built the court house in Forest City. He 
is now a resident of Hancock county. 

The Beebe family commenced pioneer 
life in the timber about a half mile north 
of Forest City. They did not bear a good 
reputation and left the county in about 
1859. 

Darius Bray settled on the farm east 
of town with his son Josiah T. Bray. 
Mr. Bray was a native of Maine, and was 
one of the oddest specimens of humanity 
that ever came to the county. He came 



in 1858 and settled on a farm. He was 
thought by many to be a trifle crazy, so 
unheard of were some of his actions. One 
story related of him is too good to be lost. 
It seems that in about 1861, Mr. Bray be- 
came tired of the west and concluded to 
return to Maine, his native State. He 
decided to drive through with a yoke of 
cattle. Accordingly he fixed up a sled 
and hitching the oxen thereto, started off 
on his lo'ng trip. His journey was des- 
tined to be short, however. The country 
at that early day was very sparsely set- 
tled, and a traveler could go miles and 
miles without seeing the first signs of a 
habitation. When he got down into the 
center of Hancock county, he became 
lonely and very thirsty, so in order to 
quench his thirst he killed one of his oxen 
and drank its blood. He had a remark- 
ably strange taste, but this escapade 
was in keeping with many of his actions. 
He is still a resident of the county. 

In 1856 some nine families of Norwe- 
gians settled in the northeast part of the 
county. Among them were: Oliver Peter 
son, Coiburn Larson, John Johnson, H. 
J. Knudson, John Iverson, Christian An- 
derson and Louis Nelson. All are still 
residents of the county, with the excep- 
tion of Louis Nelson, who died in 1870. This 
class of the population of the county did 
not receive any further accessions until 
1865, but since that time there has been a 
heavy immigration, so that at present 
they constitute fully one half of the popu- 
lation of the county; there being some- 
where in the neighborhood of- 400 
families of Norwegians, Swedes and 
Danes; the Norwegians being in the ma- 
jority. The balance of the population of 



j£. 



742 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 






the county is made up almost entirely 
of Americans; there being, however, a 
few Germans and Irish. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first marriage performed in the 
county was that of Sylvester Belcher to 
Caroline Church, by Robert Clark, county 
judge. 

The second was that of Martin Bum- 
gardncr and Viola Lackore, by Judge 
Clark. 

The first death occurred in March, 1857, 
and carried away Mrs. Louis Nelson. She 
was buried in Norway township, March 
1.7,1857. 

The first child born in the county was 
George R. Blowers, born May 7, 1857. 

The first sermon preached in the county 
wag by Rev. Mr. Hankins, a Methodist 
minister. 

The first religious society organized 
was the Methodist Episcopal, of Forest 
City. 

The first school house was built in For- 
est City in 1858, and the first school was 
taught there by Sarah Beadle. 

The first postoffice was established in 
1857, at Forest City, with Robert Clark 
as postmaster. 

The first cabin erected in the county 
was built in 1854, by Philip Tennis, about 
a half mile east of Forest City. 

The first breaking was done by Thomas 
Hearse, on a place owned by John L. Mc- 
Millan, of Mason City. 

The first justice of the peace in the 
county was C. W. Scott, in the spring of 
1857. 

The first land entered was the west 
half of the northeast quarter, and the east 
half of the northwest quarter of section 



■v 



26, township 98, range 24, by John B. 
Gilchrist, Aug. 20, 1856. 

The second land entry was made by 
Calvin S. Goodwin, Sept. 1, 1856. The 
land is described as being the southeast 
quarter of section 23, township 98, range 24. 

The first deed recorded is dated May 25, 
1857, and was drawn by C. H. Day to con- 
vey to C. W. Campbell the northwest quar- 
ter of section 34, of township 98, range 24. 

The same day the second deed was re- 
corded. It was drawn by Charles Strong, 
transfering his title to the northeast quar. 
ter of section 30, township 98, range 23, to 
C. D. Lougee. 

The first mortgage given in the county 
is dated Sept. 4, 1857. This mortgage 
was drawn by J. B. Landis to John Lamm 
for the sum of $850, on the northeast 
quarter of section 27, township 98, range 24. 

The first tax sale took place April 14, 
1862. The first piece of land sold on that 
day was the southwest quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 26, township 
98, range 24, purchased by Judge Clark. 

The first naturalization papers were 
taken out by Louis Nelson, a native of 
Norway. 

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION. 

• Forest City has the honor of being the 
place where the first 4th of July cele- 
bration was held. The villagers and citi- 
zens of the surrounding country felt the 
necessity of helping to save the Union, 
so far as manifesting their patriotism was 
concerned, and on the 4th of July, 1858, 
the anniversary of the Nation's indepen- 
dence was celebrated in grand style. The 
officer of the day was Charles R. Wright. 
Quite a number of people gathered and 



-%rv 



Jk 



9 *_ 



-* » 



Ik 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



743 



notwithstanding the cold, bad day, all per furnished a good dinner for the peo- 

enjoyed themselves. Athletic contests pie and was presented with $35. Every 

were the order of the day, and many a one thing passed off very pleasantly and patri- 

got a good tumble in a jumping or wrest- otically, and those who participated went 

ling match. The orator of the day was home feeling in good spirits and that the 

Elder Saxby, of Clear Lake. A. P. Har- day had been profitably spent. 



CHAPTER III. 



IN EARLY DAYS. 



The following account of personal 
matters is given to show the disadvan- 
tages under which the hardy pioneers 
procured the homes which now seem so 
comfortable. Whatever of romance ad- 
hered to the hardy colonists, was abun- 
dantly compensated for by hard work and 
severe trials. Contrast the journey of 
that devoted party through the roadless 
and bridgeless tract between their desti- 
nation and Chicago, with that of a party on 
a like journey to-day. Instead of weeks 
of labor and toil, hardship and suffering, 
with cold and hunger, a seat is taken in a 
palace car at noon in Chicago, an unex- 
ceptional supper is partaken of without 
leaving the train, the passenger retires 
upon a downy couch, and in the morning 
awakes to find himself at his point of des- 
tination in central or northern Iowa, hav- 
lost only half a day in making the jour- 
ney. Those who enjoy these blessings 
would be less than human if they were not 
tilled with gratitude to these early settlers, 
who paved the way, and actually made the 



present condition of things possible. At 
that time the confines of civilization were 
on the lakes ; Chicago had not many 
thousand people, Milwaukee was just be- 
ginning to be a village, and Dubuque was 
a mere vidette, an outpost of civilization. 
There was nothing in the now great State 
of Iowaj except the intrinsic merit of the 
location, to attract people from their more 
or less comfortable homes in the east, or 
on the other side of the water. The hope 
as to the future, which "springs eternal in 
the human heart," was what lured them 
on, and although those who came were 
usually regarded by the friends they left 
as soldiers of fortune, who, if they ever 
returned at all, would indeed be for- 
tunate; still, in the face of this attempt to 
dissuade them from their purpose, they 
came, and with brave hearts began their 
pioneer life. They were a sturdy race, 
who realized the inequality of the strug- 
gle in the old States or countries, and they 
resolved to plant themselves where merit 
would not be suppressed by tradition. 



""^fv 



744 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



The men who came, were, as a rule, en- 
terprising, open hearted and sympathetic, 
they were good neighbors, and thus good 
neighborhoods were created. In their asso- 
ciation together, they illustrated the true 
idea of the brotherhood of man, more by 
actions than by quoting creeds, and they 
stood by one another with a bravery that 
never blanched in the presence of the 
most appalling danger. They were never- 
the less tender, kind and considerate in 
the presence of misfortune, and their de- 
ficiency in outward manifestations of pi. 
ety was more than compensated by their 
love and regard for humanity. And if 
this meed of praise is justly due to the 
men, and it certainly is, what shall be 
said of the heroic women, who braved the 
vicissitudes of frontier life, endured the 
absence of home, friends and old asso- 
ciates, the severing of whose tender ties 
must have wrung all hearts. The devo- 
tion which would lead to such a breaking 
away, to follow a father, a husband or a 
son into the trackless wilderness beyond 
the Mississippi, where gloomy apprehen- 
sions must have arisen in the mind, is 
above all praise. The value of the part 
taken by the noble women who first came 
to this uninhabited region, cannot be over- 
estimated. Although by nature, liberal, 
they practiced the most rigid economy, 
and often at critical times preserved or- 
der, reclaiming the men from despair 
dining gloomy periods, and their example 
of industry constantly admonished the 
husband to renewed exertion, and the in- 
stincts of womanhood always encouraged 
integrity and manhood. 

As to the effects of frontier life upon 
those who have secured homes west of the 



Mississippi, a few observations may not 
be inappropriate. 

Years ago the Rev. Dr. Bushnell, a 
noted eastern divine, preached a sermon 
on the barbarous tendencies of civiliza- 
tion in the west, and on this the rever- 
end gentleman predicated an urgent and 
eloquent appeal to Christianity, to put 
forth renewed and strenuous efforts to 
save the west from a relapse into barbar- 
ism. This tendency was supposed to re- 
sult from the disruption of social and re- 
ligious ties, the mingling of heteroge- 
neous elements, and the removal of the ex- 
ternal restraints, so common, and sup- 
posed to be so patent in older communities. 
Dr. Bushnell did not have a sufficiently 
extended view of the subject, for, in look- 
ing over the history of the past, we find 
that in a nomadic condition there is never 
any real progress in refinement. Institu- 
tions for the elevation of the race must be 
planted deep in the soil before they can 
raise their heads, in beauty and majesty, 
towards Heaven, and bear fruit for the 
enlightenment of the Nation. The evils 
of which Dr. Bushnell was so afraid, are 
merely temporary in their character, and 
will have no lasting impression. What 
actually happens is this, at first there is 
an obvious increase of human freedom, 
but the element of self government largely 
predominates, and the fusion of the races, 
which is inevitable, will, in due time, 
create a composite nationality, or race, as 
unlike as it must be superior to those that 
have preceded it. Even now, before the 
first generation has passed away, society 
in the west has outgrown the irritation of 
transplanting, and there are no more 
vicious elements in society here, than in 



jfc 



S«L 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



745 



the east, as the criminal statistics will 
abundantly prove. 

Northern Iowa is not, to-day, what it 
was a quarter of a century ago. The hard- 
ships and privations experienced by those 
earliest settlers, who faced the dangers 
and discouragements of frontier life, now 
furnish subjects for fireside stories, to 
listening, wondering ones, who, with the 
comforts and pleasant surroundings of the 
present, can scarcely credit these narra- 
tives of the past. In those early days, 
twenty-five years ago, the long winters 
were often scenes- of privation and suffer- 
ing hardly credable. There were no 
mills, no stores, no railroads, in this part 
of Iowa then; and more than once, a hus- 
band and father traversed the trackless 
prairie, clear to Decorah, in Winneshiek 
county, nearly 100 miles, over the drifted 
snow, through storms and winds and re- 
turned, drawing upon a simple hand-sled, 
the provisions necessary to keep his suffer- 
ing family from actual starvation. Often in- 
ventive genius came to the aid of these 
hardy pioneers, and we have heard of sev- 
eral instances where hand-sleds of a large 
size were rigged out with sails and rud- 
ders, and then before the breeze they 
sped away over the snow-crested billowy 
sea of land, like phantom ships on the 
briny ocean. 

REMINISCENCE. 
[By David Secor.] 

On a pleasant June morning, in the 
spring of 1859, in company with John 
Lamm, an old settler of Winnebago coun- 
ty, I started from Mason City, on foot, to 
look for the first time on the land of the 
Winnebagoes. My traveling companion 
had resided for some time at Forest City, 



which was also familiarly known by the 
name of Pucker Brush. 

About half way on our journey we 
were confronted by a marshy slough not 
then bridged, and known as the "big 
sloo," which was swo'len by recent rains. 
My genial and accommodating companion, 
wishing to initiate me by degrees in the 
hardships of frontier life, kindly offered 
to land me on the other side dry shod if 
I would jump on his back. The invita- 
tion was accepted with thanks. Since 
that time I have often, when passing the 
place in company with others, used this 
circumstance to make a pun and create 
some amusement by stating that I once 
rode across that slough on a lamb's 
(Lamm's) back. 

We reached Forest City about sun- 
down, somewhat weary from our walk of 
thirty miles. We expected to return to 
Mason City in a few days, and concluded 
to return by water by navigating Lime 
creek. 

We therefore constructed a raft of 
black walnut and butternut boards, at the 
saw-mill, and made our return trip on 
this raft, which contained about 3,000 
feet of lumber. Mr. Lamm acted as cap- 
tain, and the writer as second mate. 

We loosed our moorings just after din- 
ner, and glided smoothly over the placid 
waters of Lime creek until we reached 
Elk Grove, where we tied up for the night 
and enjoyed the hospitality of a settler 
by name of Stiles. 

The next day we reached a point about 
two miles north of Mason City, where we 
shipwrecked our craft on a rock. Being 
so near the place of our destination, we 
left the raft for the night and hauled the 



»■ aj>* 



<8 w. 



* 



746 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



lumber in by teams the next day. The 
wild ducks and geese, which at that time 
were very abundant, surprised at the sight 
of such strange objects floating down the 
stream, would arise in their fright and fly 
rapidly away. On the morning of the 
second day, the first mate accidentally let 
his pocket-book drop in the stream, ob- 
serving which the brave captain plunged 
boldly into the water and rescued the 
first mate's wealth before it vanished 
from sight. 

In the early settlement of the county 
all enjoyed equal social rights and privi- 
leges. There was no aristocracy in those 
days, and fashions had not found the way 
to these western wilds. To convey some 
idea of the simple manner in which life 
was enjoyed, it may be well to state that 
we were so fortunate as to find accommo- 
dations with a company of seven persons, 
who slept in a small building on a pile of 
shavings, and there, seven in a row, with 
shavings for our bed and pillows, we en- 
joyed peaceful and refreshing sleep. A 
steam saw-mill had been built at an early 
period in the history of the settlement, 
and it was of great benefit to the commu- 
nity in furnishing boards and lumber for 
houses, and also enabled them to make 
rough tables, benches, bedsteads, etc. It 
was our privilege to commence house- 
keeping with furniture made by our own 
hands. 

The Winnebago Indians were quite 
numerous when the first white settlers 
came to the county. The Sioux Indians 
came in occasionally. There was a deadly 
enmity existing between these tribes, and 
when they met, as they would occasion- 



ally, there was music in the air, and a 
sanguinary conflict would follow. 

The Indians were in the county more or 
less until the year 18(52, when they were 
driven away by the United States Govern- 
ment on account of their taking part in 
the bloody massacre at New Ulm and 
Mankato, Minn., and at Spirit Lake, Iowa. 
At this time there was a great excitement 
throughout this part of the country. Many 
people fled to the older and more settled 
portions of the State. The first news of 
the massacre reached the settlement by 
refugees from Minnesota, who arrived at 
Forest City about two o'clock at night, 
and gave the alarm. The people being 
aroused from their slumber, at dead of 
night, and being told of the massacre and 
that the Indians were upon them, were in 
tensely excited and some fled. Those re- 
maining, at once organized for protection, 
and sent out scouts to watch for the In- 
dians. The scouts returned and reported 
that the Indians had been driven back and 
the excitement soon passed over. 

The Indians were quite adepts in play- 
ing games with cards, and were always 
ready to play with the whites for whisky 
or money. During the games there were 
always some innocent appearing Indians 
about, not indicating that they were pay- 
ing attention to the game, but who in fact 
would see what cards the white men held, 
and by secret signs would communicate 
that knowledge to their red brothers, who 
took part in the game If the whites 
were not posted in Indian tricks, they 
were quite sure to be euchered. 

The first white settlement was made in 
the county in 1854 and 1855. Philip 
Tennis, George Thomas, John Maben and 



r 



l£+ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



T47 



Thomas Bearse were the first to settle in 
the county. Others soon followed. Philip 
Tennis was killed by the Indians, in 
1863, on the Sioux river, where he had 
gone for the purpose of trapping for fur. 

George Thomas resides on his farm 
near Lake Mills, where he first settled, 
and is regarded as one of our best farmers. 
John Maben is now treasurer of Hancock 
county. Mr. Bearse removed from the 
county several years ago. Many amusing 
stories are told of him, only one of which 
we will relate. It was during the time 
of the War of the Rebellion, that he came 
to town one morning, somewhat excited, 
and stated that we would soon hear of 
one of the greatest battles of the war, for 
he had that morning seen the smoke of 
the battle in the south. The person with 
whom he was speaking laughed at liini 
and told him he could not see the smoke 
of a battle that far, when he promptly 
replied : "I did see the smoke, and fur- 
thermore, by G — d, I smelt powder."' 

In 1857 a postorRce was established at 
Forest City, with Robert Clark postmas- 
ter, and in 1858 a mail route was secured 
from Clear Lake to Algona, by way of 
Forest City, with Joseph Hewett, mail- 
carrier. Previous to this the settlers were 
required to go to Mason City for their 
mail, and indeed the first settlers received 
their mail at Cedar Falls. At this time 
there was no flouring mill nearer than 
fifty miles, and the earliest settlers were 
obliged to go to Cedar Falls, a distance 
of 100 miles, for flour. Previous to 1860 
the nearest market for grain and pork was 
McGregor and Dubuque, and with wheat 
at forty cents a bushel, and dressed pork 
at two cents a pound, a load would not 



pay the expenses of a trip to market. As 
railroads pushed westward the distance 
to market became gradually shortened. 
Many strange experiences were had by 
the early settlers in getting to and from 
market. On Dec. 2, 1856, one Alexander 
Long, in attempting to reach a neighbor- 
ing settlement was caught in a snow bliz- 
zard and frozen to death. His body was 
not found for several weeks. These trips 
were frequently made with ox teams, as 
but few were able to afford horses. My 
first team was a yoke of oxen, with which 
I used to ride my wife and babies. 

We once drove an ox team to Inde- 
pendence to market, a distance of 130 
miles, or 200 miles for the round trip. 

Some amusing things have occurred in 
the history of the county. The standard 
of religion and morality was not of the 
highest type, and the early preachers were 
not always received with that respect 
usually accorded to those in clerical robes. 
The first preacher that filled stated ap- 
pointments was an itinerant Methodist 
minister, by the name of Hankins, who 
traveled a circuit of some fifty or sixty 
miles, and who had to all appearances 
been a rough character before lie experi- 
enced religion. He traveled his circuit 
with an old horse and buggy. While 
preaching at Forest City he had offended 
some of the worldly minded people, and, 
in order to retaliate, some wicked son of 
Belial suggested the idea of taking the 
burs off his buggy. The suggestion met 
with favor and the burs were removed 
from the axels of the buggy. He hitched 
up his horse to make the next appoint- 
ment without discovering what had been 
done, and started off at his Usual gait, but 



33 



r 



- — *J£l 



748 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



had not proceeded far before a wheel run 
off and let him down. He returned with 
the old man Adam fully aroused and 
would have administered severe physical 
punishment had he discovered the guilty 
party. 

Soon after this a preacher was holding 
services in Forest City one night, when 
some wicked boys took a donkey and 
placed him in the entrance of the build- 
ing where he was preaching, and by tor- 
turing the poor brute induced the donkey 
to sing one of his songs. The preacher 
hearing the music, and taking in the situ- 
ation al once, remarked: "I have heard 
of the devil going about like a roaring 
lion, but to-night he has come in the form 
of a braying ass!" 

In 1862 a man, by name Scrogin, was 
traveling through the county on foot, and 
becoming foot sore and weary took a 
horse, without leave, owned by Samuel 
Tennis, that was running at large on the 
prairie near Forest City. He rode him 
several miles and then let him loose, sup- 
posing he would return home. The horse 
was missed the next day, and John S. 
Blowers, in company with another settler, 
started in pursuit. Mr. Blowers was sure 
scent when after a horse thief and soon 
struck the trail, which he followed until 
he captured his man. Mr. Blowers had 
an old revolver of the style called a pep- 
per box, which he was careful to load be- 
fore starting. While following up the 
trail they came upon a skunk, which he 
endeavored to shoot with his pepper box, 
but found that he could not discharge 
either barrel, and like a "dead Injine" his 
revolver was no go. The thief was over- 
taken in the north part of Wright county 



and Blowers levelled his revolver on him 
and commanded him to surrender. Being 
confronted with so deadly a weapon, and 
thinking discretion the better part of 
valor, he gave himself up and returned to 
Forest City. District court had been in 
session in Forest City, but had just ad- 
journed. Court was held in the county 
only once a year. The following week 
court was held at Mason City and the 
prisoner was taken there in order to have 
trial in that county, at that term of court, 
if possible. In order to give the court 
jurisdiction it was necessary to show 
that the horse had been taken by Scrogin 
into or across that county. The facts are 
he did not take the horse within several 
miles of Cerro Gordo count}', but the 
prisoner did not relish the thought of re- 
maining in the county jail a year, and 
wishing to have a speedy trial, he told 
the judge that he passed through that 
county. This seemed to give the court 
jurisdiction, and he was tried, found 
guilty, and sentenced to the penitentiary at 
Fort Madison for a short term. The fol- 
lowing amusing circumstance in relation 
to this case is given on the authority of 
"Old Timber Wood", who at that time 
practiced in the courts of the district and 
was the prisoner's attorney. The officer 
who had taken the prisoner to Mason 
City was anxious to take him to the peni- 
tentiary, and was permitted to do so. It 
was before the time of railroads, and 
took several days to make the trip. The 
officer started with the commitment, 
prisoner and shackles. At night they 
slept together, and, in order to prevent 
escape, the prisoner was shackled to the 
officer. Before reaching Fort Madison, 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



749 



the prisoner some how managed to get 
possession of the commitment, and when 
they arrived at the penitentiary he 
promptly handed it to the warden and 
represented himself as the sheriff. Ap- 
pearances were somewhat in his favor, 
and the sheriff was promptly locked up 
and the prisoner walked leisurely away. 
The sheriff was obliged to send for friends 
to identify him in order to get released. 

In the early settlement of the county 
game of all kinds was very abundant, and 
while the writer was never much of a 
hunter he feels inclined to relate a chicken 
story. 

In the fall of 1862, there was a crop of 
buckwheat on block 95, in the south part 
of Forest City. The prairie chickens 
soon found it and were destroying the 
crop very rapidly. The writer, thinking 
the chicken crop was about ready to har- 
vest, left his place of business one after- 
noon, after school was dismissed for the 
day, and went to the buckwheat patch 
with a double-barrel shot gun, for an 
hours sport, and reached the place just as 
the chickeis were flying in for their sup- 
per. He at once opened fire, but getting 
somewhat excited, unfortunately put shot 
and wads in both barrels of the gun be- 
fore charging it with powder. This 
caused no little trouble and delay, and 
he could only spend time to draw off one 
barrel and thereafter used only one 
barrel in shooting. Notwithstanding the 
misfortune of the horn in charging with 
shot before he did with powder — nine- 
teen nice prairie chickens were slaugh- 
tered and bagged before sun-down. 

Not far from this time, wishing to have 
some fun at duck shooting, a trip down 



Lime creek was made one afternoon, and 
thirty ducks killed and brought back as 
trophies. 

The following snake story is given on 
the authority of Amos Chilson. Several 
years ago, within the limits of Forest 
City, and near the north part of the town, 
on a pleasant spring morning, Mr. Chilson 
saw several snakes crawling about, and 
on looking around he found the place, or 
den, from which they came, and opened 
battle on them. He killed those in sight 
and then commenced digging at the 
mouth of the den— slaughtering the snakes 
as he dug. The winters frosts had not 
been thawed out of the ground and he 
soon found his digging intercepted by the 
frost. He therefore abandoned his dig- 
ging, but on counting his prey he found 
that he had killed seventy-three good 
sized snakes. 

In relating the story he remarked that 
"he would have done much better if the 
frost had been out of the ground and it 
had been a good day for snakes." 

Previous to the year 1805, there was 
but little attention paid to farming, owing 
principally to the distance from market 
and the great expense in transporting the 
products of the farm to the marts of 
the world. 

The population of the county in 1865 
was only 298. In 1869 the population had 
increased to 1,072. In 1870 it was 1,572, 
and in 1880 about 5,000. 

From the settlement of the county to 
to the year 1865, a majority of the settlers 
expected to make their living by holding 
township and county offices, or by hunt- 
ing, trapping or trading with the neigh- 
bors. Money was scarce and tiny used 



\ 



750 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



in its stead, county, bridge, school house 
and road orders. Many county and town- 
ship jobs were let at fabulous prices. 
The result was that these orders were 
sold as low as forty cents on the dollar. 
The low price of the scrip was overcome, 
however, by a liberal allowance for the 
services performed. All persons elected 
to office were expected to appreciate the 
honor conferred on them by treating 
liberally over their election. It would 
not do to neglect this important require- 
ment, and if one went home without 
meeting this popular demand, he was 
liable to be waited on by a committee 
who would inform him that his presence 
was desired, and that he was expected to 
provide such refreshments as their several 
appetites craved. 

As railroads approached nearer, the in- 
habitants began to pay attention to agri- 
cultural industry. New settlers came in 
and the virgin soil, that had remained 
in the state of nature for ages, was 
brought under cultivation and produced 
bountiful crops. 

With industry came habits of temper- 
ance and morality. Churches and school 
houses were erected, and Winnebago 
county now enjoys educational advantages, 
religious privileges and social rights 
equal to that of counties in the eastern 
and older states. And may we not hope, 
that in succeeding years, our growth in 
temperance, industry, morality and virtue 
may keep pace with the increase of pop- 
ulation, and that our children and our 
children's children may here enjoy many 
prosperous and happy days and may love 
and serve the Lord of their fathers. 



EARLY ADVENTURES. 

The following historic items are clipped 
from the Winnebago Summit of Dec. 21, 
1882: 

"We received a very pleasant call this 
week from Mr. Thomas Bearse, who was 
the first actual white settler of this county. 
Philip, son of Samuel Tennis, came here 
in 1854 to hunt and trap, and he induced 
Mr. Bearse, who was then living at 
Rhodes' mill, to come up with his family 
and locate in Winnebago county. Mr. 
Bearse came in the spring of 1855, and 
built a log house on the east side of Lime 
creek, in the edge of the timber, nearly 
on aline directly east of Forest City depot. 

"In May, of the same year, Mr. Bearse 
had an encounter with a bear, near Bear 
ereek. He went out, at this time, taking 
along his rifle, and saw a bear. The bear 
was not near enough to shoot at, and was 
finally lost sight of. In returning home 
Mr. Bearse saw two bears that were com- 
ing toward him. He got behind a large 
poplar tree, and waited until one of them 
came near enough to fire at, when he dis- 
charged his rifle, sending a ball through 
the animal. The bear continued to ad- 
vance, and gathered up a handful of 
leases to staunch the wound in his side, 
the same as a person might do under 
similar circumstances. When the bear 
reached the tree, behind which Mr. Bearse 
stood, he climbed up it a short distance, 
but being weak from the loss of blood, 
fell back on the ground. Mr. Bearse 
drew his knife, and as he was engaged in 
cutting the throat of the wounded bear,its 
mate came up behind him, and putting his 
paws around him, began hugging him in 
good old bear fashion. In the struggle 



- — 9 iL 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



751 



which took place, the bear struck the 
knife out of Mr. Bearse's hand, which left 
him to contend with bruin single handed. 
lie finally found a piece of burned limb, 
and struck the bear across the face with 
it, knocking him down, and then the bear 
ran off. Mr. Bearse was quite severely 
scratched in the struggle with the bear, 
but not seriously hurt. 

"Mr. Bearse continued to reside in this 
county about twelve years, when he re- 
moved, but about one year ago he returned, 
>and now makes his home with E. D. Skin- 
ner, in Norway township. 

"Among other things he talked of were 
the Indians, who used to roam over this 
section. The Winnebagoes had their 
agency about forty miles north of here, up 
iti Minnesota, and used to frequent this 
section to hunt. The Sioux, who were 
located still further north, and the Win- 
nebagoes were deadly enemies, and when 
the latter came here to hunt, the former 
used to follow them and try to kill them. 
On one occasion ten Sioux came to Mr. 
Bearse's house, but went away without 
doing any harm. On this same occasion, 
this same crowd killed a Winnebago, at 
Clear Lake, shooting him off a horse, and 
then cutting his head off and carrying it 
away to scalp it. At one time, while Mr. 
Bearse was living at Forest City, Eagle 
Eye, a Sioux chief, who was pursued 
by his enemies, the Winnebagoes, took 
refuge in his house and was protected by 
him, and the pursuers driven away. 

"Those were the days when deer were 
plenty in this section, and Mr. Bearse 
says that he and Philip Tennis have had 
as many as 300 at one time hanging up 
in the woods. These animals were killed 



for their skins, and their carcasses were 
left for other wild animals to feed on." 

INDIANS. 

When the first settlers landed in Win- 
nebago county, and for several years af- 
ter, there were several bands of Indians, 
of the Winnebago tribe, who made this 
their home. Their number varied — at 
times there were fully 100, again but a 
handful. During the summer they would 
bury their pots and kettles in the ground, 
and, leaving their tepees standing, would 
go north into Minnesota to hunt and trap, 
returning in the fall, laden with the spoils 
of the chase. For the most part they 
were harmless, and seldom attempted vio- 
lence. They were, however, meddlesome 
and inclined to thievishness, and often 
caused the settlers much annoyance. But 
when such was the case, three cool, brave 
men could go into a camp where fifty In- 
dians were collected, and invariably get 
back the stolen articles. 

At one time Robert Stephens and 
family left their home to visit John S. 
Blowers, about a mile distant. In the 
middle of the afternoon Mr. Stephens re- 
turned home alone, and on reaching his 
house found the door broken open, and 
on examination discovered that a number 
of trinkets and provisions had been sto- 
len. He at once returned to Mr. Blowers 
and related what had occurred. They de- 
cided that the depredation had been com- 
mitted by the Indians. Accordingly, 
Frank Byford, Blowers, Stephens and 
John Furney started for the Indian camp 
to reclaim the stolen articles. They went 
to Porter, the head chief, and demanded 
that the loss be made good. After a brief 
consultation among the Indians, the blame 



-£ 6 



1 



h 



'» * 



752 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



of the theft was laid to Black Pigeon, 
who offered to give a blanket and new 
gun to settle the difficulty. This offer 
was accepted by the whites, who then de- 
manded some traps that had been stolen 
some days previous. These were also re- 
turned. As the whites were about leav- 
ing the tepee, an Indian by the name of 
Toshanigan attempted to push by them 
through the entrance. He had a gun 
partly concealed beneath his blanket, and f 
his looks betokened mischief. Porter, the 
chief, suddenly said, in atone of warning, 
"Be careful,Toshanigan is angry." The sit- 
uation was at once taken in by the whites, 
and Stephens, wheeling upon the Indian, 
grasped the muzzle of the gun, and shoving 
him back into the tepee, said, "By G — d ! if 
you don't put up that gun and sit down, 
I'll cut a hickory and give you the worst 
hickorying you ever got." Toshanigan sat 
down, and the whites went away unmo- 
lested. The Indians were by no means 
desirous of having a war with the whites, 
and the settler who preserved a calm, de- 
termined bearing among them was never 
harmed. 



Philip Tennis was sitting before his 
fire one wintry night, partly undressed, 
when suddenly the door was burst open- 
and in dashed a half dozen Indians. 
They were intoxicated, and at once made 
for Mr. Tennis, showing signs of hostili- 
ty. He promptly met them, knocked one 
over into the fire, then leaped through 
the door out into the night. The Indians 
searched for him in vain; he was safely 
hidden in the bushes, and they soon left, 
venting their disappointment in howls and 
whoops of rage. 

They were very fond of liquor, and 
would use any means to get a pint of 
whiskey. One by the name of Dick 
Sharo came to John Blowers' mill one 
time, and offered to give him a bear skin 
for a pint of whiskey. Mr. Blowers said 
no, that he had no whiskey. But the In- 
dian insisted, and finally Blowers said, 
"Where is your bear skin?" The Indian 
replied, making a motion with his hands 
and feet as though the bear was still run- 
ning, ' Ugh ! me kill am — me kill urn, 
morrow." 



-•-2, 



r 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



753 



f 



CHAPTER IV. 



COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 



When Winnebago county was organ- 
ized, its local government was vested in 
the county court. This court consisted of 
a judge, clerk and sheriff. The judge 
had almost absolute control and jurisdic- 
tion in all matters. He had all the pow- 
ers now vested in the board of county 
supervisors; had jurisdiction in all mat- 
ters of probate, issued marriage licenses 
and attended to all financial matters. The 
first county judge was Robert Clark, who 
was succeeded by J. K. Boyd, and he by 
Samuel Tennis. The records of the pro- 
ceedings of the county court were de- 
stroyed by fire, in the fall of 1861, and a 
perfect report of the government cannot 
be given. 

The first case, which came before Judge 
Clark, was an election contest case, enti- 
tled: Iowa, vs. George Nichols, James 
Jenkinson and John H. T. Ambrose. 
These parties were arrested for perjury 
on complaint of John Maben. They had 
sworn in their votes and complainant en- 
deavored to prove that they were not citi- 
zens and not entitled to vote, which, if so 
decided by the court, would elect David 
Secor treasurer of Winnebago county. 
The case was duly tried, evidence pre- 
sented and weighed by the judge, who 
decided that defendants were not guilty, 



dismissed the case and ordered the pris- 
oners set at liberty. 

COURT HOUSE. 

One of th» most important of the offi : 
cial actions of the first county judge was 
to provide for the erection of a substan- 
tial court house — one in which the county 
could take pride. The question of build- 
ing a $20,000 court house was agitated, 
and a petition that such should be built 
was signed by all but one of the voters of 
the county. Judge Clark then, on the 
part of the county, entered into a con- 
tract with Martin Bumgardner for the 
erection of the building to cost that 
amount. County bonds were issued and 
Judge Clark went to New York city with 
Mr. Bumgardner, where the bonds were 
sold. Mr. Bumgardner returned to Forest 
City with a stock of goods and commenced 
in the mercantile business, but did not at 
once begin work on the court house. 
Finally, after much delay, the people im- 
pressed Mr. Bumgardner that the time 
had come when the court house must be 
built, and accordingly he began work on 
the foundation. About this time the 
county supervisor system was put into 
operation, and a board elected by the 
county. This new board decided that the 
county could not afford so costly a build- 
ing, and passed a resolution repudiating 



fv* 



•V <5_ 



>}£+ 



754 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



the bonds issued by Judge Clark. An in- 
junction was served on Mr. Bumgardner 
restraining him from the further prosecu- 
tion of his work, and thus the matter stood 
for some time. Finally the courts decided 
that the action of Judge Clark was legal, 
and that the county was holden for bonds 
issued. In the meantime, however, Mr. 
Bumgardner had continued work on a 
smaller and cheaper court house, which he 
had completed. He demanded pay for 
this building, and through his agent,W. C. 
Stanberry, of Mason City, made a proposi- 
tion to settle for $3,500. After much 
deliberation and several postponements, 
the supervisors accepted the proposition, 
and ordered the amount paid to W. C. 
Stanberry. The court house is a brick 
structure, two stories in height, and fur- 
nishes ample room for the county officers. 
It stands in the center of Forest City, in 
the court house square. 

SUPERVISORS. 

In 1859 an act was passed by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of Iowa, which changed the 
form of local government in the various 
counties throughout the State. This act 
provided for the election of a body termed 
the "board of supervisors," to supercede 
the old system of county court, and this 
board was vested with nearly all the 
authority formerly held by the court. 
The new board, as provided by the act of 
the Assembly, consisted of one supervisor 
from each organized township, making 
two members in all, as the county at this 
time was divided into but two townships, 
Forest and Pleasant. 

Owing to the burning of the official 
proceedings of this board, for the first year, 
no record can be given dating prior to 



January, 1862. The names, however, of 
the members of the board for 1861 were 
as follows: E. D. Stockton, John Ander- 
son and A. K. Curtis, clerk. 

Jan. 6, 1862, the board of supervisors 
met at the court house in Forest City, 
with the following members present: Al- 
len T. Cole, Charles D. Smith and A. K. 
Curtis, county clerk and ex-officio member. 
The board proceeded to effect a perma- 
nent organization by the election of 
Charles D. Smith as chairman for the en- 
suing year. The first act passed upon at 
this meeting was to authorize the clerk of 
the board "to draw warrants of the treas- 
urer for all accounts allowed at this ses- 
sion." 

At an adjourned meeting, held the day 
following, a motion was adopted, which is 
here given verbatim as taken from the 
clerk's book: 

"Resolved, That John II. T.Ambrose be 
and he is hereby appointed as Referee to 
settle with Chas. H. Day, Ex-Treasurer 
and Recorder, of Winnebago County, la. 
Robert Clark we appointed on part C. H. 
Day meet County Referee and said Am- 
brose and Clark gave Bonds for faithful 
performance of their duty and were also 
sworn into office." 

To in part explain this unique record, 
it may be well to state that shortly before 
the expiration of the term of office of C. 
II Day as treasurer and recorder, the 
records of his office, with others, were 
totally destroyed by fire, and the super- 
visors adopted the above plan for settle- 
ment. On January 25, the referees made 
their report to the board, in which they 
set forth that Mr. Day owed the county 
about 85,000, which amount was at once 



->v 



4 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



755 



paid to the supervisors in county warrants. 
Mr. Day then presented his bill for bal- 
ance due on salary, $189.80, which was 
ordered to be paid. 

In August the board met as per adjourn- 
ment with C. D. Smith, chairman: A. T. 
Cole, supervisor; and John H. T. Am- 
brose, deputy clerk, present. Among 
other business transacted the following 
motion was passed: 

"That each volunteer shall receive a 
bounty of $50 out of the county fund at 
the time of enlistment. Also, that each 
volunteer's wife shall receive from clerk 
$1 per week and each child fifty cents per 
week during the time said volunteer is in 
the service of the United States, or until 
the present war is ended." 

At this meeting J. H. T. Ambrose was 
appointed clerk of district court, to fill the 
vacancy caused by the removal of A. K. 
Curtis, the former incumbent. 

Jan. 5, 1863, the board met at Forest 
City. Present, C. D. Smith, chairman, 
William Lackore, supervisor elect, B. F. 
Wellman, supervisor at large, and E. D. 
Hinman, clerk. At this meeting, JohnS. 
Blowers presented a petition to divide 
Forest township. Petition laid over till 
next day and when then taken up, after 
due consideration the board decided waive 
action in the matter until their next meet- 
ing. At the next meeting, April 6, the 
petition was rejected. 

At the meeting of the board, Sept. 14, 
1863, a very important petition was pre- 
sented. The petition asked the board to 
submit to the voters of Winnebago county, 
at the next general election, the question, 
"whether the county of Winnebago will 
change its southern boundary line so as to 



include within Winnebago county the 
north eight townships of Hancock county." 
The question was put in the shape of a 
motion, and, on vote, was carried, the clerk 
being ordered to give notice of election 
according to law. The election was held 
and the question defeated. 

At the meeting of November 3, of this 
year, the court house was purchased by 
the board. Below is given a copy of the 
agreement between W. C. Stan berry and 
the board which explains itself. 

AGREEMENT. 

"I have this day sold to Winnebago 
Co., Iowa, the brick court house erected 
by Martin Bumgardner on the public 
square in Forest City, Iowa. 

"Also — A certain contract entered into, 
by and between Robert Clark, county 
judge, and Martin Bumgardner, wherein 
the said Bumgardner, for the sum of 
$20,000, agreed to build a court house in 
said Forest City on or before the 9th day 
of June, 1864, said contract having been 
by said Robert Clarke, county judge, ex- 
tended to the 9th day of June, 1869. 
Therefore the court house still remaining 
unbuilt and the money unpaid, I agree 
to relinquish all claim or claims upon said 
contract and the same to be entirely null 
and void. 

"Also — The forced contract by which 
the first above named court house was 
built. 

"Also— The sum of $4,800 in bonds and 
coupons and interest thereon which the said 
Stanberry relinquishes to said Winnebago 
county. The said W. C. Stanberry for 
himself, the firm of Card & Stanberry, of 
which he is a member, and for Martin 
Bumgardner, doth covenant that he is the 



« — — J*, 



& 



756 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 






owner in fee simple of all the property 
named and that he lias a good right and 
lawful authority to sell the same, and does 
by these presents sell the same to the 
county of Winnebago, Iowa. 

[Signed] W. C. Stanberry." 

"We, the undersigned supervisors of 
Winnebago county, State of Iowa, accept 
the above proposition of W. C. Stanberry, 
and order the clerk to issue county war- 
rants unto said Stanberry, when the said 
Stanberry complies with the above prop- 
osition, to the amount of $3,500 ; two 
thousand dollars of which is in full pay- 
ment for the above described court house 
and fifteen hundred dollars of which is in 
full payment for the bonds and coupon 
bonds and contract as therein set forth. 

"Witness our hands this 3d day of 
November, 1863. 

[Signed] Charles D. Smith, 

Chairman. 
William Lackork, 
B . F. Wellman, 

Supervisors." 

Dec. 14, 1863, the board met to canvas 
the votes returned from the different 
townships. After this was done the fol- 
lowing resolution was adopted: 

"Resolved, That any one who will volun- 
teer from this county before the 5th of 
January, 1864, or before there is a draft 
in the State, or county, shall receive the 
sum of $200, and any one who is drafted 
shall receive the sum of $100, the war- 
rants to be issued when each volunteer or 
drafted person is accepted into the United 
States service." 

At a regular meeting of the board, 
June 6, 1864, the first business transacted 
was to provide for the payment of a 

4 — v=* 



bounty on black birds, crows and gophers. 
The resolution as passed by the board is 
cpiite amusing, and is here given as found 
upon the records: 

"Resolved, That a bounty of five cents 
per capitum be allowed on all black birds, 
crows and gophers killed in this county, 
to be paid in county orders. And the 
clerk was authorized to issue such orders 
when the person claiming bounty shall 
produce sufficient proof that such animals 
have been killed in the county, and that 
there has never before been any bounty 
paid on them, and provided that there is 
enough to make $1." 

At the same meeting the board per- 
fected the re-division of the county into 
civil townships, described as follows: 

Norway township to comprise sections 
7 to 30 inclusive, of township 100, ranges 
23, 24, 25 and 26. 

Pleasant township to comprise sections 
31 to 36 inclusive, of township 100, ranges 
23, 24, 25 and 26; also sections 1 to 18 in- 
clusive, of township 99, ranges 23, 24, 25 
and 26. 

Center township to comprise sections 
18 to 36 inclusive, of township 99, ranges 
23, 24, 25 and 26; also all of township 98, 
range 23, and sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 
13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 36; 
also that part of the east one-half of sec- 
tion 35 north of L street and east of Fourth 
street in Forest City, in township 98, 
range 24. 

Forest township to comprise sections 
18 to 36 inclusive, of township 99, range 
26, and all of township 98, ranges 25 and 
26; all of sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 
18, 19,20,21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 
34 and the west one-half of section 35, and 



w 






*f a *~ 



^k 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



757 



all south of L street and west of Fourth 
street in Forest City, in township 98, 
range 24. 

At the meeting of the board on the 1st 
of August, of this year, a petition was 
presented, signed by a majority of the 
voters in the county, asking that the board 
order an election to be held on the 3d of 
September, 1864, "for the purpose of de- 
termining whether the board of super- 
visors shall or shall not levy a special tax 
of six mills to pay off the indebtedness of 
the county." After due consideration 
the petition was granted and an election 
ordered. 

The election was held, and on the 6th 
of September the board convened to can- 
vass the votes, which resulted as follows: 

For the tax 21—16 

Against the tax 5 

The board then proceeded to levy the 

following tax for the year: 

State fund (on the dollar) 002i 

Ordinary county revenue 004 

Special tax 006 

Relief of soldier's families 002 

School fund 001 

Bridge fund .001 

At the same meeting the board decreed 
that "each volunteer or drafted man from 
the county under the call of the President 
for 500,000 men, should receive a bounty 
of $200, and that the wife and each child 
under thirteen years of age should receive 
$1 a piece per week for their support 
while said volunteer was in the service of 
the United States." 

The board for 1865 was composed of 
the following members: C. D. Smith, 
Pleasant township; Joseph Tennis, Nor- 
way; Robert Clark, Center, and Jesse 
Bonar, Forest township. Chairman for 
the year, Robert Clark. In April, of 



this year, Joseph Tennis resigned his seat 
as supeivisor from Norway township, and 
Samuel Tennis was appointed to fill the 
vacancy. 

At a meeting of the board, Jan. 10, 
1865, the following resolution was passed: 

"Hesolved, By the board of supervisors 
of Winnebago Co., Iowa, that the sum of 
$1,000 be, and the same is hereby appro- 
priated to each and every person volun- 
teering from said county to fill the quota 
of each township of said county; said ap- 
propriation to be paid in warrants on the 
treasury of the county, said warrants to 
be payable one half in one year from 
date, and one half in two years from date 
of their issuance, and to draw interest at 
the rate of six per cent, per annum." 

In 1866 the first meeting was held, on 
the 1st of January, with the following 
named members present : Robert Clarke, 
supervisor from Center township; Jesse 
Bonar, Forest township ; Samuel Tennis, 
Norway township ; and George Thomas, 
Pleasant township. Permanent organiza- 
tion was effected by the election of Rob- 
ert Clarke as chairman for the ensuing 
year. 

At a meeting of the board Jan. 5, 1866, 
a petition was presented, signed by J. S. 
Blowers and others, praying the board to 
give an additional bounty to the soldiers 
who volunteered from this county, and 
who have received but little county 
bounty. After due consideration it was 
resolved that those volunteer soldiers, 
who had received less than $300, should 
have issued to them warrants sufficient to 
make up for what was lacking. These war- 
rants were made to bear interest at the 
rate of six per cent, per annum and were 



r 






« w_ 



k* 



758 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



payable one-third in one year and the bal- 
ance in two years. 

In 1S67 the board met January 7, and 
elected George Thomas chairman. Mem- 
bers elected were Ole Anderson, Norway 
township ; A. T. Cole, Center; and John 
Ambrose, Forest township. In November, 
of this year, Ole Anderson resigned his 
position on the board as a member from 
Norway township and Joseph Tennis was 
appointed to fill the vacancy. 

The ensuing year the board consisted 
of the following named : Joseph Tennis, 
chairman, supervisor from Norway town- 
ship ; A. T. Cole, Center township; John 
H. T. Ambrose, Forest township, and S. 
D. Wadsworth, Pleasant township. 

At a meeting of the board, June 3, 1868, 
the county was divided into five civil 
townships as follows : 

Norway township to comprise township 
100, ranges 24, 25 and 26 ; and also the 
west half of township 100, range 23. 

Pleasant township to comprise the east 
half of township 100, range 23 ; the north 
half of township 99, ranges 23 and 24, 
and sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 
15, of township 99, range 26. 

Center township to comprise the south 
half of township 98, range 23 ; also sec- 
tions 1 to 30, inclusive, section 36, and all 
that part of Forest City located east of 
Fourth street and north of S street,in town- 
ship 98, range 24 ; and also sections 31 to 
36, inclusive, of township 99, range 26. 

Iowa township to consist of the south 
half of township 99, range 23 ; also north 
half of township 98, range 23 ; and sec- 
tions 19 to 30, inclusive, of township 99, 
range 24. 



Forest township to comprise all of town- 
ship 98, range 26 ; also sections 5,6, 7, 8, 
17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31 and 32,of township 
98, range 25; also sections 31 to 34, inclu- 
sive, the west half of section 35, the south- 
west quarter of the southeast half of sec- 
tion 35, and all that part of Forest City, 
lying south of S street and west of Fourth 
street in township 98, range 24. 

In 1869 the board was composed of the 
following named persons : C. II. Lack- 
ore, chairman and supervisor, for Forest 
township ; W. Higginbottam, Center 
township ; John Iverson, Norway town- 
ship ; A. N. Brones, Iowa township, and 
S. D. Wadsworth for Pleasant township. 

In 1870, the board met on the 3d of 
January, and was composed of the follow- 
ing members : C. H. Lackore, chairman; 
W. Higginbottam, John Iverson, A. N. 
Brones and O. D. Smith. 

This was the last meeting of county 
legislature, or supervisors made up of one 
member from each township. The Gen- 
eral Assembly, by an act, changed the 
manner of local government ; and the 
board of supervisors was re-arranged so 
as to be composed of three, who were to 
be elected af large throughout the county. 
The first board, under this law, which is 
yet in force, convened on the 2d of Janu- 
ary, 1871, the members being Charles D. 
Smith, R. O. Ilaughland and B. F. Well- 
man. The oath of office was admin- 
istered by the auditor, and the new 
board organized by the election of C. D. 
Smith, chairman. 

The members of the board from that 
time until 1883, inclusive, are as follows : 

COUNTY SUPERVISORS FROM 1871 to 1884. 

1871 — C. D. Smith, chairman; R. O. 
Ilaughland, and Benjamin F. Wellman. 



>]£* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY, 



759 



1872— W. O. Hanson, C. D. Smith and 
R. O. Haughland. 

1873— W. O. Hanson, C D. Smith and 
A. N. Brones. 

1874— S. D. Wadsworth, \V. O. Hanson 
and A. N. Brones. 

1875— S. D. Wadsworth, A. N. Brones 
and P. IT. Peterson. 

1876— S. D. Wadsworth, P. H. Peter- 
son and J. W. Fisher. 

1877— P. H. Peterson, J. W. Fisher and 
Knut Johnson. 

1878 — James W. Fisher, Knut Johnson 
and P. II. Peterson. 

1879--J. W. Fisher, Knut Johnson and 
P. H. Peterson. 

1880— J. W. Fisher, P. H. Peterson 
and Knut Johnson. 

1881 — J. W. Fisher, Knut Johnson and 
Andrew N. Honge. 

1882 — Knut Johnson, A. N. Honge and 
S. G. Honsey. 

1883 — William Larson, A. N. Honge 
and S. G. Honsey. 

At the meeting of the board of super- 
visors in June, 1875, the county was re- 
districted into civil townships. The re- 
sult is here given: 

Forest township to comprise township 

98, ranges 23, 24, 25 and 26. 

Center township to consist of township 

99, ranges 23, 24, 25 and 26. 

Norway township to comprise all of 
township 100, ranges 23, 24, 25 and 26. 

townships in 1883. 

In 188.3 Winnebago county was com- 
posed of seven civil townships, namely: 
Norway, Center, Mount Valley, Forest, 
Linden, Newton and Logan. 

Mount Valley was created by act of the 
board of supervisors in January, 1879, 



and embraced all of township 98, range 
23 west, of the fifth principal meridian. 

Linden, set off in April, 1880, com- 
prised all of township 98, of ranges 25 
and 26. 

Forest, which had formerly embraced 
all the southern tier of congressional 
townships, was thus left township 98, 
range 24. 

Newton was set off in April, 1881, and 
consisted of all of township 99, ranges 
24, 25 and 26, leaving 

Center, which had formerly comprised 
the middle tier of townships, co-extensive 
with township 99, range 23. 

Logan was set off at the same meeting, 
as was Newton. It consisted of all of 
township 100, ranges 24, 25 and 26. 

Norway was thus made to comprise 
township 100, range 23. It had previ- 
ously embraced all the north tier of town- 
ships. 

REFUNDING OP THE COUNTY BONDS. 

In 1878, at the September meeting of 
the board of supervisors of Winnebago 
county, it was decided to refund the 
bonded indebtedness of the county, which 
existed prior and up to the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1878, and Hon. David Secor was ap- 
pointed financial agent for that purpose. 
A large share of this indebtedness was 
the result of the issuance of the bonds of 
1860, better known as the court house 
bonds. The original bonds amounted to 
$20,000; $13,000 of which were held by 
Charles R. Lynde, of New York, who 
brought suit against the county, in the 
United States circuit court, to compel 
their payment. The county resisted pay- 
ment, on the grounds of the invalidity of 
of the bonds, and the case was appealed 



760 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



to the supreme court of the United States 
which finally rendered judgment for $38,- 
000, principal and interest, in favor of 
Lynde. The county, being unable to pay 
the judgment, compromised with Mr. 
Lynde by issuing to him, on the 27th of 
June, 1874, bonds to the amount of the 
judgment, bearing ten per cent, interest. 
This amount had been reduced from 
time to time, until there was but $20,000 



of the debt remaining unpaid. In De- 
cember Mr. Secor went to Dubuque and 
succeeded in taking up these bonds by 
paying $5,000 in cash, and exchanging 
new eight per cent, bonds as authorized 
at the September meeting of the board 
of supervisors. 

In 1880 the total bonded indebtedness 
of the county amounted to $48,000. 



CHAPTER V 



NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION. 



While unworthy men, at times, may 
force themselves into office, it cannot but 
be acknowledged that the great body of 
office-holders of the country are truly rep- 
resentative men — men of positive force 
and character. They are of the number 
that build up and strengthen a town, a 
county, or a State. In this chapter, as 
far as possible, is given sketches of all 
who have served Winnebago county in 
the Nation, State or county. Some of the 
sketches are imperfect, but it is not the 
fault of the historian that they are not 
more complete. Some of the parties have 
passed away, leaving no record from 
which a sketch could be obtained, while 
others have left the county, and their 
present places of residence are unknown. 

CONGRESSIONAL. 

Winnebago county was a part of the 2d 
congressional district prior to its organi- 
zation, and was represented in the 33d 



Congress from 1853 to 1855 by John P. 
Cook, of Davenport. Mr. Cook was a na- 
tive of the State of New York, and in 
1836 came west to Davenport. He was 
elected a member of Congress as a whig, 
and held the views of that party until its 
dissolution. On the breaking up of the 
whig party he affiliated with the demo- 
cratic party, the principles of which he 
labored earnestly to sustain and promul- 
gate, even to the end of his days. His 
life has been one of great energy and in- 
dustry. He was by natural instinct a true 
western man, a wide-awake, thoroughly 
active pioneer, who never saw the time 
when lie could lay aside the business 
harness, and, to all appearances, never 
wanted to. As a lawyer he had few su- 
periors; was always ready, fluent and an 
able advocate, and with these qualities 
were combined energy, tact and industry; 
and for years past, and up to the day of 



-Jl » 



k* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



761 



his demise, no law firm in the northwest 
has stood in better repute than that 
broken by his death. Mr. Cook died at 
Davenport, April 17,1872. 

James Thorington, of Davenport, was 
the next representative in Congress from 
the 2d district. He was not a man of 
extraordinary ability, but was a good 
politician and wire-puller. He is now a 
consul in one of the South American 
States. 

Timothy Davis, of Elkader, Clayton 
county, next served the district, from 

1857 to 1859, or in the 35th Congress. 
William Vandever, of Dubuque, was 

elected a member of the 35th Congress, 
and re-elected to the 37th. William Van- 
dever is a native of Maryland. In 1839 
be came west, locating in Rock Island, 
where he remained until 1851, when he 
moved to Dubuque. In 1855 he formed a 
partnership with Benjamin W. Samuels, 
of Dubuque, in the practice of law. In 

1858 he was elected a member of the 36th 
Congress. He made a useful member of 
that body. While serving his second 
term, he abandoned his seat in Congress, 
returned home, and raised the 9th Iowa 
Infantry, of which he was made colonel. 
In 1862 he was promoted a brigadier- 
general, and at the close of the war was 
brevetted major-general. Since the close 
of the war he has held several important 
public positions. 

By the census of 1862 Iowa was en- 
titled to six representatives in Congress. 
Winnebago county, on the State being re- 
districted, became a part of the 6th district. 
Its first representative from this district 
was Asahel W. Hubbard, from Sioux City 
He was elected in the fall of 1862, and 



became a member of the 38th Congress. 
He was re-elected a member of the 39th 
and 40th Congresses. He was a native 
of Connecticut, born in 1817. In 1836 he 
came west to Indiana, and in 1857 to 
Iowa, locating at Sioux City. He had 
been in the latter place only one year 
when he was elected judge of the 4th ju- 
dicial district. While a member of Con- 
gress he served on committees of For- 
eign Affairs, Public Expenditures and In- 
dian Affairs. He was very attentive to 
his duties while in Congress, and served 
his constituents and the State with un- 
qualified satisfaction. 

Charles Pomeroy, of Fort Dodge, was 
the next representative in Congress from 
the 6th district. He was elected in 1868 
as a member of the 41st Congress, and 
served one term. 

Jackson Orr, of Boonesboro, succeeded 
Mr. Pomeroy in 1871, and served in the 
42d Congress as a representative from 
the 6th district. Mr. Orr was re-elected 
as a member from the 6th district, and 
served in the 43d Congress. 

In 1872 it was found the population of 
the State had increased to a number en- 
titling it to nine representatives in Con- 
gress. In re-districting, Winnebago county 
became a part of the 4th district. It was 
first represented by Henry O. Pratt, of 
Charles City, to the 43d Congress. Mr. 
Pratt was re-elected to the 44th, and thus 
served until March, 1877. Mr. Pratt is a 
native of Maine. He was admitted to 
the bar in Mason City, Cerro Gordo Co., 
Iowa, in June, 1862. Soon afterward a 
call was made for 600,000 men by the 
President. He enlisted as a private in 
in company B, 32d Iowa Infantry. He 



>A 



762 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



was discharged in the spring of 1863 and 
the following summer taught a small 
school in Worth Co., Iowa, after which 
he commenced the practice of law at 
Charles City. As a lawyer lie is very 
candid in the trial of a case; he never 
tries to defeat the ends of justice, never 
resorts to clap-trap, and never forgets the 
dignity of his calling. He is a fluent 
speaker, and excels as a jury advocate. 
His record in Congress was creditable to 
himself and constituents. 

N. C. Deering was the successor of Mr. 
Pratt. He was elected as a member of 
the 45th and re-elected to the 46th and 
47th Congresses. He was an influential 
member. 

Nathaniel C. Deering was born in Den- 
mark, Oxford Co., Maine, on the 2d 
of September, 1827. His parents were 
James Deering and Elizabeth Prentiss, 
both natives of Maine. Mr. Deering was 
educated in the common and high schools 
of Denmark, and at the North Bridgeton 
Academy. He had a strong desire to 
procure a liberal education, and to study 
law, but as the result of an attack of 
whooping cough and measles his health 
broke down and his lungs became dis- 
eased. Warned by his physician of the 
danger that would attend the further 
prosecution of his studies, in the spring 
of 1S47, he went to Hampden, Penob- 
scot county, and accepted a clerkship in a 
store, serving in that capacity until Jan- 
uary, 1850, when he determined to join 
the gold seekers. He reached San Fran 
cisco on the 14th of the following April, 
remained in the "land of gold" about two 
years, then returned to Maine with con- 
siderable fortune, embarking in the paper 



manufacturing business. In autumn of 
1856, he lost his entire* property by fire. 
In September of the year before he 
had been elected a representative to the 
Maine Legislature, and was re-elected in 
the autumn of 1856, his father serving in 
the same body. On the 14th of Septem- 
ber, 1857, he arrived with his family at 
Osage, Iowa, his present home, where he 
engaged in land and lumber operations, 
with a good degree of success. In July, 
1861, he was appointed a clerk in the 
United States Senate, which position he 
held until the spring of 1865, when 
he resigned and was soon after appointed 
a special agent of the postoffice depart- 
ment for Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska, 
resigning the position in the spring of 
1869. In July, 1872, he was appointed 
national bank examiner for the State of 
Iowa, the duties of which position he con- 
tinued to discharge until the 3d of March, 
1877, when he resigned preparatory to 
taking the seat in Congress, to which he 
had been elected the previous November. 
As a citizen, Mr. Deering has always en- 
joyed the esteem of his fellows. One in 
writing of him says: "As a pure Chris- 
tian gentleman, he stands among the first 
in the land, nowhere more highly appre- 
ciated than by those among whom he 
dwells." 

By the census of 1880, it was found that 
Iowa was entitled to eleven representa- 
tives in Congress, and the General Assem- 
bly of 1882 formed two new districts, 
Winnebago county becoming a part of the 
10th district. 

Major A. J. Homes, of Boone county, 
was elected congressman of the 10th dis- 
trict in the fall of 1882. 



r V 



4 



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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



763 



GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT. 

J. T. Kean was appointed to a clerk- 
ship in the adjutant general's office at 
Washington, in the fall of 1880. 

REGISTER OF STATE LAND OFFICE. 

Hon. David Secor was elected to this 
office in 1875 and was re-elected in 1877, 
holding the office four years. 

Hon. David Secor, Forest City, was 
born in Putnam Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1836. 
His parents were Alson and Sarah C. 
(Kn app) Secor, n ati ves of the above county. 
They were the parents of eleven children, 
all of whom grew to be adults. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
and received his education in the common 
schools. In 1856 he removed west, re- 
maining a few years in Linn Co., Iowa, 
where he learned the trade of a mason, 
and attended the Western College, an in- 
stitution controlled by the United Breth- 
ren Church. In the spring of 1859 he re- 
moved to Mason City, where he worked at 
his trade, and the following fall removed 
to Winnebago county. In the fall of 
1*61 he was elected to the office of treas- 
urer and recorder, being elected three 
consecutive terms. In 1863 he received 
the appointment of postmaster of Forest 
City, holding the same for nine years. In 
1871 he was elected to the. 14th General 
Assembly, having only three votes cast 
against him. The district consisted of 
Cerro Gordo, Worth, Hancock and Win- 
nebago counties. In 1873 he was re- 
elected with the same result, only three 
votes being cast against him. In 1874 he 
was elected to the office of register of 
State lands, which position he filled two 
terms. On Dec. 10, 1862, he was married 
to Samantba E. Van Curen, by whom lie 



34 



had three children, two sons and one 
daughter. Mrs. Secor died on July 13, 

1871. He was again married, Sept. 10, 

1872, to Jennie Gregg, who died Dec. 15, 
1875. Hii present wife is S. Jennie Lyons, 
by whom he has had two daughters. Mr. 
and Mrs. Secor are members of the Con- 
gregational Church. He is a Knight 
Templar Mason, and a member of the A. 
O. U. W. Lodge. He was admitted to the 
bar in 1879. 

MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

The 4th General Assembly convened at 
.Iowa City, Dec. 6, 1852, and adjourned 
Jan. 24, 1853. At this time Winnebago 
county, though unorganized, with Jasper, 
Polk, Dallas, Greene, Boone, Story, Mar- 
shall, Risley, Will, Fox, Pocahontas, Hum- 
boldt, Wright, Franklin, Cerro Gordo, 
Hancock, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Emmett, 
Bancroft, Hardin and Worth constituted 
one district, with Andrew L. Hull as sen- 
ator and J. F. Rice, Joseph C. Goodwin 
and Benjamin Green as representatives. 

The 5th General Assembly convened at 
Iowa City, Dec. 4, 1854, and adjourned 
Jan. 26, 1855; also convened in extra ses- 
sion July 2, 1856, and adjourned July 16, 
1856. At this time the district was com- 
posed of the counties of Jasper, Polk, Dal- 
las, Guthrie, Greene, Boone, Story, Mar- 
shall, Hardin, Risley, Tell, Fox, Poca- 
hontas, Humboldt, Wright, Franklin, Cerro 
Gordo, Hancock, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Em- 
mett, Bancroft, Winnebago and Worth, 
and was represented in the Senate by 
James C. Jordan, who contested the seat 
of Theophilus Bryan, the contest being 
decided in favor of Jordan, Jan. 8, 1856; 
and represented in the House by Samuel 



ifT 



9 V. 



764 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



B. McCall. Winnebago county was then 
in the 38th representative district. 

The 6th General Assembly convened at 
Iowa City, Dec. 1, 1856, and adjourned 
Jan. 29, 1857. At this time the senatorial 
district was composed of the counties of 
Allamakee, Winneshiek, Howard, Chicka- 
saw, Mitchell, Floyd, Worth, Cerro Gordo, 
Hancock, Winnebago, Bancroft and Kos- 
suth, and was represented by Jeremiah 
T. Atkins. Winnebago county was in the 
46th representative district,associated with 
the counties of Winneshiek, Howard, 
Mitchell, Worth and Bancroft, and was 
represented by Claus L. Clausen. 

The 7th General Assembly convened at 
Des Moines, Jan. 11, 1858, and adjourned 
March 23, 1858. 

Winnebago county, in the 34th senato- 
rial district, was represented by Jeremiah 
T. Atkins. The representative district 
was composed of Worth, Cerro Gordo, 
Franklin, Wright, Hancock, Winnebago, 
Kossuth, Webster, Hamilton, Calhoun, 
Pocahontas, Palo Alto, Sac, Buena Vista, 
Clay, Dickinson and Etnmett, and was 
represented in the House by Cyrus C. Car- 
penter. 

The 8th General Assembly convened at 
Des Moines, Jan. 8, 1860, and adjourned 
April 3, 1860; also convened in extra ses- 
sion May 15, 1861, and adjourned May 29, 
1861. At this time Winnebago county 
was a part of the 40th senatorial district, 
with Julius H. Powers as State senator, 
and a part of the 58th representative 
district with Elbridge G. Bowdoin as 
representative. 

The 9th General Assembly convened at 
Des Moines, Jan. 13, 1862, and adjourned 
April 8, 1862; also convened in extra ses. 



sion Sept. 3, 1862, and adjourned Sept. 11, 
1862. Winnebago county, still in the 
40th senatorial district, was represented 
by George W. Howard. The 54th repre- 
sentative district, composed of the coun- 
ties of Floyd, Cerro Gordo, Worth and 
Winnebago, was still represented by 
Elbridge G. Bowdoin. 

The 10th General Assembly met at Des 
Moines, Jan. 11, 1864, and adjourned 
March 29, 1864. Winnebago county was 
in the 43d senatorial district, w T ith 
George W. Bassett, State senator; and in 
the 57th representative district, Charles 
D. Pritchard, representative. 

The 11th General Assembly convened 
at Des Moines, Jan. 8, 1866, and adjourned 
April 3, 1866. George W. Bassett was 
still State senator, while the counties of 
Worth, Winnebago, Kossuth and Hancock, 
comprising the 58th representative dis- 
trict, were represented by L. Dwelle. 

The 12th General Assembly convened at 
Des Moines, Jan. 13, 1868, and adjourned 
April 8, 1868. Winnebago county was 
represented in the Senate by Theodore 
Ilawley, of Webster county, in the House 
by Charles W. Tenney, of Cerro Gordo 
county. 

The 13th General Assembly met at Des 
Moines Jan. 10, 1870, and adjourned April 
13, 1870. Theodore Hawley was still 
senator and B. F. Hartshorn represented 
Winnebago county in the House. 

The 14th General Assembly convened at 
Des Moines, Jan. 8, 1872, and adjourned 
April 23, 1872, also met in extra session 
Jan. 15, 1873, and adjourned Feb. 
20, 1873. Winnebago county, in the 46th 
senatorial district, and the 69th represent- 
ative district, was represented in the Sen-- 



*C 6 



\ 



L£h 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



76c 



ate by Elisha Howland, of Franklin 
county, and in the House by David Secor, 
of Forest City. 

The 15th General Assembly met at 
Des Moines, Jan. 12, 1874, and adjourned 
March 19, 1874. Elisha A. Howland still 
represented'Winnebago county in the Sen- 
ate, and David Secor in the House. 

The 16th General Assembly convened 
at Des Moines, Jan. 11, 1876. In the Sen- 
ate, Winnebago county was represented 
by Lemuel Dwelle; in the House byH. H. 
Brush. 

The 17th General Assembly met at 
Des Moines, Jan. 15, 1878. Winnebago 
being represented by Lemuel Dwelle, in 
the Senate, and by A. C. Walker, in the 
House. At this session the State was re- 
districted, and Winnebago became a part 
of the 47th senatorial district. 

The 18th General Assembly met at Des 
Moines. on the first Monday in January, 
1880. Frank Goodykoontz was State sen- 
ator from the 47th district, of which 
Winnebago county was a part; while J. 
M. Hull represented the county in the 
House. 

The 19th General Assembly convened 
at the State capitol, Jan. 2, 1882. Winne- 
bago county, in the 47th senatorial dis- 
trict, was represented in the Senate by 
Horace G. Parker, of Cerro Gordo county, 
who was elected in the fall of 1881, to fill 
the vacancy caused by the resignation of 
Frank Goodykoontz. J. E. Anderson rep- 
resented the county in the House. 

In the fall of 1883, John D. Glass, was 
elected State senator, and George F. Wat- 
son, representative. Winnebago county, 
in that year, was in the 47th senatorial and 
the 77th representative districts. 



COUNTY OFFICIALS. 

A history of Winnebago county would, 
indeed, be incomplete without a record of 
the county officials, who have served since 
its organization. There has been much 
difficulty connected with obtaining mate- 
rial for biographical sketches of those who 
have died or moved from the county since 
their official services were performed. 
Where the mention of men, who, in their 
time, were prominent, is short,it is because 
of the meagre material to be secured. The 
following, embraces the complete list of 
the various officers from 1857 to 1883, in- 
clusive. The most important office at the 
commencement of the county's existence, 
was that of 

COUNTY JUDGE. 

This office, in early days, embraced the 
work of several officers of the present day. 
It is treated at length in the judicial chap- 
ter. 

The first county judge was Robert Clark, 
who was elected in the fall of 1857, and 
continued in office until 1862. 

J. K. Boyd was the second judge, elected 
in the fall of 1861. He qualified and as- 
sumed the duties of the office, Jan. 1, 
1362. He was succeeded by Samuel Ten- 
nis, who was elected in the fall of 1863, 
and held the office until it was abolished. 
The duties of the county court system 
passed to the circuit court, and the county 
judge became ex-officio 

COUNTY AUDITOR, 

at the time of the change, in the spring 
of 1869, Samuel Tennis being the first to 
serve as such. 

In the fall of 1869, Hiram K. Landru 
was elected county auditor, and held the 
office three terms. 



F~ 



* 



766 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Hiram K. Landru was a native of Nor- 
way. While he was still a boy, Ms par- 
ents emigrated to America, locating at 
Madison, Wis., where they remained for 
a number of years. In about 1863, he 
came with his parents to Winnebago 
county. Hiram was at this time about 
twenty-three years of age, and when he 
reached this county engaged in farming 
for himself, two miles north of Forest City. 
In 1865 he enlisted in the United States 
service, in company I, 32d Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry, and served till the close of 
the war. Returning from the service he 
engaged in the mercantile business at 
Forest City, continuing in this for nearly 
two years. He then sold out and pur- 
chased a part interest in a steam saw mill, 
which business he followed until being 
elected county auditor. He then sold his 
interest in the saw mill and devoted his 
time to the duties of his office. Mr. Lan- 
dru was not a thorough business man and 
did not make a very efficient officer. Still 
he was well thought of and continued in 
office for six years. He remained about a 
year after the expiration of his last term 
of office, then went to Yellow Medicine 
Co., Minn., where he was living in 1883. 

Eugene Secor was elected county au- 
ditor in October, 1875, and re-elected in 
1877. 

Eugene Secor was born in Putnam Co., 
N. Y., May 13, 1841. At the age of six- 
teen, his father removed to Shrub Oak, 
Westchester county, where he grew to 
manhood, working on his father's farm in 
the summer, and attending district school 
in the winter. On arriving at the age of 
twenty-one, he went west, and located in 
Forest City, Iowa, working at the mason's 



trade summers and teaching school win- 
ters. In 1864, he entered Cornell College, 
at Mt. Vernon, in view of a classical ed- 
ucation, but his brother David having en- 
listed in the war, he was called home to 
oversee his brother's business, and was 
appointed by him deputy treasurer and 
recorder of Winnebago county, and dep- 
uty postmaster at Forest City, which 
position he held for a couple of years. 
In 1867 he was appointed deputy clerk of 
the district court, and in 1868, was elected 
district and circuit clerk, which office he 
he held for three successive terms, being 
elected the last time without opposition. 
In 1875 he was elected county auditor, and 
re-elected in 1877, without opposition. 
In the proceedings to incorporate Forest ' 
City, he was appointed one of the com- 
missioners to call the election, and was 
elected its first mayor, and re-elected three 
successive times. On retiring from the 
office of mayor, he was elected to the 
town council, which position he still holds, 
thus having been identified with the city 
government from its organization. There 
is no person who has taken more inter- 
est in the improvement of town and coun- 
ty than Mr. Secor. He is a member of 
the real estate firm of Secor Brothers & 
Law, and also of the banking house of 
Secors, Law & Plummer. In addition to 
this he finds time to oversee a farm or 
two, is engaged in fruit growing to some 
extent, and successfully manages the larg- 
est apiary in the. county. He is at present 
president of the board of education, and 
takes an active interest in school matters. 
In 1866 he was married to Millie M. 
Spencer, daughter of David M. Spencer, 
a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Secor 



"""■ SlN 



*£* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



767 



have had eight children, only three of 
whom are living — Willard, aged fourteen; 
Alson, aged twelve; and Sadie, an infant. 
Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Secor are members 
of the M. E. Church. Mr. Secor came to 
this county without a dollar, in fact he 
borrowed money to come west with, but 
by industry, energy, perseverance and 
honesty, has succeeded in obtaining a 
competency in this worlds goods, and is 
to-day one of the solid business men of 
the city. 

Charles Isaacs was the next county au- 
ditor, elected in October, 1879, and re- 
elected in 1881 and 1883. 

Charles Isaacs is a native of Norway, 
born Oct. 1, 1S49. In 1855 his parents 
came with their family to the United 
States, settling in Dane Co., Wis. Charles 
remained at home and attended different 
schools of learning, until 18T2, when he 
came to Winnebago Co., Iowa, locating 
on a farm about three miles southwest of 
Lake Mills. He engaged in teaching 
school during the winters and in summers 
worked at farming until in 1875, when he 
purchased a farm and devoted his time to 
its improvement. In 1879 he was elected 
county auditor, and was re-elected in 1881 
and 1883. He was married in 1868 to 
Susan Jorgens, a native of Norway, by 
whom he has seven children living — Em- 
ma, Delia, Oscar, Alfred, Conrad, Rudolph 
and Walter. One son died aged six 
inonths. Mr. Isaacs is a thorough business 
man and is well qualified to fill the posi- 
tion which he has held for two terms. 
He graduated from Worthingtou & War- 
ner's Commercial College, Madison, Wis., 
on May 3, 1872. He is a republican in 



politics; in religion a member of the Nor- 
wegian Lutheran Church. 

TREASURER AND RECORDER. 

At the time Winnebago county was or- 
ganized the duties of these two offices de- 
volved upon one person. This continued 
in vogue until 1863, after which an officer 
was elected for each office. 

The first treasurer and recorder was 
Charles H. Day, who was elected in 1857. 
In 1859 Philip Tennis was elected, but 
failing to qualify, Mr. Day held over till 
the next general election, when he was 
re-elected and again in 1861. 

Charles H. Day is a native of Illinois. 
He came to Forest City, in 1856, from 
Owens Grove, Cerro Gordo county, bring- 
ing with him a steam saw-mill, the prop- 
erty of J. B. Long, judge of Cerro Gordo 
county. For a time Mr. Day was merely 
engineer and manager of the mill, but 
finally he purchased an interest and so 
continued to run it for about a year. 
When elected treasurer and recorder he 
sold his interest in the mill and gave his 
attention to his official duties. After the 
expiration of his term of office he re- 
mained only a short time, but soon went 
to Mason City, Cerro Gordo county, 
where he engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness. He continued in that about a year 
and a half, then sold out. He is still liv- 
ing in Mason City. Mr. Day was a sharp, 
shrewd business man and is now in very 
comfortable circumstances. 

In October, 1863, David Secor was 
elected treasurer and recorder. During 
his term the offices were separated and 
he was retained as treasurer, while J. P. 
Gardner, in 1864, was elected 



J! 



"* ' •> 



Tv 



■V ®_ 



, A 



768 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



COUNTY RECORDER, 

and was the first to fill that office as it is 
to-day. Mr. Gardner held the office for 
two years and made a very efficient offi- 
cer. Ho had a fair education and was a 
good, honest business man. He came to 
Forest City from Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo 
county, in 1863, and remained here until 
his death, which occurred in 1867. His 
widow is still living in Forest City and is 
now the wife of Myron Barton, a mer- 
chant of that place. 

H. S. Bottsford was elected to the office 
in the fall of 1866 and held the office one 
term. Mr. Bottsford came to Forest City 
in 1859 and followed the carpenter's trade 
until his election to office. In 1869 lie 
settled in the north part of the county, 
where he engaged in farming. In 1862 
he was married to Laura Tennis, daughter 
of Samuel Tennis. He finally removed to 
Nebraska, where he was when last heard 
from. He made a very good officer. 

Nelson K. Landru was the next recorder, 
being elected in the fall of 1868, and re- 
elected in 1870. He was a brother of 
Hiram K. Landru, at one time county 
auditor. Mr. Landru was a native of 
Norway, and while young came with his 
parents to the United States. He came 
to Winnebago county in 1863, and worked 
at farming until elected to office. He is 
now in Yellow Medicine Co., Minn. 

E. L. Stillson succeeded Landru as re- 
corder. He was elected in the fall of 
1872 and again in 1874. Mr. Stillson 
made a very efficient officer, serving with 
honor to himself and giving entire satis- 
faction to those with whom he transacted 
business. Mr. Stillson is now engaged in 
the hardware business in Forest City. 



John Law was the next recorder. He 
was elected in the fall of 1876, and re- 
elected in 1878. 

O. T. Severs was elected recorder in 
1880 and again in 1882, being the present 
incumbent. 

O. T. Severs, county recorder, was born 
near Bergen, Norway, in 1845. When a 
mere child his parents emigrated to Amer- 
ica, locating in Cambridge, Dane Co., 
Wis., where they remained until 1873, 
when they removed to Winnebago Co., 
Iowa. His father was buried in Dane 
county, where his mother had been pre- 
viously buried. The subject of this sketch 
was reared on a farm, receiving a liberal 
education. In the fall of 1872 he removed 
to Winnebago county, and in 1873 was 
elected county surveyor. In 1874 he was 
elected to the office of clerk of the courts, 
and in 1880 was elected county recorder, 
being re-elected in 1882. In 1875 he was 
married at Augusta, Wis., to Betsy Bor- 
son. Four children have blessed this 
union — Rankin W., Nannie Amelia, Ettie 
E. and Stella B. Mr. Severs has forty 
acres of land within the city limits, val- 
ued at $20 per acre, and has 160 acres in 
Newton township, valued at $3,000. Mr. 
Severs is a graduate of Eastman's Busi- 
ness College. 

COUNTY TREASURER. 

The first to hold this office was David 
Secor. He was elected in 1863 to the 
combined offices of treasurer and recorder, 
held over as treasurer on their separation, 
and was elected to the treasurership in 
1865. A sketch of Mr. Secor is found 
under the head of "State Representation." 

In 1867 Robert Clark was elected treas- 
urer. He was re-elected in 1869, 1871, 



i "V 



-* 9 



iu 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



769 



1873 and 1875, holding the office until his 
death, which occurred Aug. 12, 1876. Mr. 
Clark was the first county judge, and is rep- 
resented at length in the judicial chapter. 
W. A. Burnap was appointed to the 
treasurership to hold until the next gen- 
eral election. Mr. Burnap was a lawyer, 
and is noticed at length in the bar chap- 
ter. 

William Larson was elected in Novem- 
ber, 1876, to fill out the unexpired term 
of Mr. Clark. He held the office but one 
year. Mr. Larson is a native of Norway. 
He came to the county in 1867 and located 
at Lake Mills, where he engaged in the 
mercantile business. He is still in trade 
at that place. Mr. Larson was a strict 
business man, well educated, and proved 
a very efficient public officer. 

Mikkel Peterson became the next county 
treasurer by the election in the fall of 
1877. He held the office two terms. Mr. 
Peterson is a native of Norway, and be- 
came a resident of this county in 1860. 
He is now following farming. 

At the election in 1881 B. A. Plummer 
was elected treasurer. He was re-elected 
in 1883. 

CLERK OF THE COURTS. 

At the organization of the county, in 
1857, B. F. Denslow was elected the first 
clerk of courts, and held the office until 
Jan. 1, 1861. Mr. Denslow came to the 
county in the spring of 1857, locating in 
Forest City. In 1861 he enlisted in the 
United States service, was taken prisoner 
by the rebels, and died of starvation in 
Libby prison. Mr. Denslow was a man 
of excellent moral character, and made a 
popular public officer. 



In the fall of 1860 A. K. Curtis was 
elected clerk of courts, and served part of 
a term. He was of a roving disposition, 
and soon resigned his office and went to 
Nebraska. J. H. T. Ambrose was ap- 
pointed to fill out the term. 

J. H. T. Ambrose, one of the early set- 
tlers of Winnebago county, was born in 
Hamburg, Germany, Sept. 22,1834. Here 
he grew to manhood and received his edu- 
cation at the University of Kidd. In 
1853 he left Germany and emigrated to 
America, locating in Chicago, at which 
place he remained one year and studied 
our language. In 1855 he was emjiloyed 
in an engineer corps in LaSalle Co., 111. 
In 1856, he removed to Mason City, 
where he was elected as county surveyor, 
which office he filled for four years. In 
1860 he removed to Forest City, Winne- 
bago county, receiving an appointment to 
the clerk of the courts, to fill the vacancy 
made by Keeler Curtis, who had resigned. 
He was elected county surveyor at the 
end of his appointment, which office he 
has since filled, with the exception of 
one term. In 1861 he was married to 
Emma Jane Church, a daughter of Charles 
Church. By this union there has been 
eight children, seven of which are living 
— Ella, Nettie, Clinton, Lillie, Fannie, 
Irving and Clyde. Mr. Ambrose has re- 
sided in the county for nearly a quarter 
of a century, and has seen the prairies 
covered with game chased by the Indians, 
but which in a few short years has been 
changed to good cultivated farms, and the 
hut has been supplanted by comfortable 
homes. Probably there is not a man in 
the county more conversant with its every 
facilities than Mr. Ambrose. 



770 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



In 1862 E. D. Hinman was elected 
clerk and served three terms. Mr. Hin- 
man was a careful business man and made 
a good public record. His popularity as 
an official may be inferred from the fact 
that he was retained in office for six years. 
He is now living on his farm close to 
Lake Mills. 

Eugene Secor was elected Mr. Hinman's 
successor in the fall of 1868, and was re 
elected in 1870 and 1872. Mr. Secor has 
since been elected county auditor and is 
noticed at length in that connection. 

O. T. Severs was the next clerk, elect- 
ed in 1874. He is the present county re- 
corder and under that head may be found 
his biographical sketch. 

In the fall of 1876 W. O. Hanson was 
elected clerk of courts. He is the pres- 
ent incumbent, having been re-elected in 
1878, 1880 and 1882. 

W. O. Hanson, clerk of the courts of 
Winnebago county, was born near Lille- 
hammer, on the Miosen, Norway, May 13, 
1843. He emigrated with his parents to 
America in 1854, his father dying on the 
way, of cholera, at Pine Lake, Wis. The 
family, destitute of means, consisted of 
the widowed mother and four children — 
William O., aged eleven years; Christian 
H.,aged six years;John P., aged three years 
and Ella S., aged two months, and born 
on the Atlantic ocean. They settled in 
Jefferson Co., Wis. The subject of this 
sketch was thrown upon his own resources 
to provide for himself and to assist in the 
support of the family. The years of his 
boyhood were variously occupied, chiefly 
on the farm, at school, in the saw mill and 
in the store. In the fall of 1864, he re- 
moved to Decorah, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, 



where he secured a situation in a store. 
In 1866 he embarked in the mercantile 
business on his own account, under the 
firm name of Wilson & Hanson, with a 
satisfactory degree of success. In the fall 
of 1867 the firm sold out, and with some 
other gentlemen organized a stock com- 
pany for the manufacture of woolen goods 
and carrying on a general mercantile busi- 
ness, under the name and style of the 
Winneshiek Manufacturing & Commer- 
cial Association, and founded the "Win- 
neshiek Woolen Mills." Mr. Hanson be- 
ing treasurer and manager of the mercan- 
tile department for over three years, when 
he sold his interest and resigned. On the 
31st of May, 1868, he was married to Mary 
Wood, of the town of Ashippun, Dodge 
Co., Wis., who died on the 3d of Septem- 
ber, following. In the fall of 1870 he 
moved to Forest City, Winnebago Co., 
Iowa, and again engaged in the mercantile 
business, under the firm name of W. O. 
Hanson & Co., afterwards Aiken & Han- 
son. He subsequently purchased the in- 
terest of Mr. Aiken and continued in the 
business until 1876. He was married to 
Jennie Anderson, of Decorah, Iowa, on 
the 13th of May, 1871, and by this mar- 
riage has had four children, three of whom 
are living — Harry M., Ida E. and Nellie M. 
In the fall of 1871, he was elected a member 
of the county board of supervisors, hold- 
ing the position of chairman for two years. 
In 1876 he was elected clerk of the courts 
and re-elected, without any opposition, to 
speak of, in 1878, 1880 and 1882. Upon 
the incorporation of the town of Forest 
City, in 1878, he was appointed, by the 
circuit court, one of the commissioners to 
perfect the organization of the town, and 



tfT 



J> \J- 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



771 



at the first election of officers of the in- 
corporation, he was elected a member of 
the council and has since held that office 
by re-election. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, and of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Hanson are members of the Con- 
gregational Church. In politics, he is a 
republican, and takes a lively interest in 
public affairs. Mr. Hanson came to this 
country a poor boy, but by hard work lias 
gained himself a position, of which he 
may well be proud. 

SHERIFFS. 

The first sheriff in Winnebago county 
was John S. Blowers, who was elected in 
the fall of 1857, when the county was first 
organized. 

M. P. Goodell was the second sheriff, 
elected in 1861. He did not serve long, 
however, but resigned and enlisted into 
the service, joining the 32d Iowa Volun- 
teer Infantry. The only news ever re- 
ceived in regard to what became of him 
is that he was wounded in the battle of 
Pleasant Hill, and left on the field for 
dead. 

John Maben was appointed the succes- 
sor of Mr. Goodell, and held the office 
until Jan. 1, 1862. Mr. Maben is the pres- 
ent treasurer of Hancock county. 

The next sheriff was Joseph Tennis, 
elected in the fall of 1862. He held the 
office one year. 

He was succeeded by A. P. Harper, 
who was elected in the fall of 1863. Dur- 
ing the one term that Mr. Harper held 
the office, he became quite unpopular, and 
people thought, and still say that he was 
in league with law-breakers. He left the 
county some time after the expiration of 



his term of office, and his whereabouts at 
present is not known. 

In 1865 Charles Lutz was elected sheriff 
and held the office one term. Mr. Lutz 
came here from Indiana in the spring of 
1856. He located on a farm and tried 
farming on a small scale. He also specu- 
lated somewhat in lands and attended the 
land sale at Osage in the fall of 1857. Al- 
though a sharp, shrewd fellow, he never 
made much and whathe did make he could 
not keep. He left, in 1870, a poor man, 
and went to Dakota. As an officer he 
was not very efficient. 

H. K. Landru was elected sheriff in 
1867 and held the office one term. A 
sketch of him is given under the head of 
county auditor, to which office he was 
elected in 1869. 

The next sheriff was Peter Lewis, who 
who was elected in 1869, and re-elected 
in 1871, 1873 and 1875. 

Mr. Lewis came to Winnebago county, 
from Wisconsin, in 1863, and settled at 
Forest City. He was married while here 
to Carrie Brones, a resident of the 
county. Mr. Lewis was one of the most 
efficient and popular men ever elected to 
the office. He was kind and considerate 
in his official position, but was neverthe- 
less a true custodian of the law and would 
perform his duties with firmness and dis- 
patch. He bore a good character and as 
a man was esteemed by every one. He 
died in 1879. 

He was succeeded by J. H. Twito, who 
was elected in 1877. Mr. Twito has held 
the office ever since, being last elected in 
1883. 

Jacob H. Twito, sheriff of Winnebago 
Co., Iowa, was born in Racine Co., Wis., 



a ■>- 






k. 



772 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Feb. 21, 1847. He was a son of Hans 
Twito, who emigrated from Norway to 
Racine county, in 1842, where he became 
acquainted with Ellen Jacobson and whom 
he soon after married. They were the 
parents of eight children, four sons and 
four daughters. In 1852 he removed to 
Houston Co., Minn., where he purchased 
land and engaged in farming. He was a 
large, powerful man, being six feet two 
inches in height and weighing 210 pounds. 
He was considered one of the strongest 
men who had left Norway. He died in 
Houston county, in 18G5,leavinga wife and 
large family to mourn his loss. Mrs. 
Twito is still living in Winnebago county. 
The subject of this sketch was reared on 
a farm, and received a limited education, 
being principally self-educated. In 1875 
he was married to Carrie J. Halverson, of 
Winnebago county, by whom he has had 
four children — Henry, James E., Ellen G. 
and Cora. In October, 1877, he was elected 
to the office of sheriff, and re-elected in 
1879, 1881 and 1883. Mr. Twito is a man 
who attends close to his business, giving 
general satisfaction to all as a good officer 
and one of the best detectives in the 
State. He is a member of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, and with his 
wifeis amember of the Lutheran Church. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 

The office of superintendent of common 
schools for each county was created by 
an act of the General Assembly in the 
winter of 1857-8, and an election called 
in April, 1858, to fill the office. 

C. W. Scott was elected the first super- 
intendent of schools, for Winnebago 
county, in the spring of 1858. 



Mr. Scott came here from Indiana in 
1856 and engaged in farming. He left 
the county in 1868, going to Iowa Falls, 
Hardin county. He is now dead. 

In 1859 B. F. Denslow was elected to 
this office and held for one term. A 
sketch of Air. Denslow is given under 
head of clerk of courts. 

Martin Bumgardner was the next super- 
intendent, elected in 1861. Mr. Bum- 
gardner was a native of New York, and, 
coining to this county in an early day, he 
figured prominently in its affairs. He 
was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and 
was the builder of the present court 
house in Forest City. He remained here 
until 1868, then went to Mason City, 
where he lived several years. He is now 
engaged in farming in Hancock county. 
Mr. Bumgardner resigned before his 
term expired, and David Secor was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy, holding about 
one year. 

In the fall of 1863 Augustus Oiilman 
was elected and held the office two years. 
Mr. Oulmati came here from Philadelphia, 
Penn., in 1860. He was a Frenchman by 
birth, was fairly educated, and was a 
wood carver by trade. He is now living 
at Lake Mills, where he has for some 
years been engaged at carpentering. 

Next in office came C. A. Steadman, 
who was elected in 1865, and re-elected 
in 1867. Mr. Steadman was a teacher by 
profession, and made a very efficient su- 
perintendent. On coming to Forest City 
in 1862 he became teacher of the public 
school. He is now living on his farm 
north of Forest City. 

In 1869 Martin Cooper was elected 
county superintendent. He is a lawyer 



•* — n ±+. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



773 



by profession, and is still a resident of 
Forest City. 

His successor was A. L. Shay, who was 
elected in the fall of 1871. Mr. Shay 
was a physician of Lake Mills. 

In 1873 W. W. Olmstead was elected 
and held the office for two years. Mr. 
Olmstead is a lawyer by profession. 

W. A. Chapman was elected superin- 
tendent in the fall of 1875, and was re- 
elected in 1877. He is now practicing 
law at Lake Mills. 

In 1879 A. N. Brones was elected. He 
is now serving on his third term, being 
last elected in 1883. 

A. N. Brones, superintendent of schools 
of Winnebago county, was born near 
Christrand, Norway, June 23, 1847. When 
six years of age his parents emigrated to 
America and located in Dane Co., Wis., 
where they engaged in farming. Here 
Mr. Brones grew to manhood, receiving 
his education in the district school. In 
the fall of 1864 he enlisted in the 43d 
regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, com- 
pany I, and served in the last battle at 
Nashville, and until the close of the war. 
In July, 1865, he removed to Winnebago 
county, where he entered the graded 
school of Forest City, then spending two 
terms at the Upper Iowa University, at 
Fayette, Fayette county, and graduated 
in the commercial department. After 
leaving school he engaged in teaching, 
which he followed until 1880. In 1872 
he was elected as county supervisor, serv- 
ing two terms. In the fall of 1879 he 
was elected as county superintendent of 
schools, and re-elected in 1881 and 1883, 
which position he has filled with due 
credit. On June 22, 1881, he was joined 



in wedlock to Emma Jacobs, a daughter 
of Jacob Jacobs, of Winnebago county. 
This union has been blessed with one 
child — Oliver Jay. Mr. Brones is a Mas- 
ter Mason, a member of Truth Lodge, 
No. 213. Mrs. Brones is a member of the 
Lutheran Church, where the family wor- 
ship. 

COUNTY SURVEYOR. 

The first surveyor of Winnebago county 
was C. W. Scott, who was elected in 1857. 
He held the office until 1862. 

Augustus Oulman was elected in the 
fall of 1801 and performed the duties of 
the office for two years. 

J. H. T. Ambrose was the next surveyor, 
elected in 1863. A sketch of Mr. Am- 
brose is given in connection with the 
office of clerk of courts. 

In 1865 Augustus Oulman was again 
elected to the office. He was re-elected in 
1867, and was succeeded by J. H. T. Am- 
brose, who was elected in 1869. 

In 1871 W. C. Hay ward was elected 
surveyor. He held the office for a short 
time, then resigned and W. A. Burnap 
was appointed to take his place. Mr. Hay- 
ward was for a time connected with the 
Winnebago Press. 

O. T. Severs was elected in 1873 and 
after holding the office about six weeks 
he resigned, and John Ambrose received 
the appointment. Mr. Severs is the pres- 
ent county recorder. Mr. Ambrose was 
elected in 1875, and held two years longer. 

In 1877 Augustus Oulman was again 
elected, but did not serve out his regular 
term as the records show that John Am- 
brose succeeded him by the election of 
1878. . Mr. Ambrose was re-elected in 
1879 and 1881. 



^ 



f 



in 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



In 1883 L. T. Thompson was elected 
county surveyor. 

CORONER. 

The first coroner, Philip Tennis, was 
elected in the spring of 1858, and held the 
office one term. Mr. Tennis was born in 
Indiana, and was a son of Samuel Tennis, 
Winnebago county's last county judge. 
lie was a genial fellow and was well liked. 
He died a few years after the expiration of 
his term of office. 

He was succeeded by Thomas Bearse, 
who also held the office one term. Mr. 
Bearse was one among the first settlers 
of the county, and is noticed at length in 
that connection. 

Darius Bray was the next coroner, 
elected in 1863. He held the office until 
1870. Mr. Bray was one of the early set- 
tlers of the county, and is noticed at 
length in that connection. 

D. C. Hayes was the~next coroner. He 
was elected in 1869 and held the office one 
term. Mr. Hayes' sketch appears in the 
bar chapter. 

G. P. Smith succeeded Hayes, and held 
the office two years. 



He was succeeded by P. C. Jones, who 
was elected in 1873. 

V. A. Jones was elected coroner in 1874, 
and was re-elected in 1875. 

In 1877 Dr. J. M. Hull was elected. Dr. 
Hull is a practicing physician, of Lake 
Mills. 

T. G. Tweed was elected in 1879 and 
served two years. 

He was succeeded by J. H. Brakke,who 
was elected in the fall of 1881. 

In 1883 C. E. Keeler was elected to the 
office. 

DRAINAGE COMMISSIONER. 

J. B. Torbert was the first to hold this 
office. He was elected in the spring of 
1858 and served two terms. 

In 1861 the choice of the people fell 
upon Darius Bray, who held the office two 
terms . 

J. B. Hill was the next elected, in 1865, 
and was succeeded by William Lackore, 
in the fall of 1867. 

In 1869 Darius Bray was again elected, 
and held the office until it was abolished 
by law. 



■e]r 



3v* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



115 



CHAPTER VI 



THE PRESS. 



One of the most powerful and far 
reaching instrumentalities which exerts a 
great influence upon society and morals, 
is the press of the land. Visit the larger 
cities and there we find the press daily 
pouring column after column of new T s 
matter before its readers; it enters almost 
every home and is the enjoyment of 
almost every fireside, thus moulding, as it 
were, minds and characters and extending 
its already powerful influence. Again, 
visit the smaller towns and villages and 
there is found the weekly press entering 
into every household to acquaint the peo- 
ple of the world's doings. Thus it istl»at 
the press becomes one of the most power- 
ful levers in moving the world. The tal- 
ented minister of the gospel, on the Sab- 
bath day, preaches to a few hundred peo- 
ple; on the followingmorninghis thoughts 
are reproduced more than a thousand fold 
by the press and are read and discussed 
throughout the length and breadth of the 
land. The attorney at the bar, in burning 
words of eloquence, pleads for his client, 
perhaps the criminal arraigned for trial,of- 
ten causing the jury to return a verdict to- 
tally at variance with the law and testimo 
ny in the case. His words are reproduced 
in every daily that is reached by the tele- 
graphic wire, and his arguments are calmly 
weighed by unprejudiced men and ac- 



cepted for what they are worth. The 
politician takes the stand and addresses a 
handful of men upon the political questions 
of the day; his speech is reported to the 
press and is read by 1,000 men for 
every one that heard the address. Sud- 
denly a terrific tornado sweeps over a por- 
tion of the country, devastating the land 
for miles and miles, destroying homes, 
scattering ruin, death and misery all along 
its wild path, leaving homeless and destitute 
thousands, who once possessed happy 
homes and prosperous fields. The terri- 
ble news is borne along the wire with the 
rapidity of lightning; the press takes it up 
and sends the tidings forth to the world. 
No time is lost in sending relief; the press 
has made known their wants, and they are 
instantly supplied. "Chicago is on fire! 
Two hundred millions worth of property 
destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered 
homeless!" Such is the dread intelligence 
proclaimed by the press. Food and 
clothing are hastily gathered, trains are 
chartered, and the immediate wants of the 
sufferers are in a measure relieved. 

The local press is justly considered 
among the most important institutions of 
every city, town and village. The people 
of every community regard their particu- 
lar newspaper or newspapers as of peculiar 
value, and this not merely on account of 



ST5* 



»* 



776 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



the fact already alluded to, but because 
these papers are the repositories wherein 
are stored the facts and the events, the 
deeds and the sayings, the undertakings 
and the achievements, that go to make up 
final history. One by one these tilings 
are gathered and placed in type ; one by 
one these papers are issued; one by one 
these papers are gathered together and 
bound, and, another volume of local, gen- 
eral and individual history is laid away 
imperishable. The volumes thus collected 
are sifted by the historian, and the book 
for the library is ready. Owing to the 
numerous changes in the proprietorship of 
the.papers in Winnebago county, perfect 
files cannot be found, and where in places 
discrepancies occur they are attributable 
alone to incompleteness in files of the 
papers. 

WINNEBAGO PRESS. 

The first newspaper in the county bore 
the above name, the initial number of 
which appeared June 14,1867, at Forest 
City, with Will Kelly as editor and pub- 
lisher. Owing to delay in getting part 
of the material here Mr. Kelly could not 
publish a complete paper, so printed a 
half-sheet. He apologized for this ex- 
cuse of a paper and promised that as soon 
as the "pi" could be sorted and the press 
made to work all right he would present 
a more respectable looking sheet. The 
following week the Press was issued full 
size. It was a five column quarto, well 
filled with news of a local and general 
character, and contained a fair number of 
advertisements. It seems, however, that 
Mr. Kelly lacked in those firm business 
qualities so necessary to the success of 
his enterprise. He was a fair writer and 



seemed to be energetic and full of spirit, 
but he lacked that courage and stability, 
which, had he possessed, might have en- 
abled him to successfuly overcome the 
difficulties that are always encountered by 
the pioneer journalist. 

In September, 1867, the Press came un- 
der the management of Arthur Linn and 
J. C. Harwood, two active enterprising 
young men from Charles City, Floyd Co., 
Iowa. Messrs. Linn & Harwood enlarged 
he paper to a six column folio and coi- 
tinned their partnership until Nov. 11, 
1869, when Mr. Linn sold to his partner 
and retired. He then went to Yankton, 
Dakota, and has since made that territory 
his home. Since his residence there he 
has been territorial printer and when last 
heard from, in 1883, was editor of the 
Bismark Herald. 

Mr. Harwood continued the publication 
of the Press with good success and con- 
siderably increased its circulation. In 
the fall of 1870, the Press was enlarged 
to a seven column sheet, and in July fol- 
lowing, it was again increased in size by 
adding another column, making a large 
eight column paper, in size and general 
appearance equal to any journal in north- 
ern Iowa. In October, 1871, Mr. Har- 
wood relinquished control of the Press 
and the paper passed, by purchase, into 
the hands of W. C. Hayward and M. Hal- 
vorsen. Mr. Harwood bade his patrons 
good bye as follows: 

"Having sold the Press establishment 
to Messrs. Hayward & Halvorsen, a few 
words as a closing salute is all that I have 
to offer. 'I came a stranger and ye took me 
in,' and to the best of my ability have you 
been served. In many things I may have 



I* 



*? « 



9 W_ 



4£, 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



777 



been hasty and injudicious, but hoping 
and expecting that all shortcomings will be 
laid to youth,inexperience and natural ver- 
dancy, I drop that portion of the subject. 

"To the friends who have generously 
assisted me, by their patronage, financially 
or otherwise, I return my sincere thanks. 

"As my successors are well known in 
in this vicinity, no word of comment in 
relation to their ability and fitness for 
the position is needed. If properly aided 
by public patronage, as they should be, 
they will give you a live paper — one that 
will be not only a credit to themselves but 
an honor to the town and county. 

"Again thanking one and all for favors 
shown, I remain. Truly Yours, 

J. C. Haewood." 

For about eight months after selling 
the Press, Mr. Harwood was engaged in 
mercantile business with B. A. Plummer, 
after which he went to Hampton, Iowa 
and purchased the Franklin County 
Chronicle. He is now editor of the 
Wright County Monitor. 

Messrs. Hay ward & Halvorsen took con- 
trol of the Press with the issue of Oct. 12, 
1871, and in that paper published the fol- 
lowing salutatory: 

"This being the first number of the 
Press issued by the new proprietors, it 
will only be in accordance with prevailing 
custom, to inflict the public with a few 
words explanatory, showing in brief the 
course that will be followed, and the ob- 
jects to which most especial attention 
will be given. Having located in Winne- 
bago county with the intention of making 
our residence permanent, our interests 
are necessarily co-incident with hers, and 
in this belief the first object to which we 



shall devote our attention will be the up- 
building of our county, the promotion of 
the interests of her citizens, and their 
general and common welfare as such. To 
further our efforts, we believe the most 
potent power, and the one that will ac- 
complish the greatest results, is a 
thoroughly^ wide-awake local newspaper; 
one that will be devoted exclusively to 
home interests — that will be a full and 
fair record of passing events in our own 
and adjoining counties and that will 
work ever for the financial and social ben- 
efits arising from earnest thought and 
honest labor. To make our paper such, 
we propose to devote our fullest energies' 
and individual attention. 

"Politically, we belong to the party 
who endorse Grant's administration, and 
hope at the next Presidential election to 
see the man, who through war and peace 
has proved faithful to the trusts reposed 
in him by the American people, again 
elected to the high position he now occu- 
pies. But while we occasionally notice 
the most important questions that from 
time to time agitate political circles, we 
shall give but little space in our columns 
to political controversy, and dabble but 
little in party politics. We believe a man 
is a man whether he belongs to the re- 
publican party or the democratic, or none 
at all; and prefer that our paper be de- 
voted to the more especial calling of dis- 
seminating news, and not to the one-sided 
interests of any clique or party. 

"If we are ever found astride a hobby, 
we predict that it will be of the north Iowa 
build, for we squarely believe northern 
Iowa to be the best part of the best State 
in the Union, and we hope to be able oc- 



ii. 



778 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



casionally to show up a few of the numer- 
ous advantages, and superior inducements 
that will tend to increase the already 
heavy tide of immigration, and eventually 
make this part of glorious Iowa the Eden 
garden of the west. 

"In our efforts to make the Press what 
it should be, a people's paper, we ask the 
co-operation of every citizen of the county. 
Give us your support and we pledge our- 
selves to the performance of our duty to 
the fullest of possessed ability." 

Messrs. Hay ward & Halvopsen con- 
tinued in partnership until July 1, 1873, 
when Mr. Hayward retired, selling his 
"interest to his partner. Mr. Hayward in 
retiring from the editorial chair, said: 

"With this issue we close our connec- 
tion with the Winnebago Press. For 
just one year and nine months we have 
worked for the interests of the paper and 
its patrons, and during that time have had 
naught of which to complain. Our po- 
sition has brought us into business rela- 
tions with many, and led us to form ac- 
quaintances that wo are quite unwilling 
to drop. There are many who have rend- 
ered us valuable aid and assistance, and 
none to our knowledge, have wantonly op- 
posed us, and to these first and to all we 
return our warmest thanks. Mr. Halvorsen, 
who succeeds us as editor, has been our 
junior partner since our first connection 
with the Press. Me is a young man of 
good habits, sterling integrity, energetic 
and bound to succeed in whatever he un- 
dertakes; he, in fact, is so well and favor- 
ably known that further commendatory 
remarks by us are uncalled for, and we 
close by wishing him unbounded success. 
W. C. Hayward." 



Soon afterward Mr. Hayward went to 
Garner, this State, and purchased the 
Hancock County Signal, which he con- 
tinued to run until in 1883, when he en- 
gaged in the banking business. 

Mr. Halvorsen, in the next issue of the 
Press, made the following announcement: 

"As will be seen by the above dissolu- 
tion notice, the firm of Hayward & Hal- 
vorsen is dissolved, and the undersigned 
has taken full charge of the Winnebago 
Press. The same course will be pursued 
as heretofore, and no material change will 
take place at present. We do not know 
what Mr. Hayward will undertake, but in 
whatever business he may engage, we 
wish him unbounded prosperity. We 
shall strive as far as in our power to 
merit the continued liberal patronage of 
our own readers, as well as the people at 
large.' With these few remarks we as- 
sume editorial supervision. 

M. Halvorsen." 

Mr. Halvorsen remained in sole charge 
of the Press until Jan. 1, 1874, when A. 
H. Chase purchased a half interest, and 
the firm became Halvorsen & Chase. The 
Press was continued until about the 1st 
of March, when its name was changed to the 

NORTHERN IOWA GAZETTE. 

The paper under its new title appeared 
as an eight column folio, all home print, 
showing an enterprising spirit on the part 
of the proprietors that is not often met 
with in this western country. The paper 
showed a handsome appearance, and its 
matter and make-up bespoke ability, not 
only editorially, but mechanically. 

In November, 1874, Mr. Halvorsen sold 
out to his partner, A. II. Chase, and re- 
moved to Lake Mills, this county, where 



r 



!£ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



77ii 



he established the Independent Herald. 
He conducted this journal some two or 
three years, then sold to E. D. Hinman, 
and went to Albert Lea, Minn. He there 
purchased an interest in the Albert Lea 
Enterprise, of which paper he is now sole 
editor and proprietor. 

In bidding adieu to the former friends 
of the Gazette, Mr. Halvorsen said: 

"We have sold our interest in the North- 
ern Iowa Gazette to A. H. Chase. During 
our connection with this establishment 
we have made many friends, as well as 
enemies. Our friends have been true to 
us, and we shall never forget them. We 
return our thanks to our former patrons 
for the liberal patronage they have 
deemed the enterprise worthy of. The 
principles which we have advocated are 
well known. We have been perfectly 
honest and sincere in upholding these, 
and until we are convinced of their ineoi 
redness, we shall not cease in advocating 
the same, regardless of fear or favor. To 
our friends we return our most heartfelt 
thanks for the true friendship they have 
shown us. Respectfully, 

M. Halvorsen." 

Nov. 26, 1874, A. H. Chase became 
sole editor and proprietor of the Northern 
Iowa Gazette, and he at once changed its 
name to that of 

WINNEBAGO SUMMIT. 

In the first issue of the Summit, Mr. 
Chase addressed his patrons in the follow- 
ing words: 

OUR NEW NAME. 

"The Northern Iowa Gazette has been 
merged into the Winnebago Summit, and 
the paper will hereafter be published 
under this name. This change was ren- 



dered necessary to avoid confusion in 
business growing out of the changes 
which have resulted in placing this news- 
paper in the hands of the present editor 
and publisher. Our new name may seem 
a trifle toploftical, but then we are on 
high land and shall try to keep well up 
among the best newspapers of the State, 
and while we may never reach the tiptop, 
we shall "keep an eye" on the Summit. 
We hope that our new venture may meet 
the approbation and receive the support 
of this community. We have no new 
principles to teach and no "new depart- 
ures" in politics to take, but shall aim to 
make the Summit, as its name implies, a 
welcome guest to every hearthstone in 
our county. Our friends in the various 
townships will confer a favor on us by 
sending us an account of any news trans- 
piring in their respective localities. 
Thanking all for their kindness in the 
past, we hope to merit our share of the 
patronage and good things of the future." 
The Summit has steadily grown in 
popularity, and under the efficient man- 
agement of its editor and publisher, Mr. 
Chase, it has become one of the best 
newspapers in northern Iowa. Its circu- 
lation is large and its advertising patron- 
age is second to none in the county. The 
press upon which this paper is printed 
has an eventful history. It was first used 
at Belmont, Wis., when Iowa was yet 
known as the territory "of Wisconsin, and 
afterwards at Burlington, and was used 
in printing] the* first paper within the 
limits of Iowa, in the spring of 1837. 
Afterwards this venerable "Foster Patent" 
was started on a tour of service through 
the eastern and northern portions' of the 



35 



^ 



jh 



780 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



State, stopping for brief periods at Osage, 
at Mason City and at Ellington, Hancock 
county, before it reached Forest City. It 
is the oldest press in the State, and still 
does good service. 

A. H. Chase, editor and proprietor of 
the Winnebago Summit, was born at 
Peekskill, Westchester Co., N. Y., July 
4, 1833. His parents were Jesse and 
Sarah (Haight) Chase, both natives of 
New York, the former born Aug. 12, 
1794; the latter born Die. 1, 1805. In 
1883 they were both living, residing at 
Croton Landing, N. Y. They have 
four sons and one daughter living — El- 
mer, aged fifty-six years, now in the man- 
ufacture of boots and shoes at Nyack, 
N. Y.; Ambrose H., the subject of 
this sketch; Elvin, a teacher since 1852, 
now teaching at Croton Landing, N. 
Y.; and Caroline P., now Mrs. Clarence 
Anderson, of Croton Landing, N. Y. 
The Chase family are of English descent. 
Coming from England in 1680, they set- 
tled in one of the New England States. 
Obed Chase, grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch, was born in 1755 and en- 
listing when about twenty, served for eight 
years during the Revolutionary War. The 
ancestry on the mother's side of the 
house is traceable back to France, from 
whence the Haights came in about 1650, 
settling in Connecticut, and subsequently 
moving to New York State. The grand- 
father Haight was born in 1776 and in 
1878 was still alive, having reached the 
hale old age of 102 years. A. H. Chase, 
the subject of this sketch, left the paren- 
tal roof when about eleven years old, and 
for six years worked on a farm near his 
home. When seventeen he went to New 



York city, where he clerked in a store for 
one year, then commenced teaching school 
in his native county. He continued teach- 
ing in different parts of the State for 
eleven years, then located in York, 
Penn., where he, in company with sev- 
eral others, established the True Demo- 
crat, which, though bearing the name 
Democrat, was a republican paper. Mr. 
Chase edited this journal for six years, 
then purchased the York Republican, 
which he conducted for three years. Dur- 
ing two years of this time he resided in 
Washington, D. C, where he was private 
secretary to D. C. Whitman, first deputy 
commissioner of the internal revenue de- 
partment. Iu May, 1867, he was appoint- 
ed statistical clerk of public schools by 
the governor of Pennsylvania, and held 
the position for five years. In 1873, he 
came to Iowa, locating at Forest City, 
where, on the 1st of January, 1874, he 
purchased a half interest in the Press. 
Ten months later he became the sole pro- 
prietor of that paper, with which he has 
since been identified. Mr. Chase was 
married in 1856 to Elizabeth T. Hulse, a 
native of Orange Co., N. Y. They have 
been blessed with four children — Annie 
N., born Sept. 26, 1857, now Mrs. Milton 
V. Richards, of St. Paul; Franklin A., 
born Dec. 14, 1860, now in the United 
States postal service on the Minneapo- 
lis & St. Louis R. R.; Charles S., born 
June 22, 1862, now foreman of the Win- 
nebago Summit office; and Edwin H, born 
in April, 1869. Mr. Chase was reared a 
free soil democrat, but on the organiza- 
tion of the republican party, in 1856, he 
espoused its principles and has "kept the 
faith" ever since. His first Presidential 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



;>i 



vote was cast for John C. Fremont. For 
a number of years Mr. Chase has been in 
the lecture field and has earned the repu- 
tation of being one of the ablest speak- 
ers in this part of the State. He has a 
good delivery, is logical, clear-cut and 
pointed in his arguments, and the able 
manner with which he addresses himself 
to any subject, shows him to be a man of 
culture and extensive research in the 
realm of science and literature. He has 
won considerable repute as a stump speak- 
er, having "stumped" most all the east- 
ern States and Iowa, both during Presi- 
dential and gubernatorial campaigns. 
His writings prove him a man of fine 
literary lasts, and this not only in prose 
but also in poetry, of which he has writ- 
ten a great deal. 

THE WINNEBAGO CHIEF. 

The first number of this paper ap- 
peared Feb. 4, 1880. It was a sis columi 
quarto, clean and neat, and well fillet! 
with general and local news. Clayton O. 
Ingalls, of Clear Lake, Iowa, established 
the Chief, and was its editor and publish- 
er, George E. Frost, of Clear Lake, being 
its owner. In the first number of the pa- 
per, there was published the following 
introductory remarks: 

"In introducing ourselves to the public 
and to the people of Forest City and 
Winnebago county, we will say that we 
are young at the business, but we will 
give you a paper that will be a credit to 
your town and county. Although there 
are two other papers in the county, yet 
there is room for one more (the Chief). 
As Forest City is the county seat, and is 
likely to remain so for a good many years 



to come, we will endeavor to work par- 
ticularly for its interests. 

"We have come among you almost an 
entire stranger, and have cast our anch- 
or, and shall hereafter make Forest City 
our home, and we respectfully solicit the 
patronage and influence of the people of 
its community. 

"The Chief, a six column quarto, being 
the largest and cheapest paper in the 
county, will make you regular weekly 
visits and will keep you posted in the 
local and general news of the day, firmly 
standing up for what we believe to be 
right and strongly opposing that which is 
wrong. C. O. Ingalls." 

In September, 1880, 11. M. Ilalvorsen 
and J. T. Lattimore purchased the Win- 
nebago Chief, and' changed the name to 

WINNEBAGO WEEKLY REVIEW. 

This paper presented its first issue to 
the people on the 15th of September, 
1880. It was a six column quarto, and 
was well filled with interesting local and 
other matter. Messrs. Ilalvorsen and 
Lattimore, in entering upon the duties of 
the management of the above paper, said: 

"The Winnebago Review, successor to 
the Winnebago Chief, is herewith pre- 
sented to you. In entering upon our duties 
as editors of this paper, in accordance 
with custom, it is but proper we should 
give a brief outline of what we expect to 
make the Review, with the kindly assist- 
ance of friends throughout the county. 
In the first place, the local field will par 
ticularly receive our attention, and from 
week to week we shall, to the best of our 
ability, present a thorough Review of all 
happenings and events transpiring within 
Winnebago county and northern Han- 



;pr 



>V 






782 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



cock. Although our field is local, yet in 
addition to such news we also propose to 
give a Weekly Review of all general news, 
both foreign and domestic. In short, it 
will be our aim to make the Review a 
family necessity, and worth many times 
the subscription price to all residents, or 
other parties in any way interested in the 
affairs of Winnebago county. In politics, 
we believe in the principles of the glori- 
ous republican party, and we shall do 
what we can to sustain it. We are bound 
to no clique or clan, and will Review the 
acts of all public officers fearlessly and 
impartially, believing that the people 
should know the truth, regardless of the re- 
sults to aspirations and ambitions of can- 
didates for office and office holders. 

"In connection with our newspaper of- 
fice we have one of the best equipped job 
printing establishments in northern Iowa, 
and we solicit work of this character from 
our business men and others in need of 
anything in this line, guaranteeing satis- 
faction, both as to price and quality of 
work. 

"With these outlines of what we pro- 
pose to make the Review, we enter upon 
our work. H. M. Halvorsen, 

J. T. Lattimore." 

On April 15, 1881, Mr. Halvorsen be- 
came sole editor and proprietor of the 
Review, and so continued until Jan. 1, 
1882. At this time he formed a partner- 
ship with his brother, M. C. Halvorsen, 
and the firm name of H. M. Halvorsen & 
Co., was adopted. In 1883 the Winneba- 
go Review was still under the manage- 
ment of the above firm. 

NORTH STAR. 

The paper bearing the above name was 
established in June, 1872, at Lake Mills, 



by E. D. Hinman & Co. It was a six 
column folio and was established in the 
interest of the northern part of the county, 
which up to this time had been without a 
paper. Lake Mills was still a little vil- 
lage, with but a few houses, still the in- 
habitants did all they possibly could to 
help along in the enterprise and almost 
every business man had an advertisement 
in the paper. Though small, it was amply 
large for the times. The editorial man- 
agement fell entirely to Mr. Hinman, who 
performed his duties in an able and cred- 
itable manner. The first issue appeared 
June 3, 1872, and in introducing the North 
Star to the citizens of Winnebago county, 
Mr. Hinman said: 

"It is an old custom among journalists 
to give, in the initial number of the sheet 
they spread before the public, a lengthy 
catalogue and tiresome category of the 
events, causes, whys and wherefores that 
led to their perilous undertaking, and 
sketch in minutest detail the hopes, aims, 
desires and expectations that for months 
have been fomenting within the narrow 
confines of cranial walls, generating force 
for expansion into unheard of improbabili- 
ties. This is, without doubt, all right, 
and strictly in accordance with the dictates 
of conventionality; we propose, however, 
to vary somewhat from the general rule, 
leaving our readers to gather from the 
columns of the Star, in its weekly visits, 
what perchance there may be of fact 
or fancy to illustrate practically what 
would be but 'twice told to tell it here.' 
Still, it may be well to follow in the old 
ruts far enough to say that the North Star 
will be devoted to the interests of Lake 
Mills and vicinity in particular, and Win- 



a& 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



783 



nebago county and Northern Iowa in gen- 
eral. Republican in politics, but retaining 
its constitutional right to freedom of ex- 
pression in criticising party measures or 
actions, not deemed in accordance with 
native inborn views of right and wrong. 
Subject to no clique and untrammeled by 
sectional influence. 

"Respectfully asking for the patronage 
we may fairly merit, but begging favors 
of no man, with malice toward none and 
charity for all, we remain, 
Yours truly, 

E. D. Hinman- & Co." 

The North Star was printed at the Press 
office in Forest City, and after about one 
year's existence it was discontinued. 

INDEPENDENT HERALD. 

In the month of February, 1875, the 
first issue of the Independent Herald ap- 
peared at Lake Mills. Marcelus Hal- 
vorsen was editor and publisher. The 
paper was a five column quarto, well filled 
with -news and advertisements, and was 
well received by the citizens, who had 
been without a local paper for several 
years. Mr. Ilalvorsen continued in con- 
trol of the Herald about three years, and 
sold to E. D. Hinman. In about one 
year Mr. Hinman sold to H. W. Rowland, 
now of St. Ansgar, Mitchell Co., Iowa. 
Mr. Rowland ran the paper until in 
August, 1881, when the management 
passed, by purchase, into the hands of O. 
P. Hull. In September, 1882, the Herald 
was changed to a more convenient form, 
and since that date it has been published 
as a seven column folio. Mr. Hull had 
considerable experience in newspaper 
work, and met with merited success during 
his proprietorship of the Herald. 



In January, 1884, S. K. Gregg assumed 
control of the Herald in the following 
words : 

"It is a time-honored custom at the 
dawn of the New Year to make new plans 
and form wise resolutions for future ac- 
tion. It is, therefore, our purpose to as- 
sume the duties and responsibilities of 
editor and proprietor of the Independent 
Herald, and the inquiring public have a 
right to know some of our plans and 
resolutions relative to its management. 
We cheerfully admit that we cannot 
wear a 'coat of many colors,' or in 
other words, it will be impossible for us 
to please everybody, yet we hope that our 
course may be worthy, and that we may 
receive the approbation of our courteous 
readers and of the public at large. 

"First — We propose to publish the Her- 
ald, not in Forest City in connection with 
the Summit or Hevieic, as some have inti- 
mated, but in Lake Mills, independent of 
the above named papers, or any indviduals; 
yet we will not ignore any one, but ask 
advice from and are willing to counsel 
with all persons. It will also be our aim 
to herald all the news of immediate interest 
to our readers and shall labor faithfully 
and impartially for the interest of each 
and every one of our citizens according 
to our very best ability. We shall also 
endeavor to do all in our power to ad- 
vance the interest of Lake Mills and of 
Winnebago county ; and besides this we 
will endeavor to give the general news, 
both foreign and domestic, in as replete a 
manneras circumstances will permit. Fur- 
thermore, our greatest aim will be to 
make the Herald worth twofold the sub- 
scription price. In politics, we are re- 



lU- 



784 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



publican, not for policy, but because we 
do admire those grand principles for 
which our fathers fought, but we openly 
ilenounce all the corruptions that have 
crept into either of the political parties 
irrespective of name, for 'righteousness 
exalteth a Nation but sin is a reproach to 
any people.' 

''We are also prepared to do all kinds of 
job work, which will be executed in first 



class style and with promptness, therefore 
reserve your orders for us. 

"In conclusion we would say no family 
should be without a newspaper, therefore 
call and see us and become acquainted and 
favor us with your subscription for the 
Herald, for upon its patronage depends 
the real worth of any newspaper. Wish- 
ing you all the compliments of the New 
Year, we submit you this number. 

S. K. Gregg." 



CHAPTER VII 



JUDICIAL. 



When Winnebago county was first 
brought under judicial organization, sev- 
eral years after it had been permanently 
organized as a county, it was made a part 
of the 11th judicial district. Winne- 
bago was thus associated for judicial pur- 
poses with the counties of Boone, Hardin, 
Hamilton, Franklin, Marshall, Story, 
Webster and Wright. 

The first term of district court in and 
for Winnebago county was held in June, 
1859. The records of this term were 
burned, the first record available being 
dated June, 1862. At this term there 
were present: Hon. John Porter, judge ; 
D. D. Chase, district attorney; E. D. Hin- 
man, clerk; and Joseph Tennis, sheriff. 

The grand jury was composed of the 
following gentlemen: David Secor, fore- 
man; John Oulman, Augustus Oulman, 
C. D. Smith, B. F. Wellman, George 



I Thomas, John S. Anderson, Darius Bray, 
I E. A. Ames, A. P. Harper, Charles Lutz, 
j Eugene Secor, Samuel Tennis, David 
i Lentz and Howard S. Bottsford. 

The petit jury consisted of the follow- 
\ ing named: John S. Blowers, foreman; 
I James Church, Charles Church, Simon 
Trumbull, C. A. Steadman, John H. T. 
Ambrose, William Lackore, Hudson Lack- 
ore, George Lackore, James Lackore, J. 
K. Boyd, J. H. Day, James Pinckney, 
Robert Clark and Edwin Trumbull. 

The first case to come before the court 
was entitled "State of Iowa vs. Ethan 
Allen King" for larceny. The case was 
ably discussed in all its features and the 
defendant was found guilty. The court 
ordered that the prisoner be held in bail 
of $500 for six days to await a warrant 
for his arrest from Floyd county, where 
the crime was committed. And further or- 



■?\<s- 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



785 



dered that if not arrested by virtue of 
said warrant before the expiration of six 
days, the prisoner shall surrender him- 
self to the sheriff of Winnebago county, 
and in default of so doing, the said sum 
$500 would be forfeited. 

Hon. John Porter, first judge of the 
district to which Winnebago county was 
attached, was born in Washington Co., 
Penn., April 14, 1828. His boyhood life 
was spent in milling and farming during 
the summer season, and in attending the 
common schools in the winter. At the 
age of eighteen he commenced teaching 
district school, and for three years his 
time was passed alternately in teaching 
and attending school to perfect himself 
in the higher branches. He then en- 
tered the office of Todd, Hoffman & 
Hutching, Warren, Ohio, where he read 
law some years. In 1854, on his admis- 
sion to the bar, he located at Plymouth, 
Ind., where he remained two years and 
then removed to Mason City, Cerro 
Gordo Co., Iowa. He soon took high rank 
as a lawyer, and obtained a good practice 
for that day. In 1858 he was elected 
judge of the newly organized 11th ju- 
dicial district, which position he occu- 
pied until he resigned in 1866. The en- 
ergy he displayed, with his quick and 
good judgment, earned him the good will 
of both the bar and people of the dis- 
trict. As a lawyer, he is recognized as 
being one of the best in the State, and is 
an honor to the Hardin county bar, of 
which county he is a resident. 

In 1864 the 12th judicial district was 
created and Winnebago county became a 
part of it, being associated with the coun- 
ties of Bremer, Butler, Cerro Gordo,Floyd, 



Hancock, Mitchell and Worth. Hon. 
William B. Fairfield was the first judge 
of the district. He was elected Nov. 8, 
1864, his term commencing Jan. 1, 1865; 
was re-elected in 1868 and held the posi- 
tion until in 1870, when he resigned. 

Hon. William B. Fairfield was a na- 
tive of New York. He was a man of 
commanding appearance, with a noble, 
open countenance, and was a great deal 
more genial and unreserved than judges 
usually are. He had a thorough educa- 
tion, was well read, and had a complete 
understanding of his profession, although 
he was, at the same time, a man who liked 
to take matters easy. He resigned his 
position of judge in 1870 and went into 
the banking business at Charles City, 
Iowa. He is now dead. 

When Mr. Fairfield resigned, in 1870, 
Hon. George W. Ruddick, who had been 
serving aa circuit judge, was, upon peti- 
tion, appointed district judge. In 1872 
he was elected, and held until 1876, when 
he was again elected, and again in 1880. 
Hon. George W. Ruddick was born in 
Sullivan Co., N. Y., May 13, 1835. Until 
fourteen years of age, he remained at home 
on his father's farm, his time being spent 
alternately at work and in attending the 
district school. On leaving home he went 
to Chester,Ohio, where he attended a semi- 
nary for one year. He then went to 
Kingsville, Ohio, where he remained two 
years then removed to Monticello, N. Y. 
After remaining in Monticello one year, 
he entered the law office of A. C. Niven, 
reading law with him for two years and a 
half. In the fall of 1855 he entered the 
Albany Law School, graduating therefrom 
in April, 1856. He was then admitted to 



T 



;ft 



i86 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



the bar, and in July of that year started 
west. After stopping a few days at Delphi, 
Iowa, he went to Waverly, Bremer county, 
and at once entered upon ihe practice of 
his profession. In November, 1868, Mr. 
Ruddick was elected judge of the circuit 
court, and before the expiration of his 
term, was appointed judge of the district 
court t<> fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of Judge William B. Fairfield. 
Mr. Ruddick is a man of fine legal ability, 
with a thorough understanding of the law, 
and has made an acceptable judge. He 
has frequently been honored by his fellow 
citizens with offices of honor and trust. 
He was a member of the Legislature in 
1860-1. He has also held the offices of 
county judge and county attorney. In pol- 
itics he is a republican, and has been since 
the organization of that party. Dec. 15, 
1859, Judge Ruddick was united in mar- 
riage with Mary E. Strickland, of An- 
dover, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Five chil- 
dren have been born unto them, two of 
whom are living. 

CIRCUIT COURT. 

By an act of the General Assembly, 
passed and approved, April 3, 1868, cir- 
cuit courts were established in the State, 
and each judicial district was divided into 
two circuits, in each of which, at the gen- 
eral election in November, 1868, and 
every four years thereafter, a circuit judge 
should be elected. Four terms of court 
were provided per year in each county, 
two district and two circuit. By this act 
the office of county judge was abolished, 
and all business of a legal nature per- 
taining to that office was transferred to 
the circuit court, which was also to have 
concurrent jurisdiction with the district 



court in all civil actions at law, and exclu- 
sive jurisdiction of all appeals and writs 
of error from justices' courts, mayors' 
courts and all other inferior tribunals, 
either in civil or criminal cases. 

Winnebago became a part of the second 
circuit of the 12th district upon the act 
becoming a law in 1869, and the first term 
of court was held at Forest City, March 
8, 1869, with Hon. II. N. Brockway on 
the bench. There were also present: H. K. 
Landru, sheriff; and Eugene Secor, clerk. 
The following named composed the jury: 
John Iverson, Augustus Oulman, D. Mar- 
tin, John Millington, T. H. Peterson, G. 
P. Williams, William Higginbotham, N. 
K. Landru, Charles Brice, B. F. VVellman 
and John Charlson. 

The first case which came up, was enti- 
tled DeWitt C. Hayes vs. Colburn Lar- 
son et al. Defendants not appearing, the 
case went by default to plaintiff, who was 
awarded judgment in the sum of $58.38 
and costs of the case. 

As stated, Hon. H. N. Brockway was 
the first circuit judge. He was elected in 
the fall of 1868 and held the office until 
Jan. 1, 1872, when Hon. Robert G. Reini- 
ger, judge elect, took the bench as his 
successor. 

COUNTY COURT. 

In 1851, by an act of the General As- 
sembly, county courts were established 
and the office of county judge created. 
By the same act the office of probate 
judge was abolished, as were also the of- 
fices of county commissioners; the du- 
ties of the commissioners, and probate 
judge devolving upon the county judge. 
The county of Winnebago, not being or- 
ganized until 1857, it had no probate 



; f 



A< 



4* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



787 



judge or county commissioners. The first 
county judge was Robert Clark, one of 
the early settlers of the county. Upon 
Judge Clarke devolved the duty of per- 
fecting the organization of the county, 
dividing it into townships, and such other 
work as was necessary to perfect a system 
of county government. He held the 
office until Jan. I, 1862. 

Judge Clark was a native of New York, 
born at Johnstown, June 5, 1825. He came 
west while yet a young man and re- 
sided at Rockford, 111., for about three 
years. In 1856 he came to Winnebago 
county and became a permanent resident, 
residing in Forest City until his death, 
which occurred Aug. 12, 1876. In 1860 
he was married to Rebecca A. Brentner, 
of Mason City. Three children were the 
fruits of this union — Brentner, Duncan 
and Cora, the sons being at present in 
business at Forest City. Judge Clark 
was one of the most prominent men of 
his day, serving in a number of official 
capacities. For almost nine years he held 
the office of county treasurer, serving the 
county in a very efficient manner. In 
1856 he laid out the town of Forest City, 
and thus identified himself particularly 
with its interests, for which he contin- 
ually planned and labored. Mr. Clark 
was small in stature, heavy set and was a 
man of remarkable energy. He was well 
read and his discisions in a judicial ca- 
pacity were full of justice and sound judg- 
ment. He was plain and unpretending 
in his manner, and what he did was done 
quietly and without the shadow of osten- 
tation. His charity was proverbial, and 
his benevolence was shared by friend and 
foe alike. He has often been styled the 



"Father of Winnebago county," so free 
was he to lay hold 'of every good work 
and push it to the end. The poor always 
found in him a steadfast friend, and when- 
ever asked to lend assistance to the needy 
he responded liberally and cheerfully. 
The following little story is very appro- 
priate to illustrate this characteristic of 
Judge Clark's: At one time the judge 
had his team and buggy before his door, 
just ready to go to Mason City, when a 
friend came up saying that he had im- 
portant business to transact and would like 
to borrow the team and buggy for the day. 
The judge at once granted the request, re- 
turned to the house and postponed his 
going to Mason City till the following day. 
At another time Mr. Clark was in his of- 
fice at the court house, when a poverty- 
stricken object came in and asked the 
judge to loan him $15, saying that his 
wagon had broken down, on his way to 
Mason City to market and that he could 
not get it fixed without some money. Mr. 
Clark took pity on the fellow and at once 
gave him $15. Very soon Mr. Clark went 
into one of the other county offices and 
asked if any one knew who the man was 
to whom he had given the money. He was 
answered by J. W. Mahoney, who handed 
back the $15 and said that he was the man; 
that they had conspired to see just how 
generous he was. These anecdotes fairly 
show the character of the judge to be of 
the most generous kind, and in all circum- 
stances in which he was placed he proved 
true to this dominant characteristic. 

The next county judge was J. K. Boyd 
who was elected in the fall of 1861. Mr 
Boyd served one term very efficiently, 



>TV 



«$•■ 



—3}J- 



788 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



and was succeeded in office by Samuel 
Tennis. Mr. Boyd was the second law- 
yer to locate in Winnebago county and is 
noticed at length in the bar chapter. 

Samuel Tennis was elected in the fall 
of 1863, and re-elected in 1865 and 1867. 
In the winter of 1867-68 the office of 
county judge was abolished and Mr. Ten- 
nis became auditor of the county, which 
position he held one year, being suc- 
ceeded by H. K. Landru. 

Samuel Tennis is a native of In- 
diana. He became a permanent resi- 
dent of this county in 1859, and 



for a time "kept tavern" in Forest 
City. In about 1861, Mr. Tennis moved 
to the north part of the county and has 
since lived on a farm. He had never ac- 
quired a classical education, but was quite 
observant of things transpiring about him, 
a great reader and served in his official 
capacity with much credit to himself and 
to the satisfaction of all. He was full of 
energy and life force and although now 
about ninety-six or seven years old, is 
hale and hearty and apparently good for 
ten years more of life. His children are 
six in number — Philip, William, Joseph, 
Kate, Louisa and Anna. 



CHAPTER VIII 



FINANCIAL AND OTHER MATTERS. 



In this chapter are given a number of ta- 
bles relating more particularly to the 
financial status of Winnebago county in 
the past and present. These tables of 
values and properties will prove valua- 
ble for future reference. 

FINANCIAL. 

The following items show the value of 
taxable property, and tax levied each 
year, from 1863 to 1883, inclusive : 

1863. 

Total value of all property $465, 500 

Total tax levied '. 8,328 

1864. 

Value of all property $485, 500 

Total tax levied 10.498 

1865. 

Value of all property $4*7. 859 

Tax levied 16,938 



1866. 

Value of all property $491,174 

Total tax levied 18,766 

1867. 

Value of all property 498, 500 

Tax levied 19,906 

1868. 

Value of all property $501. 250 

Total tax levied 20, 550 

1869. 



Assessed value of all piopei ty 

Total tax levied 



$529, 250 
21,621 

1870. 

Value of all property $618, 510 

Total tax levied 26,702 

1871. 

Value of all property $639, 436 

Total tax levied 23,415 

1872. 

Value of all property $036,898 

Total tax levied 35,225 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



789 



1873. 

Value of all property $790, 837 

Total tax levied 31,055 

1874. 

Value of all property $794, 981 

Total tax levied 51,252 

1875. 

Value of all property $912,651 

Total tax levied 35, 591 

1876. 

Value of all property $930, 580 

Total tax levied 44, 690 

1877. 

Value of all property $983,711 

Total tax levied 40,859 

1878. 

Value of all property $998, 198 

Tax levied 32,823 

1879. 
Value of properties, approximated. . . $990,500 
Tax levied 30, 500 

1880. 

Value of all property $995, 094 

Total tax levied 31,866 

1881. 

Value of all properties $1,133,102 

Total tax levied 87,089 

1882. 

Value of all property $1,129,183 

Total tax levied , 37,244 

1883. 

Value of all property $1,021,470 

Total tax levied 37,786 

The following shows the total valuation 
of all property in the different townships 
and incorporated villages for the year 
1883 : 

Forest City, incorporation $ 48, 788 

Lake Mills " 20, 807 

Center township 83,980 

Mount Valley township 71,234 

Newton " 270,766 

Logan " 208,232 

Linden '• 154,995 

Norway " 72, 666 

Forest " 91,001 

TAX FOE 1883 BY TOWNSHIPS. 

Center township $3,028 

Mount Valley township 2,564 

Newton " 10,289 

Logan " 6,975 

Linden " 6,354 



Norway township 2,725 

Forest " 3,240 

Forest City, incorporation 2,049 

Lake Mills " 759 

treasurer's report. 
From the report of the county treasurer, 
B. A. Plummer, dated June 1, 1883, the 
following statement of the cash on hand 
for the county is taken : 

SUMMARY OF CASH ON HAND. 

State revenue $2.374 22 

County schools funds 799 83 

Bonded debt fund 2,763 99 

Bridge 907 67 

Poor 42 40 

Insane 739 26 

Penal fines 3 11 

Institute 56 64 

Permanent school fund 17 56 

Road 1,018 47 

Teachers 1,465 20 

Contingent 972 02 

School house 496 68 

Forest independent school district 

bond debt fund 153 94 



Total cash on hand $11, 817 79 

REGISTRY OF DEEDS. 

The first entry affecting land in Win- 
nebago county was filed May 25, 1857, 
and conveyed from C. H. Day to C. W. 
Campbell the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 34, township 98, range 24. 

There are now twenty-two books of 
deed records, the recorder at present using 
No. 22, having run through the alphabet 
to "I," and then taken numbers. 

During the year 1882 there were 521 
deeds, and 1,030 other instruments re- 
corded. 

The following is a list of the various 
plats that have been recorded in the plat 
books of the office : 

Forest City, Rebecca A. Clark's addi- 
tion; Lake Mills, C. D. Smith's addition; 
Benson and Norman. These are treated 
of in their proper places. 



=F 



« **~ 



■ * " ! >> 



790 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX 



POLITICAL. 



The political history of Winnebago 
county is more fully given and much bet- 
ter understood by a presentation of the 
votes cast at the various elections, than in 
any other way, and for convenience of 
reference it will be appreciated. Any 
difficulties arising from doubtful and con- 
tested elections will appear in the chapter 
following, entitled "National, State and 
County Representation," in connection 
with the article upon the office in ques 
tion. 

OFFICIAL VOTE. 

It is the intention under this head to 
give a complete abstract of the votes cast 
at every general election held in Winne- 
bago county since its organization. This, 
however, cannot be done, as the record of 
the votes cast in the years of 1857 to 1861, 
inclusive, were destroyed by fire. The 
raines of those elected are given without 
the number of votes cast during those 
years. 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1857. 
County Judge. 

Robert Clark 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

Charles H. Day 

Clerk of the Courts. 

Benjamin F. Denslow 

Sheriff. 
John S. Blowers 

Siirveyor. 
C . W. Scott 



Assessor. 

A. T. Cole 

ELECTION, APRIL, 1858. 
Superintendent of Schools. 

C.W.Scott 

Drainage Commissioner. 

J . B. Torbert 

County Coroner. 

Philip Tennis — 

ELECTION, OCTOBEK, 185a. 
County Judge. 

Robert Clarke 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

Philip Tennis (failed to qualify) 

Sheriff.. 

JohnS. Blowers 

Superintendent of Schools. 

B. F. Denslow 

County Surveyor. 

C.W.Scott 

Coroner. 

Thomas Bearse 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1860. 
Treasurer and Recorder. 

Charles H.Day 

Clerk of the Courts. 

A. K. Curtis 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 18K1. 
County Judge. 

J. K. Boyd 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

C. H. Day 

Sheriff. 

M. P. Goodell 

Superintendent of Schools. 

Martin Bumgardner 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Darius Bray 

County Surveyor. 

Augustus Oulman 

County Coroner. 

Thomas Bearse 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1862. 
Secretary of State. 

James Wright 35— H 

RichardT. Sylvester 11 



V 



A*= 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



r9i 



State Auditor. 

Jonathan W. Cabbell 25— H 

John Brown 11 

State Treasurer. 

W.H.Holmes 25- 15 

T. L. Larch 10 

Attorney-General . 

C. Nouree 25— 14 

BentonJ. Hall 11 

Register of State Land Office. 
J. H.Harvey 25— 14 

F. Gottschalk 11 

Member State Board of Education. 

John M. Barnard 24 

Congress. 

A.W.Hubbard 25— 15 

John F. Duneombe 10 

District Judge. 

John Porter 30— 24 

H . Boardman 6 

District Attorney . 

D. D. Chase 26— 18 

J. S. Frazer S 

Clerk of Court. 

B. D. Hinman 19— 2 

John Ambrose 17 

Sheriff. 

Joseph Tennis 20— 6 

John S. Blowers 14 

Supervisor at Large. 

B. F.Wellman 20— 4 

R.Clark 16 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1863. 
Governor. 

William M. Stone, Republican 29— 1 1 

J. M. Turtle, Democrat 18 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

E.W.Eastman, Republican 29— 11 

John F. Duneombe, Democrat 18 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

John F. Dillon, Republican . 29— 10 

Charles Mason, Democrat 19 

Stote Senator. 

G. W. Bassett, Republican 29— 11 

C. E. Whitney, Democrat 18 

Representative . 

C. D. Richard, Republican » 27— 6 

James Crorr, Democrat 21 

County Judge. 

Samuel Tennis 22— 1 

William Lackore 21 

D. Bray 1 

Treasurer and Recorder. 

David Secor 25— 3 

RobertClark 22 

Sheriff. 

A.P.Harper 26— 5 

J. L. Williams 21 

S.Trumbull I 



Superintendent of Schools 

Augustus Oulman 28— 8 

J. S. Anderson 20 

Drainage Commissioner. 

Darius Bray 17— ] 

C. A. Stedman jh 

George Thomas in 

Scattering 1 

County Surveyor. 

J . H . T. Ambrose 45— 44 

C.W.Scott 1 

County Coroner. 

D.Bray 24— 5 

Jesse Bonar ih 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1864. 
Presidi tit. 

Abraham Lincoln, Republican 39— 26 

George B. McClellan, Democrat 13 

Secretary of State . 

James Wright, Republican 39— 26 

J. H. Wallace, Democrat 13 

State Treasurer. 

W. H. Holmes, Republican 39— 26 

J. B Lash, Democrat 13 

State Auditor. 

John A. Elliot, Republican 39— 26 

E.C. Hendershott, Democrat 13 

Register of State Land Office . 

J. A. Harvey, Republican 39— 26 

B. B. Holbrook, Democrat 13 

Attorney-General . 

Isaac L. Allen, Republican 39— 26- 

Charles M . Dunbar, Democrat 13 

Judge of the Supreme Court. 

C.C.Cole, Republican 39— 26 

T. M . Monroe, Democrat 13 

Congress. 

A. W. Hubbard, Republican 39— 26 

L. Chapman, Democrat 13 

Judge of District Court. 

W. B. Fairfield, Republican 45 

District Attorney. 

John E. Burke, Republican 39— 33 

M. P. Rosecrans, Democrat 6 

Clerk of Court. 

E. D. Hinman 35— 17 

J. H. T. Ambrose » 18 

County Recorder. 

J. P. Gardner 29— 5 

H. S. Bottsford 24 

County Treasurer. 

Robert Clark .. . 16 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1865. 
Governor. 

W. M. Stone, Republican s:j 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

B. F.Gue, Republican 83 

Superintendent of Ptihlic Instruction. 
Oran Faville, Republican 83 



792 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Judge of Supreme Court. 

G.G.Wright, Republican 

Representative. 

L . Dwelle, Republican 

i 'ounty Judge. 

Samuel Tennis ; 

J. B. Oulman 

County Treasurer. 

David Secor 

Robert Clark 

Sheriff. 

Charles Lutz 

A . P. Harper 

Count]i Superintendent of Schools 

C. A. Stedman 

A. J. Brown 

C. H. Lackore 

County Surveyor. 

A. Oulman 

Scattering 

County Coroner. 

D arius Bray 

Scattering 

Drainage Commissioner. 

J. B. Hill 

Scattering 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1866. 
Secretary of State. 

Ed. Wright, Republican 

S. G. Van Anda, Democrat 

State Treasurer. 

S.E.Rankin, Republican 

G. A. Stone, Democrat 

State Auditor. 

J. A. Elliott, Republican 

R, W. Cross, Democrat 

Register State Land Office. 

C. C. Carpenter, Republican 

L. P. McKinney, Democrat 

Attorney-General. 

F. E. Bissell, Republican 

W. Bullinger, Democrat 

Reporter Supreme Court. 

E. H. Stiles, Republican 

Fred Gottschnlk, Democrat 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

C. Linderman, Republican 

A.Stoddard, Democrat 



Congress. 

A. W. Hubbard, Republican 

J. D. Thompson, Democrat 

Clerk of Court. 

E. D. Hinman 

J. P. Gardner 

County Recorder. 

H. S. Bottsford 

N. K . Landru 



83 




83 




65— 
11 


54 


47— 
36 


11 


48— 
11 


37 


61- 
11 


50 


45— 

38 


7 


45- 
.'14 


11 


sa- 
le 


33 


99— 


98 


1 


98 


99— 

1 


98 


99— 
1 


98 


99- 
1 


98 


99— 
1 


98 


99— 
1 


98 


98- 
2 


96 


57— 
46 


11 


54- 

46 


8 



Coroner. 

William Lackoro 2— 1 

J. Swaibert 1 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1867. 
Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, Republican 147—146 

Charles Mason, Democrat 1 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Col. John Scott, Republican 147— 146 

D.M.Harris, Democrat 1 

Attorney-General . 

Henry O'Conuer, Republican 147—146 

W.T. Baker, Democrat 1 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, Republican 147— 146 

J. H. Craig, Democrat 1 

Superintendent of Public instruction. 

D.F.Wells, Republican 147-146 

M.L.Fisher, Democrat 1 

State Senator. 

T. Hawley, Republican 106—105 

C. C. Smeltzer, Democrat 1 

Scattering 1 

Representatitie. 

M.I'. Rosecrans, Democrat 80— 11 

C. W. Tenuey, Republican 69 

County Judge. 

Samuel Tennis 87— 33 

E. D. Hinman 54 

Treasurer. 

Robert Clark 110— 73 

Ole Grasley 37 

Sheriff. 

H. K. Landru 87— 15 

O. G.Davison .:... 43 

J. Burge 16 

Superintendent of School. 

C. A. Stedman 83— 24 

E. Secor 59 

A. Oulman 1 

County Surveyor 

Augustus Oulman 74— 10 

John H. T. Ambrose 64 

Coroner. 

G.P.Smith 51— 8 

Darius Bray 43 

Drainage' Commissioner. 

William Lackore 20 — 13 

S. W. Herrick 8 

D. Bray 7 

J. B. Hill 7 

For Special County Tax. 

For the tax 38— 26 

Against the tax 12 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1868. 
President. 

U.S.Grant, Republican 151—135 

Horatio Seymour, Democrat IB 



3 



^iL 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAC40 COUNTY. 



793 



Secretary of State. 

Ed. Wright, Republican 169—153 

David Hammer, Democrat 16 

Stole Auditor. 

John A . Elliott, Republican 169— 153 

H. Dunlar.T, Democrat 16 

State Treasurer. 

S. E. Ranking, Republican 159— H3 

L. McCarty, Democrat 16 

Register of State Land Office. 

C . C. Carpenter, Republican 159— 143 

A. D. Anderson, Democrat 16 

Attorney-General . 

Henry O'Conner, Republican 159— 143 

J . E . Williams, Democrat 16 

Congress. 

Charles Pomeroy, Republican 167— 149 

C. A. L. Roszell, Democrat 18 

District Judge . 

William B. Fairfield, Republican 159— 143 

Cyrus Foreman, Democrat 16 

W. C. Stanberry 18- 

Distriet Attorney. 

I. W. Card 168—158 

W.A.Stone 10 

Circuit Judge . 

H. N. Brockway 

Cyrus Foreman 

Clerk of Courts. 

Eugene Secor 154— 136 

A.Oulman 18 

County Recorder. 

Nelson K. Landru 160— 99 

E. L. Stillson 61 

R. O. Hougland 11 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1869. 
Governor. 

Samuel Merrill, Republican 182—181 

George Gillaspy 1 

Lieut e nan t-Governor . 

M. M . Walden, Republican 183 

Judge of Supreme Court . 

John F. Dillon, Republican 183 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

A S. Kissell, Republican 183 

Representative. 

M. P. Rosecrans 159—132 

B. V. Hartshorn 

County Treasurer. 

Robert Clark 

County Auditor. 

H. K . Landru 65— 

Arthur Linn 61 

Eugene Secor 57 

Sheriff. 

Peter Lewis 65— 

N. K. Landru 58 

Solomon Simmons 49 



139- 99 

40 



159- 
27 



182 






Superintendent of Schools. 

Martin Cooper 112— 62 

P. Hayward 511 

County Surveyor. 

John H. T. Ambrose 123— 80 

A. Oulman 43 

( 'oroner, 

D.C.Hayes 49— 15 

G.P.Smith 34 

A. S . Peters 17 

Drainage i 'nmmissumer. 

Darius Bray 7— 5 

G.P.Smith 2 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1870. 
Clerk of Courts. 

Eugene Secor 154— 88 

Augustus Oulman 66 

C.D.Smith 9 

County Recorder. 

Nelson K. Landru 113— 28 

E. D. Hinman 85 

Scaltering 2 

Supervisors . 

B. F. Wellman (elected) 134 

C. D. Smith (elected) 118 

R. O. Hougland (elected) 117 

A. N. Brones 115 

S. D. Wadsworth : 104 

M.Peterson 56 

Scattering 29 

ELECTION, OCTOBEH, 1871. 
Governor. 

C. C. Carpenter, Republican 267—233 

J. C. Knapp, Democrat ... 34 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Henry C. Bullis, Republican 267-233 

M M. Ham, Democrat 34 

Judge of the Supreme Court. 

James G.Day, Republican 267—233 

John F. Duncombe, Democrat 34 

Superintendent Public Instruction. 

Alonzo Abernathy, Republican 263—227 

E.M Mumm, Democrat 36 

State Senator. 

E.A.Howland 269—268 

E.Monroe 1 

Representative. 

David Secor 298 

Count)/ Auditor. 

HiramK. Landru 268—239 

R.O. Hougland 29 

Treasurer. 

Robert Clark 241— 184 

William Larson 57 

Sheriff. 

Peter Lewis 214—182 

Andrew Charlson 32 



-uW 



^! 



7 94 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Superintendent of Schools. 

A. L. Shay 

M.Cooper 

C. A. Stedman . . .'. 

Supervisor. 

W. O. Hanson 

Peter Hanson 

('mi nly Surveyor. 

W. C. Hay ward 

Coroner. 

G. P. Smith 

Drainage ' 'ommissioner. 

Darius Bray 

ELECTION. NOVEMBER. 1872. 
President . 

IT. S. Grant, Republican 

Horace Greeley, Liberal 

Secretary of State. 

Josiah T. Young 

E. A. Gilbert 

State Auditor. 

James Russell 

J. P. Cassidy 

State Treasurer. 

William Christy 

M. J. Rohlfs 

Register State Land Office. 

Aaron Brown 

Jacob Butler 

Attorney-General. 

M. E. Cutts 

A G. Case 

(Same in nil vacancy.) 

ME. Cutts 

* fonoress. 

HO Pratt. Republican 

A.T. Lusch, Democrat 

District Judge. 

G. W. Ruddick, Republican 

W A. Lathrop, Democrat 

Circuit Judge. 

R. G. Reiniger, Republican 

W. C. Stanberry, Democrat 

District attorney . 

L.S.Butler, Republican 

.1 W Wood, Democrat 

i icrk of the Court*. 

Eugene Secor 

County Recorder. 

E. L. Stillson 

\ l\ Laudru 

County Supervisor . 

A. N. Brones 

C . Nelson 

A. Christian 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1873. 
Governor. 
C. O. Carpenter 



177— 

112 

1 


65 


2H1 — 
17 


361 


:Mi 




299 





275- 


238 


37 




275- 


238 


37 




375— 


238 


37 




275— 


238 


37 




375— 


238 


37 




375- 


238 


37 




249 




375— 


238 


37 




276— 


239 


37 




276— 237 


39 




318— 


124 


94 





314 

286— 191 
95 

2111— 40 
161 
4 



301 



Lieuteimnt-Governor . 

Joseph Dysart 

Judge of the Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck 

Superintendent of Public Instruction 

Alonzo Abornatby 

Representative. 

David Secor 

County Auditor. 

H. K. Landru 

Charles Isaacs 

Treasurer. 

Robert Clark 

Eugene Secor 

Sheriff. 

Peter Lewis 

John Halvorsen 

Superintendent of Schools. 

W. W. Olmstead 

Martin Cooper 

County Surveyor. 

O. T. Severs 

John Ambrose 

Coroner. 

PC. Jones 

G. P. Smith 

J. B. Hill 

Supervisior. 

Z. Mayse 

S. D. Wadsworth 

E. D. Hinman 

ELECTION. OCTOBER, 1874. 
Secretary of State. 

J. T. Young, Republican 

D. Lee Morgan, Democrat . . 

Auditor of State. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 

J. M. King, Democrat 

Treasurer of State. 

William Christie. Republican 

HenryC. Harges, Democrat 

Register of State Land Office. 

David Secor, Republican 

R H. Roderman, Democrat 

Attorney-General . 

M. E. Cutts, Republican 

J. H. Ready, Democrat 

Clerk of Supreme Court. 

E.J. Holmes, Republican 

G . W. Ball, Democrat 

Reporter of Supreme Court. 

John R. Rummells, Republican 

J . M . Weast, Democrat 

Clerk of Courts. 

O. T. Severs 

J. F. Thompson 



301 




301 




301 




328 




181— 


58 


123 




183— 


li'.l 


114 




162— 


40 


133 




258— 


311 


47 




176- 


60 


116 




219— 


308 


11 




>> 




142- 


6 


136 




1 




281— 


230 


51 




281- 


330 


51 




2KI — 


230 



373— 333 

50 



281- 
50 



331 



281— 230 
51 



281- 
51 



230 



- 59 



■V 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



-* s> 



795 



County Recorder. 

E. L. Stillson 

W. O. Hanson 

Supervisor. 

P. H. Peterson 

Z . Mayse 

Coroner. 

V . A. Jonea 

M.Faulkner 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1875. 
Governor. 

Samuel J . Kirkwood, Republican 

Shepherd Letler, Democrat 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

J. G . Newbold, Republican 

E. B. Woodward, Democrat 

Judge Supreme Court. 

Austin Adams, Republican 

W.J. Knight, Democrat 

Superintendent of Publie Instruction 

A. Abernathy, Republican 

Isaiah Doane, Democrat 

State Senator. 

L. Dwelle, Republican 

J. M . Elder, Democrat 

Representative. 

Henry H. Bush, Republican 

M. P. Rosecrans, Democrat 

County Auditor. 

Eugene Secor 

W. O. Hansou 

Treasurer. 

Robert Clark 

Knudt Johnson 

Sheriff. 

Peter Lewis 

S. G. Honsey 

Superintendent of Schools. 

W. A. Chapman 

J. M. Hull 

County Surveyor. 

J. H. T. Ambrose 

A. Oulman 

Coroner. 

V. A. Jones 

Scattering 

Supervisor. 

J W. Fisher 

Z. M. Mayse 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1876. 
President. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, Republican 

S. J. Tilden, Democrat 



173— 12 
161 



17B— 17 
159 



162— 26 
136 



383— 321 
68 



383- 321 
62 



383— 321 



383— 327 
56 



322— 199 
123 



443— 442 
1 



266— 97 
169 



301— 150 
142 



269— 100 
169 



274— 103 
171 



241— 43 
198 



255— 231 

24 



271— 100 
171 



Secretary of State. 

3. T. Young, Republican 

J. H. Steubemauch, Democrat 



511— 474 

37 

36 



Auditor of State. 

B. R. Sherman, Republican 511— 

W. Gronewig, Democrat 37 

Treasurer of State. 

George Bomis, Republican 511— 

Wesley Jones, Democrat 37 

Register State Land Office. 

David Secor, Republican 539— 

N.C. Rideman, Democrat 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

W. H. Severs, Republican 

Willium Graham, Democrat 

Judge Supreme Court— to fill Vacancy 

J. H . Rothrock, Republican 

W. I. Hayes, Democrat 

Attorney-General . 

J. F. McJunkin, Republican 

J. C . Cook, Democrat 

Superintendent of Public Instruction 

Carl W. Von Coeilen 

Congress. 

N. C. Deering, Republican 

Cyrus Foreman, Democrat 

District Judge. 

G. W. Ruddick, Republican 

C A. L . Rozelle, Democrat 

Circuit Judge. 

It . G . Reiniger, Republican 

J . M. Elder, Democrat 

District Attorney. 

J. B. Cleland, Republican 

John Cliggett, Democrat 

County Treasurer— to fill Vacancy. 
William Larson 

C. D.Smith 

Mikkel Peterson 

Recorder. 

John Law 

M. C. Halvorsen 

W. W. Olmstead 

Clerk of Court.. 

W.O. Hanson 

Charles Isaacs 

Ole Grasley 

Supervisor 

Knudt Johnson 

H.N. Bushnell, 

S. D. Wadsworth 

ELECTION. OCTOBER, 1877. 
Governor. 

John H. Gear, Republican 

John P. Irish, Democrat 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Frank T. Campbell, Republican 

W. C. James, Democrat 

Judge of Supreme Court . 

James G.Day, Republican 

H. E. J. Boardman, Democrat 



474 



537 



2 




511- 


474 


37 




511— 


471 


37 




511- 


474 


37 




511 




511— 


474 


37 




511- 


474 


37 




511- 


474 


37 




511— 


474 


37 




206— 


23 


183 




158 




243— 


35 


208 




91 




283— 


45 


238 




28 




285— 


118 


1B7 




39 




544— 


504 


40 




544— 


501 


40 




514- 


504 


40 





SI 

r 



M* — *- 



796 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Carl W. VonCoellen, Republican 543— 503 

G.D.Callison 40 

Representative. 

A. C. Walker, Republican 370— 1T0 

H.H.Brush 200 

County Auditor. 

Eugene Seeor 547 

Treasurer . 

Mikkel Peterson 306— 28 

William Larson 278 

Superintendent of Schools. 

W. A. Chapman 337—103 

J.E.Anderson 234 

Sheriff. 

J.H.Twito 264— 91 

Peter Lewis 173 

H. K. Landru 100 

County Surveynr. 

A.Oulman 316— 53 

J. H. T. Ambrose 3<53 

Coroner. 

J.M.Hull 373—180 

G.P. Smith 193 

Supervisor. 

P.H.Peterson 335— 98 

C.L.Henderson 237 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1878. 
Secretary of State. 

.1. A. T. Hull, Republican 469— 367 

E. M. Farnsworth, Democrat 93 

State Auditor. 

Buren K. Sherman, Republican 459—38] 

Joseph Eiboeck, Greenback 78 

State Treasurer. 

G. W. Bemis, Republican 460—367 

M. L. Devin, Democrat 93 

Register State Land Office. 

J. K. Powers, Republican 460 — 3b7 

M. Farrington, Democrat 93 

Attorney-General. 

J.F. McJunkin, Republican 460—397 

J. Gibbon, Greenback 77 

Judge of Supreme Court . 

J. H. Rothrock, Republican 460—384 

J. C. Knapp, Democrat 76 

Clerk of Supreme Court 

E J Holmes, Republican 460— 368 

Alexander Runyan, Democrat 92 

Reporter of Supreme Court. ■ 

J. S. Runnells, Republican 460—383 

J. B. Elliott, Greenback 77 

Co>igress. 

N.C. Deering, Republican 456—359 

S.H.Weller 97 

Clerk of District Court. 

W. O. Hanson 551— 447 

Scattering 4 



County Recorder. 

John Law 373—191 

M.C. Halvorsen 182 

County Surveyor. 

J H. T. Ambrose 522 

Supervisor. 

J. W. Fisher 300—111 

Halvor Paulson 189 

Z.M.Mayse 63 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1879. 
Governor. 

John H. Gear, Republican 696— 647 

H. H. Trimble, Democrat 49 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

Frank T . Campbell, Republican 696— 647 

J. A. O. Yoeman, Democrat 49 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

J. M. Beck, Republican 684— 623 

Reuben Noble, Democrat 61 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Carl W. Von Coellen, Republican 694—614 

Erwin Baker, Democrat 50 

State Senator. 

F. M. Goodykoontz, Republican 729—728 

J. M. Elder, Democrat 1 

Representative. 

J.M.Hull, Republican 700— 670 

J. M. Elder, Democrat 30 

County Auditor. 

Charles Isaacs 225— 34 

E. L. StiUson 191 

W. A. Chapman 184 

J.F.Anderson 139 

Treasurer. 

Mikkel Peterson 459— 168 

William Larson 291 

Sheriff. 

Jacob H. Twito 317— 161 

Peter Lewis 156 

S. G. Honsey 138 

H. K. Landru 135 

Superintendent of Schools . 

A.N. Brones 238— 41 

C.L.Nelson 197 

A.H.Chase 121 

P. Hay ward 93 

W.H.Jones 72 

County Surveyor 

J . H. T. Ambrose 643— 638 

Scattering 5 

Coroner. 

Y.G.Tweed 449—284 

C.L.Porter 165 

Supervisor. 

Knudt Johnson 410— 90 

Halvor Paulson 320 



£1 



l£c 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



79: 



ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1880. 
President. 

James A.Garfleld, Republican 701—634 

W S. Hancock, Democrat 67 

Gen. J. B. Weaver, Greenback 34 

Secretary of State. 

J. A. T.Hull, Republican 703—635 

A. B. Kieth, Democrat 67 

George M. Walker, Greenback 34 

State Auditor. 

William V. Lucas, Republican 702— 635 

C. 1. Barker, Democrat 67 

G. V. Swivinger, Greenback 34 

State Treasurer. 

Edmund H. Conger, Republican 701—634 

Martin Blinn, Democrat 67 

M. Farrington 34 

Register State Land Office. 

J. K. Powers 702— 635 

Daniel Dougherty 67 

Thomas Hooker 34 

Attorney-General . 

Smith McPherson 702—635 

Charles A. Clark 67 

W. A. Spurrier... 34 

Congrats . 

N. C. Deering 700—663 

M. B Doolittle 37 

District Judge. 

G. W. Ruddick 732— 66 

John Cligg';U 69 

Circuit Judge. 

R. G. Reiniger 730— 65(i 

Cyrus Foreman 71 

District Attorney. 

John B.Cleland 733— 664 

A.C.Ripley 69 

Clerk of Courts. 

W. o'. Hanson 700— 600 

W.H.Fisher. 100 

County Recorder. 

O. T. Severs 482—249 

W. A. Chapman 233 

W.H.May 85 

Supervisor. 

A. N. Hougee 402— 5 

P. H. Peterson 397 

ELECTION. OCTOBER, 1881. 

Governor. 

Buren R. Sherman, Republican 675— 641 

D. M. Clark, Greenback 34 

L. G. Kinne, Democrat 26 

Ltieutenant-Govei nut 

O. H. Manning, Republican 673—637 

James D. Holland, Greenback 36 

J.M.Walker, Democrat 26 

Judge of Supreme Court. 

Austin Adams, Republican 673—638 

W. W. Williamson, Greenback 35 

H. B. Hendei>hott 26 



Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

John W . Akers, Republican 673— 

Mrs. A. M Swain, Greenback 36 

W.H.Butler, Democrat 26 

State Senator. 

H.G.Parker, Republican 713— 

J.M.Elder, Democrat 2 

Representative. 

J.E.Anderson 619— 

Scattering 47 

Ctmittti Auditor. 

Charles Isaacs - 483— 

K. H. Knudtson 250 

Scattering 3 

Treasurer. 

B. A. Plummer 385— 

Nels George 349 

Sheriff. 

J. H.Twito 661— 

H.N.Cliven 61 

E. R. Jacobson 14 

Superintendent of Schools. 

A. N. Brones 494— 

C. L. Nelson 238 

County Surveyor. 

J. H. T. Ambrose 378— 

W. H. Harwood 349 

Coroner. 

J.H.Brakke 668 

Supervisor. 

S. G.Honsey 557— 

J.W.Fisher 151 

SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE, 1882. 
For the Adoption of the Prohibitory Amendment 

For ■ 553_ 

Against 89 

ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1882. 
Secretary of State. 

John A.T.Hull, Republican 490— 

W. J. Gaston, Greenback 251 

T. D. Walker, Democrat 24 

State Auditor. 

J. L. Brown, Republican 493— 

D. A. Wyatt, Greenback 248 

William Thompson, Democrat 24 

State Treasurer. 

E. H. Conger, Republican 491— 

George Derr, Greenback 250 

John Foley, Democrat 34 

Attorney-General 

S. McPherson, Republican Wl— 

James A. Rice, Greenback. .250 

J. H. Bremerman, Democrat 24 
Judge of Supreme Court. 

W. H . Seevers, Republican 492— 

M. A. Jones, Greenback 249 

Charles E. Bronsou, Democrat 24 



637 



572 



233 



36 



600 



29 



406 



•-'41 



211 



243 



If? 



« w_ 



4** 



798 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Clerk of Supreme Court. 

G. B. Pray, Republican 493—243 

E. N. Clark, Greenback 249 

H. F. Bonorden, Democrat 24 

Reporter of Supreme Court. 

E. C. Ebersole, Republican 492—243 

J.H.Williamson, Greenback 249 

L. A. Palmer, Democrat 24 

Congress. 

A. J Holmes, Republican 460— 193 

Isaiah Doane, Greenback 267 

John Cliggett, Democrat 48 

Clerk of Courts. 

W.O.Hanson 433— 94 

I. J. Kesseg 339 

County Recorder. 

O. T. Severs 509—249 

OleS. Olson 266 

Supervisor. 

William Larson 492—214 

G. H.Olmstead 2T8 

ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1883. 
Governor. 

Buren R . Sherman, Republican 630— 521 

J . B Weaver. Greenback 109 

L. G. Kinne 91 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

Orlando H. Manning, Republican 832— 522 

Sanford Kirkpatrick, Greenback 110 

Justus Clark, Democrat 87 

Judge Supreme Court . 

Joseph H. Reed, Republican 633—524 

Daniel W. Church. Greenback 109 

Walter I. Hayes, Democrat 88 



Superintendent Public Instruction. 

John W. Akers, Republican 

Miss Abbie O. Canfleld. Greenback 

Edgar P. Farr, Democrat 

State Senator, 43d District. 

John D. Glass, Republican 

J . M . Elder, Democrat* 

Represcnttiticc, S6t/i District. 

George F. Watson, Republican 

T.C. Ransom, Greenback 

County Auditor. 

Charles Isaacs 

Scattering : 

Treasurer. 

B. A. Piummer 

Mikkel Peterson 

Sheriff. 

J. H. Twito 

N. B. Thompson 

P. N. Brones 

C. A. Gale 

Superintendent of Schools. 

A. N . Brones 

C.L.Nelson 

W. A. Chapman 

Supervisor. 

A. N. Honge 

Z. M.Mayse . 

J. W. Fisher 

Surveyor. 

L. T. Thompson 

J. H. T. Ambrose 

Coroner. 

C. E. Keeler 

Scattering 



634— 


630 


104 




90 




633- 


441 


192 




600— 


366 


234 




781— 


742 


38 




449— 


74 


375 




287- 


55 


232 




164 




145 




378— 


1117 


°71 




173 




432— 


185 


247 




118 




510— 355 


255 




770- 


738 


32 





-B V 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



799 



CHAPTER X 



THE BAR OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



The general history of the legal pro- 
fession furnishes one of the most fruit- 
ful and comprehensive fields of thought 
that the world, with all its various call- 
ings and activities, presents to the mind. 
There are other professions that are com- 
prehensive and Archimedian in their 
power to move the world, but none have 
the majestic sweep and the all-powerful 
influence that the profession of law con- 
templates. This profession is the watch- 
man stationed upon the great dike, which 
protects the realm of truth and justice 
from the inroads of vice. It is the light- 
house upon the giant barrier against which 
dash the seas of crime. True, at times, 
the watchmen prove unworthy the trust 
reposed in them, and allow the encroach- 
ments of vice upon justice to escape their 
attention, but, acknowledging this to be a 
fact, it does not change or dwarf the 
great field over which the profession has 
guardianship. 

The grand object of law is equal jus- 
tice to all. Truth and right are so inter- 
woven into the warp and woof of the deli- 
cate fabric of law that they are one and 
inseparable, and the great and good law- 
yer, viewing it in this light, becomes one 
of the forces which move, control and 
protect society. The legal profession, 
then, in the very nature of the case, must 



be the champion of purity and the pro- 
moter of all movements that tend to 
soften the harsh elements in citizen and 
government. And right nobly has it 
done this. It has ever been the defender 
of popular rights, the champion of free- 
dom, regulated by law, the firm support 
of good government. In times of danger 
it has stood like a rock, and breasted the 
mad passions of the hour, and firmly re- 
sisted tumult and faction. But the law- 
yer does not make laws, these are made 
by higher tribunals as exigencies arise 
demanding them. It is his duty, how- 
ever, to apply them to the daily affairs of 
men, and the pure and impartial lawyer 
will so endeavor to interpret these laws 
that their high standard may be perpetu- 
ated, and that all alike may have meted 
out unto them justice and right. 

Change in art, in science, in literature, 
in all the departments of the world's ac- 
tivities are continually noticeable. The 
wants of the people of to-day, and the 
lawful restraints to be thrown around us 
of the present age, differ widely from 
I those of a half century ago. They are 
too lenient or too severe — in one case to 
be strengthened, in the other, modified. 
Hence, the lawyer, to satisfactorily meet 
the requirements of the circumstances 
with which he is surrounded, must neces- 



800 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



sarily be a man of to-day, posted on the 
matters of importance pertaining to his 
own age. His capital is his ability and 
individuality, and he cannot bequeath 
them to his successors. They die with 
him or live in the memory of his deeds 
and sayings. 

THE BAR OF THE PAST. 

In an early day the lawyer was not 
kept busy with cases. They were few and 
far between. People at that day were 
more disposed than at present to settle 
their disputes in their own way, and could 
not afford to pay the lawyer for his ser- 
vices. The lawyer, therefore, who came 
into the country with the pioneers, had to 
devote a part of his time to other pursuits, 
sometimes in farming, again in teaching 
school. Thus, by practicing economy, he 
could make " ends meet," and get along 
until times were better. As a rule the 
lawyer became a politician, and by serv- 
ing in some official capacity swelled his 
little income to more comfortable propor- 
tions. The people demanded their ser- 
vices, and they were glad to accommo- 
date the people. 

There have been and still are able and 
prominent men practicing before the 
courts of Winnebago county — men who 
were an honor to the profession, to socie- 
ty, and to the county. 

Of those who resided in the county at 
one time, and are now either dead or have 
quit practice, or gone, the historian will 
speak first. So far as material was acces- 
sible, sketches are given of each attorney 
who has practiced before the courts of 
the county. If any are omitted it is be- 
cause their names are forgotten and not 
from intention. 



Among those who have been resident 
attorneys were the following: Jerry 
Murphy, J. K. Boyd, DeWitt C. Hayes, 
W. A. Burnap, D. T. Gibson, John Dun- 
bar and Henry W. Ames. 

Jerry Murphy was the pioneer lawyer 
of Winnebago county, locating at Forest 
City in 1857. He was a thorough pioneer 
and tried his hand at anything that came 
along. He was considerable of a sport, 
wore a white fur plug-hat, and always 
carried a cane. He was a good lawyer 
for those days, and he knew no such 
thing as fail. He was witty and could be 
keen and sarcastic in the extreme if he so 
chose. While here he paid most of his 
attention to land speculation. He left in 
1858. 

J. K. Boyd was the second lawyer to 
locate in Winnebago county. He swung 
out his shingle at Forest City in 1861 and 
remained until 1864. He was a man of 
considerable ability, was well read in his 
profession and had good success in his 
practice. After leaving here he located 
at Cedar Rapids. Mr. Boyd was a prom- 
inent character in early times and many 
good anecdotes are related of him. At 
one time Boyd was running a hotel in 
Forest City, and it appears that a Mr. C. 
D. Pritchard, who had been invited by 
the citizens to deliver a 4th of July ora- 
tion, was stopping at his hotel. Mr. 
Pritchard made a good speech and every- 
body was satisfied. The following day 
when he got ready to leave, he asked the 
landlord what his bill was. Boyd told 
him it was $ — , charging at city rates. 
Pritchard demurred, saying that it was 
too much and he could not pay it. But 
Boyd insisted, saying, "of course this isn't 



IE* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



801 



a very paying business for you; but you 
can stand it — you're making a reputa- 
tion" Pritchard had to pay the bill, 
and went off a wiser but poorer man. 
One thing of this nature leads to 
another and we will digress from our 
subject heading, and relate another in- 
stance in the public life of Mr. Boyd. 
During his practice here Mr. Boyd occu- 
pied considerable of his time in collecting 
accounts for foreign parties. At one 
time he had in his posession a number of 
school orders on Forest school district. 
These orders belonged to A. B. Tuttle, 
now of Mason City, and had been sent to 
Boyd for collection. Boyd collected 
some but time went by and he did not 
remit. Finally Mr. Tuttle came to see 
about the matter, and upon asking Boyd 
for his money, was informed that he 
(Tuttle) was indebted to him and that 
what he had collected did not remunerate 
him for his trouble. Tuttle objected, but 
Boyd was determined to retain the money, 
saying "you know Mr. Tuttle we lawyers 
must live,' 1 '' and he did retain the money, 
Mr. Tuttle going away without it. 

W. A. Burnap was a native of one of 
the New England States. In about 1860 
he came to Forest City and engaged iu 
teaching the village school. The follow- 
ing year he gave up the school and en- 
tered the service as clerk at Brigadier- 
General Datis E. Coon's headquarters, 
serving in that capacity for three years. 
At the expiration of that time he returned 
to Forest City and again was engaged to 
teach the public school. He could not, 
however, be satisfied to remain in the 
background while his country was in 
danger. His patriotic nature was com- 



pletely aroused by the scenes he had wit- 
nessed during his three years of service, 
and he again decided to try life on the 
tented field. He then veteranized and 
served until the close of the war. He 
then wtr.t to Chicago and was for several 
years a professor in the commercial law 
department of Bryant & Stratum's Com- 
mercial College. In 1869 he returned to 
Forest City and went into partnership 
with Hon. David Secor in the real estate 
business. Later he went to Clear Lake, 
where he purchased the Clear Lake Bank. 
He was not successful in this venture, 
however, in about three years he failed, 
and when the business was settled he was 
left with almost nothing. To his credit 
it may be said that he settled honorably 
with every creditor, and the high reputa- 
tion for honesty and integrity which he 
has previously borne, was in no wise in- 
jured or decreased. When he eame to 
Forest City, he was a young man, and 
his good education made a brilliant future 
possible, but he was naturally too modest 
and too diffident to "hoe his way" success- 
fully amidst the rough paths of pioneer 
life. After his failure at Clear Lake he 
returned to Chicago and when last heard 
from was holding a professorship in Bry- 
ant & Stratton's Commercial College. 

DeWittC. Hayes came to Forest City in 
1866 and at once opened a law office. Mr. 
Hayes was a native of New 7 York, was of 
medium stature and had fair success in his 
practice. He received his education at the 
Jefferson County Institute, of New York, 
and after completing his course engaged 
in the grocery business at which he failed 
in about two years. He then went to 
Wisconsin and commenced practicing 



^ 



802 



HISTORY" OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



law, continuing in that State several 
years. He then returned to Watertown, 
N. Y., his native place, and studied 
law in the office of Brown & Beach for 
about a year; at the end of which time, 
after being admitted to the bar at Syra- 
cuse, he came to Iowa, locating at Charles 
City in the fall of 1866. He there entered 
into partnership with Starr & Patterson, 
remaining with them until in the fall of 
1867, when lie located at Forest City. In 
1868 a partnership was formed with Mar- 
tin Cooper, which continued until in 1869, 
when Mr. Hayes left the county. Mr. 
Hayes was a sharp, shrewd lawyer, quick 
to see a point, original in his ways and 
ideas, and was a man of indomitable 
energy. He is now living on a farm in 
Floyd county. 

D. T. Gibson came to Forest City early 
in the spring of 1870. He was a young 
lawyer and was in search of a location. 
He opened a law office and commenced 
business. He did not remain long, how- 
ever. W. C. Stanberry, of Mason City, 
came and induced Mr. Gibson to remove 
to that place, where he engaged in prac- 
tice for two years. He then went to 
Waverly, Bremer county, this State, and 
lias since made that his home. He is now 
in partnership with E. A. Dawson, the 
firm name being Gibson & Dawson. 

Mr. Gibson was born in Chautauqua Co., 
N. Y., in May, 1844, his parents being S. 
C. and Martha (Hall) Gibson. His father 
is a leading physician of that county, still 
in practice, having been in constant ser- 
vice there for over forty years; his mother 
died when he was quite young. His early 
life was spent in his native county, where 
he received an academic education, sppnd- 



ing three years at Oxford Academy and 
for some time taught by a private tutor. 
When about eighteen years of age, hav- 
ing developed a taste for the legal pro- 
fession, he entered the law office of Henry 
R. Mygatt, of Oxford, for the purpose ef 
fitting himself for the practice of law, 
where he continued some time. Subse- 
quently he emigrated to Wisconsin, where, 
in 186;-*, he was admitted to the bar, be- 
fore Judge Stewart. He served during 
the war, as a Union soldier, in the 90th 
New York Volunteer Infantry, enlisting 
soon after arriving at the age of twenty- 
one years. In 1873 he was married to 
Elizabeth A. Hazelton, a native of the 
State of New York. 

Another transient lawyer, Henry W. 
Ames, swung out his shingle in Forest 
City in 1871. He was in search of a field 
for operation, but not being satisfied as to 
the outlook for Forest City, within a few 
weeks he packed his traps and sought 
greener pastures. He was young and not 
very brilliant, but had been in practice 
before coming here. 

John Dunbar was admitted to the bar 
in 1«75, at a term of district court held at 
Forest City. He practiced two years, 
then went to Cedar Falls, where he prac- 
ticed about two years, when he returned 
to Winnebago county. He is now en- 
gaged in farming. 

THE PRESENT BAR. 

The legal profession of Winnebago 
county, in 1883, was represented by the 
following named: Martin Cooper, T. ('. 
Ransom, W. W. Olmstead, J. E. Ander- 
son, J. F. Thompson, J. T. Lattimore, J. 
E. Howard, Col. A. H. Chase, David Se- 
cor, W. H. Harwood, W. A. Chapman, 



tf 



iK 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



803 



W. H. Fisher, E. F. Thompson and J. D. 
Leland. 

T. C. Ransom, attorney at law, was 
born in Hartford Co., Conn., Sept. 22, 
1S24. When a small boy his parents re- 
moved to Litchfield county, where he 
grew to manhood, and learned the trade 
of a shoemaker, which he followed for a 
number of years. When twenty-four years 
of age, he entered the law office of Hiram 
Goodwin, and also read with O. EL Pratt, 
afterward member of Congress. In the 
spring of 1850 he was admitted to the 
bar, and soon after removed to Iowa, set- 
tling in Clayton county, in the flourishing 
village of Hardin, where he hung out a 
shingle, and commenced the practice of 
his profession. In 1861 he removed to 
Waukon. In 1S68 he again removed to 
Postville, where he practiced his profes- 
sion until 1870, being admitted to the 
United States district court, at Dubuque, 
in 1809. He then came to Winnebago 
county. Soon after coming west, Mr. 
Ransom had occasion to attend court at 
Waukon, dressing, as. he supposed, suita- 
ble for the occasion, wearing a silk hat, 
as had been the custom in the east. What 
was his surprise on arriving, at finding the 
judge and attorneys, with their shoes run 
down at the heel, some with elbows out, 
and all with slouched hats. When he 
reached home he told his wife bethought 
he was in the right church, but in the 
wrong pew. He stored his plug hat away 
and has never attempted to wear it since. 
In 1848 he was married to Laura Parsons, 
by whom he has had one child — Maria, 
now the wife of Calvin Gardner. Mrs. 
Ransom died in 1860. In 1873 he was 
again married to S. M. Spencer. While 



in Allamakee county, he was elected to 
the office of superintendent of the public 
schools, which he filled with due credit. 
He is an honorable member of the Masonic 
lodge, of Forest City. In 1 877-8-9, Mr. 
Ransom served as prosecuting attorney of 
Winnebago county. 

C. L. Nelson, attorney at law, Forest 
City, was born near Christiana, Norway, 
March 13, 1846. In 1852 he emigrated 
with his parents to America. They 
settled in Rock Co., Wis., and in 
1856, with other company, removed to 
Winnebago county. Mr. Nelson settled 
on section 22 in Norway township. Here 
he made his farm. The country being 
sparsely settled, they were compelled to 
go to Decorah to mill. The wheat was 
hauled to McGregor, making the trip in 
two weeks, receiving about fifty cents per 
bushel. The following spring the land 
sales commenced at Osage, and the snow 
being deep, they made the trip on snow 
shoes to secure the claims. The winter 
of 1856-57 will be remembered, by the 
early settlers, as one of deep snow and 
much suffering from cold, and the scarcity 
of provisions. The subject of this sketch 
was reared on this farm, and received his 
early education in a small frame school 
house. He afterwards attended the De- 
corah Normal Institute and Upper Iowa 
University. For a number of years he 
taught school, then commenced reading 
law in the office of Ransom & Olmstead, 
and with Prof. J. E. Anderson. In 1876 
and 1877 he was deputy sheriff under Pe- 
ter Lewis. He was admitted to the bar 
Sept- 9, 1878. In 1870 he was mar- 
ried to Anna Olson, who was born in 
Norway, but who came to this country 



•It. 



804 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



when a child. Mr. Nelson has been iden- 
tified with the county for many years, 
and has seen its many changes. 

William II. Fisher, attorney at law, of 
Forest City, was born in W. Va., July 24, 
1850. When a small boy his parents emi- 
grated to Kane Co., 111., where they 
remained a short time, removing to Fay- 
ette Co., Iowa, where he grew to manhood. 
He located in Winnebago county in June, 
1869. In 1877 he entered the office of 
Ransom & Olmstead, and was admitted 
to the bar, in May, 1878, since which time 
he has followed his profession in Forest 
City. He was married in 1870 to Martha 
J. Howard, who died in 1876. In 1379 
he was again married to Florence A. 
Steward, a native of Maine. This union 
was blessed with three children — Ray 
mond E., Robert S. and Bessie. Mr. 
Fisher is a Master Mason, and a member 
of the I. O. O. F. lodge. He is a young 
man who has lived in the county for a 
number of years, and by close attention to 
practice has gained a position of which he 
can well be proud. 

J. F. Thompson, banker, was born in 
Hancock count}', Sept. 3, 1848. He is the 
son of Matthew and Martha (Spaulding) 
Thompson, his father a native of Ireland, 
and his mother of Vermont. They were 
married in Ohio, and were the parents of 
nine children, seven sons and two daugh- 
ters. In October, 1857, Mr. Thompson 
located in Clayton Co., Iowa. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was reared as a farm 
boy, receiving his early education in the 
common schools. In July, 1863, he en- 
tered the service, enlisting in the 4th 
Iowa Battery, serving until the close of 
the war. In 1865 he was wounded in the 



leg at Thibodeaux City, La. At the close of 
the war he returned to Clayton county, 
and attended school an McGregor. In 
the fall of 1873 he entered the Iowa State 
University, graduating in the law depart- 
ment in 1875. In the fall of the same 
year he was appointed deputy register of 
the State land office, which position he 
held about two years. On May 1, 1877, 
he established the Winnebago County 
Bank, and Jan. 1, 1880, sold a half inter- 
est to James H. Easton, and continued un- 
der the firm name of Easton & Thomp- 
son. In the fall of 1883 his brother, J. 
Thompson, purchased the interest of Mr. 
Easton and the firm is now Thompson 
Bros., the bank having been re-organized 
with a paid up capital of $25,000. Mr. 
Thompson was married Dec. 22, 1875, to 
Julia Clark, a daughter of Judge Clark, 
the founder of Forest City. She was 
born in this city Sept. 19, 1857. Four 
children bless this union, three of whom 
are living — J. Clark, Clyde C. and Merle 
M. Mr. Thompson is, in politics, a staunch 
republican, and is now the mayor of For- 
est City, having been elected by a large 
majority on the temperance ticket. He 
is also a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, being passed to a Knight Templar. 

Hon. J. E. Anderson is a native of Swe- 
den, born in 1846. In 1852 his parents 
emigrated to America, and after remain- 
ing three years in the city of New York, 
removed to Whiteside Co., 111., and settled 
on a faim. In 1855 they removed to 
Lyons, Iowa. In 1860, they settled on a 
farm in Winnebago county, where Mr. 
Anderson has since resided. He received 
a common school education, where he re- 
sided up to 1866, when he entered the Up- 






► *r 



. B ;^ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



805 



per Iowa University, where he spent 
three years. He then entered the State 
University, where he took a full course 
of scientific and classical studies, and 
graduated with the class of 1872, and in 
1876 graduated in the law department of 
the same institution. Mr. Anderson is 
honorably distinguished as the author of 
a work on "calculations," and in having 
from 1872 to 1875 visited some 300 col- 
leges situated in nearly every State in the 
Union, and delivering lectures on the sub- 
ject before tho-e institutions. In the fall 
of 1881, Mr. Anderson was elected to the 
State Assembly from the 77th legislative 
district, composed of the counties of 
Worth, Winnebago, Hancock and Wright, 
receiving a majority of 3,000 votes, being 
the largest majority by which any mem- 
ber of the House was elected. This may 
be accepted by our readers as an evidence 
of his personal popularity, or of the in- 
telligence of his constituency, or both, or 
neither, according to their individual po- 
litical bias. Mr. Anderson is nearly six 
feet in height, of fine figure and presence, 
wears a full beard, and is in a word if not 
the best looking — at least among the few 
best looking men in the House. Every 
work of true reform has had him among 
its unflinching advocates. He speaks 
with great ease and energy, and his argu- 
ments are always to the point and uni- 
formly enlist marked attention. He is 
chairman of the Library committee and 
member of those on Judiciary, Schools, 
Claims, Compensation of Public Officers, 
State University, Constitutional Amend- 
ments, and Senatorial and Representative 
Districts. He was married in 1875 to 
Martha A., daughter of Nelson and Anna 



Johnson, by whom he has had three chil- 
dren, two of which are living — Randolph 
M. and Horace E. Mr. and Mrs. Ander- 
son are members of the M. E. Church of 
Forest City, at which place he now re- 
sides, engaged in the practice of law, to- 
gether with loaning of money and sale of 
lands. "True and upright in all his du- 
ties, he has a name truly honorable, and a 
character worthy of emulation." A local 
writer thus speaks of him in reference to 
his labors in the General Assembly : 
"Hon. J. E. Anderson, although he made 
no attempts at oratory, made for himself 
a very excellent record. He was a thorough 
worker, and, during the entire session, 
did not, I believe, miss a single roll call. 
He was always to be found in his seat, 
and gave the strictest and closest atten- 
tion to business. As many committee 
meetings as he could find time to attend, 
he attended, and shirked no duty imposed 
upon him. His genial and social disposi- 
tion gained for him hosts of friends, and 
to illustrate this I will only mention one 
instance of which I took particular notice. 
I think it was the day immediately pre- 
ceding the last of the session, when the 
regular order of business was being strict- 
ly followed, and the House, for some cause 
or other was in an exceedingly bad hu- 
mor, and had refused several members to 
take up measures out of their order; it 
was on this day, and while this feeling 
was upon the House that Mr. Anderson 
asked leave to take up out of its order the 
bill for funding county indebtedness, and 
his request was granted without a dissent- 
ing voice, and this, alone, speaks better of 
his standing among the members than if 
I devoted a whole column to him. The 



»lv 



<» V_ 



800 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



district lie represented has no cause to re- 
gret having elected him, for I assure you 
their interests were in safe and good 
hands." 

George A. Franklin, of the firm of Lat- 
timore & Co., attorneys and real estate 
agents, Forest City, was born in Rbckford, 
111., April 2, 1855. He is a graduate of 
the State Normal, of Illinois, in the class 
of 1877. In 1878 and 1879 he was em- 
ployed as principal in the Butler schools, 
Montgomery Co., 111. In the spring of 
1881 he came to Winnebago county, where 
he engaged in stock growing. In the 
spring of 1883, he purchased an interest in 
his present business. They make the col- 
lections of slow and doubtful claims, and 
the foreclosures of mortgages a specialty. 

W. A. Chapman, a prominent attorney 
of Lake Mills, was born in Kalamazoo 
Co., Mich., in November, 1842, his par- 
ents being Willard and Polly (Weller) 
Chapman. His father was a native of 
Massachusetts ; his mother of Vermont. 
While W. A. was quite young his parents 
removed to Canada, where he was reared 
on a farm. His widowed mother is now 
living in Brooklin, province of Ontario. 
Mr. Chapman left home when he attained 
his majority and for a number of years 
engaged in teaching. He spent -one year 
in Buffalo, N. Y., also about two 
years in and about Chicago, teaching 
school, and in 1873 came to Iowa locating 
at Lake Mills. For two or three years he 
was engaged in teaching school and in 
studying law, and in 1876 was admitted 
to the bar by Judge George W. Ruddick. 
Since that time Mr. Chapman has applied 
himself wholly to the practice of his 
profession and has built up a lucrative 



practice. He held the office of county 
superintendent of schools for four years, 
and proved a very efficient officer. He 
was married, in 1875, to Mary E.Clark, a 
native of Canada, who has borne him two 
children — Mina L. and Clara M. 

E. F. Thompson came to Lake Mills 
from Minneapolis, in 1876. He had been 
in practice in the latter city for some time, 
in partnership with a law firm, and had 
met with very good success. 

In 1869 J. E. Howard came with his 
parents to Forest City. Early in 1876 he 
commenced the study of law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1878, by Judge C. T. 
Granger, at a term of the circuit court. 
Mr. Howard was born in Fayette Co., 
Iowa, Aug. 31, 1855, his parents being 
Samuel and Jane (Alcorn) Howard, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania. He is not in ac- 
tual practice at present, but is engaged in 
land and collection business. Mr. How- 
ard is one of the rising young men of 
Forest City. 

J. T. Lattimore came to Forest City in 
the springof 1877 and opened a law office. 
Mr. Lattimore is a native of Pennsylvania. 
He studied law in Mason City with Judge 
Wilbur, and on being admitted to the bar 
he came to Forest City. He is now con- 
nected with the Forest City Bank, and his 
time is chiefly occupied in attending to 
land sales and collections. 

The law and real estate firm of Picker- 
ing, Hartley & Harwood, of Northwood, 
established a branch business at Lake 
Mills, in 1879, and W. C. Harwood took 
charge of the business. Messrs. Pick- 
ering and Hartley are the lawyers of 
the firm, Mr. Harwood, attending to the 
other business of the firm. 



© "V 



lliV 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



807 



David Secor was admitted to the bar in 
1879. He was register of the State land 
office for two terms, and a sketch of him 
is given in the chapter on "National, State 
and County Representation." 

Col. A. II. Chase was admitted to prac- 
tice, on certificate from the State of New 
York, in 1875. Mr. Chase is the present 
editor and proprietor of the Winnebago 
Summit. 



J. T. Kean located at Lake Mills, for the 
purpose of practicing law, in the fall of 
1 880. After remaining two years he went 
Washington, D. C, to accept a clerkship 
in the adjutant general's department. Mr 
Kean was a young man of fair ability and 
gave promise of making a good lawyej - . 

J.D. Leland located at Forest City in 
1880, and practiced law with W. H. Fisher 
for about two years. He is now located 
at Lelandsburg, where he is now post- 
master. He is still in practice. 



CHAPTER XI 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



It is the general impression that no com- 
munity could well get along without 
physicians, and the impression is well 
founded, although in one sense a little 
exaggerated. Yet it would be trying and 
sorry work for any community to attempt 
to get along entirely without the aid of 
those who have made the work of healing, 
curing and administering comfort to the 
afflicted, and allaying their suffering, a life 
study and a life object. Their worth, 
when they are needed, is not measured by 
dollars. Their long years of study, pre- 
paring for emergencies where life and 
death are struggling for supremacy at 
such times, are above value. 

The physician, associated as he is with 
life and death, is a subject for study. He 
is present when members of the human 
race are ushered into existence, allaying 



pains, lessening danger; is also there at 
the bed of the child as it grows upward, 
and expands toward manhood or woman- 
hood, warding off disease, sustaining the 
health, and conquering deformities; at 
middle age he is present, for, along life's 
pathway are strewn for all a large share 
of the ills that flesh is heir to; and while 
old age has set in, and the once rosy 
youth or maiden passes rapidly down the 
plane of declining life, ns grandmas and 
grandpas, the physician is still at his 
post; and again, as the steady tread of 
approaching death is heard, while the 
eyes dim, and the clammy mantle of that 
awful messenger covers its victim, carry- 
ing the humble life into the great blaze 
of eternity, the physician is still there, 
exerting his utmost knowledge to prolong 
the spark or to ease the suffering. God 



i y 



808 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



bless the physician — if honest and sincere 
he is a blessing to the world. 

As to progress, the medical world has 
nude wonderful strides, and, in the fu- 
ture, will undoubtedly keep up its onward 
march. In this respect that able man, 
Prof. I. H. Stearns, health officer of Mil- 
waukee, and for many years surgeon of 
the Soldiers' Home at that place, once 
said: "It is doubtful whether" it is won- 
derful that medical science has advanced 
the way it has, in the past fifty years, or 
stupidity that the advancement was not 
made years ago. * * * For instance, 
years ago — but while the practice of 
medicine was as old as Rome — the dis- 
covery was made that boiled oil was not 
good for gun and pistol shot wounds. 
What a discovery! It is handed down to 
us that on a certain battle field the sur- 
geon ran out of boiled oil, and so as not 
to discourage his patients he used cold 
water, pretending it was oil. It is not 
strange to us that the water patients 
speedily recovered with little pain, while 
the oil patients, if they recoveredat all, did 
so in spite of the oil. * * * " Prof. 
Stearns continued at length, relating the 
present method of treating fever, the 
giving of plenty of water, which, but a 
few years ago, was absolutely forbidden, 
and many other scientific items in regard 
to present practice which would be of in- 
terest, but space forbids. 

In all ages of the world, among civil- 
ized and uncivilized people, the medical 
profession has been held in high esteem. 
Whether it be the learned professor, who 
has studied the science of medicine in all 
its branches, or the "great medicine man" 
of the untutored savages, who, from ac- 



tual experience, has made discoveries of 
the healing powers of herbs and roots, 
honor awaits him upon every hand, while 
the life and death of every human being 
is virtually placed in his keeping. The 
weary patient lying upon a bed of pain, 
and the no less weary watcher by his side, 
wait anxiously for the coming of the 
"good doctor," and, on his arrival, note 
every expression of countenance for a ray 
of hope. 

The members of the medical fra- 
ternity of Winnebago county have, with 
few, if any exceptions, been true to 
their work and an honor to the pro- 
fession. They have ever been ready 
to respond to the call of duty. The win- 
ter's cold, the summer's heat or the rains 
of spring and autumn could not keep 
them back when the cry of distress 
reached their ears. Not, a physician in 
the county, especially among those who 
settled here at an early day, has escaped 
the experience of sufferings that would 
have deterred those in any other profes- 
sion, in response to a summon* to attend 
the bedside of a sick and suffering one. 
They have been compelled to cross track- 
less prairies, to face the dreaded blizzard 
from the north, often with no hope of fee 
or reward, but only, if possible, to relieve 
those who plead for their care. All this 
has been done by the physicians of Win- 
nebago county without complaint, and if 
the good deeds of the profession are not 
remembered and appreciated by those 
who have received their aid, a time will 
come when these acts of kindness will be 
remembered and rewarded. 

In the following review of the medical 
profession, those who have practiced only 



« fc_ 



-^ » 



te. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



809 



for a time will be briefly noticed first, 
and then in regular order will be taken 
up the representatives of the profession 
in 1883. 

REMINISCENCE OF- EARLY PRACTICE. 
IBy W. H.Jones, M. D.] 

The writer of this article, after due 
consideration, left his home in DeKalb 
Co., 111., on the 18th day of December, 
1869, to seek a location in the then fron- 
tier of Iowa. Arriving in Forest City on 
the 23d of the same month that the Chica- 
go, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad had its 
terminus at Mason City. On inquiring of 
some of the old settlers in Mason City 
about this town (Forest City), there were 
very few who knew the place by its proper 
name, it being universally known by the 
name of Pucker Brush, and I was fre- 
quently told that it was madness to think 
of going there to practice medicine, as 
all there was there were muskrats, mink, 
deer and a few hunters. However, I was 
not daunted by their statements, and here 
I am. 

My first work was to form the acquaint- 
ance of the leading men of the town at 
that time, and, by the way, they are the 
leading men to-day. 

I might mention some of their names, 
Hon. David Secor, Eugene Secor, J. W. 
Mahoney, B. A. Plummer, and others. 
Some have passed to that bourn from 
which no traveler returneth; some have 
moved farther west, and othershave taken 
their places. 

Well for my first experience: The 
people, hearing that a young physician 
had or was about to locate in Forest City, 
called a meeting to take into considera- 
tion the feasibility of organizing a ceme- 



tery association. Of course, I was invited 
to attend. After the formality of an or- 
ganization had been gone through with, 
i. e., appointment of a chairman, secre- 
tary, etc., the object of the meeting being 
announced, a number of the citizens were 
called on to give their views on the mat- 
ter. One of the oldest inhabitants being 
called on, made his speech as follows: 

"Mr. President, fellow-citizens, ladies 
and gentlemen: — Icalkalate that my idees 
is that we have lived here nigh on to fif- 
teen years, and have had no use for a 
burying ground. But I have hearn tell 
that there is a doctor here now, and I 
think we had better have a grave-yard, as 
I recon we will need it." 

I, of course, thought this a severe drive 
at me, but I took the joke and enjoyed it 
as much as the others present. 

My first patient: One of our esteemed 
citizens was suffering with an abscess, 
and was under the care of a spiritualistic 
doctor, and when I was called excited the 
wrath of Mr. Spirit, who very indignantly 
inquired of me what I had given him. I 
told him that I had used iron. This was 
a good thing for the doctor, and it was 
not long before all the people had heard 
that Mr. W. had a boil, and "that fool of 
a doctor was giving him iron." Some 
took 'he trouble to inquire if such was the 
case, and I told them it was, but that I 
had sriven it in a very concentrated form, 
i. e., that I had opened the abscess with my 
lance, and the patient was doing well. 
Then the spiritualist said that my "reck- 
Less interference would be the death of 
some one yet." 

My next call was on the morning of 
Dec. 28, 1869. I was called in great 



Tr 



v 



810 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



haste, the messenger informing me that 
the man was about dead or he thought 
dying. I hastened to the house and found 
the man dead with a large piece of fat 
pork in his mouth. The friends informed 
me that he had gone to the table as usual, 
but on taking the first mouthful, fell from 
his chair dead. I gave it as my opinion 
that disease of the heart was the cause of 
death. This did not satisfy some of the 
curious people, and they freely stated 
that, in their opinion, there had been 
some foul play. Well, my friend of 
grave-yard fame came to my aid and 
said: "Now we have a doctor, we had 
better adopt the customs of civilization 
and have something scientific," and he 
suggested a post mortem. 

The autopsy proved my opinion to be 
correct, and the man was interred with all 
the customs of a civilized country, and 
thus the first subject for the new ceme- 
tery was furnished. 

I presume all doctors pass through 
about the same experiences. I had not 
been here long when an esteemed lady 
was free in expressing her opinion as to 
the worth of the new doctor. She stated 
that she ''would not have that young fel- 
low doctor any thing for her unless it was 
her cat." This was at that time some- 
what annoying, but, now, amusing to me. 
However, I did not have long to wait be- 
fore this dame called on me. She was 
taken suddenly sick and I of course re- 
sponded to the call. On entering the 
house I laid off my coat, hat and gloves, 
took a seat, and very submissively told 
the lady to "bring on her cat," as I sup- 
posed that was what she wanted me to 
treat. Her reply was: "Oh! you wicked 



thing, I have changed my mind now, and 
wish you to give me some medicine to 
ease my pain." This I did and the lady 
to-day is one of my best friends. 

Another very amusing thing occurred. 
A young couple who had obeyed the 
divine command to "multiply" etc., called 
on our spiritualistic friend. I presume 
he thought it strange, but on entering the 
house he turned his face heavenward and 
remarked — "stuck in the mud, eh." After 
a few more similar remarks, he was es- 
corted out of the house and the "young 
doctor" was called, and thus another 
friend was secured. All this was very en- 
couraging at that time. Again, in the 
spring of 1870, on a Sunday afternoon, as 
I was on the way to make a visit about 
three miles north of town, I met a mes- 
senger coming after me to go to the ex- 
treme north part of the county. After 
traveling along by-paths, over grubs and 
across sloughs, I arrived at the place of 
destination about 1 1 o'clock, p. m. 1 
found the family in a log cabin, living in 
the full style of frontier life. There was 
no table or chairs, and the only seats were 
a block of wood and a log bench. The 
bedstead was a very crude affair, made 
by boring holes in the logs and driving in 
pegs, upon which poles were laid. The 
people were very hospitable and invited 
me to partake, but their bountiful repast 

was too much for me, so I declined with 

• 

the plea of not being hungry. On' ac- 
count of the darkness, and there being no 
road to travel, I was compelled to remain 
until morning. They had no extra bed, ' 
and there being nothing to recline on, ex- 
cept the long bench, I conceived the idea 
of making a bed of it. From being accus- 



=?tu 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



711 



tomed to four years of army life, this was 
no great task, so I placed a sack of grain 
on end for a pillow and turned in for the 
night. I had not been asleep long, before 
I was awakened in great torment. On 
casting my eyes over my shirt sleeves, I 
discovered, to my horror, a swarm of 
those little aminalis that were so plenti- 
ful in the sand around Ft. Wagoner, 
S. C.j that credited so much disturbance 
of our peace and comfort, (not by bit- 
ing as you may suppose), but by jump, 
ing up and sitting down so quick and 
often. But these things, like the noble 
red man, deer, prairie chicken, beaver, 
otter, etc., have gone toward the setting 
sun beyond the pale of civilization. Well, 
I passed the night as comfortable as pos- 
sible under the circumstances, and at 
dawn of day prepared ■ to return home 
When I was about to start, the good mai 
inquired how much I charged. On lool 
ing ever) thing over, I thought the peopb 
very poor, and told him the usual fee w:it- 
$25, but under the circumstances, I would 
charge him 410. You can imagine my sui 
prise, on his pulling an old chest from 
under the bed, and taking out an old 
wallet, from which he took a roll of green- 
backs that did not contain less than $400 
or $500. I began to wish that I could 
hire some small boy to gently brush my 
coat tails until I got home. 

To return to our spiritual friend, he 
had, what was called at that day, a drug 
store. He had on his shelves some bot- 
tles labeled after his own idea, as follows: 
"Spt camp fire," (camphor); "blak hash," 
(black cohosh); "worm f age," (vermifuge); 
"powderd robbavb," (rhubarb); and a 
full pound of calomel, properly labeled, 



"Hyd. chlo. Mit.;" also some "pot. ass. 
nit.;" which he informed me was a mis- 
take, as he did not order either the "pot. 
ass. nit.," or "hyd. chlo. mit.," but had 
ordered "calomel and salt peter." The 
balance of his stock in trade was an ar- 
ticle that passed under the name of "bug 
juice," "fire water," "red eye," "spt fru- 
menti," and plain "whisky." All these 
names were very well known, and the 
article was in good demand at that time. 

But things have somewhat changed 
Our friend, the doctor, druggist and 
spiritual medium, has gone farther west, I 
presume to improve and grow up with 
the country. Some very amusing and in- 
genious methods were adopted to test the 
qualifications of the new doctor. This 
seemed to be the all-absorbing question in 
the domestic circle. One of the citizens 
said he had a method by which he could 
prove whether the doctor knew his busi- 
ness or not. So he came into the only 
store in town, at that time, and called on 
on a lawyer and school teacher, who pro- 
fessed to be Latin scholars, to translate 
for him a prescription he was possessor 
of, and which was, no doubt, written by 
a good physician. The prescription 
proved too much for the Latin scholars, 
and was referred to me. It was very plain 
and was a follows: 

R. pulv. spee et opii, grs. XXX. 

Hyd. cum creta, grs. XXX. 

Quinia sul., gr. X. MX. 

Ft. chts. No. X. 

Sig. Take a powder pro re nata. 

The abreviations being understood, and 
my ability to explain the contents of the 
prescription, was sufficient evidence to 
this gentleman of my qualifications. This 



37 



812 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



brought me another patient, in the person 
of his mother, who was fortunate enough 
to recover. 

Another somewhat amusing thing oc- 
curred. A lady of English extraction was 
taken sick, and of course there is always 
some one who has a remedy for any disease 
flesh is heir to. So my English friend 
was blessed (?) with a neighbor of this 
kind, and was advised to take a bottle of 
Ayres' Sarsaparilla. This did not have 
the desired effect and the next neighbor 
came to her relief and ordered a bottle of 
Walker's California Vinegar Hitters. 
This she stated was a sure cure for the 
disease. The bottle was procured and 
taken as directed. It had the desired 
effect, that is, of giving me a case. On 

my first visit I found Mrs. D in an 

advanced stage of typhoid fever. It is 
hardly necessary to state that the natural 
tendency of typhoid and the action of 
Vinegar Bitters did not go very well to- 
gether. To give the husband's words — 
"The stuff tore my wife all to pieces!" 
However, a good constitution, and favor- 
able surroundings, cheated the new ceme- 
tery out of a victim, and showed the 
friends what meddlesome quackery and 
patent medicine would have done, had not 
proper and timely assistance been ren- 
dered. 

To give something of the inconven- 
iences of early practice in this county 
I will relate a few of the many ex- 
periences' through which I have passed. 
A family living about six miles from 
town was attacked with typhoid fever. 
The first taken sick was the noble sire, 
who was a staunch believer in spiritual- 
ism, and of course my friend, the spirit 



doctor, was called. It is unnecessary to 
state that at the expiration of ten or fif- 
teen days the noble old gentleman had 
''climbed the golden stairs," or, as the 
boys say, had "gone to be an angel." 
When the balance of the family, five in 
number, were taken sick, I was called to 
administer unto them. On my arrival at 
the place, I found a log cabin, the size of 
which was 9x12 feet.four feet in height on 
the sides, and containing one room, which 
served as kitchen, parlor, bed-room and 
cellar. In my daily calls, my custom was 
to ask the good mother how the children 
were getting along. She would answer 
by calling each by their respective names, 
which were very similar and sounded 
very much to me like Ham, Shem and 
Japheth. I was somewhat like the 
Dutchman, who didn't know whether he 
was "Hans what was living, or Jacob 
what was dead," so I was compelled to 
tell the good woman that she must desig- 
nate them as oldest or older, youngest or 
younger, etc. 

She answered me by saying : "Good 
God, doctor, how can I, when they are all 
twins?" I will state that all five recov- 
ered, and are to-day honest, industrious 
young men, and are citizens of Winne- 
bago county. 

This is a somewhat brief reminiscence 
of the early practice of medicine in this 
county. But things have greatly changed 
and in place of the dug-outs, straw sheds, 
log cabins, and other primitive habita- 
tions, we have as fine dwellings as one can 
find in any country, and a large per cent, 
have accumulated considerable of this 
world's goods. 



fe^ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



813 



I will state, in conclusion, in place of 
being the only physician in Winnebago 
county, we have twelve to fifteen, and I 
can proudly state that they are a corps 
of young, enterprising and efficient physi- 
cians in whom any county might take just 
pride. In our history they have stood 
nobly by when suffering and death was 
near, and have by their skill and atten- 
tion, banished hours of pain and fought 
the battle with death successfully. The 
privations through which they have passed, 
the inconveniences which they have 
experienced in attending to the wants of 
the suffering, may not now be fully appre- 
ciated, but that day is not far distant when 
the due meed of praise shall be given, 
and they will receive their reward. 

FOREST CITY PHYSICIANS. 

Prior to 1865, when a physician was 
needed, people had to go to Mason City, 
Clear Lake or Bristol, as there was no 
doctor then located in the county. This 
necessitated long, hard drives before a 
physician was reached, and many times 
the patient was dead or beyond the reach 
of recovery when the doctor came. Fi- 
nally, however, the advent of the first 
physician into the county obviated these 
difficulties. Dr. W. H. Jones located at 
Forest City in 1869, and thus became the 
first resident physician of the county. He 
still lives in Forest City, where he has a 
large and increasing practice. 

William H. Jones, M. D., the oldest 
practicing physician in the county, was 
horn in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, 
Oct. 7, 184:5. When nine years of age 
his parents emigrated to America, and lo- 
cated at St. Charles, Kane Co., 111., re- 
moving in 1853 to De Kalb county. His 



father, John H. P. Jones, was a regular 
practicing physician, a graduate of the 
London Medical College. He practiced 
his profession in De Kalb county for 
many years. In politics he was a strong 
abolitionist, and his time was given to 
the cause. Previous to coming to Ameri- 
ca he was surgeon in the British navy on 
board the ship N~imrod, and was also sta- 
tioned at Bombay and Calcutta at the 
time of the cholera. Dr. W. II. Jones, 
the subject of this sketch, when sixteen 
years of age, began reading medicine in 
his father's office. At the breaking out 
of the war he entered the army, enlisting 
in company D, 39th Illinois Infantry, and 
participated in several engagements, among 
which were: The battles of Winchester, 
Cedar Creek and second battle of Maloon 
Hill, at which place he was taken sick 
.ind sent to the hospital at Philadelphia, 
where he remained some months. He re- 
turned to his regiment at Suffolk, Va., 
was sent to South Carolina, and was at 
the capture of Forts Wagner and Sum- 
ter. In 1863 the regiment veteranized and 
returned home on a furlough. He was 
then sent to the army of the James, under 
Gen. Butler. He was wounded at Cha- 
pin's Farm, and soon after was discharged 
on account of physical disability. He 
then returned to De Kalb county, and 
again commenced reading medicine. In 
1865 and 1866 he attended lectures at the 
Rush Medical College. In August, 1866, 
he was married to Hattie Silkworth, by 
whom there has been five children, four 
of whom are living — Maud, Ada, Ernest 
H. and Claire. In 1869 he removed to 
Winnebago county. He 1873 he attended 
the Keokuk Medical College, where he 



V 



^k 



814 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



graduated. Dr. Jones is vice-president of 
the Medical Society of Northern Iowa, of 
which he was one of the founders. He 
is a member of the Free and Accepted 
Masons, having served as master of the 
lodge; also a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. 

In 1871 Dr. William VanDuzen came 
to Forest City and entered into partnership 
with Dr. Jones. Dr. VanDuzen was a 
native of Wisconsin, his father being a 
practicing physician at Mineral Point, 
that State. After a residence of about six 
months in Forest City, he went' back to 
Wisconsin and is now practicing at Arena, 
Iowa county. Dr. VanDuzen was a grad- 
uate of the Miami Medical College, of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, was well posted and 
gave promise of making a successful prac- 
titioner. 

Dr. P. C. Jones located at Forest City, 
in 1872, and remained nearly two years. 
He was born June 28, 1834, in South 
Wales, England. His early life was spent 
in that country, and there he received a 
classical education. In the spring of 1852 
he came to America, and immediately set- 
tled in DeKalb Co., 111. The following 
fall his parents also crossed the ocean, and 
followed their son to his new home. 
Upon their arrival, P. C. began the study 
of medicine with his father, who was a 
physician. Subsequently he attended 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, and af- 
terwards the University of Medicine and 
Surgery, at Philadelphia, where he grad- 
uated with the class of 1872. Dr. Jones 
then located in Brown Co., Wis., where 
he practiced for a short time, then came 
to Winnebago Co., Iowa. On his removal 
from Forest City, he went to Tama county, 



this State, locating at Dysart, where he is 
now practicing. 

Dr. J. S. Wright came from Osage, in 
1877. He studied medicine with Dr. J. 
E. Nichols, of Osage, for five years, and 
was well up in his profession. He did not 
have much practice, however, and left the 
county after a stay of about one year. 

In the fall of 1883 the medical pro- 
fession of Forest City was represented by 
Drs. W. H. Jones, J. A. Hewett, J. W. 
David, H. R. Irish and W. R. Franklin. 

In 1874 J. A. Hewett, M. D., located in 
Forest City. He is a graduate of Bennett 
Medical Collage, Chicago, 111., and for a 
number of years was United States exam 
ining surgeon, for pensions, receiving the 
appointment Sept. 5, 1877. 

J. W. David, M. D., Forest City, was 
born in Richland Co., 111., Feb. 28, 1841. 
He is a son of Isaac David, a native of 
Luzerne Co., Penn., who emigrated to 
Richland county, where he became ac- 
quainted with Cecelia Ruark, whom he 
married. By this union there were eight 
children, seven sons and one daughter. 
In 1846 he removed to Grant Co., Wis., 
where he engaged in farming. Here he 
remained until his death, which occurred 
in 1879. Dr. David was reared on a farm 
and received his education in the common 
schools. In September, 1858, he com- 
menced attending Platteville Academy, 
which school he attended for four years, 
and teaching winters in a district school. 
In 1862 he commenced reading medicine, 
but the war breaking out, he joined the 
30th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantry, company B, and was sent to Min- 
nesota at the time of the Indian trouble. 
In 1864 he was promoted to post hospital 






V"3 «- 



>\/L 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



815 



steward, at Frankfort, Ky. lie was dis- 
charged at Madison, Wis., in 1865. He 
then attended lectures at the Rush Medi- 
cal College, Chicago, 111., graduating 
therefrom in 1869. He then returned to 
Highland, Grant county, where he em- 
barked in the drug business in connection 
with the practice of his profession. In 
1874 he removed to Muscoda, of the same 
county, where he remained six years. In 
1880 he located in Forest City. He was 
joined in wedlock, in October, 1866, to 
Jennie Green. Three living children bless 
this union — Laura, Cecelia and Lister. 
Dr. David is a Master Mason, also a mem- 
ber of the A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. 

W. R. Franklin, M. D., of Forest City, 
was born in Rockford, 111., Nov. 14, 1859. 
His parents are Stephen R., a native of 
Maryland, and Anna E. (Gillis) Franklin, 
of Washington Co., N. Y. They were 
married in Rockford, 111., where they set- 
tled at an early day. There the doctor 
grew to manhood, receiving his early edu- 
cation in the Rockford schools. He 
afterward attended the State Normal, of 
Normal, 111. After leading school he en- 
tered the office of Dr. Hill, of Rockford. 
He graduated at the Chicago Hom.oppatb.ic 
Medical College, March 1, 1883. Soon 
after, he came to Forest City, where he 
started in his profession, and by close at- 
tention to business has built himself a 
practice of which he may be justly proud. 

Harry R. Irish, M. D., was born in 
Dane Co., Wis., Oct. 1, 1860. His parents 
were David and Harriet (Brown) Irish, 
who located in Dane county in 1853. Dr. 
Irish graduated from the medical depart- 
ment of the Iowa State University with 
the class of 18S3, and soon after came to 



Forest City, where he is now associated 
in practice with Dr. W. H. Jones, the 
oldest practicing physician of the county. 

LAKE MILLS PHYSICIANS. 

The first physician to locate at Lake 
Mills was Dr. A. L. Shay, who swung out 
his shingle in 1871. He remained two 
or three years, then moved to his farm in 
Worth county, where he died in 1876. 
Dr. Shay was a graduate of the Chicago 
Medical College, and was a good physi- 
cian. 

The representatives of the medical pro- 
fession now located at Lake Mills are 
Drs. J. M. Hull, C. E. Keeler and W. L. 
Gundlach. 

Justin M. Hull, M. D., son of Rev. O. 
P. Hull, was born at Albion, Dane Co., 
Wis., June 9, 1845. He enlisted in 1862 
in company L, 3d Wisconsin Volunteer 
Cavalry, and after fourteen months of 
service was discharged by reason of an in- 
jury received at the battle of Prairie 
Grove, Ark. He was married Oct. 6, 
1863, to Mary R. Stewart, who was born 
at Albion, Dane Co., Wis., June 16, 1845. 
Mr. and Mrs Hull are the parents of two 
children— Nora, born March 3, 1866, and 
Nathan J., born June 12, 1871. Dr. Hull 
is a graduate of the Bennett Medical Col- 
lege, of Chicago, 111. The last ten years 
of his practice has been at Lake Mills, 
where he now resides. He was elected 
in 1879 to the State Legislature, repre- 
senting the counties of Worth, Winne- 
bago, Hancock and Wright in the 
18th General Assembly. In 1881 he was 
appointed by Gov. Geer a member of the 
State Board of Health. His term expiring 
Jan. 1, 1884, he was re-appointed by Gov. 
Sherman for a term of seven years, ending 



Tier 



^ 



M 2 



816 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Jan. 1, I 891. He is a member of the I. O. 
0. F., Aurora Lodge, No. 412; also a 
member of the G. A. R. 

C. E. Keeler, M D., a native of Black 
Hawk Co., Iowa, was born June 25, 1854. 
He removed with his parents to Worth 
county, locating at Bristol, where he re- 
sided until 1880, removing to Nebraska, 
and after remaining one year, removed to 
Lake Mills, where he has since resided, 
following the practice of his profession, 
and engaged in the drug business with J. 
M. Hull. He is also agent of the American 
Express Company, and postmaster of Lake 
Mills, being appointed Jan. 23, 1883,*by 
Timothy O. Howe. He was married to 
Elizabeth J. Hancock, of Missouri Valley, 
fowa, Oct. .11, 1881. She was born in 
Dubuque, Iowa, in November, 1859, and 
is a member of the M. E. Church. Dr. 
Keeler has been following his profession 
since 1879. He has a good practice and 
a large circle of friends. 

In 1879 Dr. J. B. Hirsch located at Lake 
Mills for the purpose of practicing his 
profession. In 1881 he removed to Blue 
Earth City, Minn., where he mow enjoys 
a large and lucrative practice. He is a 
graduate of Rush Medical College, Chi- 
cago, 111., and is a first-class professional 
man. 



W. L. Gundlach, M. D., located at Lake 
Mills in the spring of 1881. He is a na- 
tive of Germany and has a good classical 
education. In 1883 he attended Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., and 
returned to Lake Mills, where he has since 
been located. 

In May, 1881, Dr. David C. Aas came 
to Lake Mills, and commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine with Dr. J. M. Hull. Dr. 
Aas was born in the parish of Thoten, 
Norway, on the 12th of April, 1853. He 
was from childhood, a bright, talented boy 
and was a close, attentive student. He 
commenced in the common school of his 
native country, and after his fifteenth 
year worked partly at the harness trade, 
also began a college course of study, which 
he did not complete on account of his com- 
ing to America. After his arrival in the 
United States in 1875, he pursued the study 
of medicine and graduated with honor at 
Bennett Medical College, Chicago, 111., in 
the spring of 1881. Shortly after his grad- 
uation he located in Lake Mills and contin- 
ued in practice until his death, which 
occurred Nov. 21, 1881. Dr. Aas was a 
young man of thorough integrity, faithful 
to his profession, was intelligent and tem- 
perate, and won his way to the hearts of 
the people. 






■l£L 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



817 



CHAPTER XII 



AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND DAIRYING. 



Winnebago county has a soil that is ad- 
mirably adapted to the raising of all the 
cereals, and is fast becoming one of the 
best and most prosperous agricultural 
counties in northern Iowa. Its people are 
awake and keep step with the progressive 
march of the times in all that pertains to 
a civilization of happiness, industry and 
culture. Its future possibilities may be 
set high among the cluster of its hundred 
sisters, a star of pride to the noble State. 
The early pioneers did not come loaded 
with wealth, and, in fact, few had more 
than enough to barely get settled upon 
their lands; but they came with that which 
was, in those days, equal to it — training 
in agricultural pursuits, brawny hands 
that were able and not ashamed to do 
hard work, and in connection with indus- 
trious habits, they possessed the energy 
and determination to win success. The 
country was new, and there was no alter- 
native but that success must be wrought 
from the soil — which was their only 
wealth and their only hope. And, in 
spite of all obstacles and inconveniences 
to be encountered, success has attended 
their efforts, and the transformation from 
the primitive to the present comfortable 
condition of things accomplished. Nor 
is the end yet reached, the county still 
has a vast mine of agricultural wealth yet 



undeveloped, which, as the years roll on, 
will grow more and more valuable, and 
when the years of cultivated maturity 
shall dawn to transform the yet unsub- 
dued prairie to waving fields of growing 
grain, Winnebago will occupy a place 
among the foremost ranks of Iowa's banner 
counties. 

Early in the development of this coun- 
ty, wheat was the main product, and for a 
number of years excellent crops were 
raised with scarcely a failure. At the 
present time it has partially given up its 
former place to other cereals, while the 
farmers find many other avenues in which 
to devote their time and energies. The 
general theory — or it might, more pro- 
perly, be said — it is known in a general 
way, that the wheat belt has been travel- 
ing westward ever since it was first start- 
ed at Plymouth, Mass., when the pil- 
grim fathers landed there over 260 
years ago. At first it moved on its 
westward way very slowly, and, but 
fifty years ago, the valley of the Genesee, 
in New York, was the great wheat raising 
region. But when Michigan, Illinois and 
Iowa were opened up for cultivation, the 
wheat growing center began its kangaroo 
jumps toward the setting sun, and Iowa 
was for years its resting place, but how 
long it will be before its now receding 



^% 



i> i^ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



±k- 



line will pass clear beyond the confines of 
Iowa and land in Dakota and Nebraska, 
time alone can determine. 

The staple productions of Winnebago 
county are wheat, oats, corn, barley and 
potatoes, but all other varieties raised in 
this portion of the State do well. Buck- 
wheat, millet, broom-corn, sorghum, flax 
and tobacco have been raised in small 
quantities with a flattering degree of suc- 
cess, proving that with proper care and 
attention these varieties can be produced 
in unlimited quantities. The tame grasses, 
including timothy, red-top, and clo- 
ver, have been cultivated by a few farm- 
ers, to a limited extent, and in every in- 
stance have exhibited remarkably rapid 
and luxuriant growth. These, however, 
have not'been cultivated to any great ex- 
tent, as the large quantity and excellent 
quality of the native grasses have proven 
more than sufficient to meet the wants of 
farmers and those engaged in stock rais- 
ing. 

The following statistics, compiled from 
the United States census report of 1S80, 
show the number of acres under cultiva- 
tion and the amount of productions for 
that year: 

Number of acres improved 53,070 

Total value of all productions $ 298,004 

Number of acres sown to wheat 19,904 

Number bushels of wheat raised 207,356 

Number of acres of oats sown 3,654 

Number bushels of oats raised 134,920 

Number uf acres of barley sown 602 

Number bushels of barley raised 13,484 

Number acres of corn planted 4,774 

Number bushels of corn raised 165.907 

Number acres of buckwheat 9 

Number bushels of buckwheat raised, 123 

Number acres of rye sown 8 

Number bushels rye raised 185 

Number of tons of hay mown 20,022 

Number acres of flax sown 67 

Number bushels of flax raised 891 

Value of orchard products $ 531 



Number acres of sorghum 12 

Number gallons of sorghum molasses. 999 

Number bushels of beans raised 140 

Number acres of Irish potatoes 335 

Number of bushels of potatoes raised . . 28,060 

Number acres of sweet potatoes 1 

Number bushels sweet potatoes raised. 50 

Number pounds of hops raised 722 

Number pounds of tobacco raised 9,692 

TABLE OF VALUES. 

Lands exclusive of town property. . . .$ 794,510 

Value of town lots 12 427 

Value of personal property 87,381 

Total value of farms in county, includ- 
ing laud, fences, and buildings 1,150,810 

Cattle assessed in county 4.124; value. 24,645 
Horses assessed in county 1,095; value. 38,210 
Sheep assessed in county 807 ; value. . 403 
Swine assessed in county 1,056 ; value. 552 
Value of railroad property per assess- 
ment 41,900 

Grand total valuation in county. . . .$1,362,334 

HORTICULTURE AND FOREST 'Wffei'l'LA^' 

(By Eugene Seeor.) (J fry QQQQ 

Horticulture is still in its**sVaTTOling 
clothes in this county, yet when we review 
the ground gone over by the pioneers in 
this work, since its first settlement, we 
cannot but admit that some progress has 
been made in this department. 

Ever since Eve bit the traditional crab 
apple in the Garden of Eden, man has 
been trying to improve its quality and ex- 
tend its area of cultivation and useful- 
ness. The time is not very far back 
when it was said, and quite generally be- 
lieved, that "you can't raise fruit in Iowa." 
But the ever restless Yankee, in his desire 
to improve his surroundings and to bring 
to his prairie cottage all the luxuries en- 
joyed in his boyhood home, is ever on the ' 
alert for improved fruits, flowers and or- 
namental trees with which to adorn and 
beautify the landscape, and add to the 
comfort and health of the family. This 
desire has added to our list of fruits, 
flowers and shrubs, many hardy varieties 
not known in the milder climatesof south- 



*7U 



Js= 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



819 



ern and central Europe, and the United 
States east and south of us. Experiments 
are being made, and will undoubtedly con- 
tinue to be made, until our list of hardy 
fruits shall be much larger than at pres- 
ent. Since it has been learned that the 
Russians successfully cultivate apples, 
pears, plums and cherries in a latitude as 
far north as Winnepeg, and in a climate 
more trying than northern Iowa, it has 
given afresh impetus to fruit culture here, 
and the Russian varieties are being more 
largely planted. 

Our excellent State Horticultural So- 
ciety annually publishes a volume of trans- 
actions, invaluable to the fruit grower. 
Those who have procured these volumes 
and thorough!}' informed themselves in 
regard to the failures and successes of the 
pioneer orchanlists, are succeeding. 

PVevious to the year 1860, we suppose 
there was not a single fruit tree in this 
county, except those planted by the hand 
of Nature. Among these wild fruits were 
found some that deserve to be preserved 
and added to our list of desirable acqui- 
sitions. Especially fine were the red 
wild plums, some of which were nearly, 
if not quite, equal to our present (Miner). 
They are still the main dependence of the 
housewife for sauce and preserves. Crab 
apples were very plentiful in the edge of 
the timber, and used to be hawked about 
the streets of the town at fifty cents per 
bushel. They were nice to look at, as 
good keepers they beat anything we ever 
saw. The black currant, the gooseberry, 
the raspberry, blackberry, black wild 
cherry, choke cherry and high bush cran- 
berry, also abounded in the timber, and 



the strawberry was found further out on 
the prairies. 

About the first, if not the first, fruit 
trees planted in this county, were brought 
here in the spring of 1861, by my brother, 
David Secor, from Westchester Co.,N. Y., 
in a trunk. They consisted of a few of 
the varieties common there, and were not 
selected with any view to adaptation to 
this climate. I think he brought two 
kinds of cherries, one sweetand the other 
sour; some quinces, gooseberries, currants, 
strawberries and running blackberries, 
(or dewberries,) and a lot of apple seeds, 
principally from the Rhode Island green- 
ing, Baldwin pippin, etc , and some peach 
pits. The following spring, the writer 
brought from the same place, and in the 
same way, more fruits, and also some trees 
of red cedar, sweet chestnut, yellow and 
flowering locust and sassafras. It is need- 
less, perhaps, to say that the most of these 
trees proved worthless in this climate. We 
succeeded in raising peach trees to the 
height of six or seven feet, only to be 
frozen root and branch the first hard win- 
ter. Some of the seedling apple trees 
raised from those seeds are still alive 
and bearing. The currants, gooseberries 
and strawberries did well, and proved to 
be the advance guard of numerous varie- 
ties which have since been introduced and 
successfully cultivated. 

The first nursery trees sold in this 
county, were we think, from Dubuque. 
From a small nursery at Mason City a few 
trees were also got and planted. But of 
all the fruit trees planted up to 1864, we 
think not more than two or three varieties 
are still living. Nearly every body made 
the same mistake, that of planting the 



V 



820 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



kinds familiar to them in the Atlantic or 
middle States. Our mouths watered for 
the well remembered Baldwins, bell- 
flowers, fall pippins, greenings, Vande- 
veres and Jersey sweets; for the sweet 
cherries and luscious pears, and forgot that 
latitude does not always determine tem- 
perature, and that the climatic conditions 
of our inland prairies were not the same 
as in the humid, protected regions far to 
the east of us. 

During the rebellion but little thought 
was given to growing anything except the 
necessaries of life, and horticulture was 
almost at a stand-still, at least in this part 
of the State, when about three-fourths of 
the able-bodied men were in the army. 
At the close of the war, however, every- 
body began to plant for fruit. The com- 
mercial nurseries flooded the country with 
agents carrying highly colored plate books 
of fruits so nicely executed that one 
could almost taste it, and all bought and 
planted whatever their fancy dictated, re- 
gardless of expense, or desirable quali- 
ties. Consequently the mistakes of the 
earlier planters were often repeated, as to 
varieties. The want of a knowledge of 
the proper care of an orchard, also caused 
many failures and much disappointment 
and discouragement. The greatest obsta- 
cle to horticultural progress is the irre- 
sponsible tree agent who periodically per- 
ambulates the county selling at large pri- 
ces, a poor stock of undesirable varieties. 

Those who have studied the subject 
carefully and have planted intelligently 
are reaping their reward in fruit, and in a 
reasonable prospect of final success. The 
Russian varieties and selected seedlings 
from these, bid fair to solve the prob- 



lem of fruit-growing in northern Iowa. 
After one of the most trying winters ever 
known in the history of this county, the 
pastseason (1883) has given us the largest 
and finest crop of apples and small fruits 
ever harvested here. 

The following comparative table shows 
the growth of this industry from 1865 to 
1883 inclusive as returned by the town- 
ship assessors so far as available: 

1865 1867 1869 1875 1883 



No. fruit trees in bearing 
No. fruit irees not bearing 
No. acres trees returned 



395 



24 
732 



747 



231 
1916 



34i 



FOREST TREES. 

About 30,000 acres of this county were 
originally covered with timber, and as the 
early settlement was confined to the 
eastern part of the county (the timbered 
part) and as this furnished the first settlers 
with both fuel and shelter, little thought 
was given to planting forest trees until 
about the year 1869, after the passage of 
an act by the Iowa Legislature for the 
encouragement of tree planting. 

As the settlement in the county extended 
westward to the prairies, and fuel grew 
more scarce, and the necessity for shelter 
for stock became apparent to the farmer, 
and added to these the pecuniary induce- 
ments held out by the State in the way of 
exemptions from taxes, groves began to 
be planted. At first the plantings were 
confined mostly to cottonwood, white 
willow, Lombardy poplar and soft (silver 
leaf,) maple. Even these, so common now, 
were by no means easy to procure. None 
of them were native in this county. The 
writer helped to cut and plant the first 
cottonwood cuttings which were put out 
in this county, so far as he has been able 
to learn. They were cut from a tree 



9 >V- 



n*, 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



821 



growing on the north bank of Clear Lake, 
in the spring of 1803. From this planting 
cuttings were freely disseminated, and the 
the cottonwood soon became very common. 
The oldest trees (twenty years), now 
measure five feet in circumference, one 
foot from the ground. The first soft 
maple seeds were procured at considera- 
ble trouble and expense, from a branch of 
the Des Moines river, in Kossuth county, 
where they grew naturally. The white 
willow was introduced here about the 
year 1865, from Illinois, by Judge Rose- 
crans, now of Clear Lake. Some very fine 
groves are now to be seen, from these 
early plantings. Notable among these, 
is the one planted and yet owned by 
S. Simmons, just west of Forest City, 
which is not only a pleasure to the eye, 
but a most perfect protection from the 
prairie blizzards. If any one doubts the 
utility, comfort and actual value of tree 
planting he should visit this grove and 
talk with the proprietor. 

Following these earlier plantings, were 
others with a greater variety of trees. As 
transportation facilities increased, and the 
price of nursery-grown trees was reduced 
so as to place them within the reach of 
the farmer of ordinary means, the kinds 
planted have been on the increase. Groves 
may now be seen containing European 
larch, white ash, black walnut, box elder, 
golden willow, wild cherry, silver poplar, 
Norway spruce, Scotch and white pine, 
balsam fir, etc. And in less numbers, and 
as ornamental trees, there have been in- 
troduced the sugar maple, Norway maple, 
red maple, catalpa, Kentucky coffee tree, 
honey locust, black ash, etc. Additional 



varieties are being added to the list each 
year. About twenty varieties of forest 
trees were found in the county. Importa- 
tions have doubled the number, and the 
kinds that will grow and thrive here are 
probably many times the original number. 

From assessors' returns to the county 
auditor the following showing is made of 
forest trees planted: 

Number of acres planted in 1867, one; 
Number of acres planted in 1875, ninety- 
two; number of aores planted in 1883, 
453^. 

THE DAIRY. 

This is fast becoming one of the most 
important industries in Winnebago coun- 
ty, aud farmers now incline to the opinion 
that it is much more remunerative than 
anything else. The Lime Valley Cream- 
ery is an important feature in the business 
development of Forest City, while other 
smaller and private creameries play no in- 
significant part in providing work and 
wealth to the county. A glance at the 
accompanying table will show the growth 
of this industry in the past twenty years. 

BUTTER AND CHEESE. 

The following table shows the amount 
of butter and cheese produced on farms 
in the county for each enumeration from 
1860 to 1880, inclusive: 



TEAK. 


Pounds 

of 
Butter. 


Pounds 

of 
Cheese 


Milch 
Cows. 


1860 


3, 353 


200 


42 




5, 560 


100 


103 


1865 


4,200 


356 


216 


1867 


16, 506 


500 


361 


1869 


24,841 


320 


435 


1870 


17, 305 


200 


390 


1875 


100. 912 




1,498 


1880 


193, 906 


2, 150 


2,484 



^1 



822 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



HAPTER XIII. 



EDUCATIONAL. 



The State of Iowa has just cause to be 
proud of her public school system. Ac- 
cording to the census of 1880 there was 
less illiteracy in Iowa than in any State 
in the Union. This is very gratifying, 
and it is of interest to note the causes that 
produced this result. The first settlers of 
Iowa were strongly in favor of universal 
education, and were determined to give 
every child within her limits the privi- 
leges at least of a common school educa- 
tion. Gov. Robert Lucas, in his message 
to the first Legislative Assembly of Iowa 
Territory, which convened at Burlington, 
Nov. 12, 1838, said, in reference to schools: 

"The 12th section of the act of Con- 
gress establishing our territory, declares 
' I hat the citizens of Iowa shall enjoy all 
the rights, privileges and immunities 
heretofore granted and secured to the 
Territory of Wisconsin and its inhabi- 
tants.' This extends to us all the rights, 
privileges and immunities specified in the 
ordinance of Congress of the 13th of 
July, 1787. 

"The third article of this ordinance de- 
clares 'that religion, morality and knowl- 
edge being necessary to good goverment 
and the happiness of mankind, schools 
and all means of education shall be for- 
ever encouraged.' 



"Congress, to carry out this declaration, 
has granted one section of land in each 
township to the inhabitants of such town- 
ship for the purpose of schools therein. 

"There is no object to which I wish to 
call your attention more emphatically 
than the subject of establishing, at the 
commencement of our political existence, 
a well digested system of common schools." 

This Assembly addressed itself to the 
task of providing for a system of common 
schools, and enacted a law providing for 
the formation of districts, the establish- 
ing of schools, and authorized the voters 
of each district, when lawfully assembled, 
to levy and collect the necessary taxes, 
"either in cash or good, merchantable 
property, at cash prices, upon the inhabi- 
tants of their respective districts, not ex- 
ceeding one-half per centum, nor amount- 
ing to more than $10 on any one person; 
to do all and everything necessary to the 
establishment and support of schools 
within the same." 

The 2d Legislative Assembly enacted, 
Jan. 16, 1840, a much more comprehen- 
sive law to establish a system of common 
schools — a law containing many excellent 
features. It provisions were, however, 
in advance of the existing public senti- 
ment on the subject of education, making 
ample provisions as it did for free public 



Ja. 



=»£ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



823 



schools. Even the people of Iowa were 
scarcely ready for such a law. 

In the United States census report of 
1840 very few schools, either private or 
public, were reported. One academy in 
Scott county with twenty-five scholars, 
and in the State sixty-three primary and 
common schools, with 1,500 scholars, 
being the whole number reported. 

The first section of the act of 1839, for 
the establishment of common schools, 
provided that "that there shall be estab- 
lished a common school, or schools, in 
each of the counties of this territory, 
which shall be open and free to every 
class of white citizens between the ages 
of five and twenty-five years;" the second 
section providing that "the county board 
shall from time to time form such dis- 
tricts in their respective counties, when- 
ever a petition may be presented for that 
purpose by a majority of the voters resi- 
dent within such contemplated district." 
These districts were governed by a board 
of three trustees, whose duties were to 
examine and employ teachers, superintend 
the schools, and collect and disburse the 
taxes voted by the electors for school 
purposes. 

Among earlier enactments of the Terri- 
torial Legislature were those requiring 
that each district maintain at least three 
months of school each year, and that the 
expenses for the same be raised by taxes 
levied upon the property of said district. 
Among later enactments was that provid- 
ing for a county school tax, to be levied 
to pay teachers, and that whatever addi- 
tional sum should be required for this 
purpose should be assessed upon the par- 
ents of the scholars in proportion to the 



length of time sent. The rate-bill system 
was thus adopted near the close of the 
territorial period. 

When Iowa was admitted into the 
Union as a State, Due. 28, 1846, it had a 
population of 100,000, a school population 
of 20,000, and had about 400 organized 
school districts. From this time the 
number of districts rapidly increased, 
reaching 1,000 in 1849, and 1,200 in 1850. 
In 1857 the number of organized districts 
had increased to 3,265. The Hon. Ma- 
turin D. Fisher, who then so ably tilled 
the office of superintendent of public in- 
struction, in his report dated November, 

1857, urged the revision of the school 
law, and the reduction in the number of 
school districts. 

The 7th General Assembly again took 
up the subject of the revision of the 
school laws, and on the 12th of March, 

1858, passed "An Act for the Public In- 
struction of Iowa," the first section of 
which provided that "each civil township 
in the several counties of the State, is 
hereby declared a school district for all 
the purposes of this act, the boundaries 
of said township being the boundaries of 
said school district, and every township 
hereafter laid out and organized, a school 
district; and each district, as at present 
organized, shall become a sub-district for 
the purpose hereinafter provided: Pro- 
vided, that each incorporated city or town, 
including the territory annexed thereto 
for school purposes, and which contain 
not less than 1,000 inhabitants, shall be, 
and is hereby created a school district." 
This law took effect March 20, 1858, and 
reduced the number of districts from 
about 3,500 to less than 900. 



~Jfi. 



-sfc 



>k 



824 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNT?. 



In December, 1858, a law was enacted 
providing that any city or incorporated 
town, including the territory annexed 
thereto for school purposes, may consti- 
tute a school district by vote of the ma- 
jority of electors residing in the territory 
of such contemplated district. In 1860 
the provisions of this act were extended 
to unincorporated towns and villages con- 
taining not less than 300 inhabitants. 

By an act passed April 3, 1866, this 
privilege was further extended to any city 
or sub-district containing not less than 
200 inhabitants, and comprising territory 
contiguous thereto. It soon became evi- 
dent that by this amendment a serious 
innovation would be made in the district 
township system, by the formation of in- 
dependent districts in the more thickly 
populated and wealthier portions of the 
townships. The amendment was repealed 
in the session of the following General 
Assembly. 

The township system met the approval 
of every State superintendent, while the 
sub-district system was strenuously op- 
posed. Especially did Hon. A. S. Kissell 
oppose the latter system. He desired 
that each township be a school district 
governed by a board of directors elected 
at the annual district township meeting 
for the term of three years. In his re- 
port dated Jan. 1, 1872, he says : 

"In this system every township becomes 
a school district, and all sub-district 
boundaries are abandoned ; and if this 
plan were carried into effect in this State, 
allow no other school divisions than those 
of the independent and township districts. 

"The most experienced educators of 
the country have advocated this system. 



Among these are such men as Horace 
Mann, United States Commissioner Bar- 
nard ex-Governor Boutwell, Dr. Newton 
Bateman, of Illinois, Dr. Gregory, late 
superintendent of Michigan, and the 
county and State superintendents of one- 
third of the States in the Union. The 
arguments advanced by many of these 
experienced schoolmen are unanswerable. 
Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have test- 
ed the system practically for several years; 
it is pronounced by these States as a suc- 
cess, and this successful experiment of 
three or four years should have greater 
weight with us in this young and grow- 
ing commonwealth than any theoretical 
arguments that could be advanced." 

Notwithstanding the efforts and array 
of argument in favor of the township sys- 
tem, and the conviction, on the part of 
those who had made a special study of 
of this subject, that it would prove dis- 
astrous in its results, the General Assem- 
bly, which convened Jan. 8, 1872, enacted 
a law providing for the formation of in- 
dependent districts, from the sub-districts 
of a district township. This law has ever 
been a plague to county superintendents, 
and several efforts have been made to 
effect its repeal, but without avail. 

On the whole, however, the school sys- 
tem of the State of Iowa is fraught with 
the most gratifying results, and has met 
with the approval of every governor that 
the State has had. 

Gov. James W.Grimes in his inaugural 
message, Dec. 9, 1854, displays broad 
statesmanship, advanced and liberal views 
and eminently sound philosophy in the 
following language: 



^ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



825 



"Government is established for the pro- 
tection of the governed. But that pro- 
tection does not consist merely in the 
enforcement of laws against injury to the 
person and property. Men do not make 
a voluntary abnegation of their natural 
rights, simply that those rights may be 
protected by the body politic. It reaches 
more vital interests than those of property. 
Its greatest object is to elevate and enno- 
ble the citizen. It would fall far short of 
its design if it did not disseminate intelli- 
gence, and build up the moral energies of 
the people. It is organized to establish 
justice, promote the public welfare and 
secure the blessings of liberty. It is de- 
signed to foster the . instincts of truth, 
justice and philanthropy, that are im- 
planted in our very natures, and from 
which all constitutions and laws derive 
their validity and value. It should afford 
moral as well as physical protection by 
educating the rising generation ; by en- 
couraging industry and sobriety ; by 
steadfastly adhering to the right ; and by 
being ever true to the instincts of free- 
dom and humanity. 

"To accomplish these high aims of gov- 
ernment, the first requisite is ample pro- 
vision for the education of the youth of 
the State. The common school fund of 
the State should be scrupulously preserved, 
and a more efficient system of common 
schools than we now have should be 
adopted. The State should see to it that 
the elements of universal nature, are 
above, around and beneath all. 

'It is agreed that the safety and perpe- 
tuity of our republican institutions de- 
pend upon the diffusion of intelligence 
among the masses of the people. The 



statistics of the penitentiaries and alms- 
houses throughout the country abundantly 
show that education is the best preventa- 
tive of pauperism and crime. They show, 
also, that the prevention of those evils is 
much less expensive than the punishment 
of the one, and the relief of the other. 
Education, too, is the great equalizer of 
conditions. It places the poor on an 
equality with the rich. It subjects the 
appetites and passions of the rich to the 
restraints of reason and conscience, and 
thus prepares each for a career of useful- 
ness and honor. Every consideration, 
therefore, of duty and policy impels us to 
sustain the schools of the State in the 
highest possible efficiency." 

EDUCATIONAL GROWTH OF WINNEBAGO 
COUNTY. 

In 1866 there were seven school houses 
in the county, their value reported as be- 
ing $4,840. There were, however, eight 
schools in the county, employing nine 
teachers, who received an average weekly 
compensation of $9.75 for males, and $5.11 
for females, aggregating, for the year, 
$1,151.75. The number of persons of 
school age was 328; the number of pupils 
enrolled in the schools was 170; average 
99. The average cost of tuition, per week, 
for each pupil, was twenty-one cents in 
summer, and thirty-eight cents in the 
winter. The apparatus used by the schools 
was valued at $146. 

In 1S67 there were ten school houses in 
the county, valued at $9,8u8; there was 
$■200 worth of apparatus; there were 318 
persons of school age; 216 enrolled in the 
schools; average attendance, 155. There 
were thirteen teachers employed, who re- 
ceived an average compensation, per week. 






■V a. 



826 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



of $9.60 for males, and $5.94 for females, 

the total amount paid teachers for the year 

being $1,593. The average cost of tuition, 

per week, for each pupil was thirty- ne 

cents in the summer, and twenty-five cents 

during the winter. 

In 1870 the county made a much better 

showing, as will be seen by examination 

of the following statistics, compiled from 

the superintendent's reports for that year: 

Number of sub-districts in the county 

iD 1870 5 

Number of school houses 14 

Number of schools taught 15 

Value of school houses $ 15, 850 

Value of apparatus $ 260 

Number of persons of school age 589 

Of which were males 329 

Of which were females 260 

Number of pupils ea. oiled 323 

Average attendance 315 

Total number of teachers in county. ... 22 

Of which were males 10 

Of which were females 11 

Average compensation of male teachers 

!>• rweek $ 7 20 

Of female teachers $ 5 00 

Average number oi months schools have 

been taught in the year 7 

Number of volumes in district libraries 55 

As to the examination of teachers, the 
total number examined in 1870 was: 

.Mai. s 14 

Females 13 

Number receiving first grade certificates. ... 11 

Number receiving lower grade 7 

Total certificates issued 18 

Number of applicants rejected 9 

The educational interests of the county 
continued to improve, new schools were 
formed and teachers became better quali- 
fied for their work. In 1877 we find a 
marked increase in the number of schools 
and of enrolled scholars. In the report 
of schools for 1877, W. A. Chapman, 
county superintendent, referred to educa- 
tional matters as follows: 

"The schools of this county are steadily 
improving, both as to numbers and effi- 
ciency. The teachers are becoming con- 



vinced of the necessity of making some 
special preparation for the work in which 
they are engaged. I find the Normal In- 
stitute to be one of the most efficient 
means for the elevation of the standard of 
education among our common school 
teachers. The Institutes held in this 
county have been a decided success. I 
have taken pains to employ onfy such con- 
ductors and teachers as were fully up 10 
the requirements of the times. The In- 
stitute programme coming to hand early, 
gave i>ur teachers a better chance to pre- 
pare for the work of the normal and most 
of them did make some use of it. Some- 
thing ought to be done to secure a better 
attendance at our schools. I have made 
it a point to visit each school, and advise, 
counsel and encourage the teachers as oc- 
casion might indicate." 

From the report of the superintendent, 
for 1881, the following is taken: 

Number of district townships 5 

Independent districts ... 1 

Number of sub-districts 33 

Number of ungraded schools 35 

Number of rooms in graded schools. ... 4 

Number of teachers employed 63 

Male teachers 32 

Fi male teachers 31 

Average monthly salary for male teach- 
ers $ 27 60 

Average monthly salary for female 

teachers $ 26 08 

Number of persons between the ages of 

five and twenty-one years 1, 773 

Of which were males 941 

Of which were females 832 

Number enrolled in schools 1, 274 

Total average attendance 623 

Average cost of tuition, per month, per 

pupil $ 1 7<> 

Number of school houses in the county 

Of which were frame 32 

Of which were brick 1 

Of which were log 2 

Total value of school houses $ 27,900 

Total value of apparatus I 2,690 

Number of schools visited this year by 

superintendent 90 

Total number of visits 145 



!=fk, 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



827 



In the same report, A. N. Brones, su- 
perintendent, speaks of educational mat- 
ters as follows: 

"We are pleased to report general pro- 
gress in educational matters. The re- 
sources of our county are being developed 
very rapidly, and our school interests are 
not being neglected in the general ad- 
vancement. Many new school houses 
have been rebuilt and a marked improve- 
ment is noticed in the better qualifications 
of our teachers. 

" It is fair to presume that this county 
will continue to advance, and take high 
rank among the counties of our State in 
educational matters." 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS. 

In the spring of 1858 this office was 
created and the first election was held in 
April. The names of those who held the 
office are given below and opposite each 
name is s^iven the year in which the per- 
son was elected. These gentlemen are 
noticed at length in the chapter on repre- 
sentation. 

C. W.Scott 1858 

B. F. Denslow 1859 

Martin Bumgardner 1861 

Augustus Oulman .' 1863 

C. A Steadman 1865 

Martin Coper 1867-1860 

A. L. Shay 1871-1873 

W. A. Cu'apman 1875-1877 

A. N. Brones 1879-1881-1883 

NORMAL INSTITUTES. 

The 15th General Assembly enacted 
a law March 19, 1874, to establish Normal 
Institutes, which reads as follows: 

"Sec. 1769. The county superintend- 
ent shall hold annually a Normal Institute 
for the instruction of teachers, and those 
who may desire to teach, and with the 
concurrence of the superintendent of pub- 
lic instruction, procure such assistance as 

— T* 38 



may be necessary to conduct the same, at 
such time as the schools in the county are 
generally closed. To defray the expenses 
of said Institute, he shall require the pay- 
ment of a fee of $1 for every certificate 
issued; also the payment of $1 registra- 
tion fee for each person attending the 
Normal Institute. He shall, monthly, and 
at the close of each Institute, transmit to 
the county treasurer all moneys so re- 
ceived, including the State appropriation 
for Institutes, to be designated the 'Insti- 
tute fund,' together with a report of the 
name of each person so contributing, and 
the amount. The board of supervisors may 
appropriate such additional sum as may 
by them be deemed necessary for the fur. 
ther support of such Institute. All dis- 
bursements of the Institute fund sha 1 be 
upon the order of the county superintend- 
ent; and no order shall be drawn except 
for bills presented to the county superin- 
tendent, and approved by him, for services 
rendered or expenses incurred in connec- 
tion with the Normal Institute." 

The first institute ever held in the 
county, convened at the court house in 
Forest City, in the fall of 1869, about five 
years before the above law was enacted. 
There was no appropriation of money in 
that early day to assist in meeting the ex- 
penses of such a gathering, and upon each 
person there devolved a share of the work 
and cost. In many instances teachers 
were too poor to attend, and it not being 
obligatory upon them, they did not go 
unless very desirous of increasing their 
store of knowledge and experience. Mar- 
tin Cooper, county superintendent at the 
time, deserves much credit for holding 
the first Institute in 1869. Such a thing 



TpV*" 



f,l « — -- 



A 



828 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



had never before been attempted. Peo- 
ple were poor, accommodations tor teach- 
ers were hard to find, many of the teachers 
were apathetic and little cared to spend 
the time and money necessary to attend 
the Institute, there were no railroads in 
the county, and failure seemed to be the 
inevitable result. But regardless of all 
these discouragements the Institute was 
called. A programme was carefully pre- 
pared and when the Institute convened, it 
was found that about half of the teachers 
in the county were in attendance, besides 
a number of teachers, in prospective. 
Ideas in relation to school government 
were exchanged, the teachers were each 
given a branch of study to explain and 
teach, and all entered with zest into the 
exercises of the day. No foreign teach- 
ers or instructors were present and the 
entire management of the Institute de- 
volved upon Mr. Cooper. Under his con- 
trol everything passed off pleasantly and 
the teachers who had attended felt that 
they were better prepared to enter upon 
their school duties for the coming year. 
Thus it was that the Normal Institutes 
were established in the county. 

The last Normal Institute was held in 
Forest City Sept. 17, 1888, and lasted for 
two weeks. The following named were 
present to participate in the exercises: 

O. G. Belsheim, C. M. Halvorsen, M. 
A. Nelson, Hans Jacobs, Amelia Jensen, 
Minnie Welch, Carrie S. Knudson, Katie 
Halvorsen, Helen Halvorsen, Nettie Am- 
brose, Maggie Duffy, C. M. Flugum, Emma 
Rolands, Emma Brattrud, Tena Anderson, 
HattieLukens, J. S. Howard, A. M. Wing, 
Marcia Jones, Mary Cole, Bertha Anderson, 
Walter Irwin, J. Dunbar, John Sogard, 



Petra Joice, Mina Watsold, L. T. Thomp- 
son, Mary S. Grasley, Mary L. Eiel, Net- 
tie Connor, Helen Nelson, Lena Chris- 
tianson, Emma T. Halvorsen, Rachel Bak- 
ken, Katie Fallen, Mina Christopherson, 
Kittie Gardner, Adda Hawkes, Arna So- 
gard, Sadie Sanborn, H. N. Palin, C. H. 
Ragan, H. II. Holtou, Johanna Johnson 
and Maggie McGrevey. 

The Institute was called to order by 
the county superintendent, A. N. Brones, 
who, after a few words of greeting, intro- 
duced the instructor, Prof. E. R. Eld- 
ridge, of the Eastern Iowa Normal School. 
Prof. Saunders, of Algona, acted as 
assistant instructor and under the efficient 
management of these two gentlemen the 
Institute was made both instructive and 
pleasant. An elaborate programme was 
carefully prepared and the session was 
probably the best ever held in the county. 
All entered heartily into the exercises, 
and the desire for obtaining and retain- 
ing everything that would tend to elevate 
the standard of teachers was manifest in 
the faces and actions of all present. The 
Institute was a thorough success. Besides 
several able lectures delivered by Profes- 
sors Eldridge and Saunders, the institute 
was indebted to Hon. John W. Akers, su- 
perintendent of public instruction, for a 
very interesting and instructive lecture en- 
titled "The Relation of Education to In- 
dustry." 

WINNEBAGO COUNTY TEACHERS' ASSOCIA- 
TION. 

The first to introduce the organization 
of a county teachers' association to the 
teachers of the county was Martin Cooper, 
county superintendent, in 1870. At an 
Institute held in the fall of that year, it 
was determined to meet for the purpose 



- — * IL 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



829 



of organizing a teachers' association in 
the spring of the following year. This 
meeting, however, was never held, and 
ten years slipped rapidly hy before a per- 
manent organization was effected. In the 
fall of 1881, at an Institute held in Forest 
City, the teachers resolved to hold a 
meeting in the spring of 18S2, to effect 
the organization of a teachers' associa- 
tion. This meeting was held at Forest 
City, Superintendent A. N. Brones, 
chairman. Mr. Brones was elected per- 
manent chairman, and the association 
proceeded to the discussion of different 
school methods. Various ideas on school 
tactics were presented and discussed at 
length and the association adjourned to 
meet at Forest City, March 30, 1883. 

The second teachers' association con- 
vened at Forest City, March 30, 1883, and 
was well attended by the teachers of the 
county. The meeting was presided ove 
by county superintendent, A. N. Brones-. 
Papers on various educational topics were 
read and discussed by the members of 
the association and others. At the even- 
ing session Kittie Gardner delivered a se- 
lect reading, after which W. A. Chapman 
delivered a lecture on "Public Schools 
and Public Opinion." The members dis- 
persed feeling that the association was a 
success and both pleasant and profitable. 

The third meeting was held af Lake 
Mills, June 29, 1883. A goodly number 
of teachers and friends of education were 
present, and all entered into the spirit of 
the exercises of the day, which resulted 
with great benefit to all, and especially 
the teachers. The topics of the day were: 
'Principles Pertaining to Education and 
Teaching," by Henry Ernest; "Practical 



Hygiene," by Mrs. M. A. Wing; "School 
Tactics," by Daniel Ragen; "School Gov- 
ernment," by Simon Sogard; and "Object 
Lessons," by E. F. Thompson. The asso- 
ciation then adjourned to meet at Lake 
Mills during the winter holidays. 

The following review of educational 
matters in Winnebago county is furnished 
by A. N. Brones, county superintendent 
of schools. 

"The general aspect of educational in- 
terests in this county is certainly gratify- 
ing, and we note a steady increase in in- 
terest and efficiency among our local edu- 
cators. The advancement made in the 
condition of our schools is justly due to 
the voluntary efforts of our teachers and 
school officers, and not to an appeal, on 
the part of the patrons, for better schools 
and better teachers. 

"The Normals have done much to 
elevate our educational standard, and 
have been considered by our leading 
teachers as important factors, relative to 
the fundamental principles pertaining to 
education and teaching. The Normal In- 
stitute this year (1883), was more highly 
appreciated by those in attendance than 
ever before, and was participated in by 
an earnest, intelligent, and energetic class 
of teachers, who took much pride in ex- 
hibiting their part of the work in a skill- 
ful and creditable manner. Experience 
has taught us that this is one of the best 
and most beneficial elements in the work 
of professional instruction. It adds more 
to the essential qualification of teachers, 
and general advancement of education in 
this county than any other agency. Most 
of the teachers in this county are now 
taking educational journals and have also 



TV 



£- 






830 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



procured works on methods of teaching, 
and by a continual and successful effort 
to keep foremost in their profession, they 
are enabled to steadily move onward with 
the march of progress. The standard of 
qualification of teachers has recently been 
raised some over that of previous years, 
and the school boards of most of the 
townships have assisted me by grading 
the salaries of teachers according to the 
grade of certificate. This plan is encour- 
aging to teachers, as it provides them 
with an incentive to improvement, and 
produces a very beneficial effect upon our 
schools. By the aid of our school officers 
and teachers, I have just been able to 
complete the adoption of a uniform series 
of text-books for use in the public schools 
of our country. The change is apparently 
giving general satisfaction, and undoubt- 
edly will prove in the highest degree ef- 



ficient in advancing our educational 
work. 

"This being my second term in office, 
the experience of my position has by this 
time enabled me to better plan and direct 
the educational supervision of schools. 
To provide the public schools of our 
county with the most approved educa- 
tional instrumentalities is an important 
duty relative to this office, and is the 
highest privilege, as well as the sacred 
duty of parents, school officers and teach- 
ers. 

"We may justly be proud of our free 
school system, and although it has its 
shortcomings and defects, yet, taken as a 
whole, 't is the broadest and best ever 
organized. Our schools are the surety 
and defence of our national life, and the 
agents of our national prosperity." 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE WAR— ITS CAUSES. 



From the commencement of govern- 
ment there have been two antagonistic 
principles contending for mastery — slav- 
ery and freedom. Sometimes smolder- 
ing and even invincible; but the seeds 
were there and ever and anon would burst 
into flames, carrying destruction, death 
and desolation with it. A repetition of 
that great conflict, which, for ages, has 
agitated our globe — the conflict between 



aristocratic usurpation and popular rights. 
History is crowded with descriptions and 
scenes of this irrepressible conflict. Two 
thousand years ago, when the aristocracy 
of Rome was headed by Cneues Pompey, 
Julius Ca?sar, espousing the rights of the 
people, unfurled the banner of equal 
rights, and striding through oceans of 
blood which tossed their surges over every 
portion of the habitable globe, overthrew 



fe 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



831 



the aristocratic commonwealth, and reared, 
over the ruins,- the imperial common- 
wealth. Again on the field of Pharsalia, 
the aristocratic banner was trailed in the 
dust, and democracy, although exceed- 
ingly imperfect, became victor. It was 
aristocracy trying to keep its heel on the 
head of democracy which has deluged 
the Roman empire in blood. 

But the nobles regained foothold, and 
regardless of these lessons renewed their 
oppression. Again they commenced sow- 
ing the seed which must surely bring 
forth terrible fruit. Over 200 years ago 
the aristocracy of France, housed in mag- 
nificent palaces, mounted on war horses, 
with pampered men at arms ready to ride 
rough shod on every embassage of vio- 
lence, trampled upon the suffering serfs 
until humanity could no longer endure it. 
The masses of the people were deprived 
of every privilege, save that of toiling 
for their masters. The aristocracy so de- 
prived the people, whose wives and daugh- 
ters through their brutality were forced 
to go to the field bare-headed and bare- 
footed, and be yoked to the plow with the 
donkey, that they dreamed that the 
wretched boors would dare even to look 
in defiance toward the massive and stately 
castles whose noblemen proudly strode 
along the battlements in measureless con- 
tempt for the helpless peasantry below. 
But the pent up vials of vengeance of ages 
at last burst forth. These boors, these 
jacks rose, and like maddened hyenas, 
rushed upon their foes. Imbruted men, 
who for ages had been subjected to the 
most outrageous wrongs, rose by millions 
against their oppressors, and wreaked 
upon them every atrocity which fiend-like 



ingenuity could devise. All the brutal 
and demon passions of human nature held 
high carnival, and it can truly be said 
that Fiance ran red with blood. But at 
length disciplined valor prevailed. After 
one half of the peasantry of France had 
perished, the knighted noblemen, the 
aristocrats resumed their sway, and the 
hellish bondage, worse than slavery, was 
again placed upon the people. This war 
of the Jacks, or as it is called in history, 
Jacqueri, is one of the most interesting 
and warning events of the past; and yet 
it was all unheeded. 

The oppression went on, growing more 
and more outrageous; the people were kept 
ignorant that they might not know of 
their wrongs; poor, that they might not 
resent them. That the lords might live 
in castles and be clothed in purple and 
fare sumptuously, the people were doomed 
to hovels, rags and black bread. The 
peasant must not place the bit of dough 
in the ashes by his fireside — he was com- 
pelled to have it baked at the bakery of 
his lord, and there pay heavy toll. He 
dare not scrape together the few crumbs 
of salt from the rocks of the ocean shore, 
he must buy every particle from his lord 
at an exhorbitant price. "Servants obey 
your masters," was interpreted to apply 
to all save of noble birth; and religion 
was converted into a method for subject- 
ing the masses. Bibles were not allowed 
to be read by these "boors," lest they 
learn what the Savior really taught, and 
a peasant detected with one in his hand, 
was deemed as guilty as if caught with 
the tools of a burglar or the dies of a 
counterfeiter. As associates for lords — 
the idea would have been considered con- 



A ra r 



832 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



trary to nature or reason. Thus Louis 
XV., surrounded by courtesans, debau- 
chees and the whoredom of his castle, once 
said: "I can give money to Voltaire, 
Montesquieu Fontinelle, but I can not 
dine and sup with these people." If the 
peasant with his wife and child toiling in 
the field, in cultivation of a few acres of 
land, managed to raise $640 worth of crops 
during the year, $600 of it went to the 
King, the Lord and the Church, while the 
remaining $40 was left to clothe and feed 
the emaciate family. Thomas Jefferson, 
in the year 1TS5, wrote from Paris to a 
friend in Philadelphia. "Of 20,000,000 
of people supposed to be in France, I am 
of the opinion that there are 19,000,000 
more wretched, more accursed in every 
circumstance of human existence, than 
the most conspicuously wretched individ- 
ual in the whole United States." It was 
this state of affairs which brought on the 
War of the French Revolution, inaugura- 
ting the most terrific of all Time's battles. 
Such combats earth never saw before, 
probably never will see again. Two 
worlds, as it were, came clashing together. 
Twenty millions of people, trampled in 
the mire, rose ghastly and frenzied, and 
the flames of feudal castles and the 
shrieks of haughty oppressors appalled 
the world. All the combined aristocracy 
of Europe were on the other side to crush 
the demand of the people for the equal- 
ity of man. Russia, Prussia, Sweden, 
Austria, England, Spain — all the kings 
rallied their armies to the assistance of 
France in subduing the oppressed masses, 
who, believing they were right, marched 
heroically to the victories of Marengo, 
Wagrarn and Austerlitz. But in the final 



victories of the despots, aristocratic privi- 
lege again triumphed iir Europe. In the 
meantime a similar though less bloody 
and terrific battle had taken place in Eng- 
land ; the same ever rising conflict be- 
tween the united courtiers and cavaliers 
under Charles I, and the Puritans under 
Cromwell. With prayer, fasting and 
hymn, the common people, who had for 
ages been under the yoke of servitude, 
took to arms in defense of their rights, 
and many cavaliers bit the dust through 
their sturdy blows. But Charles II re- 
turned to the throne and again aristoc- 
racy triumphed. The oppressed were our 
Puritan fathers; again they were trodden 
under foot. Then it was that the heroic 
resolution was adopted to cross the ocean 
3,000 miles, and there in exile establish 
and found a Republic, where all men, in 
the eye of the law, should be equal. The 
result is too well known to need rehear- 
sal. How they fought their way through 
all the dangers of the savage new world 
and succeeded in their object. How the 
aristocracy of England made the desper- 
ate effort to again bring the yoke to bear; 
to tax us without allowing us to be repre- 
sented in Parliament — to place the ap- 
pointment to all important offices in the 
hands of the king, who would send over 
the sons of England's noblemen to be our 
governors and our judges, and who would 
fill all our posts of wealth, dignity and 
power with the children of the lords. 

Hence the War of the Revolution. We, 
the people, conquered, and established 
our government independent of all the 
world, placing as corner stone of the edi- 
fice, that "all men are born free and equal, 



A. 






HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



833 



and are alike entitled to life, liberty and 
the pursuit of happiness." 

Then coming down to the great conflict 
of America, the Rebellion, it was a con- 
tinuance of that irrepressible conflict 
which has shaken the world to its utter- 
most depths for ages. It was based upon 
slavery, that which has caused the shed- 
ding of oceans of blood, and making mil- 
lionsof widows and orphans. 

The constitution, under which we are 
bound together, is in its spirit and legiti- 
mate utterance, doubtless, one of the most 
noble documents ever produced by the 
mind of man, and even now, when the ad- 
vancement of a century has dawned upon 
its use, not a paragraph requires changing 
to make it true to humanity. But yet in- 
gloriously and guiltily we consented to 
use one phrase susceptible of a double 
meaning, "held to labor." So small and 
apparently so insignificant were the seeds 
sown from which such a harvest of misery 
has been reaped. In the North these 
honest words meant a hired man or an 
apprentice. In the South they were taken 
to mean slavery, the degradation and feu- 
dal bondage of a race. A privileged class 
assumed that the constitution recognized 
it, and the right of property in human 
beings. This class endeavored to 
strengthen and extend their aristocratic 
institution, which was dooming ever in 
creasing millions to life-long servitude 
and degradation. All wealth was rapidly 
accumulating in the hands of these few 
who owned their fellow-man as property. 
The poor whites, unable to buy slaves, 
and considering labor which was per- 
formed by them degrading, were rapidly 
sinking into a state of frightful misery. 



The sparse population which slavery al- 
lowed, excluded churches, schools and 
villages. Immense plantations of thou- 
sands of acres, tilled by as many slaves, 
driven to work by overseers, consigned 
the whole land to apparent solitude. The 
region of the southern country generally 
presented an aspect of desolation which 
Christendom nowhere else could parallel. 
The slave-holders, acting as one man, 
claimed the right of extending this over 
all the free territory of the United States. 
Free labor and slave labor cannot exist 
together. The admission of slavery ef- 
fectually excluded free men from them. 
It was impossible for those men, cherish- 
ing the sentiment of republican equality, 
to settle there, with the privileged class, 
who were to own vast realms and live in 
luxury upon the unpaid labor of the 
masses. It was on this point that the 
conflict, in its fierceness commenced. 
From the year 1790 the strife grew hotter 
and hotter every year. The questions 
arising kept Congress, both the Senate 
and House, in one incessant scene of war- 
fare. There could be no peace in the 
land until this aristocratic element was 
effectually banished. The Hon. Mr. Iver- 
son, of Georgia, speaking of the antago- 
nism of the two systems, aristocracy and 
freedom, said, in the Senate of the United 
States, on Dec. 5, 1860: 

"Sir, disguise the fact as you will, there 
is enmity between the northern and south- 
ern people, which is deep and enduring, 
and you can never eradicate it — never. 
Look at the spectacle exhibited on this 
floor. How is it? There are the north 
em senators on that side; here are the 
southern senators on this side. You sit 



t 



J* 



-« — » 



834 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



upon your side silent and gloomy. We 
sit upon our side with knit brows and 
portentous scowls. Here are two hostile 
bodies on this floor, and it is but a type of 
the feeling which exists between the two 
sections. We are enemies as much as if 
we were hostile States. We have not. 
lived in peace. We are not now living in 
peace. It is not expected that we ever. 
shall live in peace." 

Hon. Mr. Mason, of Virginia, in con- 
tinuation of the same debate, said: "This 
is a war of sentiment and opinion, by one 
form of society against another form of 
society." 

The remarks of Hon. Garrett Davis, a 
senator from Kentucky, are to the point: 
" The cotton States by their slave-labor, 
have become wealthy, and many of 
their planters have princely revenues — 
from #50,000 to $100,000 per year. 
This wealth has begot a pride, 
and insolence, and ambition, and these 
points of the Southern character have been 
displayed most insultingly in the halls of 
Congress. As a class, the wealthy cotton 
growers are insolent, they are proud, they 
are domineering, they are ambitious. 
They have monopolized the government 
in its honors for forty or fifty years with 
few interruptions. When they saw the 
sceptre about to dart from them, in the 
election of Lincoln, sooner than give up 
office and the spoils of office, in their mad 
and wicked ambition they determined to 
dispute the old confederation, and erect 
a new one, wherein they would have un- 
disputed power." 

Thus the feeling continued to grow 
stronger. One incessant cry became, 
"Abjure your democratic constitution, 



which favors equal rights to all men, and 
give us in its place an aristocratic consti- 
tution, which will secure the rights of a 
priveleged class." They insisted that the 
domestic slave trade should be nurtured, 
and the foreign slave trade opened; say- 
ing, in the course and vulgar language of 
one of the most earnest advocates of 
slavery! "The North can import jackasses 
from Malta, let the South, then, import 
niggers from Africa." 

The reply of the overwhelming majority 
of the people of the United States was 
decisive. Lincoln was elected and inaugu- 
rated despite the conspiracy to prevent it. 

Volumes could be and have been writ- 
ten up on these actions, but they are well 
known. We will merely mention the 
most prominent features, transpiring un- 
til the havoc of war actually set in. 

On the 7th of November, 1860, it was 
known that Abraham Lincoln was elected 
President of the United States, and was 
to enter upon his duties on the 4th day 
of the following March. In the mean- 
time the executive government was vir- 
tually in the hands of the slave power. 
James Buchanan, the President, had been 
elected to the office openly pledged to 
to pursue the general policy the slave- 
holders enjoyed. The cabinet were all 
slaveholders and slave-masters. The 
United States Navy was scattered all 
over the face of the earth, leaving only 
two vessels for the defense of the country; 
the treasury was left barren; the army 
was so scatteied in the remote fortresses 
in the far west, as to leave all the forts 
where they would be needed, defenseless; 
the United States Arsenals were emptied, 
the secretary of war sending their guns to 



T — 



1 



& 



■k 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



835 



the slave States., where bauds of rebels 
were organized and drilling, prepared to 
receive them. One hundred and fifteen 
thousand arms, of the most approved pat- 
tern, were transferred from Springfield, 
Mass., and from Watervleit, N. Y., to- 
gether with a vast amount of cannon, mor- 
tar, balls, powder and shells were also for- 
warded to the rebels in the slave States. 

On the 18th of February, 1861, the inaug- 
ration of Jefferson Davis, as president of 
the Southern Confederacy, took place at 
Montgomery, Ala. Four days later the 
collector of customs, appointed by the 
confederate government in Charleston, 
S. C, issued the manifesto that all vessels, 
from any State out of the Confederacy, 
would be treated as foreign vessels, and 
subject to the port dues, and other charges 
established by the laws of the Confeder- 
ate States. Thus by a stroke of the pen, 
the immense commerce of the Northern 
States was declared to be foreign com- 
merce, beneath the guns of the forts 
which the United States had reared, at 
an expense of millions of dollars. 

Already a number of States had passed 
the ordinance of secession. 

On the 4th of March, 1861, Abraham 
Lincoln was inaugurated President, and 
assumed official duties. 

At half past four o'clock on the morn- 
ing of the 12th of April, 1861, the rebels 
opened fire upon Fort Sumter, and, after 
enduring terrific bombardment from all 
sides the heroic defenders abandoned it, 
and were conveyed to New York. Fort 
Sumter was the Bunker Hill of the Civil 
War. In both cases a proud aristocracy 
were determined to subject this coun- 



try to its swTjy. In both cases the defeat 
was a glorious victory. 

On the next Monday, April 15, Pres- 
ident Lincoln issued a call for three 
months service of 75,000 volunteers. The 
effect was electrical. Within fifteen days 
it is estimated that 350,000 men offered 
themselves in defense of our national flag. 

Thus the Civil War had burst upon the 
United States with all the suddenness of 
the meteor's glare. It was, however, but 
like the eruption of the volcano whose 
pent up tires had for ages been gathering 
strength for the final explosion. The 
conspirators had for years been busy pre- 
paring for the conflict. In the rebel con- 
vention which met in South Carolina to 
consummate the conspiracy, Mr. Inglis 
said: "Most of us have had this subject 
under consideration for the last twenty 
years." Mr. Keitt said: "I have been 
engaged in this movement ever since I 
entered political life." Mr. Rhett said: 
"It is nothing produced by Mr. Lincoln's 
election, or the non-execution of the fugi- 
tive slave law. It is a matter which has 
been gathering for thirty years." But 
more need not to be said, the result is too 
well known. Call followed call in quick 
succession, the number reached the grand 
total of 3,339,748. The calls were as fol- 
lows: 

April 15, 1861, for three months 75. 000 

May 4, 1861, for five years 64, 748 

July, 1861, for three years 500,000 

July 18, 1862, for three years 300, 000 

August 4, 1862, for nine months 300, 000 

June, 1863, for three years 300,000 

October 17, 1863, for three years 300, 000 

February 18, 1864, for three yeais 500, 000 

July 10, 1864, for three years 200, 000 

July 16,1864, for one, two and three years .500, 000 
December 21, 1864, for three years 300,000 

"^ — 






Ml 



^>J> 



836 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XV 



WINNEBAGO COUNTY IN THE WAR. 



Looking at Winnebago county as it is 
to-day, one can scarcely realize that when 
the mighty engines of war were unloosed 
in the great Rebellion, arraying more than 
1,000,000 of men in arms, and which 
made the Ship of State reel and stagger 
as if smitten by thunder-bolts fresh from 
the hands of Jove, that it had been settled 
but a half-dozen years — was, as it were, 
an infant in the cradle of growth; while 
Iowa as a State was yet in her teens. 
But, notwithstanding the fact that its soil 
was still uusubjugated to man's use, and 
that its population was exceedingly small, 
yet all was done that could be to assist in 
subduing the rebellious States. The feel- 
ing prevailed throughout Iowa that the 
Union should be preserved, and the sights 
and sounds that were so noticeable in 
every city, village and hamlet north of 
Mason and Dixon's line, was duplicated 
here. It will be seen by a glance at the 
proceedings of the board of supervisors 
of Winnebago county, that their sympa- 
thy for the Union was manifested in a 
substantial manner, and their actions but 
mirrored the thoughts and sympathies of 
the people. 

Apppended is a list of the gallant men 
who participated in the war: 

TWELFTH U. S. REGULAR INFANTRY. 

COMPANY C 

Privates: 
Harrison Beadle, B. F. Denslow, 

Wi liam Lackore, Jr. , David Stancliff, 
John Belt, J. B. Hill. 

John Oulman, Fred Porter, 

Louis Porter, John Beadle. 



SECOND IOWA INFANTRY. 

COMPANY C. 

Piivates: 
David Secor, Hans Knudtson, 

C. H Lackore. 

THIRTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 

COMPANY B. 

Second Lieutenant: 
Samuel W. Griffin. 
Corporals: 
Chandler "W. Scott, Milton P. Goodell. 

Privates: 
Allen T. Cole, Hiram K. Laudru, 

Eugene B. Oulman, Samuel Tenuis, Jr., 
Charles C. Church. 

A history of this regiment is given in 
this volume in connection with the war 
chapter of Hancock county. 

FOURTH CAVALRY. 

COMPANY C 

Private: 

John W. Collier. 

EIGHTH IOWA VETERAN INFANTRY. 

COMPANY P. 

Privates: 
Charles C. Chuich, James Lackore. 
SECOND CAVALRY. 

COMPANY I . 

Sergeant: 
Willard A. Burnap. 

Privates: 
Sylvester Belcher, David Lutz. 

Cornelius A. Baker, Simon Trumbull. 

SECOND CAVALRY. 

The companies comprising this regi- 
ment were made up in different portions 



JL 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



837 



of the State, and as its history is one of 
the most eventful of the war, it will not 
be inappropriate in this connection. Com- 
pany I was made up of volunteers from 
the counties of Winnebago, Cerro Gordo, 
Linn, Jones, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette 
and Mitchell. In the latter part of the 
summer of 186], all the companies of the 
regiment proceeded to Davenport, where 
they were formally entered into the 
United States service early in the month 
of September. The aggregate strength 
of the regiment, when fully organized, 
was about 1,050. 

Desirous of securing an experienced 
and efficient commander for this troop of 
horse, Gov. Kirkwood offered the colonel- 
cy to Capt. W. L. Elliott, of the 3d Cav- 
alry, United States Army, and he, re- 
ceiving the permission of the War De- 
partment, accepted the commission. "He 
was a strict disciplinarian," says Sergeant 
Pierce, in bis history of the regiment, 
"every inch a soldier; and to his untiring 
efforts as our instructor in the science of 
war, are we in a great measure indebted 
for whatever honor we afterwards won as 
a regiment." Ed«ard Hatch, who had 
been captain of company A, was commis- 
sioned lieutenant-colonel. He afterwards 
became a brevet major-general, and one 
of the best cavalry officers in the service. 
The majors were: W.P.Hepburn, Datus 
E. Coon and Hiram W. Love; the first a 
lawyer and politician, who rose one rank; 
the second an editor, who became a gen- 
eral officer; the third a man of business, 
who was compelled by ill health to leave 
the service before promotion. The adju- 
tant was Charles F. Harden; quartermas- 
ter, William B. Blaney; commissary, R. 



M. C. Kirtland; surgeon, George Reeder; 
assistant, George H. Noyes ; chaplain, 
Rev. Charles G. Truesdell. 

The regiment remained near Daven- 
port, perfecting itself in the use of the 
sabre, until December 7, when orders 
were given to proceed to Benton Barracks, 
Mo. Here the troops found things very 
different from their comfortable camp at 
Davenport; they were crowded into close 
quarters, sickness of various kinds crept 
in among the men, and before the regi. 
ruent left this unhealthy locality it lost 
about sixty men by death. The regiment 
remained at Benton Barracks about two 
months, and as many as were not pros- 
trated by disease were drilled in the 
"school of the trooper mounted." 

February 17 the regiment moved by 
steamer down the river to Bird's Point, 
in the country in the rear of which the 
notorious rebel, Jeff. Thompson, was cre- 
ating trouble. Major Love with his bat- 
talion marched in pursuit of him, but 
though Col. Elliott soon moved to re- 
inforce the major, Thompson was not 
caught, though his command was dis- 
persed by other troops sent out for that 
purpose. Major Love's battalion, among 
other captures, took posession of a news- 
paper office at Charleston, and issued one 
number of the Independent, the work 
thereon, both editorial and mechanical, 
being done by men of the command. 

But they had not joined the army to 
engage in newspaper business. Return- 
ing to Bird's Point near the close of the 
month, the regiment made preparation for 
the march on New Madrid, of which, in- 
deed, the movement against Thompson 
was a preparatory reconnoissance. The 



i 



e> rv 



-« — » 



838 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



march of the cavalry from the time it left 
Bird's Point was exceedingly difficult. 
It drove in the enemy's scouts and light 
bodies of cavalry, moving all the while 
over a country almost impracticable, ford- 
ing streams, and swimming swamps 
scarcely penetrable. On one occasion the 
men marched for nearly half a day through 
water up to their horses' bellies. Mean- 
while, Gen. Pope had sat down before 
New Madrid, where our regiment joined 
him on the 12th of March, 1862, in time 
to participate in the attack and bombard- 
ment of that place. From the time of the 
capture of the city to the 6th of April the 
regiment was continually occupied in 
guarding trains, in scouting, and on picket 
duty. On the fall of Island No. 10, with 
its immense material, the grand trophy of 
engineering skill of the whole war, the reg- 
iment crossed the Mississippi, and its ad- 
vance, under Lieut. Gustave Schmitzer, 
were the first troops to enter the island. 
This officer, with eight men and a guide, 
on nearing the rebel works, discovered 
that they were evacuated by the enemy, 
although many stragglers were to be seen 
on every side. The advance dashed 
among these, and supposing the entire 
army to be upon them, they surrendered 
to the number of eighty-six before Col. 
Elliott came up. The regiment captured 
about 200 prisoners, and was justly en- 
titled to the credit of being the first to 
enterthe works of Island No. 10. It pur- 
sued the retreating rebels toward Tipton- 
ville, beating the swampy woods for pris- 
oners, and returned to camp at New Mad- 
rid after an absence of five days. The 
regiment accompanied the expedition 
down the river, but the attack of Fort 



Pillow was abandoned, and our regiment 
landed at Hamburg, Term., on the 23d 
of April, and at once took position on 
the left of Gen. Halleck's army, then 
moved on Corinth by gradual approaches. 

Gen. Pope chafed not a little under the 
bit of these slow approaches, and his res- 
tive nature found as much exercise as was 
compatible with Halleck,s order "not to 
bring on a general engagement," in fre- 
quent reconnoissances by his infantry and 
raids by his cavalry. The position of the 
Army of theMississippi, too, on the left of 
our lines, whence the enemy's communi- 
cations by the Memphis & Charleston 
Railroad were threatened, called for con- 
stant vigilance and no little activity 
on the part of Gen. Pope. Wherefore, 
from soon after the time the 2d Iowa 
Cavalry, an active regiment, joined in 
what is called the siege of Corinth, until 
the evacuation, more than a month after- 
wards, it performed services of great value, 
and was engaged in skirmishes which 
were only not battles because fought so 
near the field of Shiloh. Thus, to illus- 
trate the active operations of the commaiu^ 
it marched to Monterey on 29th, attacked 
and destroyed a considerable camp of the 
enemy, and took eleven prisoners, losing 
one man killed, and three wounded in the 
affair. A few days afterwards it moved 
southward, and, having destroyed a heavy 
trestlework on the railroad with much of 
the track besides, returned safely to camp, 
bringing in a number of prisoners, wag- 
ons and mules. 

On the 8th of May, Gen. Pope made a 
reconnoissance in force to the town of 
Farmington, at that time considerably in 
advance of the main lines of the Union 



\/ 



-rf 9 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



839 



army. He drove the rebels from the 
town and took possession thereof, but 
in the evening retired with his main force, 
leaving only a picket in the place. In the 
operations of this day the 2d Cavalry lost 
two men killed and six wounded. 

On the next day the severe skirmish, 
which has been called the battle of Farm- 
ington, took place. Gen. Paine, com- 
manding a force of some half dozen regi- 
ments, remained after the reconnoissance 
of the 8th, in advance of Gen. Pope's 
camp, and beyond a creek hard by. The 
rebels, for the purpose of capturing this 
advance guard of the Army of the Missis- 
sippi, moved from behind their works in 
heavy force, on the morning of the 9th, 
Price making a considerable detour to the 
right, to get in the rear of Paine, and Van 
Dorn moving for direct attack. Happily, 
Price moved too far to the right to ac- 
complish the object, or Van Dorn deliv- 
ered his attack too soon, so that Paine, 
after several hours of hard fighting, was 
able to make good his retreat to the main 
camp. But it is next to certain that he 
would have been cut off, had it not been 
for the invaluable services of the 2d Cav- 
alry. A little after 10 o'clock, Lieut.-Col. 
Hatch, commanding the regiment, re- 
ceived an order from Col. Elliott,, com- 
manding brigade, to hasten to the assist- 
ance of Paine. In five minutes, the regi- 
ment was mounted and galloping to the 
aid of their comrades beyond the creek. 
Coming upon the field, Paine was discov- 
ered in retreat before an overwhelming 
force of rebels — several thousand infantry 
and twenty-four pieces of artillery. The 
Union forces could retreat only by a single 
line across the creek, where there was hut 



the merest apology for a bridge. Paine 
was in imminent danger of capture. The 
rebels were preparing to charge, and could 
they gain a certain eminence lying be- 
tween the two forces, with their artillery, 
they would command the bridge and ren- 
der passage impossible. To prevent the 
rebels from gaining this coveted eminence 
the 2d Cavalry was ordered to form for a 
charge. Drawing their sabers, the men 
instantly took position, and were soon 
sweeping over the hill in a mad but re- 
sistless charge. Protected somewhat, by 
the cloud of dust which the horses raised, 
the regiment dashed right on the rebel 
artillery, and actually drove the gunners 
from their pieces. But a large army of 
infantry was in support, and the regiment 
was repulsed. Paine, however, had ti i e 
to effect a crossing of the creek, and when 
the 2d regiment regained its position the 
battle was ended. 

It saved the day. The charge only oc- 
cupied a few minutes' time, but in that 
short period, fifty of the regiment had been 
killed and wounded, and as many more 
unhorsed by the tire of the enemy. It 
was a charge of the utmost audacity, the 
like of which was never made, except by 
troops of the most daring courage. Capt. 
Henry Egbert, Capt. William Lundy, and 
Lieut. Benjamin Owen were wounded, the 
last named being also captured. "The con- 
duct of men and officers," says the lieuten- 
ant-colonel commanding, 'was in every 
respect commendatory;" and he specially 
mentions Majors Coon and Hepburn; 
Captains Crocker, McConnell, Kendrick, 
Eaton, Egbert, Lundy, Bishop, Graves, 
and Freeman; and Lieutenants Moore, 
Reily (who carried two of the enemy's 



ik 



840 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



guns), Foster, Bilden, Owen, Horton, 
Queal (who daringly cheered his men to 
the very muzzles of the rebel cannon), 
Schmitzer, Metcalf and Eystra, as having 
exhibited gallant and meritorious conduct. 

The regiment made good its retreat to 
camp, but did not have many days of rest 
before it was again ordered to move. On 
the 13th, a part of the command had a 
skirmish near Farmington, but met with 
no loss. Meanwhile the army steadily 
but slowly approached Corinth, and by 
the 20th, was strongly entrenched behind 
works which, at an average distance of 
about four miles from the town, extended 
from the Mobile & Ohio Railroad on the 
north, round to the Memphis & Charles- 
ton Railroad on the east. Now there was 
much for the army to do. Siege guns 
were to be brought up, batteries were to 
be completed, and a thousand other things 
done before a bombardment could be fully 
commenced. 

On the 26th, Lieut.-Col. Hatch made a 
reconnoissance to the south of the main 
lines, performing a very laborious night's 
march, now over hills and now through 
swamps, to the vicinity of Jacinto, return- 
ing on the following day with valuable 
information. 

By this time Halleck was about ready 
to fight, or if he was not his army was. 
The enemy's communications on the east 
were destroyed, another movement of our 
forces on the right would destroy them on 
the west, and the destruction of the rail- 
road, south, would leave Beauregard com- 
pletely isolated at Corinth, before a 
mighty army impatient for battle and 
confident of victory. Col. Elliott, com- 
manding the Second Brigade, Cavalry di- 



V 



vision, which Brigade consisted of the 2d 
Iowa and the 2d Michigan, was selected 
to perform this difficult and dangerous 
service. He was ordered to march to 
Booneville, and destroy the railway there 
and a large quantity of supplies known to 
be stored at that place. He left camp at 
midnight of the 28th. The result of the 
exploit is thus summed up by Gen. Pope 
in a dispatch to Gen. Halleck: 

"It gives me pleasure to report the 
brilliant success of the expedition sent out 
on the 28th inst, under Col. Elliott, with 
the 2d Iowa Cavalry. After forced 
marches, day and night, through a very 
difficult country and obstructed by the 
enemy, he finally succeeded in reaching 
the Mobile & Ohio Railroad at Booneville, 
at 2 o'clock, a. m., on the 30th. He de- 
stroyed the track in many places south and 
north of the town, blew up one culvert, 
destroyed the switch, and burned the depot 
and locomotive and train of twenty-six 
cars loaded with supplies of all kinds. He 
destroyed 10,000 stand of small arms, 
three pieces of artillery and a great 
quantity of clothing and ammunition, and 
paroled 2,000 prisoners which he could 
not keep with his cavalry. The enemy 
had heard of his movements, and had a 
train of box cars, with flying artillery and 
5,000 infantry running up and down the 
road to prevent him from reaching it. 
The whole road was lined with pickets. 
Col. Elliott's command subsisted on meat 
alone, such as they could find in the coun- 
try. For daring and dispatch, this expe- 
dition has been distinguished in the high- 
est degree, and entitles Col. Elliott and 
his command to high distinction. The 
result will be embarrassing to the enemy, 



•i 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



841 



and contribute greatly to their loss and 
demoralization." 

After due allowance for Gen. Pope's 
imaginative turn of mind, it is true that 
this raid was a brilliant exploit. Lieut. - 
Col. Hatch reports substantially the facts 
of Pope's dispatch, and they are therefore 
true. 

The rebel general, Beauregard, smart- 
ing under the lashes of southern public 
opinion, which were laid on him merci- 
lessly for his evacuation of Corinth, pub- 
lished a letter in the Mobile News, deny- 
ing the statements, making light of Col. 
Elliott's achievement, and actually charg- 
ing him with burning alive four sick rebel 
soldiers, who were in the depot! But Brig.- 
Gen. Granger flatly contradicts- Beaure- 
gard, and fully corroborates Pope. The 
sick were all removed, and the captures 
made as stated. The loss of the 2d Iowa 
on the expedition was two men killed, the 
same number wounded, and a few cap- 
tured, the whole being less than half a 
score. For his success in this affair Col. 
Elliott was soon afterwards promoted a 
brigadier-general. He was succeeded in 
ths colonelcy by Lieut.-Col. Hatch, who 
was succeeded by Major Hepburn. Capt. 
Frank A. Kendrick, of company E, was 
promoted major. But these promo- 
tions were not made till about one month 
after the affair at Booneville, or the com- 
missions received till some time after 
that. 

Meantime the regiment performed 
much active service. Company E, being 
a part of Gen. Pope's body-guard, was 
about the first troop to enter Corinth 
after its evacuation. The regiment was 
soon in camp near by, but did not remain 



inactive. After the evacuation of Corinth, 
the cavalry was posted south of that 
place, in the vicinity of Booneville, as a 
cover for the Union army. During the 
first half of June, it was constantly en- 
gaged in scouts, reconnoissances and 
skirmishes. The 2d Iowa was then re- 
lieved from duty at the front, and moved 
to camp near Farmington, where for a 
fortnight the command enjoyed rest and 
blackberries. It had been almost con- 
stantly engaged in active operations in 
the field for four months. "We had saddled 
up," says Sergeant Pierce, ''nearly every 
morning at 3 o'clock, and much of the 
time we had slept at night in line of bat- 
tle, each man holding his horse by the 
bridle. Hardly a day during this time 
had passed without more or less skirmish- 
ing by the regiment with the rebels." 

But rest and blackberries were not long 
enjoyed. In the latter part of June the 
bugle again called the command to the 
saddle, and on the 1st of July it was 
fighting the battle of Booneville. This 
brilliant Union victory, gained by Col. 
Sheridan, in command of a brigade con- 
sisting of the 2d Iowa and 2d Michigan 
regiments of cavalry, is described by L. 
D. Ingersoll, in his "History of Iowa in 
the Rebellion," in the following language: 

"Col. Sheridan in the latter part of 
June moved to Booneville with his com- 
mand, for the purpose of covering the 
main army, twenty miles in rear, and of 
observing the rebels who were near by 
and bent on mischief. On the 1st of July 
he was attacked by a rebel force of nine 
regiments, numbering nearly 5,000 men, 
under the command of Chalmers. After 
skirmishing for some time, Sheridan fell 



"Th 



ifT 



•fc. 



842 



BISTORT OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



back toward his camp, advantageously 
situated on the edge of a swamp, where 
he could not readily be flanked. Here 
the 2d Michigan dismounted, and acting 
as riflemen on the center, the 2d Iowa on 
the wings harassing and galling the ene- 
my's flanks, he held the rebels at bay for 
sometime. Finding that they were likely 
to surround him, Sheridan had recourse to 
to that ready strategy and fine audacity 
which has since placed him among the 
first captains of modern history. lie sent 
a detachment of the 2d Cavalry, number- 
ing less than 100 men, around to the rear 
of the enemy by a detour of several miles, 
with orders to attack promptly and vigor- 
ously at a certain time, while he would 
make asimilt ineous charge in front. The 
plan succeeded admirably. The detach- 
ment gained the enemy's rear, without 
having been seen till the men were near 
enough to fire their carbines, and, having 
emptied these, they dashed with drawn 
sabres upon the enemy, who, supposing 
them to be the advance guard of a large 
force, were thrown into disorder. Before 
they had time to recover from their confu- 
sion and dismay, Sheridan charged them 
in front with such fury that they fled 
from the field in utter rout, leaving many 
dead and wounded in our hands. They 
retreated twenty miles, throwing away 
arms, knapsacks, coats, and everything 
which could impede their flight before 
our pursuing riders. This brilliant affair 
male Phil Sheridan a brigadier-general. 
He had whipped, and badly whipped, 
nearly 5,000 men with only about 800, 
for this was the strength of his command 
at this time. 

"Col. Hatch, for he had been commis- 
sioned colonel two days before the fight, 



here fought splendidly. It would have 
been quite impossible for Sheridan to 
have won the battle without the most 
hearty and skillful co-operation on the 
part of Hatch and his command. The 
regiment never behaved better. Col. 
Hatch speaks in high terms of the con- 
duct of the regiment, and makes special 
mention of the gallantry of Captains Gil- 
bert and Queal. The loss of the regiment, 
considering the character of the engage- 
ment, was remarkably small, being only 
twenty-two killed, wounded and missing." 

After the pursuit of the enemy, the 
regiment returned to Booneville,and there 
remained a few days, when it moved to 
Rienzi, about half way between Booneville 
and Corinth, arriving on the 9th of July. 
Here the regiment camped for nearly two 
months, during the most of which period 
it was inactive. In the latter part of the 
month Col. Hatch made a reconnoissance 
to Ripley, but finding no enemy, returned 
after marching sixty-five miles. About 
one month later the quiet of the camp was 
suddenly broken by an attack on the part 
of the rebel Faulkner, with some 2,500 
troopers. The attack was so suddenly 
made that it came near being a surprise. 
Col. Hatch was sitting on court-martial 
at Rienzi. Adjourning the court he has- 
tened to the camp, and soon was in pur- 
suit of Faulkner, who was driven off 
quite as rapidly as he had come up. Hatch 
pursued him on the gallop for many miles, 
overtaking him two or three times, and 
inflicting much damage, and at last put- 
ting him in utter rout, with a loss of a 
number of prisoners and a large quantity 
of arms and ammunition. In the affair 
the 2d Iowa lost six men wounded and 



i> V 



*£+ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



843 



four horses killed. Four men were also 
lost from fatigue and heat. 

On the 5th of September, the cav- 
alry at Rienzi broke camp and marched 
southward with the object of observing 
Price, who was reported moving north- 
ward with a heavy column of rebels. 
That wily general, however, made good 
his march to Iuka, having passed by 
Booneville on the east before the cavalry 
reached that place. It returned to Rienzi. 
On the day of the battle of Iuka, the cav- 
alry marched far to the right of Gen. Rose- 
crans' principal column, and at Payton's 
Mills hadabrisk skirmish with Faulkner's 
troopers, routing them in a few minutes, 
a number of killed, wounded and prison- 
ers falling into their hands. Though the 
2d Iowa Cavalry this day marched forty- 
five miles, had a skirmish with the enemy, 
and captured and destroyed a rebel camp, 
with much property, upon returning to 
the field of Iuka, it was ordered to stain 
to horse all night. On the 20th it moved 
to Iuka, and entered that place just a? 
Price's rear guard was leaving. Hatch 
took the advance in the pursuit, and com- 
pelled the rebels to abandon a part of 
their train. But he was ordered to Ja- 
cinto in the evening. 

With the cavalry, the campaign of Cor- 
inth immediately followed the battle of 
Iuka. Col. Hatch, now commanding a 
brigade of troopers, of which the 2d Iowa 
was a part, was constantly engaged in 
scouting, reconnoitering, gaining infor- 
mation as to the movements and strength 
of the enemy. Gen. Rosecrans called 
Hatch's cavalry "the eye of the army." 
His troopers were constantly in the sad- 
dle, by night as well as by day, so that a 



crow could scarcely fly over the field of 
their observations without their knowl- 
edge. They performed services which 
did much to enable Gen. Rosecrans to win 
the remarkable victory of Corinth early in 
October. The regiment joined in the 
pursuit which followed the battle, going 
as far as Ripley, and returning to Corinth 
the 13th. 

The 2d Cavalry was next ordered to 
join Gen. Grant in the central Mississippi 
campaign, and moving from Corinth on 
the 2d of November, arrived at Grand 
Junction on the 4th. Here it remained 
until the 12th. From this time until the 
28th of December, it was almost all the 
while on the move, Major Coon in com- 
mand, Col. Hatch in command of the 
brigade. An imperfect outline of its his- 
tory during this period of activity maybe 
laid down thus: The 12th moved in re- 
connoissance on Holly Springs, skirmish- 
ing nearly all day. Capt. Horton adroitly 
"gobbling" a rebel patrol in the evening, 
entered Holly Springs next morning driv- 
ing the rebels out of town, while Lieut. 
Foster, this day in command of a company, 
absolutely whipped a whole regiment. 
The 19th, Hatch marched on Ripley, some 
thirty-five miles southeast of Grand Junc- 
tion, dashed into town on the morning of 
the 20th, dispersed a large force of rebels 
under Faulkner, capturing many prisoners, 
horses and mules; on the 28th, the cavalry 
marched southward from the Junction, 
forming the advance of the main army 
which started on the move this day; the 
next day, the troopers drove the enemy 
from Holly Springs again, and compelled 
them to seek cover behind their strong 
works on the Tallahatchie; Grant having 



tf- 



844 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



flanked them from their works. Hatch 
crossed the river on the 2d of December, 
and joined Col. Lee, commanding cavalry 
division, at Oxford, skirmishing much on 
the way, and capturing on this day more 
than 100 prisoners. Col. Dickey, 4th Ill- 
inois Cavalry, having assumed the com- 
mand of the division, the battle of Cof- 
feeville was fought on the 5th, wherein 
the Unionists sustained a- severe defeat, 
and were saved from utter route by Col. 
Hatch, who, as well as Col. Lee, had de- 
murred to the advance which brought our 
troopers so near destruction at the hands 
of a vastly superior force. The regiment 
here lost twenty-two killed and wounded, 
and was filled with chagrin at this un- 
necessary defeat, the more so, because, be- 
fore Col. Dickey took command, the cavalry 
had advanced sixty miles without disas- 
ter, and had sent 1,500 prisoners to the 
rear; the command retired to the Yocana 
river; on the 14th, marched on a raid to 
the southeast, going to Tupelo and Oka- 
lona, and destroying large quantites of 
forage and commissary stores; returning 
by Pontotoc, Col. Hatch there learned 
that Van Dorn was moving against Holly 
Springs, and advised that he be harassed 
and delayed by the troopers, but Col. 
Dickey not seeing the importance of the 
advice disregarded it, whereby Van Dorn 
accomplished the defeat of the whole ex- 
pedition; Hatch was again in motion on 
the 21st, but now forming the rear-guard 
of the army, retiring northward, and de- 
stroying the railway to a complete wreck 
between Coffeeville and the Tallahatchie; 
on Christmas day the brigade saddled 
up for a rapid march eastward with the 
object of intercepting Van Dorn at Oka- 



lona; in this, notwithstanding the swift- 
ness of his march, Col. Hatch failed, and 
on the 28th returned to camp, when the 
campaign closed. The regiment marched 
to La Grange, Tenn.,and went into winter 
quarters. 

The campaigns of the year 1863 were 
everywhere memorable, and were, in fact, 
decisive of the contest in favor of the Un- 
ion arms. The capture of Vicksburg,the de- 
feat of Lee at Gettysburg, the great victory 
at Chattanooga, placed the military power 
of the insurgents in a waning condition, 
and made their defeat a mere question of 
time. These, the three great events of 
the year, were accompanied by innumer- 
able lesser achievements, which, combined 
with the others, made patent the fact that 
the armies of Union volunteers were the 
most accomplished troops, the most effi- 
cient soldiers, the world had ever seen. 
Perhaps the Vicksburg campaign was bet- 
ter illustrative of this than any other, 
and not only because of the bravery, en- 
durance and all soldierly qualities of the 
troops directly engaged, but of those also 
who took part in the campaign, indirectly 
and at a distance, many of whom, indeed, 
took part therein so indirectly and at a 
distance, that careless thinkers might not 
have thought of any connection at all be- 
tween the auxiliaries and the principal 
command. 

The troops whose cantonments were 
along our frontier lines in Tennessee and 
Mississippi, gained by the campaigns of 
1862 — Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, 
in May, and Corinth in October — were 
Gen. Grant's auxilaries, and many of 
these commands, though they never 
saw Vicksburg, had a good right 



fc 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



845 



to inscribe that victory on their ban- 
ners. Among tlie most active of 
these was the 2d Iowa Cavalry, whose 
services during the first part of the era 
under consideration, especially, were not 
only brilliant, but of great value to the 
Union arms. 

Leaving winter quarters at La Grange 
the 10th of March, 1863, Col. Hatch, for 
about one jmouth, was actively engaged 
in operations over a considerable portion 
of northern Mississippi — preventing the 
concentration of rebel forces, capturing 
and destroying property, and in many 
cases inflicting damage on the insurgents 
— marching several hundred miles alto- 
gether, and performing several exploits 
of great skill and daring. These opera- 
tions over, Col. Hatch, commanding bri- 
gade, made preparations for that move- 
ment known as 

THE GRIEKSON RAID. 

The orders for this expedition were 
made known in camp on the afternoon ol 
April 16. The column, consisting of the 
2d Iowa, the 6th Illinois, the 7th Illinois, 
with five pieces of light artillery, two- 
pounders, was to move early the next 
morning, with the object of cutting the 
railroad and telegraph communications 
with the rebel army at Vickshurg, in the 
rear of that city, of inflicting damage gen- 
erally upon the enemy's resources in cen- 
tral Mississippi, having done which, it 
was to make way by the best route it 
could find into the Union lines in the De- 
partment of the Gulf. On the night of 
the 16th, Col. B. H. Grierson, 6th Illinois, 
arrived at La Grange and assumed com- 
mand of the expedition, by virtue of 
seniority of rank. 



On the next morning the column started 
on this wild march, and bivouacked for 
the night near Ripley. Here Col. Hatch 
separated from the principal command, 
moving at some distance to the left, skir- 
mishing all day of the 18th with Smith's 
regiment of partisans. He rejoined the 
column a few miles south of Pontotoc, 
and led the advance thence, avoiding 
Houston, to Clear Spring, about thirteen 
miles southeast of Houston. Col. Hatch 
now had under his command only about 
500 men, Major Love having returned to 
La Grange with a considerable detach- 
ment, including, I believe, troopers from 
all the regiments in the column. At 
Clear Spring, Col. Hatch again left the 
column with his regiment, and took no 
further direct part in the raid. Col. Grier- 
son moved on, and, after destroying many 
miles of railway and telegraph, immense 
quantities of property, making a success- 
ful diversion in favor of Gen. Grant, 
marching through sunshine and storm, 
surmounting almost insurmountable diffi- 
culties, reached Baton Rouge on the 2d 
of May. "This expedition," says Gen. 
Grant himself, "was skillfully conducted, 
and reflects great credit on Col. Grierson 
and all of his command. It has been one 
of the most brilliant cavalry exploits of 
the war, and will be handed down in his- 
tory as an example to be imitated." Col. 
Grierson's name at once became the syno- 
nym for energy and pluck, and he was 
most justly promoted for his gallant 
achievement. 

But it is probably true that Col. Hatch 
insured the success of the expedition, in 
like manner as Sherman, on a grander 
scale, insured the success of our arms on 



*r 



<» k_ 



-* 3> 



846 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Missionary Ridge, himself bearing the 
heavy brunt of battle and appearing to 
be defeated, whilst other corps and other 
generals pressed on to the glorious victory 
which his immolation was placing within 
their power. On the morning of the 21st 
Col. Grierson pushed on directly south- 
ward from Clear Spring, leaving orders 
with Col. Hatch to proceed to the railroad 
at West Point, destroy the railroad bridge 
over the Oka Tibbyhah south of that,place 
thence move rapidly southward to Macon, 
and, having there destroyed the railroad 
and government stores, return northward 
to La Grange by such route as might be 
found practicable. Inasmuch, however, 
as Col. Hatch was in the first place to at- 
tract the attention of the enemy to him- 
self, and to conceal by a stratagem the 
march of Grierson — which he did so suc- 
cessfully as to give the principal column 
nearly two days' start of the forces which 
had concentrated against it — it was very 
soon discovered that Hatch would have 
all that it was within the power of man 
to do to accomplish a retreat for his own 
command. 

Spending some time in obliterating Col. 
Grierson's trail, Hatch marched in the di- 
rection of West Point, but had proceeded 
only about ten miles, when, at the village 
of Palo Alto, he was attacked in rear and 
on both flanks by a force consisting of 
Smith's regiment of partisan ranger*, Bar- 
toe's regiment and Inge's battalion, all 
under Gen. Gholson, whilst between him 
and West Point was an Alabama regiment 
with several pieces of artillery. Willingto 
continue the deceit upon the enemy, who 
supposed they were attacking Griersons's 
main column, Hatch made a most gal- 



lant fight, using his little two-pounder, 
his revolving rifles and his carbines 
to the best advantage, driving the ene- 
my some three miles, capturing arms 
and horses, and retaking a company which 
had been cut off on- the first attack. Yet 
he kept his men so well concealed behind 
hedges and fences that he suffered no 
loss, whilst the rebels acknowledged that 
twenty-five of their number had been 
killed and wounded. 

Correctly judging that the time con- 
sumed in the skirmish at Palo Alto had 
given the rebels opportunity to guard the 
railroad at and below West Point, Hatch 
moved on northward. He was in the face 
of an enemy who largely outnumbered 
him, who was entirely familiar with the 
country, and who had a friend in every 
citizen. Nevertheless, Hatch continued 
his retreat to LaGrange, where he ariived 
in safety, and without mentionable loss, 
on the 26th. He had attacked Okalona, 
driving before him the enemy's cavalry 
and State militia, burning barracks for 
5,000 men, and destroying stores and am- 
munition; he had repulsed Chalmers with 
loss, near Birmingham and Molino; he 
had marched by by-ways, and bridle-paths, 
and through swamps and fields where 
there were no roads at all; he had crossed 
one stream in the entirely unique manner 
of throwing the horses bodily over the 
bank into the river, driving them in the 
right direction with long poles, and catch- 
ing them as they emerged on the other 
side, the men themselves crossing on a 
"foot-log," and carrying their saddles 'on 
their backs; he had, besides the damage 
inflicted on the enemy already noted, cap- 
tured fifty rebels, and killed and wounded 



><* 6 



-* 9 



.£ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



847 



not less than twice as many more, and 
taken nearly 250 horses and mules, so that 
when he marched into camp at LaGrange 
his troops were, upon the whole, better 
mounted than when they had left there 
ten days before. 

Immediately after his return to La 
Grange, Col. Hatch took command of a 
brigade just formed, consisting of his own 
regiment, the 6th Iowa Infantry, mounted, 
a regiment of west Tennessee cavalry, 
and four pieces of artillery. The com- 
mand soon moved on a raid southward, 
going as far as Okalona, and returning 
the 5th of May, with 300 captured horses 
and mules, more than ascoreof prisoners, 
and a number of negroes. In a few days 
it marched in a southwesterly direction to 
Senatobia, some eighty miles from La 
Grange, and having captured many horses 
and mules, returned after an absence of 
five or six days. On the countermarch, 
Hatch was attacked at Wall Hill by Chal- 
mers, but our gallant riders and the little 
guns soon sent them scampering to the 
right about. It is stated that in consid- 
eration of his warlike genius, the fair 
ladies of Senatobia presented him a 
crinoline petticoat and a corn-cob pipe. 

The encampment of the regiment re- 
mained at LaGrange till near the last of 
August, where the labors and tastes of the 
men made comfortable and agreeable 
quarters, so that the summer in this 
healthful and pleasant locality passed 
happily by. But not without much ac- 
tivity and adventure away from the en- 
campment. The principal events of the 
summer were: 1. A raid to Panola, 
nearly 100 miles southwest of LaGrange, 
which resulted in the capture of much 



property and the laying waste of a wide 
extent of country in retaliation for guer- 
rilla attacks on steamboats navigating 
the Mississippi. 2. The march against 
Forrest, who had entered Tennessee, and 
the skirmish of Jackson, on the 13th of 
July, in which the rebels were driven 
from the town and severely punished, the 
2d Iowa losing Lieutenants John K. Hum- 
phreys and Frank L. Stoddard, wounded, 
and two men missing. In this engage- 
ment the Union loss was fourteen, that of 
the rebels more than 175. 3. The raid 
on Grenada. On this expedition Major 
Coon commanded detachments from the 
2d Iowa, 3d Michigan and 11th Illinois, 
numbering 500 well mounted men. The 
raid was most successful, Major Coon, 
after reaching Grenada through great 
difficulties from the enemy and from 
storms, destroying two depots, sixty loco- 
motives, 500 cars of all kinds, machine 
shops, two large flouring mills, and a 
large number of army wagons, and re- 
turning in safety on the 23d of August, 
after an absence of eleven days, and an 
achievement worthy of all admiration. 

A few days afterwards the regiment 
moved to Memphis, and remained there 
in quiet till the 1st of November. The 
regiment, Lieut.-Col. Hepburn command- 
ing, then marched to Colliersville, to the 
relief of the garrison, threatened by 
Chalmers with a heavy body of troopers, 
and came up just in time to have a fight, 
in which the rebels were most decidedly 
whipped, losing forty-one slain on the 
spot, about 200 wounded, and fifty pris- 
oners, among the latter being eight com- 
missioned officers, including one brigadier- 
general. The battle was followed by a 



;*r 



J« 



,1. 



848 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



galloping pursuit of the enemy for not 
less than ten miles, nor did the chase sur- 
cease till the rebels had placed themselves 
beyond the Tallahatchie. The regiment, 
returning by LaGrange, went into camp 
at Colliersville on the 14th, where it spent 
a quiet fortnight. 

On the 28th, Col. Hatch, commanding 
a brigade consisting of his own regiment, 
the 6th and 9th Illinois, and eight pieces 
of artillery, moved northward for the pur- 
pose of luring the rebel general, S. D. 
Lee, then at Oxford with a considerable 
force, into a movement in the same direc- 
tion. He succeeded. On December 1, Hatch 
inarched rapidly from the vicinity of Cov- 
ington, some forty -five miles north of the 
railroad, for Pocahontas, whither Lee was 
reported as marching. Pocahontas is 
twenty miles westward of Corinth. Hatch 
reached Middletown, some miles west of 
Pocahontas, on the 2d, and learned that 
Lee was threatening Salisbury, still fur- 
ther west. There was skirmishing on 
the 3d, with slight loss on either side. 
On the next day, Lee, making a feint 
attack on LaGrange, delivered real at- 
tack against Moscow, ten miles further 
west, and which was garrisoned by Col. 
Kendrick, formerly of the 2d Iowa, with a 
few hundred black soldiers. Col. Hatch 
was not deceived by the feint. He moved 
swiftly to Moscow, and there fought a 
considerable battle, which resulted in a 
decided Union triumph. Sixty slain rebels 
were left on the field, and the enemy lost 
heavily in wounded and prisoners. Hatch 
lost eleven killed, thirty wounded, and 
forty missing. He was himself danger- 
ously wounded, being shot through the 
lung with a minnie ball. He kept the 



field, however, passing from place to place 
in an ambulance, till the rebels had re- 
treated. Forrest, meanwhile, moved into 
Tennessee, with some 3,000 men. A 
large force both of infantry and cavalry 
was sent into the field to oppose him, but 
it met with ill success. Forrest got away 
with a large number of conscripts. Major 
Coon, commanding brigade (Capt. Graves 
being in command of the regiment) made 
an energetic pursuit, but was ordered to 
countermarch about the time he came up 
with the enemy. This closed the opera- 
tions of the regiment for the year. In- 
deed, the regiment reached the encamp- 
ment at- Colliersville on the last day 
thereof. 

The 2d of January, 1864, it broke camp 
there, and on the 4th, pitched tents at 
Memphis, where it remained about one 
month, receiving during this period of 
repose a large number of recruits. On 
the 5th of February the regiment moved 
to Germantown, and there joined the 
column under Gen. W. Sooy Smith, which 
marched into Mississippi with the object 
of aiding and at the proper time joining 
Gen. Sherman, who was already sweeping 
like a whirlwind toward Meridian. Gen. 
Smith failed. The history of his failure 
is well known. On the retreat from West 
Point, there was much fighting and in 
all of it the 2d Iowa bore conspicuous 
part, at one time fighting and retreating 
for sixty consecutive hours, and saving the 
whole column by its bravery and its en- 
durance. At the battle near West Point, 
Lieut. Dwire, of company F, was killed, 
and several men were wounded, and the 
losses of the regiment in the subsequent 
engagements were heavy. On this expedi- 



8 






•fe«. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



849 



tion Lieut.-Col. Hepburn was in command 
of the brigade, Major Coon having com- 
mand of the regiment. It readied camp 
at Germantown on the 26th. 

Thence it moved to Memphis, and a 
sufficient number having re-enlisted to 
make the regiment a veteran organization, 
the 2d Iowa Cavalry, Veteran Volunteers, 
were there mustered into the service in 
that capacity on the 28th of March. At 
this time the regiment numbered 1,088, of 
whom 360 were veterans. There were 
many recruits, so that there was a large 
command with a long term of service 
ahead. The 7th of April, the veterans 
started home on furlough. As they 
reached Muscatine, the morning of the 
14th, they were greeted, at the home of 
their old colonel, now Gen. Hatch, with 
salvos of artillery, and were treated, upon 
landing, to a repast such as the fair ladies 
of that hospitable city are noted for pre- 
paring. They were met elsewhere with 
the heartiest cordiality. 

The 15th of the following month the 
veterans reassembled at Davenport. Major 
Coon had been promoted to the colonelcy, 
whilst the late Captains C. C. Horton, 
Gustavus Schmitzer and Charles P. Moore, 
now appeared as majors. They reached 
Memphis on the 29th, having halted some 
days at St. Louis, where they were re- 
mounted, and halting some time at the 
former place were armed with Spencer's 
seven-shooting carbines. 

In the summer of 1S64, it took part in 
Gen. A. J. Smith's campaign into central 
Mississippi, participating, but with slight 
loss, in the battle of Tupelo. It also 
joined the column which moved as far as 
Oxford in the same direction, when it was 



recalled by reason of Forest's raid on 
Memphis. On this latter march, Gen. 
Hatch commanded the division of cavalry, 
Col. Coon a brigade, Major Horton the 
regimen', as in the former expedition was 
the case as to the last two, and in both the 
2d Iowa maintained its reputation for 
bravery and activity, whilst the superiority 
of its arms rendered it the most dangerous 
foe which the enemy could meet. Return- 
ing from the Oxford raid our regiment 
reached White's station, a few miles south 
of Memphis, the 5th of September, and 
there going into camp formed an outpost 
which it garrisoned during the remainder 
of the month. 

The regiment then moved by forced 
marches into middle Tennessee, where 
Forrest was doing much damage to 
country and the smaller garrisons along 
our lines of occupation. Rousseau de- 
feated him, before Hatch, by the utmost 
celerity of movement, could reach him, 
and the latter remained in the vicinity of 
Clifton till the close of October. Then, 
under orders to join Gen. Sherman in 
Georgia, he moved to Pulaski, arriving 
November 1, where the orders were 
countermanded, and he was required to 
give his assistance to Gen. Thomas in 
repelling the invasion now threatened by 
Hood. 

Now it was from this time forth until 
Hood's grand army was driven in rout and 
ruin pell-mell from Tennessee, that Gen. 
Hatch and his whole command of troop- 
ers, being the 5th Cavalry Division, 
gained their brightest and their greatest 
renown. There were other regiments of 
horse from Iowa which during this period 
of constant vigilance, of almost daily 



f 



GL_- 



U\ 



850 



HISTORY" OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



skirmishing, of great, decisive battles, 
won proud celebrity, as there were also 
Iowa regiments of foot. So there were 
regiments from other States which on the 
same wide field of operations performed 
their whole duty as manfully, as soldierly 
as any troops that ever marched or fought, 
but among them all the 2d Iowa Cavalry 
was not surpassed. 

Early in November, Hood had a corps 
at Florence, Ala., on the northern bank of 
the Tennessee, and here he gathered one 
of the best Confederate armies which 
ever fought against the Union. About 
ten miles east of Florence a stream called 
Shoal creek flows from the north into the 
Tennessee. Along this stream, Hatch, 
with his division of cavalry, observed the 
enemy, again becoming the "eye of the 
army," the main part of which was far in 
the rear. He remained here for fifteen 
days, during which he made many recon- 
noissances, and had several heavy skir- 
mishes with the enemy, Col. Coon's bri- 
gade almost always taking leading part 
therein, and the 'id Iowa doing a large 
share of the marching and fighting. 
Major Moore at one time, Major Schmit- 
zer at another, and Major Horton at an- 
other, with the battalions, were conspicu- 
ous. During this period of activity it 
was almost constantly raining, and the 
troops were without tents. Moreover, the 
men had to get their own subsistence and 
forage for their horses from the surround- 
ing country. On the 20th, Hood advanced 
northward, Hatch disputing his advance, 
but falling slowly back before the over- 
whelming numbers. There was a fight at 
Lawrenceburg on the 22d, another at 
Campbellville on the 24th, and there was 



scarcely an hour in which there was not 
a skirmish. At midnight of the 24th, the 
command reached Columbia and for the 
first time within a month passed within 
lines of infantry. By this time the horses 
of the 2d were nearly all worn out. But 
the men were remounted on steeds 
pressed into the service from the surround- 
ing country. On the 29th, the Union forces 
retreated to Franklin, Col. Coon, during 
most of the day, forming with Ids brigade 
the rear guard of the army, his troopers 
moving in column of squadrons. In the 
battle of Franklin which followed, Col. 
Coon did effective service on our left 
wing. 

On the 2d of December our regiment 
reached Nashville, and moving across the 
the river to Edgefield, there found tents 
and knapsacks which the men had not 
seen since leaving White's Station, the 
last of September. Here ten days, much of 
which time was intensely cold, were spent 
in camp. On account of the want of wood, 
there was much suffering. The 12th the 
command recrossed the Cumberland, and 
in the battle of Nashville, fought the 15th 
and 16th. Gen. Hatch's division took a 
most brilliant part, here practically serv- 
ing as infantry. The 2d was in the severest 
of the fight. It joined, mounted, in the pur- 
suit, and, fighting a considerable battle at 
Little Harpeth Creek on the 17th, at Ruth- 
erford Creek on the 18th, and again near 
Pulaski on Christmas day, followed the 
defeated rebels to near Huntsville, Ala., 
when, wheeling to the right, the com- 
mand marched to Eistport, Miss., arriv- 
ing Jan. 11,1865, and went into winter 
quarters. 



fjy, 



HISTORY OF WINMEBAGO COUNTY. 



851 



In the battle of Nashville and in the 
pursuit of Hood, Col. Coon's brigade had 
done as gallant, meritorious service as 
any command in the grand army which 
gained this great victory. It had captured 
1,186 prisoners, among whom were one 
general, two field and eight line officers, 
fifteen pieces of artillery, more than 1,300 
small arms, about thirty wagons and am- 
bulances, one stand of division colors, and 
three stands of brigade colors. In the 
campaign the 2d Iowa Cavalry had suf- 
fered a loss of sixty-one, of whom four- 
teen were slain outright on the field of 
battle. 

The regiment moved from Eastport to 
Gravelly Springs, where it spent a fort- 
night, and then returned to winter quar- 
ters, whence, the 19th of February, Major 
Schmitzer moved to Tuscumbia with a 
detachment, and thence to Russellville, re- 
turning not long afterwards, having made 
a successful reconnoissance. With this 
expedition, the history of the 2d Iowa 
Cavalry, so far as operations against the 
enemies of the country were concerned, 
was brought to a close. It was disarmed 
in March, 1865. 

Afterwards, during the spring and sum- 
mer it remained in detachments at differ- 
ent points in northern Alabama, and 
northern Mississippi, being again armed 
with new Spencer carbines, mounted on 
mules and horses, and engaged in perform- 
ing the dry duty of preserving order over 
a considerable extent of country. And 
in the performance of duties of this kind, 
valuable to the country, but without inci- 
dents of noteworthy interest, the com- 
mand finished its career. It was mustered 
outof service in the autumn,and proceeding 



to Davenport, Iowa, was there disbanded 
in the month of October, and thus closed 
the record of as gallant a body of troop- 
ers as ever mounted steed or drew sabre 
in any age or in any country. 

HONORED DEAD. 

The names of those who were killed or 
died in the service are here given. The 
list is not long, but these brave men who 
laid down their lives in the defense of the 
Union are none the less to be honored. 
They offered as a sacrifice on the altar of 
their country's preservation, their best 
gifts — their life's blood. They were will- 
ing to fight and bleed, aye, to die, if nec- 
essary, to preserve the Union. Their 
graves are scattered all over the south, 
and although all signs of the once new 
made mound have been obliterated ; 
though the slab that once marked their 
last resting place may have crumbled and 
mingled with earth, yet their names will 
remain green in the hearts of the people, 
and their brave deeds will be stamped in- 
delibly ou historic page. Language falls 
far short of the meed of praise due these 
brave lads, who suffered and died that the 
Union might be perpetuated. May their 
suffering, their death and their rude burial 
upon the hot and dusty battle-fields of 
the south, all tend to strengthen the land 
for which they died, and make patriot- 
ism's watchword, " 'Tis sweet and honor- 
able to die for one's country." 

B. F. Denslow died in Libby prison, of 
starvation. 

David Stancliff fell in the seven days 
fight before Richmond, in July, 1862. He 
received seven bullets in his body and 
died within a few hours. 



>FT 



-^ 



852 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Milton P. Gooclell was wounded and 
captured in the battle of Pleasant Hill, 
La., April 9, 1864, and died just one 
month later. 

William Lackore, Jr., died shortly after 
his discharge from service, from the ef- 



fects of being struck on the chest by a 
fragment of shell. 

Samuel Tennis, Jr., died June 9, 1864, 
while in the service, of brain fever brought 
on by exposure. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



In June, 1868, the safe in the county 
treasurer's office was blown open and 
about $500 in money and county warrants 
stolen. Suspicion rested on Arthur Linn, 
who was arrested and tried, but there be- 
ing no direct evidence to prove him guilty, 
he was discharged. The person or per- 
sons who committed the deed were never 
discovered. 

On the 2d day of December, 1856, set 
in one of the most severe snow storms 
that ever visited this country. The win- 
ter of 1856-57 is remembered by all the 
old settlers as the winter of "blizzards," 
during which, quite a number were frozen 
to death. In what is now Newton town- 
ship, three men were frozen to death in 
the month above referred to. Two of 
the parties names are remembered — Por- 
ter and Snyder, the other, a stranger and 
traveler, is not remembered. A German 
and his wife were frozen in the same 
month, in the timber a short distance north 
of Forest City. They were all attempting 
to reach places of safety, where they could 
get food, got lost in the storm, and their 



bodies were found the following spring. 
This severe winter found nearly all the 
settlers in straightened circumstances, 
crowded in small log cabins, and with but 
little to subsist upon. Many went days 
without food or fire, and the suffering as 
described by early settlers, is, in many 
instances, almost without comparison in 
the history of the northwest. Such a 
winter has never since been experienced. 
John Tinger, a young man abouttwenty- 
one years of age, committed suicide at 
Lake Mills on the 6th of May, 1872. It 
seems he had been afflicted for some time 
with a fever sore on hiS left leg, and for 
some months he had entertained fears 
that he would lose the use of the limb. 
A letter was found in his pocket, that he 
had written to a girl in Sweden, in which 
he accused her of being false and unfaith- 
ful to the promises she had made him, and 
told her that she would live to regret it. 
He was, at the time, out of money, and, 
comparatively, among strangers, and get- 
ting down-hearted and despondent seemed 
rashly to decide that death w as preferable 



•1 



* b> 



T" 



-3"- 



W 






HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



853 



to life. He was found lying on bis back, 
with a fearful hole in his left breast, and 
a large pool of blood near him on the 
ground. A shot gun was lying close by 
with the muzzle towards him, and near 
his side, an open jack knife and a piece of 
hazel bush about two feet long. Appear- 
ances indicated that he had seated himself 
on the ground, placed the muzzle of the 
gun against his breast, and discharged it 
by pushing the trigger with' the hazel 
stick. He came to the county from Swe- 
den, in September, 1871. 

Oct. 21, 1876, Hans Evenson, a resident 
of Norway township, was buried alive by 
the caving in of a well thirty feet deep. 
Help was immediately sent for, but they 
were unable to get him out until the fol- 
lowing day. He left a large family to 
mourn his untimely death. 

Aug. 30, 1877, Iver Groves was over 
come by damp in a well which he was 
digging, and before help could reach him 
life had become extinct. The well was 
forty feet deep. He left a wife and four 
children to mourn his death. 

Jan. 4, 1878, a sad accident occurred by 
which Lewis Helgeson, a resident of Cen- 
ter township, lost his life. He had gone 
to Kensett to market some grain, and on 
his return was thrown from the wagon, 
sustaining injuries that resulted in his 
death the same evening. 

The following account of a frightful 
runaway is taken from the Winnebago 
Summit of July 29, 1880: 

" The worst accident that ever occurred 
in Winnebago county happened on last 
Sunday afternoon. A wagon containing 
eleven persons started to go out on the 
prairie, west of town. As the team started 



down the hill by the gravel pit, which is 
quite steep, the horses started to run. 
Uncle William Lackore and George Dun- 
away sat on the front seat, the latter driv- 
ing his own team. Mr. Lackore attempted 
to assist in stopping the team, and in 
some way they were turned to one side, 
which overturned the wagon, throwing all 
the occupants violently to the ground. 

"Mrs. George Dunaway was killed out- 
right; Mrs. L. C. Green, daughter of Mrs. 
Dunaway, had her right elbow dislocated, 
and was badly bruised about head, face 
and limbs; her little daughter had her left 
arm jammed, and was badly shaken up. 
Mrs. William Lackore had both arms 
broken and is also cut about the head. 
Uncle William Lackore is bruised up con- 
siderably; George Dunaway is badly in- 
jured about the back; Mrs. Gambell was 
slightly hurt on right hand, and Mrs. 
Clark and her daughter were slightly in- 
jured. Jesse Lackore was the only one 
of the entire load who was not hurt; as 
the wagon upset he jumped, and fortu- 
nately escaped uninjured. 

" Drs. Jones and Hewett were called at 
once, and did all that lay in their power 
to alleviate the wounds of the sufferers, 
and the injured are doing as well as could 
be expected. 

"It was a sad accident, and one which 
has no parallel in this section." 

The following account of a suicide is 
taken from the Independent Herald, dated 
Nov. 21, 1881: 

"This morning we were startled by the 
news that Ena Sawyer had committed 
suicide by taking morphine. She has al- 
ways been subject to fits of melancholy, 
and has often made the assertion that she 



->1v* 



854 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



would kill herself. On one occasion be- 
fore, from the same cause, she barely es- 
caped eternity. Yesterday she appeared 
downhearted, but no one took special 
notice of it from the fact that she has ap- 
peared the same so often before. She 
told several persons yesterday that she 
had taken morphine, and told Dr. Hull 
that he would probably be called, but did 
not want him to come. By talking with 
her for about an hour he satisfied himself 
that if she had taken any at all it was no 
unusual dose, as it should have operated 
within twenty minutes. After this she 
went to the literary society, walked home 
after it was out and soon became uncon- 
scious. The doctors were immediately 
summoned and stayed with her till life 
vanished at about 3 o'clock this morning. 
Thus an unhappy life is ended. Perhaps 



the last sentence she wrote was: ' Where 
will my soul rest?' " 

The first marriage of persons who were 
residents of the county occurred in the 
fall of 1856. The contracting parties 
were James Redmile and Jane Adams, 
residents of what is now Newton town- 
ship. The ceremony was performed at 
Mason City, and the couple returned to 
this county and commenced matrimonial 
life on section 36. This match was not a 
substantial one, however, for within two 
months they separated. 

The next marriage of residents of the 
county was between William Sutton and 
Tempa Docker, in the spring of 1857. 
They were married at Mason City, as 
there was no officer in the county, at the 
time, who had authority to officiate at 
marriage ceremonies. 



CHAPTER XVII 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 



This township is bounded on the north 
by Norway township, on the east by 
Worth county, on the south by Mount 
Valley township, and on the west by 
Newton township, and comprises all of 
congressional township 99, of range 23. 
The soil is rich and very productive and 
in this township are some of the best 
farms in the county. The township is 
mostly prairie, although there are quite 
a number of large groves of timber in 
the eastern and northeastern part. Lime 



creek enters the township on section 5, and 
leaves from section 19. Beaver creek rises 
on section 35, and leaves the township from 
section 30. Rice lake, quite a large body 
of water, lies about half in this township, 
and half in Worth county. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler in the territory now 
comprising Center township was George 
Thomas, who located land about one mile 
southeast of the present site of Lake 
Mills in the spring of 1855. Mr. Thomas 



;i^- 



l\£+ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



855 



made that his home until his death which 
occurred in 1858. George W., son of 
Mr. Thomas, came to the county in 1855, 
with his father, remaining about three 
years, when he went to Pike's Peak. In 
1860 he returned to Winnebago county, 
locating in Center township, on what was 
known as the Taugue place. About a 
year later he built where his present re- 
sidence now is and has made that his 
home ever since. 

George W. Thomas was born in Can- 
ada, Aug. 5, 1838. He emigrated with 
his parents, at the age of nine years, to the 
States, locating in Dodge Co., Wis., where 
he remained till 1855, then removing to 
Winnebago Co., Iowa, settled on section 
11, Center township, where he has since 
resided, with the exception of one year, 
when he was at Pike's Peak in search of 
gold. He has 560 acres of good land well 
improved. He is a member of the Forest 
City Masonic Lodge, No. 213. He was 
married March 14, 1866, to Hattie Gibbs, 
born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 
14, 1849. This union has been blessed with 
four living children — Charles D., Hattie 
May, Maud and Myrtle, (twins). Barney 
Gibbs, the father of Mrs. Thomas, was 
born in New York in 1816, and died in 
Winnebago Co., Iowa, in 1879. Louisa, 
the mother, was born in New York in 
April, 1826, and is still living. They 
were the parents of two children — Mary, 
now the wife of Pulaska Williams, of Todd 
Co., Minn., and Hattie, now Mrs. Thomas. 
Joshua Thomas, the father of G. W. 
Thomas, was born in New York, in 1801; 
died in Winnebago Co., Iowa, in 1858. 
Matilda Borden, the mother, was born in 
Canada, in 1812; died in Wisconsin in 



1855. They were the parents of six chil- 
dren, George W. being the second child. 

In the spring of 1856 a man by the 
name of Taugue came to the county, lo- 
cating in this township on section 1 . 
He lived there for about two years, then 
moved to section 12, and in the fall of 
1858 went to Pike's Peak. 

John Anderson also came in 1856, loca- 
ting on section 2. He remained two or 
three years then went to Kansas. 

In 1 857, three brothers, John, C. L. 
and Fred M. Pprter, became residents of 
the territory now embraced by Center 
township. They located on section 2, 
where C. L. still lives. John is now in 
Kansas; F. M. died in about 1880, near 
Wadena, Minn. 

Joseph Burns came the same year and 
squatted on section 2, moving the follow- 
ing year to section 11. After a stay of 
four or five years he went to Illinois. 

In 1858 C. D. Smith settled on section 
2, where he still lives. 

C. D. Smith was born in Vermont Nov. 
26, 1833. He was reared on a farm and 
there resided until twenty-two years of 
age. He then went to Janesville, Wis., 
where he remained one year, removing to 
Worth Co., Iowa, where he resided two 
years, being engaged in farming. He 
then removed to Winnebago county, and 
purchased a claim from Joseph Burns, 
who had erected a log cabin on it about 

1856. Mr. Smith built an additional 
room to this cabin in 1864, and has since 
made it his home. He has lately complet- 
ed a fine two-story frame dwellingnear the 
site of the old one, in which he is now 
residing. In 1866, he, in company with 
S. D. Wadsworth, erected a steam flour- 






856 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



ing and saw mill, to which they also add- 
ed a shingle cutter and cirding machine. 
The mill was situated near the lake from 
which the town afterward derived its 
name. This mill burned down in the fall 
of 1871, but was re-built by the same 
company, and was again in running order 
in January, 1872. In April, 1883, the mill 
was sold to H. Winslow, now of the firm 
of Winslow & Conley, who have put in 
a patent roller mill. Mr. Smith is now 
engaged in farming. He has 480 acres 
<>f land on sections 2, 3, 4*.nd 11. He has 
been county supervisor eight years, town- 
ship trustee several terms, and is at pres- 
ent mayor of Lake Mills, which position 
he has held ever since the city received 
its charter, in 1881. About 1868, he 
bought fifteen acres of land of E. D. 
Hininan, which he laidout into town lots, 
and upon which the town of Lake Mills 
began to build. In 1880 he laid out into 
lots fifty acres of the Joseph Burns 
claim. Mr. Smith was married Feb. 26, 
1863, to Janet Smith, who was born in 
Canada, April 26, 1S35. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith are the parents of five children — 
Walter C, born Dec. 28, 1863; Annie J., 
born Jan. 18, 1869; Erneline A., born Dec. 
15, 1873; Charles .W., born Oct. 26, 1875; 
and Bessie J., born June 15, 1881. 

John B. Aulman also came in 1858, and 
entered 320 acres of land on sections 8 and 
9 of Center township. He shortly after 
returned to his home in Philadelphia, 
Penn., remaining until 1860, when, with 
his family, he settled on his land in Cen- 
ter township. 

John B. Aulman was born in France, 
Dec. 19, 1819. In 1843 he emigrated to 
America, landing at New Orleans, La., 



where he remained a short time, remov- 
ing to Philadelphia, Penn., where he re- 
sided for eighteen years. He then re- 
moved to Iowa, settling in Winnebago 
county, section 7, Center township, where 
he has since resided, with the exception 
of one year, while making a tour through 
Kansas. He has a farm of 280 acres, of 
good land, well improved. He was mar- 
ried in France, in 1848, to Mary Frates. 
This union has been blessed with four 
living children — Augustus, Joseph P., 
Eugene and Andrew. Mr. Aulman is a 
republican, and is a member of the Cath- 
olic Church. 

John E. Anderson came from Lyons, 
this State, in 1860, and located on section 
2, of what is now Center township. He 
built a small house and improved his land, 
remaining there until his death, which 
occurred in 1866. 

During the war, quite a number settled 
in the township. Prominent among them 
were: Patrick Malone, Elef Elefson, T. 
Thompson, John Johnson, J. J. Eleven, 
Charles Ruby and E. D. Hinman. All of 
these persons, excepting J. J. Eleven and 
Charles Ruby, are still residents of the 
township. 

J. J. Eleven located on section 22. He 
died four or five years later. His family 
still reside on the same place. 

Charles Ruby came from Bristol, this 
State, locating on section 4, where he 
lived until his death, which occurred in 
1S6^. 

Thomas Thomson was born in Nor- 
way, in December, 1822. In 1852 he em- 
igrated to America, landing at Quebec. 
He went to Racine Co., Wis., remaining 
there one 3'ear, thence to Dane county, 






;nr 



kk 



_* » 



£* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



857 



where he resided until 1 865, when he came 
to this county. He settled on section 16, 
Center township, where he has 320 acres 
of land. He has forty acres in timber. 
In 1852 he was married to Harriet John- 
son, born in Norway, in 1822. They have 
six children — Mary, John, 01e,Rockstead, 
Thomas and Gilbert. They are all mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. He is a 
republican, politically. 

HISTORIC ITBMS. 

The first birth in the township was 
that of a daughter of Rev. John B. Hill. 
She was born in the summer of 1859, and 
died within the year. 

The first death occurred in 1858, and 
carried away George Thomas, the first 
settler in the township. 

The first resident couple to get married 
was C. D. Smith and Jeannette Smith, 
who are still living in the township. 

The first cabin was built in 1855 by 
George Thomas, who, in the following 
year, broke the first piece of land, on sec- 
tion 12. 

The first school house was built in the 
winter of 1859-60, on section 2. The 
contract was let to C. H. Day, who had 
the work done. 

The first sermon was preached in 1862 
by Rev. Saxby. 

The first school was taught in 1860 by 
E. D. Hinman. 

ORGANIC. 

Center township was organized in 1858, 
and comprised all of congressional town- 
ship 98, of range 24, excepting two tiers 
of sections on the south; the south half 
of township 98, range 23; all of the south 
tier of sections in township 99, ranges 24, 
25 and 26; and two tiers of sections in 



the extreme west of townships 99 and 
100, of range 26. In 1867 the county was 
re-divided, and Center township was made 
to comprise all of -congressional township 
98, range 23, and the east half of range 

24, except section 34 and the northwest 
three-fourths of section 35; also the south 
half of township 99, ranges 23, 24 and 

25. In 1875 Center township was again 
changed. At this time its territory was 
made co-extensive with township 99, of 
ranges 23, 24, 25 and 26; and in 1881 it 
became all of congressional township 99, 
of range 23. 

The early election records of this town- 
ship were not preserved, and hence' the 
names of the first officers cannot be ascer- 
tained. 

In 1883 the officers were as follows: 
Trustees, Lars Tho, T. H. Twito and Ole 
O. Tvetine; clerk, A. O. Tobiassen; justices, 
A. Anderson and It. O. Haugland; consta- 
bles, John Bingaman and W. F. Brown; 
assessor,Andrew Thompson; road supervi- 
sors, district No. 1, Charles Ruby; district 
No. 2, Ole Peterson; No. 3, T. A. Brekky; 
No. 4, John Eiel; No. 5, Henry Thompson; 
No. 6, K. K. Killen; No. 7, Elling Her- 
manson; No. 8, Ole II. Brekky. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1883 Center township was divided 
into nine sub-districts for school purposes. 
Number of school houses, eight, valued 
at&5,200; value of apparatus, $340. The 
total number of persons between the ages 
of five and twenty-one years was 458, of 
which were males, 258, females, 200; total 
number enrolled in the schools of the 
township, 321. Number of teachers em- 
ployed in the township, males six, females 
six; average monthly compensation, males 



,* 



858 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNT?. 



$28.88, females $25.83. Total number of 
months of school during the year ending 
Sept. 17, 1883, fifty-eight; average cost of 
tuition per month for each pupil, $1.13. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of Center township was organized 
on the 3d day of September, 1865, by 
the Rev. T. A. Torgeson, with the 
following original members: Hejus Ganz- 
sied, Mary Tollaksen, Evind Jorgensen 
Sunderland, Halvor J. Sunderland, Sigurd 
II. Sunderland and Torjus Tollefson. 

The first meetings were held in private 
residences and in schoolhouses until 
1876, when the society erected their beau- 
tiful house of worship on section 34. The 
edifice stan Is on a commanding eminence 
and may be seen from miles away in every 
direction. It is 40 by 106 feet, and cost 
about $6,000. Too much credit cannot be 
given to Rev. I. M. Dahl for his per- 
sistent efforts in the erection ofcjliis struct- 
ure. Mr. Dahl became the pastor of the 
Church, Oct. 19, 1873, a little over one 
month after its organization. 

Rev. I. M. Dahl was born in Norway 
on the 14th of December, 1836. In 1860 
he went to Germany and studied theology 
in a mission college, located at Hanover, 
being ordained in 1866, by the Rev. Dr. 
Niemann, the counsellor of the" consis- 
tory. The same year Mr. Dahl was sent 
on a mission to the East Indies, where he 
worked faithfully for seven years in the 
Madias Presidency. Here he was mar- 
ried, Dec. 18, 1870, to Catharina Mour- 
sund. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Dahl 
left the Indies for Europe, where he tar- 
ried but a short time, then came to the 
United States and coming directly to 



Iowa took charge of his present field of 
labor. Mr. and Mrs. Dahl have been 
blessed with two children — Dans Flam- 
inius Moursund, born Dec. 6, 1871 ; and 
Mary Olivia, born Dec. 22, 1872. Mr. 
Dahl stands some five feet, ten and a half 
inches high, weighs 235 pounds, and with 
his magnificent physical proportions 
unites a purely Greek profile. A more 
classical, intellectual looking man, it is 
hard to find, and when he enters the pul- 
pit to thunder forth the tenets of his faith, 
it seems that the great reformer of the 
fifteenth century, Martin Luther, stood 
before us. His extensive travels and 
acquaintances with numerous tongues and 
dialects are betrajed in his every conver- 
sation, and the consideration in which he 
is held by his numerous congregations, 
denotes that the man is almost perfect in 
all the walks of life. No clergyman in 
all northern Iowa wields the influence or 
accomplishes the good that this gentle- 
man does. At the time of his coming 
here the society numbered 595. In 1880 
the church was divided, and Rev. H. 
Strand was called to the supervision of 
one part while Mr. Dahl was retained for 
the other. At this time the church records 
showed a total membership of 1,976, an 
increase of 1,381. In 1882 the membership 
of both divisions was 2,397. The officers 
of the Church consist of seven trustees: 
Aslak Olson, Nils Egge, Andrew Neresen, 
Torris Hermandsen, Gulbrand Belsheim, 
Andrew Peterson and Knudt J. Fei. 

The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of Winnebago county is one of 
the most prominent organizations of north- 
western Iowa. The society is in a healthy, 
prosperous condition. The Winnebago 




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M5 



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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



861 



Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran congre- 
gations are divided into three religious 
school districts, with a teacher for each 
district, teaching religion, song and the 
Norwegian language. Each district is 
again divided into three sub-districts and 
the whole is arranged so that the children 
may use both the English common, and 
the Norwegian religious day schools. 

LAKE MILLS. 

The village of Lake Mills is beautifully 
situated in the edge of the timber on sec- 
tion 2, of Center township. The Minne- 
apolis & St. Louis Railroad passes through 
the village, connecting it with all leading 
markets, both north and south. The out- 
look for this busy little village is indeed 
flattering, and the energy and enterprise 
of its citizens, combined with the great 
scope of country which feeds it, will be- 
fore many years make Lake Mills one of 
the leading towns in this part of Iowa 
Lake Mills was laid out in 1868, althougl 
for a number of years prior to that time 
the village was in existence. C. D. Smith 
was the proprietor of the town site. The 
first store building on the present site of 
Lake Mills was built by E. D. Hinman, 
in 1864, and that gentleman was the first 
to sell goods. 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. 

In 1866 S. D. Wads worth opened a gen- 
eral store in an old log school house which 
had been built several years before. He 
continued the business in the old school 
house until 1867, then removed to his 
dwelling house, where he now resides, 
and after four years sold his stock of 
goods to W. B. Todd. Mr. Todd removed 
the stock into what is known as the old 
Barnett House, and continued in business 



about three years. At the end of that 
time he closed his stock out and retired 
from business. 

The next general store was opened in 
1868, by Lewis Crowell, in the building 
where Southwick's store now is. Mr. 
Crowell continued the business about one 
year, then sold to Lemuel Stilson, who 
sold in about a year to Abel Porter. One 
year later, Mr. Porter sold out lis goods 
and quit the business. 

In 1869 Larson & Co., from Osage, Iowa, 
opened a general store in what is now 
known as the old Smith building. They 
continued there for two years, then erect- 
ed the building they now occupy. 

William Larson, a native of Norway, 
was born April 30, 1831. He emigrated 
to America in 1854 and located in New 
England, where he remained eighteen 
months, then removing to Dane Co., Wis., 
at which place he resided until 1861, then 
removing to Iowa Co., Wis., where be re- 
mained until 1864. He enlisted in com- 
pany H, 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery, 
was stationed at Chattanooga,Tenn., until 
he was discharged at the close of the war. 
He then returned to Wisconsin where he 
remained until 1868, and then removed to 
Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa, where he re- 
mained till 1870. He then came to Lake 
Mills, Winnebago Co., Iowa, where he 
has since resided and been engaged in the 
mercantile business. He was married in 
Norway, in 1854, to Catharina Dalum, born 
in Norway, about 1810, and died April 15, 
1883, at Lake Mills, Iowa. He was again 
married, to Hannah Dalum, Sept. 10, 1883, 
who was born in Norway, March 20, 1858. 
Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the 
Norway Lutheran Church. Mr. Larson 



40 



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862 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



has been treasurer of the county, and at 
present is chairman of the board of super- 
visors. In 1875 lie returned to Norway, 
where he remained three months. In 1880 
he again visited Norway, and returned in 
in 1881. 

The next general stock was opened in 
1873 by E. L. Johnson, in the building 
vacated by Larson & Co. Mr. Johnson 
continued in business, about one year and 
sold out to K. H. Knudson, who closed 
out the stock six months later. 

In 1879, Wadsworth & Knudson opened 
a general business. Two years and a 
half later, Mr. Wadsworth became sole 
proprietor, and in the fall of 1883 Ole 
Scar bought out Mr. Wadsworth and is 
still in the business. 

In 1883 the representatives of the gen- 
eral trade in Lake Mills were: Ole 
Scar, William Larson, Oliver Nelson and 
Southwick & Olson. 

In early days nearly all of the stores 
carried limited stocks of hardware, and 
it was not until 1872 that a store solely 
devoted to that business was established. 
In 1872 Lemuel Stilson engaged in the 
hardware trade at Lake Mills. He con- 
tinued in business for six or eight months, 
then removed to Forest City. 

The representatives of the hardware 
trade in 1883 were: E. L. Henderson, 
F. C. Hall and Frank Lepper. 

Frank Lepper was born in Trumbull 
Co., Ohio, March 18, 1850, where he re- 
mained until twelve years of age, remov- 
ing to Michigan where he resided three 
years, then locating in Lake Mills, where 
he has resided since, being employed for 
eight years in a tin shop, but now run- 
ning a shop in connection with a hard- 



ware store for Frank Hall of North- 
wood. He has been connected with Mr. 
Hall for five years. He was married 
May 22, 1872, to Ellen Todd, who was 
born at Buffalo N., Y., April 11, 1855. 
They are the parents of two children — 
Burdette, born Nov. 27, 1876, and Blanch, 
born Sept. 1, 1881. Mr. Lepper is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F., of Aurora Lodge, 
and also a member of the city council. 

The first grocery store was opened in 
1875 by K. H. Knudson. He occupied a 
building which stood where Henderson's 
hardware store now is. Mr. Knudson 
continued in the grocery trade for several 
years, then merged his stock with the 
general line under the firm name of Wads- 
worth «fc Knudson. 

The grocery trade was represented in 
1883 by Perry Brown. 

The first furniture store was established 
in 1878 by Abel Porter. In 1879 Will- 
iam Wilson became proprietor of the 
business, and in 1881 sold out to J. B. 
Wilson, who was the sole representative 
of that branch of trade in Lake Mills in 
1883. 

J. B. Wilson is a native of Canada, 
born Jan. 22, 1827. His father, Hugh 
Wilson, was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., 
Feb. 11, 1801. He removed to Canada 
when quite young, residing there until 
1845, when he removed to Kane Co., 111. 
In the latter place he followed farming un- 
til 1881, when he removed to this county. 
Anna M. (Munson) Wilson, mother of the 
subject of this sketch, was a native of 
Vermont, born Feb. 9, 1801. She died 
March 9, 1840. She was the mother of 
seven children, J. B. being the fourth 
child. He removed to Illinois with his 






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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



863 



parents, in 1845, residing there until 1881, 
when he came to this county, locating in 
Lake Mills, where he engaged in business. 
He was married Oct. 30, 1847, to Mary C. 
Peck, born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Dec. 
6, 1829. They have two children living — 
Ida F., born May 27, 1854, and Frank B., 
born Aug. 6, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson 
are members of the. M. E. Church. 

LAKE MILLS BANK. 

The Lake Mills Bank was established 
April 1, 1883, by Messrs. W. C.Pickering, 
W. T. Hartley and W. H. Harwood. This 
is one of the prominent institutions of 
Lake Mills, and is a feature of the busi- 
ness interests of the village which has 
long been needed. The firm was previ- 
ously engaged in land speculations and 
loaning money, which business they still 
continue in connection with their banking 
operations. The firm first located at Lake 
Mills in 1882. 

ROLLER MILL. 

This mill was established in 1871 by S. 
D. Wadsworth and C. D. Smith, and flour 
was made by the old process. The above 
firm run the mill until in 1881, when Mr. 
Wadsworth sold his share of the property 
to J. B. Conley, and the firm became 
Conley, Smith & Co. This firm con- 
tinued the business until May 1, 1883, 
when another change was made, the mill 
becoming the property of H. W. Winslow 
and J. Conley. This firm remodelled the 
mill, fitting it with the latest improved 
roller process. The mill is 24x36 feet, 
three stories high, and is valued at $10,000. 
It is run by a steam engine of forty horse 
power. The flour turned out by this mill 
is of superior quality, and is conceded to 



be the best manufactured in Winnebago 
county. 

J. B. Conley, a native of Rock Co., 
Wis., was born July 1, 1852, where he re- 
ceived his education, and remained until 
twenty-five years of age. In 1877 he re- 
moved to Iowa, and was engaged in drill- 
ing wells in Bremer and Howard counties. 
In 1880 he removed to Lake Mills, and 
with S. D. Wadsworth was engaged in 
operating a flouring mill, for one year, at 
which time he purchased the interest of 
Mr. Wadsworth and continued in the mill 
business under the firm name of Conleyj 
Smith & Co., the mill being under that 
name until May 1, 1883, when H. W.Win- 
slow purchased the interest of Smith & 
Co., then forming the firm of Winslow & 
Co. Mr. Conley was married in Decem- 
ber, 1881, to S. B. Kenny, who was born 
Dec. 18, 1852. Mr. Conley is a republican, 
and with his wife is a member of the 
Roman Catholic Church. 

Henry W. Winslow, a native of Kane 
Co. 111., was born May 14, 1847, where he 
lived until two years of age, and with his 
parents removed to Ashtabula county, 
where they remained four years, remov- 
ing to Lake Co., Ind., remaining there 
eight years, then to Toledo, Ohio, where 
he resided two years. He then located at 
Lake Co., Ind., where he resided until 
twenty-one years of age. Mr. Winslow 
then removed to Chicago, 111., where for 
three years he was engaged in the d ray- 
ing business. He then removed to Min- 
nesota, and for three years was engaged 
building bridges on the N. P. R. R. He 
removed to Minneapolis and for nine 
years engaged in the millright business. 
Then to Waseca, Minn., where he re- 



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A, 



864 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



mained four months, removing to Water- 
town, where he resided six months, and 
in May, 1883, removed to Lake Mills, 
and engaged in the mill business under 
the firm name of Winslow <fc Conley, run- 
ning a No. 1 patent process flouring mill. 
He was married Dec. 26, 1873, to Frances 
McKay, who was born in Canada, Feb. 14, 
1854. This union has been blessed witli 
one child — Betric, born Oct. 1, 1875. Mr. 
Winslow is a member of Emma Lodge, 
K. of P. No. 18. 

CARDING MILL. 

D. N. Hill, proprietor of the Like Mills 
carding mill, established his business in 
1878. The business is growing and is an 
important factor in the business develop- 
ment of Lake Mills. Mr. Hill finds cus- 
tomers from all parts of Winnebago and 
adjoining counties within a radius of 100 
miles. On an average he turns out over 
7,000 pounds of carded wool yearly. 

LAKE MILLS ELEVATOR. 

The Lake M ills elevator was erected in 
1878 by M. P. Hayes & Co., who at once 
commenced buying and shipping grain. 
The capacity of the elevator is about 25,- 
000 bushels, and cost, complete, over 
$5,000. In 1883 the building and busi- 
ness became the property of Gust Sun- 
wald, of Carver, Minn. H. Rowell is 
managing the business at present. 

POSTOFFICE. 

Lake Mills postoflice was established in 
1864 with S. D. Wadsworth as postmas- 
ter. He held the office for three years, 
and was succeeded by W. B. Todd, who 
also held for three years. Todd's succes- 
sor was William Larson. Mr. Larson re- 
mained postmaster until 1878, when J. M. 
Hull received the appointment, holding 



the office until 1882, when C. E. Kee- 
ler, the present incumbent, became post- 
master 

INCORPORATION. 

Lake Mills was incorporated June 7, 
1880, with 408 inhabitants. The first offi- 
cers elected were as follows: Mayor, 
C. D. Smith; recorder, A. N. Hill; coun- 
cilmen, William Larson, S. A. Smith, L. 
S. Anderson, T. H. Twito and K. H. 
Knudson. 

The city officers in 1883 were as fol- 
lows: Mayor, C. D. Smith; recorder, W. 
A. Chapman; councilmen, Ole Scar, N. 
O. Styve, T. H. Twito, H. J. Rowland, N. . 
A. Smith and F. D. Lepper. 

N. O. Styve, lumber merchant, was born 
in Norway, Aug. 5, 1844. He emigrated 
to America in 1850, landing at New York, 
and locating in Dane Co., Wis., where he 
resided three years, removing to Winne- 
shiek Co., Iowa, remaining on a farm 
for four years. He then removed to Free- 
born Co., Minn., where he engaged in 
farming until 1872, removing to Albert 
Lea, where he resided seven years, en- 
gaged in the lumber business. In 1879 
he removed to Lake Mills, where he has 
since resided, and engaged in the same 
business. He was married June 2,1867, 
to Ellen Bottleson, born in Norway, Nov. 
6,1839. This union has been blessed 
with three children — Ole, born Dec. 7, 
1869; Battol Laurits, born April 9,1880, 
and died July 27, 1880; and Gustaf Bat- 
tol Laurits, born Feb. 20, 18S2. Mr. 
Styve is a republican, and the family are 
members of the Lutheran Church. 

Horace J. Rowland, proprietor of city 
livery, omnibus and dray line of Lake 
Mills, was born in Connecticut, March 25, 



-7fl 



A 



£-4, 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



865 



1834, where he resided until twenty-two 
years of age. In 1856 he removed to 
Wisconsin, where he remained until 1862, 
removing to Olmsted Co., Minn., where 
he resided three years. He then removed 
to St. Ansgar, Mitchell Co., Iowa, where 
he remained until 1868, being engaged in 
dealing in horses, then removing to Lake 
Mills, where he has since resided. He 
has been for fifteen years a star route 
mail contractor on various routes. He 
was at one time railway mail agent on 
the M. & St. L. Railroad. He also run 
several stage lines, and carried on the 
livery business, in which he is still en- 
gaged. He has 120 acres of good land, 
and a comfortable residence in Lake Mills. 
He was married Jan. 1, 1860, to Rebecca 
J. Farmer, born in Ohio, July 16, 1842. 
They are the parents of five children — 
George E., born in Wisconsin, July 8, 
1861; Willie E., born in Minnesota, April 
11, 1863; Walter A., born in Minnesota, 
Oct. 28, 1864; Emma, born in Iowa, April 
16, 1868; and Josephine, born in Iowa, in 
1872. George runs a barber shop in Lake 
Mills, and resides with his parents; Wal- 
ter is operator on the M. & St. L. Rail- 
road; Emma is now the wife of S. B. 
Toye, principal of the Lake Mills school. 
Mrs. Rowland is a member of the M. E. 
Church, and Mr. Rowland a Free Mason. 
N. A. Smith was born in Vermont, 
Nov. 1, 1844, where he remained until 
seventeen years of age. He then re- 
moved to Ashland, Mass., to learn the 
trade of a tinner. He worked at this 
trade until July 21, 1864. He then en- 
listed in company G, 5th regiment, Mas- 
sachusetts Militia Volunteers, to serve 
100 days. He was discharged from the 



service the 16th of November, 1864, at 
Readville, Mass. He again engaged in 
the tinner's trade, at which he worked un- 
til March 15, 1868. He was then married 
to Isadora Kichardson, by Rev. H. L. 
Hastings, of Lawrence, Mass., and re- 
moved to Winnebago county and located 
at Lake Mills, where he has since re- 
mained, engaged in the jewelry business, 
this being his favorite pursuit from boy- 
hood. He has a farm of sixty-three acres 
joining the town, which he also farms. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of 
two children — Pearl, born Oct. 3, 1874, 
and Carrie E., born March 12, 1876. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The Lake Mills graded schools form a 
part of sub-district No 1 of Center town- 
ship. The first school house in the town- 
ship was built in the winter of 1859-60 
in the northeast part of Lake Mills and 
the first school was taught in 1860 by E. 
D. Hinman. 

A fine large two story school house 
was erected in Lake Mills in about 1869, 
at a cost of about $1,000. This building 
was burned in 1873. In 1874 a new school 
house was erected at a cost of about 
$2,000. It is a neat, two story frame 
structure, and is furnished with the latest 
improved school furniture. Among the 
teachers who have taught in the Lake 
Mills schools are: Mrs. Fannie Hinman, 
Emily Skinner, Mrs. Crapper, W. A. 
Chapman, E F. Thompson, Mrs. E. F. 
Thompson and Scott Toye. E. F. Thomp 
son was principal of the schools in 1883. 

RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC SOCIETIES. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Lake Mills was organized in 1868 by Rev. 
A. S. R. Groom. The names of the 



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860 



HISTORY" OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



original members cannot be ascertained. 
Meetings were held for a long number of 
years in private houses and in the school 
house. Finally, in 1878, a church edifice 
was erected at a cost of about $1,500. 
The building is 28x48 feet and presents a 
neat appearance. The pastor in 1883 was 
Rev. Mr. Jeffreys, and the membership in 
that year numbered fifteen. 

The Christian Church was organized in 
1871 by Rev. C. C. Ramsey, of Floyd 
county, this State. The following named 
persons joined the society on its organiza- 
tion: Frank Southwick, William Smith, 
Mrs. Isadora R. Smith, Charles Smith and 
wife. A neat church building, 30x40 feet, 
was erected in 1881 at a cost of 81,000. 
No services have as yet been held in the 
new building. In 1883 there were twenty 
members. 

Aurora Lodge, No. 412, 1. O. O. F., was 
organized June 21, 1880, with the follow- 
ing charter members: Dr. C. Hirsch, J. 
T. Kean, L. L. Oleson, William Tennis, 
Joseph Tennis, Dr. J. M. Hull and A. 
Anderson. The first officers elected were: 
Dr. Hirsch, N. G.; A. Anderson,V. G.; J. 
T. Kean, secretary; Dr. J. M. Hull, 
treasurer. 

The officers in 1883 were as follows: 
Joseph Tennis, N. G.; W. F. Brown, V. 
G.; W. S. Wadsworth, secretary; and S. 
A. Smith, treasurer. The membership 
numbered twenty-four in 1883. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

General merchants — Ole Scar, South- 
wick & Olson, William Larson and Oliver 
Nelson. 

Drug stores — Isevi B. Nerby and Keeler 
& Parker. 

Grocery store — Perry Brown. 



Hardware — Henderson Bros, and F. C. 
Hall. 

Bank — Pickering, Hartley & Harwood. 

Newspaper — Independent Herald, W. 
K. Gregg. 

Attorneys — W. A. Chapman, and E. F. 
Thompson. 

Physicians— J. M. Hull, C. E. Keeler, 
and W. H. Gundlach. 

Jewelry stores — N. A. Smith and Ole 
Bergland. 

Furniture — J. B. Wilson. 

Photographer — T. J. Helgeson. 

Millinery — Mrs. Emma Wescott. 

Hotels — Barnett House, J. O. Barnett; 
Scandanavian Hotel, Mrs. L Mybre. 

Restaurant — Andrew Simmons. 

Saloons— E. & O. Olson, H. T. John- 
son, P. H. Garvey and Ole Osmundson. 

Livery stable — H. J. Rowland. 

Wagon shop — D. W. Cook. 

Butcher shop — John Burgeson. 

Barber shop — George Rowland. 

Blacksmith shops — D. W. Cook, S. L. 
Tone, Allen Smart and E. Christianson. 

Agricultural implements — Eckert & 
Williams and Twito & Tweed. 

Grain merchants — Eckert & Williams, 

E. D. Hinman and H. Rowell. 
Building contractors — David Adams, 

F. Stull and B. Johnson. 
Painter — W. F. Brown. 

Mills— Lake Mills flouring mill, Wins- 
low &Conley; carding mill, D. N. Hill. 

Churches — Methodist Episcopal and 
Christian. 

S. D. Wadsworth, farmer and merchant, 
was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Oct. 27, 
1823, where lie remained until eighteen 
years of age, engaged in farming. He 
then removed to the town of Kirtland, 



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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



867 



Lake Co., Ohio, where lie remained five 
years, then removing to Trumbull county, 
where he resided until 1858. He then re- 
moved to Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa, 
where he remained two years, removing 
to Bristol, Worth Co., Iowa, where he 
resided until 1865, removing to Lake 
Mills, where he has since resided. Mr. 
Wadsworth erected a saw and grist mill, 
which burned in 1868, but he rebuilt and 
in the fall of 1882 sold it to J. B. Conley. 
He is now engaged in farming, buying 
and selling stock, and has a store that is 
run by his son Benjamin. He was mar- 
ried in June, 1843, to Rachel Odell, born in 
Winton, Ohio, in 1820; died in 1847. They 
were the parents of two children — Dwight 
and Benjamin. He was again married to 
Harriet Smith, born in Pennsylvania, July 
4,1826. This union is blessed with two 
children — Elizabeth, the wife of Horace 
P. Kirk, Mason City, and W. F. Mr. 
Wadsworth has 800 acres of good land in 
Forest township. 

L. B. Nerby, general merchant aod 
druggist at Lake Mills, is a native of 
Norway, born in August, 1852. He left 
his native country in 1868 and came to 
America, landing at Boston, Mass. He 
then went to Black Earth, Dane Co., Wis., 
where he resided six months. Thence to 
Freeborn Co., Minn. He resided in the 
latter place three years, then removed to 
North wood, Worth county, this State, 
and remained there three years, clerking 
in a drug store. In 1875 he removed to 
Lake Mills and engaged in the drug busi- 
ness. On the 21st of February, 1881, he 
was united in marriage with Lena Larson, 
born in Winnebago Co., Iowa, Sept. 25, 
1859. Mr. Nerby and wife are members 



of the Lutheran Church. Politically he 
is a republican. He was elected city 
treasurer of Lake Mills in 1880. He is a 
live, wide awake business man, and highly 
respected by all who know him. 

A. Anderson was born in Kragero, Nor- 
way, Oct. 21, 1856. He there attended the 
higher graded school until he was about 
thirteen years old, when he emigrated to 
America, landing at Quebec, and locating 
in Chicago, 111. While making Chicago 
his home, he sailed on the lakes in the 
summer and attended the commercial 
school in the winter, until 1873, when he 
removed to the vicinity of Green Bay, 
Wis., where he resided most of the time 
until 1877. He then removed to Worth 
Co., Iowa, locating in Northwood, and 
went to work for Eckert & Williams, 
selling farm machinery and attending to 
their collections, and in the spring of 
1878 removed to Lake Mills, taking charge 
of the agricultural implement establish- 
ment of the same firm, and is still in that 
position. He is also engaged in buying 
grain and live stock. He was married in 
December, 1879, to Sarah O. Bronsvold, 
born in Wisconsin in 1857. This union 
is blessed with three children — Addie, 
Alfred and Asher. Mr. Anderson is a 
member of the Lake Mills I. O. O. F., 
Lodge 412, and at present is holding his 
second terra of justice of the peace. 

John Burgeson was born in Dane Co., 
Wis., June 6, 1849, where he lived until 
six years of age, and with his parents re- 
moved to Green county, where he remained 
until he reached the age of thirty-two. 
He then returned to Dane Co., Wis., re- 
maining one year, and removed to Worth 
Co., Iowa, settling in Bristol, where he 



J 



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8 68 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



resided until 1882. He removed thence 
to Lake Mills, where he has been engaged 
in the butchering business. He was en- 
gaged in teaching while in Wisconsin, for 
six years. He was married in 1875 to 
Susannah Iladley, who was born in Dane 
Co., Wis., in November, 1857. This union 
has been blessed with four children — 
Edwin B., Anna M., Henry B. and Ruth 
II. Mr. Burgeson is a republican, and 
with his wife is a member of the Lutheran 
Church. 

John Thompson is a native of Dane 
Co., Wis., born in August, 1855. In 1865, 
he, with his parents, removed to this 
county. He resides on section 10, and 
raises stock and grain of all kinds. In 
1881 he was united in marriage with 
Sarah Thorvalson. This union has been 
blessed with one child — : Hilda T., born 
May 30, 1882. Mr. Thompson is a repub- 
lican politically. 

John A. Anderson was born in Wiscon- 
sin, April 13, 1854. At the age of twelve 
years he removed to Winnebago Co., 
Iowa, locating in Center township, where 
he resided until 1873, removing to Mount 
Valley township, where he remained until 
1881. He then returned to Center town- 
ship, settling on section 20, where he now 
resides. Mr. Anderson is a republican. 
He has eighty acres of rich land, well im- 
proved, and is engaged in raising stock 
and grain. He was married in 1873 to 
Hattie E. Olson, born in Norway, March 
28, 1855. This union is blessed with three 
children — Betsie, Edwert and Joseph. 
Mr. Anderson, in 1880, was clerk of Mount 
Valley township. 

Ole O. Brackey is a native of Norway, 
born Feb. 10, 1851. He emigrated to 



America in 1861, landing at Quebec. He 
at once removed to Dane Co., Wis., where 
he resided three years ; thence to Minne- 
sota, where he resided two years. He 
then came Winnebago county, and located 
on section 26, Center township, where he 
has 120 acres of land. In 1875 he was 
married to Margaret Johnson, a native of 
Norway. They have three children living 
— Charles, Anna and John. The family 
all belong to the Lutheran Church. He 
is a republican, and has held the office of 
constable one term. 

T. A. Brackey was born in Norway, 
Sept. 29, 1859. He emigrated to America 
in 1861, landing at Quebec, and locating 
in Winneshiek Co., Iowa., and subse- 
quently removed to Winnebago Co., Iowa, 
where he has since resided with his par- 
ents. He has 200 acres of good land on 
section 16, Center township. He is the 
third of eight children —Jane, Tilda, T. A. 
Nels, Henry, Anna, Caroline and Albert. 
Mr. Brackey is a republican, and a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church. 

Mrs. T. Brackey was born in Norway in 
April, 1838. She came to America in 
1861, landing at Quebec. Thence to Mad- 
ison, Wis., where she resided two years ; 
thence to Fillmore Co , Minn., where she 
resided one summer; thence to Dodge Co., 
Minn., and from there to this county, 
where she now lives, on section 22, Cen- 
ter township. She has 200 acres of good 
land, well improved. She was married in 
1860 to Thomas Brackey. He died in this 
county, May 28, 1878. This union was 
blessed with nine children —Jacob O., 
Matilda C, Istra, Julia, Tilda A., Rosa, 
Thom N., John O., and Toinena. The 



Js, 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



869 



family are all members of the Norwegian 
Lutheran Church. 

R. O. Haugland, one of the enterprising 
farmers of this county, was born in the 
precinct of Mo, Thellemarken, Norway, 
Oct. 18, 1835. In 1846 he emigrated to 
America, locating in Dane Co., Wis., 
where he resided until 1867. He then 
removed to Winnebago county. lie has 
180 acres of rich land on section 29, Cen- 
ter township. Mr. Haugland is a repub- 
lican, and has held the offices of secretary 
of the board of school directors,county iu- 
pervisor, township trustee, and at present 
is justice of the peace. He was married in 
1867 to Sarah Sunderland, born in Nor- 
way, in 1848. This union has been blessed 
with eight children, four now living — 
Emma O., Anna S., Oscar O. and Gustave 
E. The family are all members of the 
Lutheran Church. 

Alf Nilson was born in Norway, Feb. 
2, 1825. In 1850 he emigrated to the 
United States, landing at New York city. 
He went from there to Wisconsin. He 
resided in that State three years, then re- 
moved to Decorah, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, 
where he lived fifteen years. Thence to 
this county and located on section 21, 
Center township. He has 160 acres of 
land. He was united in marriage with 
Susan Christianson. They have six chil- 
dren — Tilda, Jennie, Helen, Nels, Chris- 
tian and Mattie. The family all belong 
to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Nilson is a 
republican, politically. 

Ole Sornsen, farmer, a native of Nor- 
way, was born on the 26th of April, 1829. 
He emigrated to America in 1861, locating 
in Dane Co., Wis., where he resided five 
years. He then removed to Minnesota, 



where he remained two years; thence to 
this county, locating on section 22, Center 
township, where he has 120 acres of well- 
improved land. He was married to Anna 
Peterson in 1866. They have six chil- 
dren— Betsy, Peter, Saver, Thomas, Tilda 
and Peterena. Mr. Sornsen and family 
belong to the M. E. Church. He is a re- 
publican, politically. 

Mikkel Nelson is a native of Norway, 
born June 10, 1852. He emigrated to 
America in 1856, landing at Quebec. 
From there he went to Minnesoto where 
he remained only about five months, 
thence to Green Co., Wis., where he re- 
sided four and a half years. In 1861, 
when the Indian out break occurred, he 
removed to Austin, Minn., where he re- 
sided seven years. He then came to this 
county, locating on section 20, Center 
township. He is a carpenter by trade. 
In March, 1873, he was married to Martha 
Nelson, a native of Norway, born Sept. 
8, 1847. They have four children — Nels, 
Rachel C, Emma M. and Amelia. Mr. 
and Mrs. Nelson belong to the Lutheran 
Church. He is a republican, politically. 

Eli N. Mikkelson, a native of Wiscon- 
sin, was born Oct. 14, 1859. At an early 
age his parents removed to Minnesota, 
thence to this county. His name was 
Nelson, but he had it changed to Mikkel- 
son. He is a brother of Mikkel Nelson. 
He lives with his father on section 20, 
Center township. Mr. Mikkelson is a 
carpenter, and works at his trade when 
not at work with his father on the farm. 
Politically, he is a republican. 

S. T. Nelson, is a native of Norway, 
born May 28, 1844. In 1864 he emigrated 
to America, landing at Quebec. He im- 



" f 



if** 



.«4* 



870 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



mediately went to Madison, Wis., where 
he resided six years, then came to Win- 
nebago county, locating on the northeast 
quarter of section 19, Center township, 
where he now owns 160 acres of well im- 
proved land, and is engaged in raising 
stock and grain. On the 24th of May, 
1809, he was united in marriage with 
Rachel Olson, who died June 22, 1874, 
leaving three children — Albert L., Net- 
tie M. and Rosa G. On the 7th of Decem- 
ber, 1878, he was married to Anna John- 
son, a native of Wisconsin, born in 1853. 
They have two children — Richard G. and 
Eddie G. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. He is a 
republican, and has held the offices of 
township clerk, assessor and trustee. He 
is an enterprising farmer and a good citi- 
zen, and commands the respect of all who 
know him. 

Erel Halvorson is a native of Norway, 
born Aug. 12, 1851. He came to Ameri- 
ca in 1871, landing in Quebec. He im- 
mediately started west, stopping . at 
McGregor, Iowa. He remained there two 
months, and removed to this county, 
locating in Lake Mills, where he lived 
eight years. He then took a trip to Da- 
kota, remaining there three years, then 
returned to this county, locating on sec- 
tion 10, Center township, where he has 
eighty acres of good laud. He was mar- 
ried in January, 1873, to Anna Gurenson, 
born in Norway in 1857. They have three 
children — Halver, John, and an infant. 
Mr. Halvorson is a member of the Luth- 
eran Church. He is a republican. 

Aaron O. Harang was bora in Norway 
in 1845. He emigrated to America in 
1871, landing in New York, and locating 



in Dane Co., Wis., where he resided 
three years. He then moved to Winne- 
bago Co., Iowa, and settled on a farm of 
eighty acres on section 22. He was mar- 
ried in 1876 to Anna Johnson, born in 
Norway in 1846. This union has been 
blessed with four children — Helen, John, 
Nellie and Annie. Mr. Harang is a re- 
publican, and with his family belongs to 
the Norwegian Lutheran Church. 

Andrew J. Odden was born July 27, 
1850. He is a native of Norway, and 
emigrated to America in 1860, landing at 
Quebec. From there he went to Dane 
Co., Wis., where he resided fourteen 
years. He then came to this county, lo- 
cating on section 29, Center township. 
He has 120 acres of well improved land. 
In 1878 he was united in marriage with 
Carrie Thompson, born in April, 1861, in 
Fillmore Co., Minn. They have three 
children — John, Tobias and Gilbert. Mr. 
Odden and family are members of the 
Norwegian Lutheran Church. He is a 
republican, politically. 

H. T. Johnson was born in Norway, 
Sept. 14, 1848. In 1869 he emigrated to 
America, landing in New York, and locat- 
ing in Dane Co., Wis, where he resided 
six months, removing to North wood, 
Worth Co., Iowa, where he resided until 
the spring of 1879. In the meantime he 
was occupied one year as hotel clerk, four 
years at farming, railroading, etc.; two 
years at coopering, three years at bar- 
tending and one year at painting. From 
Northwood he removed to Lake Mills, 
and engaged in the saloon business. He 
was married Sept. 20, 1880, to Christina 
Stromsten, who was born in Norway, Aug. 
5, 1855. She was twelve years of age when 



»Pv 



A« 



4t 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



871 



she emigrated to America. By this union 
there has been one child — Clarence O., 
born March 9, 1883. Mr. Johnson was for- 
merly a republican, but in 1882 he joined 
the democratic ranks. He and his wife 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Johnson lately visited Buffalo Co., 
Dakota, where he entered a pre-emption 
and tree claim. 

K. K. Kiland was born in Norway, Aug. 
10, 1847. At the age of twenty-two years 
he emigrated to America, landing at 



Quebec. He at once went to Dane Co., 
Wis., living there four years; thence to 
this county and located on section 19, 
Center township, where he has a nice lit- 
tle farm of forty acres. In 1870 he was 
united in marriage with Anna Hanson, 
born in Dane Co., Wis., Oct. 2, 1854. 
This union was blessed with three chil- 
dren, one of whom is living — Anvena C, 
born March 3, 1875. Mr. Kiland and wife 
are members of the Norwegian Church. 
Politically, he is a republican. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



FOREST CITY AND FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



This beautiful and enterprising little 
city was laid out in the spring of 1856, by 
Robert Clark, afterwards county judge. 
While there may be nothing really re- 
markable in the development of the past, 
or anything striking in the present, still 
there is much that cannot fail to be of in- 
terest to those who have been closely con- 
nected and identified with the city in all 
the various changes which have occurred 
from year to year. To those who have 
watched the growth and progress from its 
earliest origin, when Winnebago county 
was but a wild prairie country, until the 
present time, the accomplishment of by- 
gone days would seem now like a great 
task, but it is in fact the sure and legiti- 
mate results of an advanced state of civil- 
ization. 



Forest City is in Forest township, and 
is situated in the south part of the county 
about one-half a mile from the south line 
and nearly seven miles from the eastern 
boundary. One railroad passes through 
Forest City — the Minneapolis & St. Louis 
— connecting it with the leading markets 
in the north and south. The city is sur- 
rounded by some of the finest and most 
productive agricultural and stock raising 
lands in the State, which is a guarantee 
of a permanent and ever increasing trade. 

Forest City is beautifully located on 
Lime creek, and owing to the fact that it 
is situated on the highest ground in this 
part of the State, it is often called the 
"Hill City." The locality is exceedingly 
healthy; the inhabitants are possessed of 
higli intelligence, and the society is of the 



» *V 



872 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



most refined and desirable character. The 
city is protected on the north and east by 
heavy groves of timber, which come al- 
most to the city limits. 

THE BEGINNING. 

The first to settle in the present limits 
of Forest City was Robert Clark, who 
located on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 35, township 98, range 24, in the 
spring of 1856. In March he laid out the 
plat of Forest City, and in April built the 
first log cabin, a little to the rear of where 
Blennerhassett's drug store now stands. 
This log shanty stood until about 1870, 
when it was torn down. 

The second log cabin was built by A. 
T. Cole, in June, 1856. Mr. Cole was the 
first to bring a family to Forest City. He 
now resides in Newton township. 

The next building was built of logs and 
was used as a store. It was erected in the 
fall of 1856, by Alexander Long, on the 
present site of the City Bank. Long & 
Moreland kept store in this building for 
some months. 

The fourth building was constructed for 
hotel purposes, by Samuel Akers, in the 
fall of the same year. The hotel stood 
for a number of years on the corner oppo- 
site the City Bank, and was finally torn 
down. The building stood on two lots, 
for the right of which Mr. Akers gave A. 
T. Cole $5. 

The next building was erected in No- 
vember,of the same year, by Robert Clark. 
It was a frame building, 18x24 feet, 
quite a large house for those days, and 
stood about where the Clark Hotel now 
stands. In 1861 Samuel Tennis purchased 
the building, moved it to the lot where 
John Plummer's residence now is, and 



commenced keeping hotel. Mr. Tennis 
owned the building two or three years, 
then sold it to De Witt C. Hayes, who re- 
fitted it and made it his home for several 
years. J. C. Harwood became the next 
owner, and after a few years, he sold to 
John Plummer. Mr. Plummer used the 
building until a few years ago, when he 
erected his present residence, moving the 
old one out of town. 

In 1857 quite a number of houses were 
built, among which were the residences of 
Nathan Jefford's, Thomas Bearse and A. 
P. Harper. 

Nathan Jeffords put up a frame house 
back of where J. S. Olson's store now is. 

Thomas Bearse built near where the 
Congregational church now stand-:. This 
house was a frame and was one of the 
best in the city at the time. 

A. B. Harper built a log cabin" near 
where the City Bank now is. This con- 
tinued in use by different parties until 
1862, when it was burned. 

During this year and the one following, 
buildings went up rapidly and the hamlet 
began assuming the proportions of a small 
city. In October, 1858, Forest City was 
made the county seat of Winnebago coun- 
ty. The following is a list of the names 
of the citizens at this time: Robeit Clark, 
Charles H. Day, B. F. Denslow, A. K.Cur- 
tis, N. G. Curtis, William Gilbert, B. A. 
Hill, Cornelius Baker, Avery Baker, John 
S. Blowers, A. T. Cole, James Church, 
Charles Church, James Lackore, William 
Lackore, George Lackore, C. H. Lackore, 
Harrison Beadle, George Beadle, John 
Maben, Charles Lutz, David Lutz, David 
Stand iff, Nathan Jeffords, John Jeffords, 
Charles Bice, Thomas Bearse, A. P. Har- 






HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY 



873 



per, Sylvester Baker, Sylvester Belcher, 
Martin Bumgardner, H. S. Bottsford and 
George Strong. 

Among those who came in 1859 are: 
David Secor,, George Butts, John H. T. 
Ambrose, Simon, Jonathan and Edwin 
Trumbull and Ethan Ames. George Butts 
was married to Sarah Beadle, and in 1861 
removed to Des Moines, his present place 
of residence. The others of those last 
named are still residents of the county. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first child born in Forest City was 
Brentner Clark, son of Robert and Re- 
becca (Breutner) Clark. He was born in 
the summer of 1858. 

Shortly after the organ ization of the coun- 
ty in October, 1857, Judge Clark officiated 
at the first marriage ceremony ever per- 
formed in the county or in Forest City. 
The contracting parties were Sylvester 
Belcher and Viola Lackore. 

The first to die in Forest City was 
Samuel Jeffords in the fall of 1859. He 
died of lung disease. 

The first house within the corporate 
limits of Forest City was built in the 
spring of 1856, by Robert Clark, in the 
Blennerhassett block. 

The first store was built where the City 
Bank now stands by Alexander Long, in 
the fall of 1856. 

Long & Moreland opened the first store 
that same fall. 

The first hotel was built in the fall of 
1856, by Samuel Akers on the corner op- 
posite the present site of the City Bank. 

The first school was taught in 1858, by- 
Sarah Beadle. The house in which the 
school was held was the one built by 
Nathan Jeffords. 



Rev. Hankins, a methodist minister, 
preached the first sermon in a little build- 
ing used by the county officers, and called 
the "court house." 

The first title to lots in the village, was 
acquired by A. T. Cole. Robert Clark, 
owner of the town plat, offered to give 
two lots to every person who would build 
thereon, and Mr. Cole was the first to 
take the offer. 

The first school house was built in 1857, 
near where the Methodist church now 
stands. It was a frame building, 16x20 
feet. It was sold at auction after the 
brick school house was built, and became 
the property of B. F. Denslow. Denslow 
sold the building to John Maben, who 
moved into Hancock county. 

The second school house was built in 
about 1859, of brick. It was 20x25 feet, 
two stories high, and cost about $4,000. 
It was destroyed by fire in 1873. This 
school house was the first brick building 
in the county. 

The first Congregationalist minister 
who preached in Forest City was Kev. 
Mr. Littlefield, who visited the place 
sometime in the summer of 1866. 

POSTOFFICE. 

Forest City postoffice was established 
in 1857, with Robert Clark as the first, 
postmaster. In I860 Keeler Curtis was 
appointed, and was succeeded in 1861 by 
Hon. David Secor. In 1872 Mr. Secor 
resigned, recommending J. W. Mahoney, 
who was appointed postmaster, and has 
held the position ever since. In 1874 the 
office was made a money-order office. 
The first money-order was issued July 6, 
1874, by Marcellus Halvorsen to J. W. 
Phillips, of Clear Lake, the amount being 



874 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY 



$6. Since that time there have been 
6,1 10 orders issued. 

J. W. Mahoney, one of the enterprising 
business men of Forest City, was born in 
La Porte Co., Ind., April 24, 1841. His 
parents were Daniel and Mary A. (Walton) 
Mahoney, and were the parents of five 
children. Daniel Mahoney in early life 
was a whig, but at the time of the organi- 
zation of the republican party, joined and 
remained with it until the time of his 
death, in 1864. Mrs. Mahoney is still 
living in Floyd Co., Iowa. The subject 
of this sketch enlisted in 1861 in the 3d 
Iowa Battery, and participated in the 
battles of Pea Ridge, Helena, Ark., Little 
Rock and the Yazoo expedition. At the 
close of the war he returned to Floyd 
county, where he remained until 1S69, 
wben he removed to Forest City and en- 
gaged in the mercantile business. In 18*70 
he was appointed deputy postmaster, and 
in 1873 was appointed to that office, 
which he still holds. In 1868 he was 
married to Mary E. Barmore, by whom he 
has had three children — Irving W., Edna 
M. and Hugh J. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, and one of the live 
business men of Forest City. 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. 

During the spring and summer of 1856 
Robert Clark kept a few goods on sale in 
his shanty in what is now known as Blen- 
nerhassett's block. His stock in trade 
consisted of a chest of tea, probably a lit- 
t'e sugar, some tobacco, etc. 

Alexander Long and Joshua Moreland 
opened the first regular store in Novem- 
ber, 1S56. They had a large stock of 
goods for that early day, and their store 
was the headquarters for all trading for 



some time. They occupied the building 
built by Long, where the City Bank now 
stands. In December, 1856, "Alex" Long 
was frozen to death, and Moreland con- 
tinued to run the store till the following 
spring, when the stock passed into the 
hands of Robert Clark. In the fall of 
1857 Clark sold to Blowers & By ford, 
who continued the business for nearly a 
year. About this time Byford pocketed 
all the money he could lay hands on, 
$2,000, or over, and left — "sloped." Mr. 
Blowers continued a short time, then sold 
back to Robert Clark, who moved the 
goods to his own building. After six or 
eight months A. K. Curtis became propri- 
etor of the store, and moved the goods to 
a frame building near where Jasper 
Thompson's residence now stands. He 
continued the business about one year, 
then sold to C. II. Day. In the spring of 
1859 Martin Bumgardner opened a store 
in the building now occupied by Abbie 
Secor's millinery. He continued in busi- 
ness here for about two years, then sold 
out to Charles H. Day, who merged the 
stock with that which he had purchased 
of A. K. Curtis. The business was con- 
tinued by Mr. Day until in about 1803, 
when he sold to a man by the name of 
Cummings. Cummings conducted the 
business for nearly one year, when it 
passed by purchase into the hands of A. 
L. Plummer. Shortly after, Mr. Plum- 
mer took in as a partner a little Jew, who 
continued in the firm for a few months, 
and was drafted into the United States 
sorvice. He did not like going to the 
war, however, and, selling out to Mr. 
Plummer, left very hastily for parts un- 
known. In the spring of 1866 Hiram K. 



a> V 



>!£+ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



875 



Landru became proprietor, and after run- 
ning the business about four months, took 
in "Sam" Herrick as partner. This part- 
nership did not last long, however. With- 
in a few months Herrick retired from the 
business, and soon after, Landru sold the 
entire stock to A. L. Plummer. Mr. 
Plummer added to the stock, and built 
what is now Blennerhassett's drug store, 
into which he moved shortly after. In 
1868 B. A. Plummer purchased an interest 
in the store, and the firm was Plummer 
Bros, until May 1, 1869, when J. W. Maho- 
ney and B. A. Plummer became the own- 
ers. Mahoney & Plummer continued in 
partnership for about one year and a half, 
when Mr. Mahoney became sole proprie- 
tor. In 1872 Mr. Mahoney built the store 
building adjoining the City Bank, and 
moved into it in the fall of that year. 
He is still in business. 

The third general store was opened in 
1866 by David Secor. He occupied one 
of the rooms in the court house for about 
seven months, then moved his goods to the 
Abbie Secor building, where he continued 
for about two and a half years. Solmer 
& Morgan then purchased the stock, added 
more goods, and had a man by the name 
of Brown in charge for one year. The 
store then became the property of E. D. 
Hinman, who intended moving the stock 
to Lake Mills, but inside of two or three 
days he sold out to George Lackore. The 
latter gentleman erected a new building 
on the corner south of the Winnebago 
County Bank, and after running the busi- 
ness there about six months, took in J. 
W. Fisher as partner. This partnership 
lasted about a year, when Mr. Lackore re- 
tired and J. W. Fisher became sole pro- 



prietor. Jasper Thompson soon after 
purchased a half interest. In six months 
Mr. Thompson bought out his partner, 
J. W. Fisher, and continued the busi- 
ness as sole owner until the summer of 
1883, when he sold to J. H. Lewis. 
Soon after the firm became Lewis & 
Skarie. About Dec. 1, 1883, Jasper 
Thompson, mortgagee, took possession 
of the store, and closed out the stock. 

In 1870 B. A. Plummer built the brick 
store on the corner opposite the City Bank 
and opened a general stock of goods. A 
few months later J. C. Harwood became 
a partner, and the firm of Plummer & 
Harwood ran the business about eight 
months, when Harwood retired. At this 
time John Plummer became a partner and 
so continued until in 1876, when he be- 
came sole proprietor, remaining as such 
until 1879. In 1879 Myron Barton pur- 
chased a half interest and about one year 
later bought the whole stock. 

In 1871 W. O. Hanson and A. A. Aiken 
brought a stock of goods from Decorah, 
this State, and opened a store in the 
building now occupied by Nels George. 
Two years later Mr. Hanson purchased 
his partner's interest and built what is 
now Koto's drug store. He kept a general 
store in this building about a year, then 
closed out his dry goods, and made a 
specialty of boots and shoes. One year 
later he sold out to Jasper Thompson, 
who merged the goods with his other 
stock. 

Messrs. Saibert & Stife opened a gen- 
eral store in a building where the Winne- 
bago County Bank now stands. They con- 
tinued in partnership for about two years 
when Mr. Saibert became sole proprietor. 



-- 4 l 



876 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



One year later Mr. Saibert sold out to G. 
G. Onstadt. In 1880 Mr. Onstadt built a 
new building just north of his old site, 
and took in as partner John Isaacson. In 
the fall of 1882 Mr. Isaacson became sole 
proprietor, and is still continuing the 
business. 

J. S. Olson and Nels George opened a 
general store in the Nels George building 
in 1874. They continued their partner- 
ship about two years, when they dissolved, 
Nels George continuing the business, in 
which he is still engaged. 

In 1877 Thomas Jacobs, O. B. Knud- 
son and J. S. Olson formed a co-partnership 
and opened a general store. They brought 
their goods from Chicago and opened up 
in Hanson's old store. The firm con- 
tinued as above for about six months, 
when Mr. Jacobs retired. Three months 
later Knudson sold to Mr. Olson, who 
continued the business. In 1882 Mr. Ol- 
son built a store building on the corner 
directly east of P. O. Koto's drug store, 
and has since continued the business in 
his own building. The firm is now J. S. 
Olson & Son. 

The representatives of the general 
trade in 1883 were: J. W. Mahoney, 
Myron Barton, Nels George, J. S. Olson 
& Son and John Isaacson. 

John S. Olson, one of the enterprising 
merchants of Forest City, was born near 
Christiana, Norway, Jan. 10, 1826. In the 
spring of 1849 he emigrated to America, 
landing in New York after a voyage of 
eight weeks, and from there went to Mil- 
waukee and then to Racine county, 
where he was employed on a firm, re- 
ceiving from $10 to $15 per month. The 
following fall he removed to Michigan, 



and the next spring returned to Racine. 
In 1855 he was married to Anna Nelson, by 
whom he has had eight children, four of 
whom are living — Albert, Amelia, Henry 
and Willie. In 1860 he removed to Win- 
neshiek Co., Iowa, where he purchased a 
farm. In 1862 he enlisted in the 38th Iowa 
Infantry, and participated in the siege and 
capture of Vicksburg, Black River expe- 
dition, thence to Texas by way of New 
Orleans. In January, 1865, the regiment 
was consolidated with the 34th and en- 
gaged in the capture of Fort Morgan, 
charge on Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort. 
He was discharged at Houston, Texas, at 
the close of the war. In 1870 he removed 
to Winnebago county, locating in Forest 
City. In 1875 he engaged in the mercan- 
tile business, which he has since followed. 
He came to this country in limited cir- 
cumstances, but by close attention to 
business has obtained a comfortable prop- 
erty, and to-day is among the well-to-do 
business men of the city. Mr. Olson is a 
member of the G. A. R. post, and with 
his wife is a member of the Scandinavian 
M. E. Church. 

John Isaacson, one of the enterprising 
business men of Forest City, was born in 
Norway, March 12, 1840. In 1855 his 
parents emigrated to America, landing in 
Quebec, and from there went to Dane Co., 
Wis., where he was reared as a farm boy, 
receiving a limited education in the com- 
mon schools. In 1862 he enlisted in the 
27th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, com- 
pany II. Entering the army as fourth 
sergeant and afterwards promoted to or- 
derly. He participated in the capture of 
Vicksburg, Miss., Little Rock, Ark., bat- 
tles of Saline River, Prairie D'Ann and 





/t?U/}^-& 



-£+ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



870 



Camden, Ark. In the siege of Spanish 
Fort and capture of Fort Blakely and Mo- 
bile, Ala., from there to Brownsville, 
Texas. He was then promoted to 2d lieu- 
tenant. Soon before the war closed he 
was mustered out at Brownsville, Texas, in 
September, 1865, and returned home, and 
again engagi d in the occupation of farming 
until 1874, when he removed to Madison, 
Wis., and clerked in the store of Dunning 
& Sumner, where he learned the business. 
In 1880, he removed to Forest City, Iowa, 
embarking in the mercantile business, car 
rying a full line of dry goods and gro- 
ceries, boots, shoes and clothing, in fact 
everything usually found in a first-class 
store. In 1865 he was married to Carrie 
Olson, of Oconomowoc, Wis., by whom 
he has had nine children — Clara, Delia, 
Charles, Elmore, John, George, Mable, 
Amanda and Sumner Els worth. Mr. ami 
Mrs. Isaacson are members of the Lu- 
theran Church. He is also a member of 
the G. A. R. Mr. Isaacson came to this 
country a poor boy, but by fair dealing 
has accumulated a comfortable property. 

In the spring of 1872, L. L. Brentner 
opened a general store in the Abbie Secor 
building. He ran the business one and a 
half years and sold to James Pinckney, 
who closed out the dry goods and con- 
tinued the store as a grocery. In 1883 the 
grocery trade was represented by James 
Pinckney and T. Jacobs. 

In the fall of 1870, Dr. W. H. Jones 
opened the first drug store in what is now 
the Pinckney Hotel. In 1872 the stock 
was sold to James Pinckney, who com- 
bined it with his grocery business. In 
1872 Mr. Pinckney erected a store building 
opposite the postoffice, and moved his 



goods into it. He is still occupying the 
same building. 

In 1883 the drug trade was represented 
by A. Blennerhassett, P. O. Koto & Co., 
and James Pinckney. 

James Pinckney, one of the early set- 
tler of Winnebago county, was born in 
Onondaga Co., N. Y., Dec. 8, 1835. His 
parent were Alpheus and Sally (Griffin) 
Pinckney. When James was sixteen 
years old he went to Cattaraugus county, 
where be learned the trade of a cooper, 
which he followed for a number of years. 
Here he was married to Martha Paisley, 
by whom he had four children — Mary, 
Edson, Edwin and Ida. In the spring of 
1862 he came to Forest City, then a wild, 
unsettled country, their nearer settlement 
on the west at Algona, Kossuth county ; 
on the north, Mankato, Minn. In the 
spring of 1871 Mrs. Pinckney died, and he 
gave up farming and engaged in the drug 
business. He was again married to Mar- 
tha Bolsted. Five children have been 
born to them, two of whom are living — 
Ray and Arthur. In 1881 he engaged in 
the hotel business. Mr. Pinckney came 
to the county poor, but by hard work and 
close attention to business, has accumula- 
ted a comfortable property. He has a 
farm of 120 acres, besides his drug and 
grocery business valued at $3,000. 

A. Blennerhassett, one of the leading 
druggists in Forest City, was born in 
county Kerry, Ireland. He is a son of 
the late Henry Blennerhassett, Esq., M. 
D., of county Kerry, and a grandson of 
the Hon. Richard and Elizabeth Blenner- 
hassett, of Ballymacprior. When he was 
twenty-one years of age he left Ireland 
for Australia, where he was engaged in 



41 



> V 



*sfc 



8S0 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



the gold fields and was for a time man- 
ager of the Colonial Gold Companies 
works at Tambaroora and also in the 
Wentworth Gold Fields,New South Wales. 
He was instrumental in putting up one of 
the first forty power engines on the gold 
fields for crushing quartz, and was engaged 
in the several gold fields in Australia for 
ten years. He then returned to his native 
country and was married May 25, 1865, at 
Monkstown Church, Kingstown, near Dub- 
lin, by the Rev. Henry Johnston, to Eliza- 
beth Haire, daughter of Hamilton Haire, 
Esq., of Glassdrummond, county Ferma- 
nagh, Ireland, and shortly after went to 
reside in London, England, where he re- 
mained for two years. He again in May, 
1868, with his family left the old country 
for America, settling in Black Hawk Co., 
Iowa, where he purchased a farm. Not 
liking the farming business, he sold out 
soon after and removed to Rudd, Floyd 
county. There he had a building erected 
and commenced the drug business, but 
finding it was not paying and no prospect 
of the town improving, he had his build 
ing taken down and put up again in Rock- 
ford of the same county. He then in 
August, 1871, removed to Forest City, 
where he has continued the drug business 
since. Mr. and Mrs. Blennerhassett have 
three children — Rowland Aremberg,Fred- 
derick T. and Annie H. Mr. Blennerhas- 
sett is a practical druggist and carries a 
complete stock of drugs, paints, oils, wall 
paper, notions, toys, etc., and in fact every- 
thing that can be found in a first class 
drug store. 

The first hardware store in Forest City 
was established in 1870 by L. Stilson, in a 
little building next to the Summit office. 



Some time after, Mr. Stilson's son, E. L., 
became a partner, and Stilson & Son re- 
mained as the name of the firm until the 
death of the father, which occurred in 
January, 1879. E. L. Stilson ran the busi- 
ness alone until the fall of 1881, when H. 
C. Reed purchased an interest, and the 
firm became Stilson & Reed. 

The second hardware store was opened 
in 1876, by James Widowis, who brought 
his stock from Rockford, this State. He 
ran the business in what is now Clark 
Bros.' store, for about one year, when 
William Larson, mortgagee, took the 
stock and closed it out at sheriff's sale. 

Dwight E. Johnson, of Rockford, Iowa, 
erected a building on the corner north of 
Olson & Son's store, in 1879, and estab- 
lished two of his sons in the hardware 
business. They continued until 1882, 
when II. McCusker became proprietor, 
and in August, 1883, Wells & Co. pur- 
chased the business. 

In 1883 the representatives of the hard- 
ware business were Stilson & Reed and 
Wells & Co. 

The first carriage and wagon shop was 
opened in 1860 by J. J. Barker, in the 
north part of town. Mr. Barker was a 
carriage maker by trade, but while here 
his business was mostly repairing. lie 
remained six or seven years then went to 
Hancock county. 

This branch of trade was represented 
in 1883 by Lunsett & Jenson and Thomp- 
son & Anderson. The firm of Lunsett & 
Jenson established their business in 1870, 
and have been in trade ever since. Thomp- 
son & Anderson opened their establish- 
ment in 1879. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



881 



The first blacksmith shop in Forest 
City was opened in the spring of 1857, by 
A. T. Cole, in a little shanty a few rods 
southwest of where Jasper Thompson's 
residence now stands. Mr. Cole ran 
the shop about one year, then sold 
to Lemuel Lackore. After a few months 
the shop reverted to Mr. Cole, who sold 
shortly after to a man from Elk Grove, 
Hancock county. 

John Trumbull commenced blacksmith- 
ing in his own shop some time during the 
war. He sold to a man by the name of 
Garrett, who, after running the business 
about six months, sold to Henry Grates. 
Within a month A. T. Cole bought of 
Grates and run the business for about 
three years, selling at the end of that time 
to Robert Clark. Clark sold to A. L. 
Plummer, who sold back to Cole. Mr. 
Cole moved the shop one mile north of 
town, and seven years later moved it to 
section 15, township 99, range 24, of New- 
ton township. 

Henry Grates opened a shop in about 
1868, and after one year's work at the 
forge sold to Matt. Faulkner. Mr. Faulk- 
ner ran the business about three years 
then moved to Garner, Hancock county, 
taking the shop with him. 

In 1870 Lunsett & Jenson opened a 
blacksmith shop in connection with their 
carriage works. They hired different men 
to run the shop, and in 1 883, Stowe & 
Hanson were in charge. 

Hans Lunsett, the first wagon maker in 
Forest City, was born inTrondhjem, Nor- 
way, June 24, 1831. There he grew to 
manhood and learned the trade of a paint- 
er, which he followed for a number of 
years. In 1860 he left his native home, 



crossing the ocean to Quebec, then to La 
Crosse, Wis., where he remained a short 
time, removing then to Winona, Minn., 
where he was employed in a lumberyard. 
Soon after he removed to Rushford, where 
he learned the trade of a wagon maker. 
Here he remained two years, then remov- 
ing to Lansing, and then to Decorah, 
where he was employed at his trade by 
Amnion Hunter & Co. In 18G6 he was 
married at Decorah, to Anna Olson, a 
widow of the late Knadt Olson, who died 
in the war. At the time of his death Mrs. 
Olson had three children — Adolph, Wil- 
liam and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Lunsett 
are the parents of two living children — 
Hakon Mechel and Emma. In 1870 Mr. 
Lunsett removed with his family to Win- 
nebago comity, where he established a 
wagon shop in Forest City. He is a mem- 
ber of the Free and Accepted Masons, 
of Truth Lodge, No. 213. He came to 
this country a poor man, owing for his 
passage money. To his strict integrity 
in all business transactions the financial 
success of his life may be justly attrib- 
uted. 

R. P. Jenson, wagon and carriage 
maker, of Forest City, was born in Den- 
mark, June 20, 1838. He was apprenticed 
to the trade for four years, and received 
nothing but board and clothes for his ser- 
vices. In 1866 he emigrated to the United 
States and settled in Decorah, Winneshiek 
county, where he was employed at his 
trade. In 1871 he removed to, and located 
in Forest City, at which place he formed 
a partnership with H. Lunsett, as the firm 
of Lunsett & Jenson. In 1875 he was mar- 
ried to Bertha Hanson, by whom he has 
had three children — Amnion J., Theodore 



^ 



«— — .V- 






882 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



E. and Anne Marie. Mr. Jenson is one of 
the most enterprising businessmen of the 
county, and has worked himself, by his 
industry, into a place he can well be 
proud of. 

The blacksmiths in Forest City in 1883 
were Stowe & Hanson, in charge of 
Lunsett & Jenson's shop; John Harstead, 
who established his business in the fall 
of 1880; and Johnson «fc Anderson, who 
opened a blacksmith shop in 1879, in con- 
nection with their carriage and wagon 
shop. 

The first tailor shop was opened in 1870 
by P. Anderson. Mr. Anderson is a na- 
tive of Sweden, born in 1842. In 1869 
he left his native country, came to Amer- 
ica and settled in Mitchell, Mitchell Co., 
Iowa. The following year he came to 
Forest City, where he has since been lo- 
cated. He has a good trade and his work 
gives entire satisfaction. 

O. C. Steen opened his tailor shop in 
1881, and has since been identified with 
the business interests of Forest City. 

The agricultural implement business of 
1883 was represented, in Forest City, by 
Elwood Alexander and Twito & Tweed. 

The business of E. Alexander was es- 
tablished in 1879 byL. S. Lewis and J. E. 
Howard. In 1882 Mr. Alexander pur- 
chased the interest of L. S. Lewis and the 
firm became J. E. Howard & Co., remain- 
ing as such until in 1883, when Mr. Alex- 
ander became sole proprietor. 

O. H. Twito established the business of 
Twito & Tweed in 1880. In the spring 
of 1881 L. H. Twito became a partner, 
and the firm of Twito Bros, was estab- 
lished. In the fall of that year the firm 
became Twito Bros. & Tweed, and the 



business was continued under the manage- 
ment of this firm until in 1882 when L. 
H. Twito retired. The firm of Twito & 
Tweed have since conducted the business. 
They carry a full line of wagons, car- 
riages, mowers, reapers and threshing 
machines, and everything usually found 
in a well assorted business of this kind. 

The first lumber yard of any importance 
was established in the summer of 1878 by 
C. H. Lackore & E. A. Ames, who hauled 
their lumber all the way from Garner 
by teams, there being no railroad at the 
time. They carry everything in the lum- 
ber line, and have a first-class yard. They 
also handle coal in connection with their 
lumber. 

Jens Poulson engaged in the lumber 
business in 1879 and has since been loca- 
ted at Forest City. He carries a stock 
varying from $1,500 to $2,000. 

Jens Poulson, an old substantial lumber 
dealer of Forest City, was born in Lei and, 
Denmark, Aug. 14, 1826. He was raised 
on a farm and received a good common 
school education. In December, 1871, he 
emigrated to America, spending his first 
winter in Waterloo, Iowa. In the springof 
1872 he removed to Winnebago county, 
and purchased land in Forest township, 
where he followed farming until 1874. 
He then built the first brewery ever known 
in this county, which he conducted for five 
years. Mr. Poulson then engaged in the 
lumber business, carrying a stock of lum- 
ber and building material valued at from 
$1,000 to $2,000. Mr. Poulson has been 
twice married. His first marriage was in 
Denmark, in November, 1851, and three 
children were sent to bless this union — 
Goul, Caroline Henrietta and Anna Ma- 



4«J* 



_-« 9 



fe*. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



883 



thilda. His wife died in December, 1865, 
and he was again married in January, 
1882, to Emilie Antonie Bogh. In early 
life Mr. Poulson was a member of the 
Lutheran Church. 

In December, 1879, E. J. Joice opened 
a lumber yard at Forest City. Mr. Joice 
is one of the principal lumber dealers in 
Forest City and carries as large and fine 
a stock as there is in the county. 

E. J. Joice, one of the enterprising 
business men of Forest City, was born in 
Bergen, Norway, Dec. 1, 1827, where he 
received a common school education, and 
when a young man learned the trade of 
cooper. In April, 1849, he was married 
to Henrietta Riisnes, and in June of the 
same year emigrated to America in a sail- 
ing vessel to seek his fortune in the 
western world. After a voyage of sixty- 
two days they landed in New York, and 
there remained but a short time, going to 
Chicago, where he remained over winter. 
He then removed to the eastern part of 
Dane Co., Wis., where he engaged in 
farming and coopering. The first sum- 
mer was passed in working for others, at 
twenty-five cents per day, and the follow- 
ing winter he worked at his trade. Here 
he purchased eighty acres of wild land, 
making a very small payment on same, 
and made his first home in America. Re- 
maining here for several years, by hard 
work and good management he succeeded 
in getting out of debt and some to spare, 
sold the old homestead and moved to 
Stoughton, Wis., in the spring of 1866, 
where he engaged in the coopering busi- 
ness. In 1871 he visited Winnebago county 
and during his stay purchased consider- 
able land, and in the spring of 1879 re- 



moved his family to Forest City, where 
he has since resided, being engaged in 
the lumber business. Mr. and Mrs. Joice 
are the parents of six children, four of 
whom are living — Margaret, wife of Lewis 
Larsen, of Forest City; Petra, who is 
teaching her fourth year of school in For- 
est City; John H., book-keeper of the 
First National Bank at Wausau, Wis.; 
and Peter M., cashier of Winnebago 
County Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Joice are 
members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Joice 
is a deacon, being commissioned as an 
exhorter in 1859. He came to this country 
with not one cent that he could call his 
own, but by hard work and economy has 
obtained considerable property and a good 
home, and to-day is one of the most sub- 
stantial business men of the county. 

The representatives of the lumber busi- 
ness in 1883 were E. J. Joice, Jens Paul- 
son and Lackore & Ames. 

OFFICIAL. 

Forest City was incorporated June 25, 
1878. The first officers were as follows: 
Mayor, Eugene Secor; recorder, A. II. 
Chase; marshal, L. C. Green; councilmen, 
C. H. Lackore, T. C. Ransom, B. A. Plum- 
mer, H. Lunsett, J. W. Mahoney and W. 
O. Hanson. 

In 1883 the officers were: Mayor, J. F. 
Thompson; clerk, S. K. Gregg; treasurer, 
J. E. Howard; marshal, Elwood Alexan- 
der; councilmen, Eugene Secor, B. A. 
Plummer, C. H. Lackore, W. O. Hanson* 
H. Lunsett and J. VV. Mahoney. 

BANKS. 

The City Bank is located on the corner 
of Clark and J streets, and fronts twen- 
ty-two feet on the former, and sixty-six on 
the latter street. It is a brick structure, 



T 






Ja. 



884 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



substantially constructed and comrno- 
diously arranged, and is an ornament to 
the town. It is two full stories, with a 
basement, the latter having a nine foot 
ceiling. 

The basement is conveniently divided 
into rooms suitable for business, and is 
finished in good style. 

The first story is fitted up for a bank 
and land office. The bank occupies three 
rooms besides the vault. The east room 
is the counting room, and is 22x24 feet, 
with a twelve foot ceiling. 

Opening off the counting room is the 
vault, 8x10 feet, with walls twenty inches 
thick, arched ceiling and cement floor. 
It is furnished with massive iron doors, 
and is both fire and burglar proof. A 
handsome safe is located in the vault, 
which is provided with an approved style 
of time lock. 

To the west of the counting room is the 
private office, 12x18 feet, and finished in 
nearly the same style as the counting 
room. 

On the west side of the private office is 
a hall which opens to the street, and also 
connects with the land office, which is 
20x20 feet, finished in the same tasty 
manner as the rest of the building. 

The second story is fitted for offices. 
The southeast room is 13x24 feet, con- 
nected with a consultation room, 8x20 feet, 
with ten feet ceilings. The west room is 
20x20 feet, and is connected with another 
16x20 foot. The building presents an at- 
tractive appearance from the outside; the 
workis first-class and the structure is a val- 
uable addition to the improvement of the 
city. 



The business history of the firm is 
traced as follows: 

The firm of Secor Bros. & Law is an 
old as well as a substantial one. The 
senior member of the firm, Hon. David 
Secor, began the land business in Forest 
City, in 1861, and can boast of an ex- 
perience of twenty-two years. He has 
filled the position of county treasurer and 
recorder, member of the Legislature two 
terms, and register of the State land office 
for four years. Ex-Mayor Eugene Secor, 
the next oldest in the firm, commenced 
business in 1865. He was clerk of the 
court for six years, and county auditor for 
four years, and was four times elected 
mayor, and is now a member of the coun- 
cil and president of the school board. Ex- 
Mayor John Law, the junior member of 
the firm of Secor Bros. & Law, has been 
connected with the firm since 1875. He 
served two terms as county recorder, and 
was mayor of Forest City one term. From 
this it will be seen that the firm of Secor 
Bros. & Law is composed of reliable and 
popular business men, and in their long 
experience in business they have pre- 
served a reputation for promptness and 
reliability second to none, and their busi- 
ness was never so large as to-day. 

The Forest City Bank was established 
in the spring of 1877, and in January, 
18S2, the firm of Secor Bros. & Law ac- 
quired an interest in the business, which 
was removed to their building, and the 
name changed to The City Bank. By this 
arrangement B. A. Pluinmer, a successful 
banker, became associated with the firm 
in the banking business, and the bank is 
carried on under the firm name of Secors, 
Law & Plummer. Mr. Plummer has no 



V^> •- 



s>V 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



885 



interest in the real estate business, and 
this branch is carried on as before under 
the old firm name of Secor Bros. & Law. 
Mr. Plummer is now county treasurer and 
is one of the best business men of the 
northwest, and was a valuable addition to 
the firm. Both the bank and the land 
office business are in good hands, and are 
eminently worthy of public confidence. 

John Law, cashier of the City Bank, 
Forest City, Iowa, was born in Glasgow, 
Scotland, April 14, 1840, where he resided 
until ten years of age. In 1850 his par- 
ents, Thomas and Mary Hamilton Law, 
with their family, emigrated to America, 
settling in Oneida Co., N. Y. Six years 
later they journeyed westward as far as 
Portage City, Wis., in which vicinity he 
resided during the next seven years. In 

1863 he was married to Katherine E. 
Cook, of Scott, Columbia Co., Wis. This 
union has been blessed with three chil- 
dren, two daughters and one son. Dur- 
ing the first year of his marriage he re- 
moved to Iowa, settling in Lincoln town- 
ship, Cerro Gordo county, where he pur- 
chased a large tract of land, which, being 
settled by different members of his family, 
is still known as the Law settlement. In 

1864 he enlisted in company D, 2d Iowa 
Cavalry, serving till the close of the war. 
In 1866 he purchased a fine tract of land 
containing 200 acres in Worth county, 
where he opened a new farm, and to which 
he removed his family November II, of 
the same year. Selling this farm in Octo- 
ber, 18*70, he became quite unsettled, 
spending a portion of the time in Mason 
City, Dakota Territory and Forest City,in 
which last named place, in the early part 
of the year 1865, he became associated 



with Hon. David Secor in the real estate 
business. In 1876 he was elected to the 
office of recorder of Winnebago county, 
and was re-elected in the fall of 1878. In 
1881 he was elected mayor of Forest City, 
and in January, 1 S83, became a member of 
the banking firm of Secors, Law & Plum- 
mer, who established the City Bank. 

The Winnebago County Bank is located 
on Main street and in the center of the 
business part of Forest City. It was es- 
tablished in the spring of 1877 by J. F. 
Thompson, the present cashier and man- 
aging partner, and has been successfully 
operated by him from that time till now. 
Jan. 1, 1880, J. II. Easton, president of 
the First National Bank of Decorah,Iowa, 
and one of the best financiers in the north- 
west, became an equal partner and the 
bank then took the firm name of Easton 
& Thompson, which it now bears. Dur- 
ing the summer of 1880 the firm erected 
its present fine banking building, built of 
Chaska white brick, and with its fine 
French plate glass front is one of the 
neatest buildings in point of architecture 
in the State. The interior is very neatly 
finished with hard wood and their coun- 
ter is the acme of beauty and elegance, 
their fire proof vault and burglar proof 
safe, protected with time lock, together 
with their commodious banking and real 
estate rooms gives them first class facili- 
ties for transacting their large business 
with promptness and dispatch. The 
cashier, J. F. Thompson, is an attorney at 
law, and has been actively engaged in 
the practice of his profession and real 
estate business in this county for several 
years. Having had two years experience 
in the State land office at Des Moines he 



'— i — 



W 



•fc 



886 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



is particularly familiar with all matters 
relating to lands in Iowa. The firm rep- 
resents a large number of non-resident 
land owners, and their real estate list em- 
braces over 50,000 acres of the choicest 
land in this (Winnebago) and Hancock 
counties. They have in addition to what 
they represent as agents, over 3,000 acres 
of lands belonging to themselves, all of 
which they offer on the most reasonable 
terms and at low figures. 

LIME VALLEY CREAMERY. 

Among the business enterprises of For- 
est City, the "Lime Valley Creamery" 
takes a prominent place. In 1882 Eugene 
Secor, J. Thompson, J. F. Thompson, 
Clark Brothers & Co., erected the first 
creamery in the county. The upright 
building is 25x50 feet, two stories high, 
the basement being used for the creamery 
and the first floor for grinding feed. The 
feed mill has a capacity of twenty-five bush- 
els per hour. The engine and wash-room 
is 16x35 feet; refrigerator room, 12x25 feet; 
and the ice house, 20x20 feet. The total cost 
of the building and fixtures was $4,000. 
The factory is supplied by the milk of 
1,200 cows, and in the best of the season 
turns out as high as 900 pounds of choice 
butter per day. The principal shipping 
point is New York city. The business 
was operated by the company until the 
spring of 1883, when the factory was 
rented to H. T. Tappen, a practical but- 
ter maker from Delaware county, this 
State. In the fall of 1883 Mr. Tappen 
sold 100 head of hogs, which were fatted 
from the buttermilk of the factory. 

ELEVATORS. 

The first elevator* was built in Forest 
City in 1S79 by M. P. Hayes, of Minne- 



apolis, Minn., at a cost of $5,000. The 
elevator has a capacity of about 25,000 
bushels. The business was prosecuted 
by men in the employ of M. P. Hayes 
until the fall of 1883, when it was pur- 
chased by Gust Sunwall, of Carver, Minn. 
Mr. Sunwall thoroughly understands the 
grain business, having been engaged in 
the same for a number of years. 

FOREST CITY SAW MILL. 

The first saw mill in the county was 
bought by "Alex" Long in September, 
1856. It was first set up without any cov- 
ering until boards could be sawed to 
cover it. The mill was put up where the 
Forest City grist mill now is, and was 
run by a steam engine of about twenty 
horse power. The mill was owned by J. 

B. Long, of Mason City, who sold to 
"Alex" Long. In the spring of 1857 Mr. 
Long sold out to Robert Clark, who sold 
a one-half interest to J. J. Barker. Clark 
& Barker ran the business till late in the 
summer, when Barker sold his interest to 

C. H. Day. Clark & Day were the pro- 
prietors for about a year, when Charles 
Lutz bought Day's interest, and after run- 
ning a short time sold back to Day. Af- 
ter this there were numerous changes in the 
proprietorship of the mill. Among those 
who have been interested in it financially 
are: John Blowers, John Belt, John H. 
T. Ambrose, William Lackore, Jarvis & 
Gobell, J. W. Mahoney and Hale & Nor- 
ton. This latter firm changed the mill to 
a grist mill, and after running it about 
two or three years sold to Ole Peters. In 
1883 the mill was still owned by Ole 
Peters, who was doing a fair business. 
The grinding capacity of the mill is 
about 100 bushels of wheat per day. It 



■k 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



887 



contains two run of buhrs, and is run by 
steam of about twenty-five horse power. 

RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC SOCIETIES. 

In 1858 a number of persons in Forest 
City organized an M. E. Church. The 
first meeting was held in what was then 
known as the Maben Hotel, situated on 
the east side of Clark street. Afterwards 
meetings were frequently held in school 
houses, and in private residences. Mr. 
Hankins was the first minister that ever 
preached in the interest of the M. E. 
Church in this city. Among the early 
preachers were : Revs. Mr. Hankins, 
Keeler Curtis, John Ball, Mr. Birge, A. S. 
R. Groom and Mr. Hancocks. The order 
in which these ministers came is some- 
what uncertain, as the statements of the 
oldest settlers are conflicting. Since that 
time the following named have been the 
pastors : Revs. W. W. Mallory, B. W. 
Coe, J. P. Cohenour, J. S. Zeigler, H. M. 
Sexton, \V. H. Drake and F. J. McCaffree 
the present pastor. After the erection of 
the Norwegian M. E. church, the society 
occupied that church until 1882, when 
they built a church of their own. The 
new church is cruciform in shape, having 
a frontage of seventy-eight feet on 
L street and thirty-one feet on Clark 
street. The main audience room is 44x58 
feet at the widest point, and thirty feet 
wide at the narrowest part, with a ceiling 
twenty-one feet high. The lecture room 
is 20x30 feet, with a ten foot ceiling, and 
is connected with the main audience room 
by means of dropping doors, which are 
hung on weights, and by a slight touch 
will drop into the basement, throwing the 
two rooms into one. The parlor is over 
the lecture room, and is 20x30 feet in size, 



with a ten foot ceiling. The church spire 
is 100 feet in height. The building is of 
wood, veneered with brick, is substan- 
tially built and is heated by means of a 
furnace. The building was designed by 
Rev. W. H. Drake, late pastor, who also 
superintended its erection. The total 
cost of the building, including the ground 
upon which it was built, was between 
15,000 and $6,000. Dedication services 
took place on Sunday, Jan. 6, 1883, under 
charge of Bishop Bowman, of St. Louis. 
Mr. Bowman preached in the morning, 
and Rev. M. McK. Garrett in the evening; 
after which the formal dedication took 
place, Bishop Bowman officiating. 

The first few meetings of the Congre- 
gational Church ever held in Forest 
City were presided over by Rev. A. S. 
Allen. After preaching a few times at 
different houses, Mr. Allen called a 
meeting, to be held in Forest City, April 
30, 1871, to take steps towards the organ- 
ization of a Church in said city. A com- 
mittee was appointed at this meeting to 
prepare a confession of faith and cove- 
nant for the Church ; the committee to 
report at a future meeting. This commit- 
tee consisted of Rev. A. S. Allen and 
William Taylor. The following persons 
gave in their names as members of the 
Church : William Taylor, Harriet Tay- 
lor, Leora Taylor, John Millington, Mrs. E. 
G. Millington and Fannie Millington. At 
a subsequent meeting of the society, the 
committee appointed to prepare articles 
of faith and covenant, reported that for 
the present the Church would use the ar- 
ticles of faith and covenant that were 
used by the Congregational Church of 
Clear Lake. Meeting were held from 



-TT 



^1 



--^iJ- 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



time to time in the school house hall. Rev. 
Allen continued as pastor of the Church 
until Jan. 1, 1876, when he was suc- 
succeeded by Rev. J. D. Mason, who has 
held the place of pastor ever since. 
Shortly after Mr. Mason took charge of 
the Church, a society was organized called 
the Congregational Church Society ; also 
a Ladies' Aid Society, about the same 
time. In the year 1877, the society built 
a church edifice. The church is a wooden 
structure, 30x50 feet, and cost, including 
two lots, the sum of $3,700. The church 
was dedicated on Jan. 20, 1878, the ded- 
icatory sermon being preached by Rev. 
E. Adams, missionary for northern Iowa. 
A great revival was held in this church 
in December, 1882, by Rev. Mr. Morton, 
an Evangelist from Rochester, N. Y., and 
which was attended with excellent suc- 
cess. The membership of the Church in 
1883 was forty-five, the society numbering 
sixty. During the building of the church, 
Mrs. Burnap, then of this city, visited her 
friends in the eastern States, and while 
there raised $1,100 for the Church. The 
officers of the Church at present are as fol- 
lows : Rev. J. D. Mason, pastor ; Mrs. 
P. T. Mason, clerk ; W. O. Hanson, M. C. 
Halvorsen and B. A. Plummer, trustees ; 
William Westbury, deacon. A large and 
growing Sunday school is connected with 
the Church, having an average attendance 
of sixty-five members. 

NORWEGIAN M. E. CHURCH. 

The Norwegian Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Forest City was organized Oct. 
22, 1866, by Rev. A. Johnson. The fol- 
lowing named became members of the 
society at its organization: N. O. Brones, 
II. Paulson, Knud Eiuarson, Ole S. Tor- 



gerson, Daniel H. Pederson, Nils Peder- 
son, Peder Sunnc, Cerine Einarson, Svend 
Larson, Guri Larson, Ellen Sunne, G. 
Erickson and Sivert Pederson. In 1874 
the society built a fine church edifice, 
32x54 feet, at a cost of about $3,000. The 
following named pastors have served the 
Church since its organization: Revs. 
A. Olson, T. Pederson, A. Johnson, O. L. 
Hanson, A. Olson, R. Olson, A. Peterson 
and J. Jacobson, the present pastor. The 
present membership of the Church is 115; 
its officers are as follows: Stewards, N. 
George, K. Knudson, C. T. Hanson, L. N. 
Thoe, Paul G. Anderson, John Olundand 
J. M. Johnson; trustees, John S. Olson, 
T. Peterson, A. Charleson, E. J. Joice 
and H. H. Rygmyr. 

MRS. BLENNERHASSETT'S SABBATH SCHOOL. 

This school was organized in July, 1878, 
by Mrs. A. Blennerhassett. At first and 
for a long time there were but a few in at- 
tendance; but the interest has grown and 
now there are thirty pupils in regular at- 
tendance. In 1870, Mrs. Blennerhassett 
fitted up a room for the school, spending 
her own money freely and sparing no time 
or attention to satisfy the children. Mis. 
Blennerhassett deserves great credit for 
her labors in behalf of the youth. She 
has accomplished more for their improve- 
ment than many of more preteusions. 
The Bibles, Testaments and papers used 
by the school are furnished by herself. 
A. f. & A. M. 

Truth Lodge, No. 213, A. F. & A. M., 
was established on the 9th of January, 
1867. The members present were: Rob- 
ert Clark, J. R. Burge, J. J. Otis, Austin 
Orvis, J. P. Gardner, S. W. Herrick and 
John S. Blowers. The first officers elect- 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



889 



ed were: Robert Clark, W. M.;J. R. 
Burge, S.' W.; J. J. Otis, J. W; J. R. 
Burge, treas.; J. P. Gardner, sec; J. S. 
Blowers, S. D.; S. W. Herrick, J. D. 
Robert Clark retained the position of W. 
M. from 186V till 1873, when Martin 
Cooper was elected. April 8, 1874, Da- 
vid Secor became W. M., and held the 
position until in April, 1875, when Robert 
Clark was again elected. At the death 
of Mr. Clark, in August, 1876, C. H. 
Lackore became acting W. M., holding 
until in April, 1877, when he was elected 
to the office. W. H. Jones was elected 
W. M. in April, 1878, and held one year, 
being succeeded by C. H. Lackore in 
April, 1879. J. S. Blowers was elected 
W. M. in 1880, and was succeeded the 
following year by C. H. Lackore, who is 
the present incumbent. 

The order owns its own hall, 24x60 
feet, and is in good standing both finan- 
cially and otherwise, its property being 
valued at $2 000. 

Since the organization of the lodge 
there have been 101 members enrolled. 
In 1883 there were forty-seven members 
in good standing. The officers in 1883 
were: C. II. Lackore, W. M.; C. M. 
Webster, S. W.; S. Simmons, J. W.; Wil- 
liam Higinbotham, treasurer; W.H.May, 
secretary; T. C. Ransom, S. D.; H. W. 
Stowe, J. D; W. R. Mattocks, S. S.; W. H. 
Fisher, J. S.; V. A. Jones, tyler. 

i. o. o. F. 
Forest City Lodge No. 440, was organ- 
ized under a dispensation Dec. 27, 1881; 
charter granted Oct. 19, 1882. The char- 
ter members were : J. D. Leland, 
Nels Thorson, M. C. Wheeler, J. E. 
Howard, Peter Metz, John J. Sharp, 



W. H. Fisher and W. H. Jones. The 
first officers were: J. D. Leland, N. G.; 
J. E. Howard, V. G.; Nels Thorson, P. S.; 
W. H. Fisher, R. S.; Peter Metz, treas.; 
Jasper Thompson, conductor; J. J. Sharp, 
W.; M. C. Wheeler, I. S. G.; W. H. 
Jones, R. S. N. G. 

The officers in 1883 were: W. H. Fish- 
er, N. G.; E. Alexander, V. G.; D. H. 
Wickwire, S.; E. Alexander, P. S.; F. W. 
Babbitt, treas.; C. O. Olson, R. S to W. 
G.; L. S. Lewis, L. S. to N. G.; J. J. 
Sharp, W.; J. E. Howard, conductor; F. 
N. Reed, R. S. S.; George H. Macombei;, 
L. S. S.;E. W. Crawford, O. G.; L. S. 
Merrick, I. G.; J. T. Lattimore, R. S. to 
V. G.;J. S. Jacobson, L. S. to V. G. 
Total membership, thirty; meetings every 
Wednesday in Masonic Hall. 

G. A. R. 

Hayden Post No. 151, department of 
Iowa, was organized March 8, 1883. The 
first officers elected were: Martin Cooper, 
post commander; J. W. Mahoney, senior 
vice-commander; John Isaacson, junior 
vice-commander; T. J. Butcher, adjutant; 
W. W. Olmstead, officer of the day; W. 
R. Mattocks, officer of the guard: J. F. 
Thompson, quartermaster; Charles A. 
Clark, chaplain. In the fall of 1883, J. 
F. Thompson resigned, and C. II. Lackore 
was elected quartermaster to fill the va- 
cancy. The total membership at present 
is forty. 

FOREST CITY SCHOOLS. 

The large and substantial brick build- 
ing in which are taught the five depart- 
ments of the Forest City graded school, 
was completed in 1870. It affords ample 
accommodations for an average attend- 
ance of about 205 pupils. The school is 



AS" 



*F 



< 4«— ^ 



890 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



an important factor in the welfare of the 
town and bespeaks the intellectuality and 
refinement of the citizens. There are 
five departments : High school, gram- 
mer department, 1st and 2d intermediate, 
and primary; under the management, re- 
spectively, of Prof. Walter Irvin, princi- 
pal; Addie Hawkes, Kittie Gardner, John 
Sogard and Petra Joice. 

Forest City independent district, in 
which the above mentioned school is em- 
braced, also contains three other schools, 
valued at about $1,300. Number of pu- 
pils enrolled in these schools, 130; num- 
ber of teachers employed, one male and 
two females. In 1883 the officers of For- 
est City independent district were as fol- 
lows: President, Eugene Secor; direc- 
tors, B. A. Plummer, K. Knudson, E. J. 
Joice, D. H. Wickwire and J. F. Thomp- 
son; secretary, E. Alexander; treasurer, 
Albert Olson. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

General merchants — Myron Barton, 
Nels George, J. S. Olson & Son, John 
Isaacson and J. W. Mahoney. 

Drug stores — A. Blennerhassett, P. O. 
Koto & Co. and James Pinckney. 

Hardware — Stilson & Reed and Wells 
& Co. 

Grocery stores — T. Jacobs and James 
Pinckney. 

Banks — Winnebago County Bank and 
City Bank. 

Book store — M. H. & S. F. Johnson. 

Clothing — Clark Bros. & Co. 

Boots and shoes — John J. Anderson. 

Jewelry stores — James S. Jacobson and 
John P. Haadeland. • 

Harness — F. S. Spofford and R. II. 
Bahner. 



Furniture — D. W. Adron. 

Restaurants and bakery — William 
Spieerand Paul Anderson. 

Millinery — Abbie J. Secor and L. E. 
Ames. 

Shoe shops — John J. Anderson and K. 
Knudson. 

Tailor shops — O. C. Steen and P. 
Anderson. 

Meat markets — Frank Farlow, L. Lar- 
son and John Clemenson. 

Flour and feed stores — Paul Anderson 
and Wickwire & Reed. 

Newspapers — Winnebago Summit, A. 
II. Chase; Winnebago Review, H. M. Hal- 
vorsen. 

Attorneys — Martin Cooper, Ransom & 
Olmstead, J. E. Anderson, David Secor, 
W. H. Fisher, C. L. Nelson, J. F. Thomp- 
son and J. T. Lattimore. 

Physicians — -Jones & Irish, J. A. Hew- 
ett, J. W. David and W. R. Franklin. 

Land, loan and real estate firms — Secor 
Bros & Law, Thompson Bros and J. E. 
Anderson & Co. 

Hotels — Clark House and Pinckney 
House. 

Saloons— J. M. Quam, Miller & West 
and H. C. Holland. 

Livery — II. Seeley and James Pinck- 
ney. 

Draymen — Babbitt Bros, and G. G. 
Macomber. 

Painters— J. J. Dale and W. A.Phelps. 

Building contractors — Lackore it Ames, 
Benjamin Johnson and Leander Farlow. 

Cattle buyer and shipper — John A. 
Plummer. 

Lumber yards — C. H. Lackore, E. J. 
Joice and J. Poulson. 

Coal and wood — Babbitt Bros. 




HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



891 



Agricultural implements — Twito & 
Tweed and E. Alexander. 

Wagon and carriage factories — Lunsett 
& Jensoii and Thompson & Anderson. 

Manufacturer of Universal washing 
machine— T. J. Butcher. 

Thomas J. Butcher was born in Ross 
Co., Ohio, March 17, 1831. He is a son 
of Jesse and Sarah (Moss) Butcher, natives 
of Virginia. In 1823 they emigrated to 
Ohio and located near Chillicothe, Ross 
county, and afterwards removed to Union 
county, where they took a large tract of 
land. In 1840 he again removed to Kos- 
ciusko Co., Ind. In 1844 he removed to 
Winnebago Co., 111., where he soon after 
died. Mrs. Butcher was again married 
to David Vanderbilt, who settled at Brod- 
head, Wis., where she died in 1880. 
Thomas J. removed to Illinois with his 
parents. When fourteen years old he 
learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. 
His father died when he was seventeen, 
and he being the eldest son, it became 
necessary for him to return home and 
take charge of the property or farm. In 
1853 he was married to Nancy Connor, by 
whom he had seven children, three of 
whom are living — William E., Thomas J. 
and Annie E. The same year he moved 
to Fayette Co., Iowa, where he engaged 
in farming for a few years, when he en- 
gaged in the mercantile business. In 1862 
he enlisted as a private in the 38th regi- 
ment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, company 
H, and through meritorious service was 
promoted to 1st lieutenant. In January, 
1865, the regiment was consolidated with 
the 34th, causing the disbanding of the 
38th. After leaving the army he returned 
to Fayette county, where he was honored 



with several local offices — county super- 
visor, justice of the peace, etc. In 1877 
he moved to Winnebago Co., Iowa, where 
he has since resided. He is a member of 
the G. A. R., and is at present adjutant of 
the organization. 

J. A. Plummer, one of the most enter- 
prising business men of Forest City, was 
born in Penobscot Co., Maine, June 24, 
1840, where he grew to manhood, receiv- 
ing a liberal education. In 1847 he re- 
moved to McHenry Co., 111., where he 
engaged in farming, and afterward in the 
mercantile business. In 1862 he was 
married to Elizabeth Hoag, by whom he 
has three living children — Cora B., Ber- 
nice G. and Earl L. In 1867 he removed 
to Rockford, Floyd Co., Iowa, and in 1871 
removed to Winnebago county, where he 
engaged in the mercantile business, and 
is at present largely engaged in stock 
business. He has 720 acres of rich land, 
400 acres of which are under cultivation. 
In 1882 and 1883 he built a fine residence 
in Forest City, at a cost of $5,500. Mr. 
Plummer came west with nothing but a 
strong constitution, and to his strict in- 
tegrity in all business transactions the 
financial success of his life may be justly 
attributed. 

R. H. Bahner, harness maker, and one 
of the oldest and most respected citizens 
of the county, was born in Saxony, Ger- 
many, July 19, 1846. When seven years 
of age, he emigrated with his parents to 
America, his mother dying soon after 
coming to this country. When eleven 
years of age, his father removed to 
Steven's Point, Wis. When Mr. Bahner 
was fourteen years of age, his father died 
at that place and he was thrown upon his 



1£h 



892 



'HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



own resources, and commenced to learn 
the harness trade, but had to stop on ac- 
count of his youth. At the age of seven- 
teen he resumed and finished his trade 
at Waupaca, Wis., and June 11, 1S68, 
went to Mason City, Cerro Gordo Co., 
Iowa, where he started in business for 
himself Nov. 5,1869. On April 26, 1870, he 
came to Forest City, being the first har- 
ness maker in that village. On May 1, 
1871, he was married to Adelia V. Acker- 
man, a native of Scott Co., Iowa. By 
this marriage there are three living chil- 
dren — Ida, Freddie and Pearl. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bahner are members of the Congre- 
gational Church, and are very highly re- 
spected by their many friends and ac- 
quaintances. 

James W. Fisher, one of the early set- 
tlers in Forest township, was born in Au- 
gusta Co., W. Va., May 22, 1824. He is 
a son of John and Elizabeth (McLaughlin) 
Fisher, who were the parents of four chil- 
dren. At the breaking out of the war the 
family became separated and Mr. Fisher 
has heard nothing from them since. When 
fourteen years of age he learned the trade 
of a blacksmith, which he has followed 
since. On June 22, 1848, he was married 
to Mary L. Peters, of Virginia. By this 
union there has been twelve children, 
eight of whom are living — Abraham 
S., William H., John V., George W., Al- 
len C, Catharine B., wife of John Snipp; 
R. Annie, wife of Jesse Arbuckle, and 
James M. In 1849 he removed to St* 
Charles, Kane Co., 111., where he remained 
one year working at his trade. In 1850 
he removed to Brainard, what is generally 
known as "Tinker Town," Fayette coun- 
ty, where he engaged in farming and 



working at his trade. In the fall of 1869 
he removed to Winnebago county, where 
he purchased land on section 9, and opened 
up a farm. When he built his cabin, there 
was not a thing on the place, where he 
now lives, but now can be seen trees fifty 
feet in height that he planted with his 
own hands. At this time Clear Lake and 
Mason City were the nearest markets. 
Mr. Fisher is a Master Mason, and is the 
oldest member of Lodge 213. In early 
life he was a whig, but at the organization 
of the republican party, he became one of 
its members and has remained with it to 
this time. In 1875 he was elected county 
supervisor, which he held for six years, 
and for four years was chairman of the 
board. He has held the office of justice 
of the peace and other local offices of trust. 
Mr. Fisher came to Iowa in limited cir- 
cumstances, but by hard work and econ- 
omy has secured for himself and family a 
comfortable home. He has 160 acres of 
land, all under cultivation, valued at $30 
per acre. 

J. A. Phelps was born in Upper Can- 
ada, April 16, 1804. He was a son of the 
Rev. Davenport and Catharine (Tiffany) 
Phelps, natives of Connecticut. Rev. 
Phelps was a graduate at Dartmouth Col- 
lege, and supplied the pulpit of the Epis- 
copal Church for many years in western 
New York. In 1794 he removed to Up- 
per Canada, returning to the States in 
1804, and located in western New York, 
where he established many of the Episco- 
pal Churches in that section. After leav- 
ing Canada, his whole time and energies 
were spent in building up his Church, un- 
til the time of his death, which occurred 
in 1813. J. A. Phelps, at the age of thir- 



M°- 



— =£■£, 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



8 93 



teen, was placed in a store at Sodus Bay, 
N. Y., where he remained sometime. In 
the fall of 1822 he, in company with Wal- 
ter R. Phelps, started on foot for Michi- 
gan, several hundred miles away, being 
about four weeks on the road. There he 
was employed by a surveyor to carry 
chains. The following spring; he returned 
to New York, and then to Canada, where 
he settled up a land estate, which had fall- 
en to him by the,, death of his father. 
Soon after he engaged on the lakes, which 
he followed for eleven years. In 1829 he 
was married to Ruth A. Howard, who 
died within one year. He was again 
married Dec. 29, 1833, to Sarah A. Shel- 
by, by whom he had eight children, four 
of whom are living — Edward D., William 
A., Katie and Lucy. Mrs. Phelps died in 
1854, a sincere Christian and respected by 
all who knew her. In May, 1856, he mar- 
ried Sarah E. Allcott. In 1842 he located 
in Milwaukee, where he held several 
offices of trust,' and being president of the 
board of council of the city. In 1852 he 
was elected to the Legislature. In 1861 
he removed to Minnesota, returning in 
1869 to Wisconsin, and located at La 
Crosse, where he engaged in the mercantile 
business. In 1876 he again returned to 
Milwaukee, removing in 1880 to Winne- 
bago county, where he has since resided. 
C. Eugene Merrick, Deputy United 
States Marshal, was born in Kendall Co., 
111., March 4, 1850. His parents were 
Charles and Lorenda O. (Helmer) Mer- 
rick, natives of New York, and who emi- 
grated to Kendall county in 1845. Mr. 
Merrick was bound out until he became 
twenty-one years of age, his father having 
died when a mere child, and at the expi- 






ration of that time received $100 and a 
suit of clothes. When he came to Illinois, 
he had but $70 in ready money,with which 
he purchased forty acres of land. He was 
a hard and energetic worker and at his 
death, which occurred when thirty-two 
years of age, had accumulated a comfort- 
able property. Mrs. Merrick is now 
married to George W. Needham, and is 
living in Hancock Co., Iowa. Eugene, 
the subject of this sketch, was reared on 
a farm, and at the age of thirteen enlisted 
in company C, 147th regiment, Volunteer 
Infantry, but being too small and young, 
was soon appointed as drummer boy. He 
was at the engagements of Resaca and 
Spring Place, Ga., and in several skir- 
mishes, and after being discharged re- 
turned to Illinois. He was married 
Dec. 25, 1868, to May Church. He en- 
gaged in farming, and meeting with good 
success, has accumulated considerable 
property. In 1879 he removed to Win- 
nebago Co., Iowa, and in the fall of 1880, 
was elected to the office of constable. 

FOREST TOWNSHir. 

Forest township was constituted at the 
organization of the county in 1857, and 
for a number of years embraced all of the 
south half of the county. It passed 
through several changes in boundaries, 
and in 1880 its present extent was de- 
fined by the board of county supervisors. 
It now embraces all of congressional 
township 98, of range 24. The surface is 
quite rolling, and about one-third of its 
superficial area is covered with a light 
growth of timber. The soil is rich and 
produces all kinds of grain in great 
abundance. 



•tt 



894 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The early settlement as traced in the 
general chapters is almost identical with 
the settlement of this township. How- 
ever, a few of those whose names have 
been omitted from the general chapters 
are here given. 

A man by the name of Gray came in 
1855 and built a house on section 26, of 
Forest township. He left in the fall of 
1855 and returned to Hardin county, from 
whence he came. He sold his land to 
John Gilchrist and Jesse Bonar. 

James Wreston came to the township 
late in the fall of 1855, and located on 
section 25. He came from the eastern 
part of the State, and remained until 
July, 1856, when he went to Chickasaw 
county. 

A Mr. Decker came to the township in 
the spring of 1856, and settled on section 
1, about five miles north of Forest City. 
He had four sons-in-law, who settled near 
him. Their names and the lands on 
which they located are as follows: Stock- 
ton, on section 1; William Clark, same 
section; Evans, same; and William Sut- 
ton, in the timber about one mile north 
of Forest City. 

Charles Strong came from New York 
city in 1856, and settled northeast of For- 
est City about two miles. The next 
spring he went to Owen's Grove, Cerro 
Gordo county, and in 1862 enlisted in the 
32d Iowa Infantry. After the war he re- 
turned to Owen's Grove, and in 1878 
went to Dakota. 

About the same time Seneca Carrington 
located on section 24. He was a native 
of Ohio, and came to this township from 
Mason City. In 1857 he went to Mis- 



souri, from there went to Indiana, en- 
listed into the service on the breaking out 
of the war, and was killed at Vicksburg. 

Abraham and William Foster came in 
June of this year, and located land on sec- 
tion 33, of this township. Afterastay of six 
months they moved to what is now Center 
township, locating on section 19, and after 
remaining about six months went to Clay- 
ton, Minn. 

William Lamm was also one of the set- 
tlers of this year. He located land on 
section i4, and lived with his son, John, 
on section 23, for about one year, when 
he went to Ohio. He died in about 1865. 

Up to the breaking out of the war, there 
were no new settlers in the township. 
Most of those who did own farms lived 
in Forest City. 

Immediately after the war Nelson Lan- 
dru settled on section 22, and John S. 
Blowers on section 16. Landru went to 
Cambia, Minn., in 1877. John Blowers 
remained on section 16, till the spring of 
1866, and then purchased an interest in 
the Forest City sawmill, removing shortly 
after to Forest City. 

After this the settlement began steadily 
increasing, and in 1870, the population of 
the township had grown to 179. 

OFFICIAL RECORD. 

Previous to the organization of the 
county, the only officers of justice or law 
in the county were: C. W. Scott, jus- 
tice of the peace, and A. T. Cole, consta- 
ble. In the spring of 1857 these gentle- 
men went to the county seat of Webster 
county, to which Winnebago was then at- 
tached, and were appointed to the offices 
named. They served as county and town- 



*7fc 



;nr 




* 



9 W- 



-rf S> 



4* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



897 



ship officers until the county was organ- 
ized. 

The first officers elected for Forest town- 
ship were: C. W. Scott, justice; James 
J. Barker, clerk; and C. W. Scott, road 
supervisor. 

At the second election, in 1859, the fol- 
lowing were the officers elected: A. T. 
Cole and James Collier, trustees; James 
Barker and B. F. Denslow, clerks; C. W. 
Scott and A. K. Curtis, justices; John 
Lamm, assessor; William Lackore, road 
supervisor. 

In 188:3 the officers were: Jeff Otis, E. 
L. Stilson and Andrew Charlson, trustees; 
W. H. Fisher, clerk; L. S. Lewis, Martin 
Cooper andT. C. Ransom, justices; Albert 
Field, assessor; J. E. Howard, constable. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1883 Forest township was divided 
into seven sub-districts for school pur- 
poses, besides the Forest City independ- 
ent district, which is spoken of in con- 
nection with Forest City. Each of the 
sub districts, but one, contained a school 
house, the aggregate value of which was 
#2,500; value of apparatus $300. The 
number of teachers employed in the town- 
ship, was eight, three of whom were males 
and five females; average monthly com- 
pensation, males $32.66; females $29.63; 
number of persons between the ages of 
five and twenty-one years 172, of which, 
99 were males and 73 females; total num- 
ber of different scholars enrolled in the 
schools of the township, 172. Number of 
months of school taught in the township 
for the year ending Sept. 17, 1883, forty. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The first Swedish Baptist Church of 
Winnebago county was organized in about 



1872, by Rev. C. Caulson, of Albert Lea, 
Minn. The first meeting was held at 
the house of Peter Olson, and the follow- 
ing named were the original members: 
Peter Olson and wife, Lars Olson and 
wife, and Bert Johnson and wife. Peter 
Olson was the first deacon and treasurer. 
In 1879, the society built a church about 
one mile northeast of Forest City in For- 
est township. The building is 24x32 feet, 
and cost about $800. The following are 
the ministers who have served the Church: 
Revs. M. Hanson, S. Olson and A. Person, 
the present pastor. The officers of the 
Church in 1883 were as follows: Deacons, 
Peter Olson and Martin Tornson; treas- 
urer, P. Anderson; secretary, Nelse Mar- 
tinson. The present membership of the 
Church is about fifty. 

LBLANDSBURG. 

This village is situated in the northeast 
part of Forest township and was formerly 
known as Benson Grove Station, The 
first postoffice was established in January, 

1882, with J. D. Leland as postmaster. 
The village was platted in 1883 by Mr. 
Leland, in honor of whom it was named. 

The business interest of the village, in 

1883, were represented by J. D. Leland 
and Edward Paulson, general merchants; 
J. D. Leland, attorney ; Parker & Jenks, 
grain merchants. 

Charles F. Jenks, telegraph operator 
and station agent on the M. & St. L. Rail- 
road, at Benson Grove, was born March 
13, 1858, in Warren Co., N. Y. His 
father dying when he was but five years 
of age, he went to Brattleboro, Vt., to 
live with an uncle, with whom he re- 
mained until fifteen years of age. He 
then returned to his former home in New 



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42 



£! 






89S 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



York, where he lived until nineteen years 
of age. In January, 1877, he went to 
Chicago, 111., where he secured employ- 
ment in the Western Union Telegraph 
Company's office as messenger, at $10 
per month. He remained there only 
a few weeks, and then he went to De- 
lano, Minn., where he obtained a posi- 
tion in the depot on the St. P. M. & M. 
Railway, where he remained until 1879, in 
the meantime learning telegraphy. Since 
then he has been located at various points 
in both Iowa and Minnesota. In 1880, 
Mr. Jenks removed to Benson Grove Sta- 
tion, at which place he has been agent and 
operator. On July 12, 1882, he was mar- 
ried to Mary Strike, of Forest township. 
Mr. Jenks also has a hay press and bales 
and ships a large quantity of hay and 
straw during the season; also deals in 
wood and coal. 

Charles E. Welsh, one of the well-to-do 
farmers of Forest township, was born in 
Muskingum Co., Ohio, July 27, 1843. 
When twelve years of age, he emigrated 
with his parents to Fayette Co., Iowa. 
His parents, William and Susan Welsh, 
are now living in Kansas. On Nov. 24, 
1S64, he was married to Mary E. Howard, 
of Fayette county. This union has been 
blessed with four children — Minnie E., 
William Ernest,Samuel Ed ward and James 
J. Minnie taught a four months term of 
school in the summer of 1883 in the 
Dawson district. Mr. Welsh has eighty 
acres of land on section 21, all of which is 
under cultivation, and valued at $15 per 
acre. Mr. Welsh is an extensive stock 
raiser, and is considered one of the most 
prominent men in the county. He is a 
democrat and has held the office of road 



commissioner, in district No. 4, for the 
past three years. 

George R. Blowers, the first white per- 
son born in the county, was born May 7, 
1857. His parents, John S. and Catharine 
Blowers, emigrated to the county in April, 
1856, and were among the first actual set- 
tlers here. At this place Mr. Blowers has 
grown to manhood and has lived to see 
the vast changes which have been wrought 
in a quarter of a century. He can remem- 
ber when there was not a white person 
living in the county, west of Forest City. 
Mr. Blowers is a democrat. He was mar- 
ried in July, 1881, to Eliza O'Connor, by 
whom there has been one child — Eliza 
Ilona. 

F. P. Blowers was born in Winnebago 
Co., Iowa, Oct. 15, 1859. He is a son of 
John S. and Sarah (Belt) Blowers, one of 
the early settlers of this count} 7 , coming 
in April, 1856, from Ohio. The subject 
of this sketch was reared on a farm, his 
early playmates being the young Indians 
which were still inhabiting this part of 
the State. In January, 1880, he was mar- 
ried to Ann Castle, of Virginia, by whom 
there is one child — John. Mr. Blowers 
has been identified with the county for 
nearly a quarter of a century, and has 
seen the county transformed from its wild 
State to good cultivated farms. 

Solomon Simmons, one of the early set- 
tlers and enterprising farmers of Winne- 
bago county, was born in Sangamon Co., 
111., Feb. 16, 1835. He is a son of Charles 
and Janett (Winton) Simmons. His par- 
ents were married in New York, and re- 
moved to Illinois in 1829 and located at 
Beardstown,CassCo., 111. In 1831 they re- 
moved to Kane county, which at that 



£* 

<* 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



899 



period was quite new. There was an 
abundance of wild game, and Mr. Sim- 
mons being quite a hunter, it was easy for 
him to supply his small family with 
plenty of fresh meat at any time — for 
other provision he carted with oxen from 
Chicago. The subject of this sketch was 
raised and educated in Kane Co., 111. In 
May, 1854, he was married to Delia M. 
Nichols, whose parents were pioneers of 
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have 
been blessed with four children — Luke 
N., Elizabeth J., Frank L. and William 
II. In 1864 he removed to Iowa and 
located on the land where he now resides. 
lie has eighty acres of land, valued at $30 
per acre, and also 160 acres in Hancock 
county, valued at $10 per acre. When 
Mr. Simmons located in Winnebago 
county it was quite new. He built the 
first house west of Forest City, and it was 
forty miles to the nearest neighbor on the 
west. Mr. Simmons supplied his table 
with the choicest of wild game as long as 
deer were to be found in the timber near 
Forest City, and he subsequently made 
four trips in the "big timber" of Minne- 
sota in search of deer, of which he has 
captured a great many — sometimes as 
many as three in a single day. Mr. Sim- 
mons is a Master Mason, a member of the 
Zenith Lodge, No. 213,' of Forest City. 
He has eighty acres of as good land as 
there is to be found in the county. He 
has on the farm a grove of soft maple, 
willow and cottonwood, which makes as 
good a protection for his family and stock 
from the Iowa "blizzards" as one could 
wish. 

James J. Otis, one of the best and most 
enterprising farmers of Forest township, 



was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 
1834. When Mr. Otis was three years 
of age his parents, William H. and Loma 
Otis, removed to Illinois, locating at Chi- 
cago. After remaining in that city one 
year, he purchased land in the same county 
and embarked in farming, remaining 
there until his death, which occurred in 
1879. James J., the subject of this sketch, 
grew to manhood in Cook county, receiv- 
ing his education in the old log school 
house. He was united, in marriage to 
Calista Van Order, in 1855, and by whom 
he had four children, none of which ate 
living. In 1855 he removed to Michigan, 
where he engaged in the lumber business, 
and remained there until the spring of 
1865, when he removed to Floyd Co., 
Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In 
the spring of 1868 he purchased his farm 
in Winnebago Co., Iowa, and the same 
fall removed his family to Forest City, 
and in the spring of 1869 settled on 
his present home. His wife died in Feb- 
ruary, 1861, and he again married Emeline 
Van Order, a sister of his former wife. 
By this union ten children were born — 
Laura A., who died at the age of seven- 
teen years; George A., Anna, Ella, Wil- 
liam, Maggie, who died at the age of four 
months; Frank, Lydia, Jessie R. and 
Fred. Mr. Otis came to Iowa a poor man, 
having had much sickness in his family 
while in Michigan, but by keeping his 
hand to the plow and working with a will 
he has to-day one of the nicest and best 
farms in Winnebago county. His farm 
consists of 1 60 acres of rich land under a 
high state of cultivation, valued at $25 
per acre. He has a very comfortable 
house, surrounded with a large and beau- 



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900 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



ful grove. Mr. Otis has one of the finest 
barns in the county, built at a cost of 
$1,500. Mr. Otis is without doubt one of 
the best practical farmers in the county, 
and is a credit to the community. 

Thomas B. Strike, one of the early set- 
tlers in the northern part of Forest town- 
ship, was born in Devonshire, England, 
Nov. 2, 1822, where he grew to manhood. 
In 1849 he left Devonshire and came to 
Quebec. He remained one year in Lon- 
don, Upper Canada,and removed to Jeffer- 
son Co., Wis. The following winter he 
spent in Upper Canada and again returned 
to Wisconsin. In the spring of 1852, 
he, with other company, crossed the plains 
to California, being over three months on 
the way. After reaching California, he 
was employed in the mines; also at thresh- 
ing at $8 per day. Here he roughed it 
for two and one-half years. In the fall of 
1854 he emigrated to Australia, where he 
was again employed in the mines. In 
1859 he returned to England. He was 
married March 24, 1861, to Elizabeth 
Hicks, a daughter of John Hicks, who 
died in England. Her mother is living 
in this county at the advanced age of 
seventy-six years. The following May 
they emigrated to America, settling in 
Jefferson Co., Wis., where he rented land. 
While here two children were born — 
Mary J. and Oscar. In 1866 he removed 
to Monona, Clayton Co., Iowa, where one 
child was born — Thomas Elsworth. In 
1868 he purchased land, and in 1869 re- 
moved his family to this county, where 
he has since resided. They were the first 
actual settlers in the northern part of the 
township. Mr. Strike is the owner of 
240 acres of land valued at $20 per acre 



He is a republican, and with his wife is a 
member of the M. E. Church. 

William Taylor, one of the pioneers of 
Winnebago Co., Iowa, was born in Oswe- 
go Co., N. Y., Oct. 3, 1816. In 1843 he 
was married to Harriet Jewett of Oneida 
Co., N. Y. By this union there were five 
children — Mary, wife of Thomas Hunt, 
of Wisconsin; Jewett, who married Sarah 
Jewett of Oneida Co., N. Y.; Leora, Ly- 
man and Harry. In 1869, he removed to 
Winnebago county, and purchased the 
land where he now resides. The country 
was very unsettled and he received his 
mail at Clear Lake. Mr. Taylor is a 
republican. When he removed to the 
county he was in very limited circum- 
stances, but by hard work has succeeded 
in obtaining a comfortable property. 

Christian Rasmuson, an enterprising 
farmer of this county, was born in Sta- 
vand,Norway,in 1831. In 1867 he left his 
native home and emigrated to the States, 
first settling in Crawford Co., Wis., and 
the following year removed to Winne- 
shiek Co., Iowa. In 1870 he removed to 
Winnebago county, settled on section 3, 
where lie has been farming and now re- 
sides. Mr. Rasmuson came to this county 
in limited circumstances, but has by hard 
work accumulated a fine property. He 
has 160 acres of land valued at $20 per 
acre. He was married in 1856 to Julia 
Torgrimsen. They are the parents of five 
children — Christian, Anna, Julia, and 
Erasmus Thomas, a young man of great 
inventive abilities, who in 1883 patented 
the first three-wheel corn planter. This 
planter is a self-dropper and marker, and 
too much credit cannot be given to him. 



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JL 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



901 



Eli Mattocks, one of the enterprising 
farmers of Forest township, was born in 
Mercer Co., Penn., Sept. 19, 1844. He is 
a son of Jacob C. and Jane (Arbuckle) 
Mattocks. They were the parents of six 
children, four sons and two daughters. 
Mr. Mattocks died in March, 1864. In 
1852 his parents emigrated to Fayette Co., 
Iowa, where they took up land and made 
a home. Here the subject of this sketch 
was reared and educated. On Aug. 4, 
1862, he entered the service, enlisting in 
the 38th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He 
participated in a number of hard fought 
battles, among which were the siege of 
Vicksburg, Yazoo City, Black River, etc., 
thence to New Orleans and Texas. In 
January, 1S65, his regiment was consoli- 
dated with the 34th Iowa, and took part 
in the capture of Fort Morgan and the 
charge of Fort Blakely. The regiment 
went up the Alabama river and from 
thence to Houston, Texas, where they 
were discharged. Mr. Mattocks returned 
to Fayette county. On Feb. 19, 1866, he 
was married to Sarah A. Fox, daughter of 
W. C. Fox, of Virginia. By this union 
there are six children, four sons and two 
daughters— Mary J., Mattie E., William 
H., Franklin E. and Sherman J. In 1870 
he came to Winnebago county, where he 
purchased land on section 15, Forest town- 
ship, and where he has since resided. He 
owns 240 acres of land, all of which is 
under cultivation. His land is valued at 
$25 per acre. Mr. Mattocks is a member 
of the Masonic lodge, I. O. O. F. and G. 
A. R. He has been identified with the 
county for a number of years, and when 
he came here was in only moderate cir- 
cumstances, but by economy and careful 



management, is to-day one of the most 
prosperous farmers in Winnebago county. 
Harold Peterson, one of the well-to-do 
farmers of Forest township, was born in 
Hatfjelddal, Norway, in 1831. He was 
married in 1858 to a Miss Engerber, by 
whom he had four children — Peter, Ole, 
Julia and Christian. In 1867 he left his 
native country and came to America, and 
settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where 
he worked by the month. In 1870 he 
came to Winnebago county, where he 
purchased land on section 2. Mr. Peter- 
son came to this county a poor man, but 
by hard work has accumulated considera- 
ble property. He has eighty acres of land, 
valued at $25 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. 
Peterson are members " of the Lutheran 
Church. 

Peter Olson was born in the south of 
Sweden, Sept. 29, 1833. In 1855 he was 
married to Ingar Nelson, by whom there 
were three children— Ellen, Carrie and 
Ole. In 1862 Mrs. Olson died. She was 
a sincere Christian and highly respected 
by all who knew her. In 1863 he was 
again married, to Tilda Monson,by whom 
there were six children — Mary, John, 
Louis, Charles, Oscar and Jennie. In 1869 
he came to America, first settling in 
Mitchell Co., Iowa. In 1870 he came to 
Winnebago county, where he has since 
resided. He has 113 acres of land in For- 
est township, valued at $25 per acre. Mr. 
Olson is a member of the Swedish Bap- 
tist Church, of which "he is one of the 
deacons. 

Martin Turveson was born in Sweden, 
Dec. 21, 1816. He was married in 1S44 
to Dorothy Nelson, by whom there were 
three children — Tenor, Nels and Johan- 



-<<__« 



902 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



na. In 1871 he came to America and 
purchased the land where he now lives, 
consisting of 160 acres, which was at that 
time covered with timber, but by hard toil 
he has cleared up about sixty acres. Mr. 
and Mrs. Turveson are members of the 
Swedish Baptish Church. In politics he 
is a republican. 

Ole Ambroson, one of the prominent 
farmers of Forest township, was born in 
Hatfjelddal, Norway, on the 26th day of 
May, 1828. He was married April 23, 
1856, to Julia Gentwet, and soon after 
left for America, landing in Quebec. 
Thence to Palmyra, Wis., where he re- 
mained for four years. In 1860 he re- 
moved to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he 
purchased a farm-. In 1871 he came to 
Winnebago county, where he purchased 
land on section 2, and opened up a farm, 
being among the early settlers in the 
north part of the township, on the east 
side of Lime creek. Mr. and Mrs. Am- 
broson are the parents of seven chil- 
dren — Ambrose, Julia, George, Ellen, Ole, 
Cornelia and Oliver. Mr. Ambroson 
came to the county in limited circum- 
stances, having only about $100 of ready 
money in his pocket, but by hard work 
and good management has accumulated a 
comfortable property and home, and to- 
day is among the well-to-do farmers of 
the county. He has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $25 per acre. They are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. In politics 



he is a republican, under which adminis- 
tration he has held several offices, such as 
school director, road supervisor, etc. 

Andru E. Brandstad was born in Nor- 
way in 1826. In 1858 he was married to 
Dorbe P. Greytnes. By this union there 
were eight children — Andru, Peter, Bet- 
sy, Angle, Mary, Edward, Helena and 
Amelia. In 1873 he emigrated to Amer- 
ica and settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, 
In 1875 he came to Winnebago county, 
where he purchased a farm and engaged 
in farming. He has at present 160 acres 
of land, valued at $20 per acre. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brandstad are members of the 
Lutheran Church. They came to this 
country in limited circumstances, but by 
hard work and economy have accumulated 
a comfortable property. He is a republican. 

Elwood Alexander was born in Grant 
Co., Wis., July 13, 1859. His parents 
were R. V. and M. A. (Price) Alex- 
ander, who settled in Wisconsin in an 
early day. They were the parents of 
four children, three sons and a daughter. 
Their father died in Mason City in 1870. 
Elwood, the subject of this sketch, re- 
moved with his parents to Mason City in 
1867. Here he grew to manhood, receiv- 
ing a good liberal education. In 1879 he 
came to Forest City. In 1882 he was 
married to Katie A. Price. Mr. Alexan- 
der is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is 
permanent secretary. 



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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



903 



CHAPTER XIX 



LINDEN TOWNSHIP. 



This township lies in the southwest 
corner of the county, and comprises two 
congressional townships— township 98, 
ranges 25 and 20. The surface is a beauti- 
ful undulating prairie. The soil is a deep 
black loam and is highly productive. 
For farming, stock raising, or dairying 
this township is the most desirable in the 
county. The Boone and Iowa rivers both 
rise in this township near its center. The 
south branch of Buffalo Fork flows 
through the northwest corner of the 
township. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlers were George Johnson, 
Hans Mattison, Christian Larson and L. 
Mikkelson. 

These parties all came in June, 1871, 
and have been residents of the township 
ever since. George Johnson located on 
the northwest quarter of section 16, town- 
ship 98, range 25. He still lives on the 
same place. 

George Johnson, one of the first set- 
tlers of Linden township, was born in 
Norway, Dec. 7, 1847. When a young 
man he emigrated to America, and located 
in Winneshiek county, where he was em- 
ployed as a laborer. He remained here 
six years,and in 1869 came to Winnebago 
county where he purchased land in Liu- 



den township, on section 16, and at this 
time being the farthest western settler in 
the county. He was married in 1872 to 
Anna Austinson, and by whom he 
had four children, two sons and two 
daughters — Susan, Lena, John and Al- 
bert. Mr. Johnson came to this country 
a poor man, but by industry and hard 
work has accumulated a very comfortable 
property. He has 160 acres of land, 
valued at $20 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. 
Johnson are members of the Lutheran 
Church and are very devout Christians. 

Hans Mattison with his family settled 
on the southeast quarter of section 9, 
township 98, of range 25. He still makes 
that his home. 

Christian Larson located on the north- 
east quarter of section 9, township 98, 
range 25, and still makes that his home. 

In the fall of 1871, Christian Hanson 
came to the township and settled on the 
northwest quarter of. section 16, near 
where George Johnson located. He has 
been a residentof the township ever since. 

Martin Lund came some time during 
the latter part of 1871, or early in 1872. 
He located on the northeast quarter of 
section 16, and remained several years. 
In about 1875 he sold his land to Andrew 
Austin and removed to Minnesota. 






^ 



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904 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



ORGANIC. 

Linden township was created by act of 
the board of county supervisors. Oct. 3, 
1881. The first officers elected were as 
follows: Trustees, Christian Larson, Stener 
Stenerson and I. J. Kessey ; clerk, H. H. 
Mattison; justice, Robert Olson; constable, 
■I. M. Anderson; assessor, A. A. Peterson. 
The officers in 1883 were: Trustees, C. 
Larson, Stener Stenerson and C. C. Myra; 
clerk, Iver O. Syse; justices, Jerome Chil- 
son, and Alex Anderson; constables, J. 
M. Anderson and G. O. Hanna; assessor, 
Alex Anderson; road supervisors, Jerome 
Chilson, C. J. Anderson, Ole O. Rusley 
and John Connor. 

HISTORIC ITEMS. 

The first breaking in the township was 
done by George Johnson. 

The first justice of the peace was Robert 
Olson. 

The first school was taught by H. Matti- 
son. 

The first sermon was preached at the 
house of Hans Mattison by Rev. P. Las- 
ness, a Lutheran minister. 

The first birth was that of Christiana 
Larson, daughter of Christian and Ellen 
Larson. She was born in the summer of 
1871, and died in January, 1872. This 
was the first death in the township. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1883 there were three school dis- 
tricls in Linden township, with three 
school houses, valued at $1,200. 

District No. 1 has a good, substantial 
school house, valued at $565. During 
the year 1883 there were seven months of 



school taught in this district; number of 
pupils enrolled eight, four males and 
four females; cost of tuition per month 
for each scholar, $4. 

In district No. 2 there were, in 1883, 
eight months of school taught; number 
of persons between the ages of five and 
twenty-one, twenty-one; average cost of 
tuition per month for each pupil, $2.25. 
The school property in this district is 
valued at $565. 

District No. 3 has a good-sized, com- 
fortable school house, which, including 
apparatus and fixtures, is valued at about 
$575. During the school year ending 
September, 1883, there were seven months 
of school taught in the township; num- 
ber of persons of school age, twenty-one; 
average cost of tuition per month for 
each pupil, $5.50. 

Christian Martinson, a farmer of sec- 
tion 16, was born in Laaland, Denmark, 
Feb. 3, 1838. On Dec. 16, 1860, he was 
married to Maren C. Peterson. By this 
union there are eight children — Anna 
and Johanna, twins, born April 24, 1862; 
John II., born Dec. 8, 1866; Henry C, 
born April 21, 1872; Mary C, born June 
18, 1874; Julia M., born May 21,1876; 
Minnie C, born April ], 1878; and Ferdi- 
nand R., born April 22,1881. In 1869 
they left Denmark and emigrated to 
America, locating in Dane Co., Wis., for 
a time, then removing to Mount Valley 
township, Winnebago county. In 1873 
he settled on his present home. He has a 
farm of eighty acres under cultivation, 
and is valued at $20 per acre. 



Vis- 



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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



907 



CHAPTER XX. 



LOGAN TOWNSHIP. 



Logan township lies in the north part 
of the county, and embraces all of con- 
gressional township 100, of ranges 24, 25 
and 26. It is bounded on the north by 
Minnesota, on the east by Norway town- 
ship, on the south by Newton township, 
and on the west by Kossuth county. Lo- 
gan township is almost entirely prairie, 
there being but a comparatively few acres 
of timber in its limits. The soil is very 
rich and productive; but a large propor- 
tion of the land is in the hands of specu- 
lators, so that the resources of Logan 
township have not been fully tried, nor 
will they be for some years to come. 
This is one of the greatest hindrances 
with which the citizens have to compete, 
and once this is removed, Logan will 
come to the front as one of Winnebago's 
best townships. The township is yet 
new, not only as a civil division, but also 
as a settled and improved part of the 
county. The settlement dates back but 
twelve or fifteen years, and in this short 
time but little has been done towards de- 
veloping the resources of the township. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in Logan township 
was made in 186*7 by Ole P. Jordal, who 
is still a resident of the township. 

Christian Ingebretson became a resi- 
dent of Logan township in 1868, and has 
made this his home ever since. 



In 1869 Ole Oleson became a resident 
of the southeast part of township 100, 
range "24. He commenced making im- 
provements, and built a small house. In 
1874 he went to Freeborn Co., Minn. 

In 1870 three families located in the 
township: A. K. Winge, Ole J. Synve 
and S. Larson, all being at present resi- 
dents in the township, excepting Mr. Lar- 
son, who went to Worth county, this 
State, in 1875. 

Stephen Knudson and family landed in 
Logan township in March, 1871, and have 
since remained. Mr. Knudson's father, 
who came at the same time, and who is 
living with his son, is now seventy-eight 
years of age. 

H. P. Moe settled in the territory now 
comprising Logan township in June, 1872. 
He purchased 160 acres of land on sec- 
tion 24, township 100, range 24, and has 
since made that his home. Mr. Moe is a 
native of Norway, born Dec. 25, 1841. 
He came to America in 1871, and coming 
to Iowa, settled in Winneshiek county, 
where he lived until his removal to Win- 
nebago county. Mr. Moe was married in 
Norway in 1865, to Anna L. Brecke, who 
died after bearing him two children, one 
of whom is living — P. H. Moe. In June, 
1871, Mr. Moe was wedded to Elizabeth 
G. Gjordre, by whom he has had six chil- 



^ 



908 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



dren, four of whom are now living — 
Anna, Johanna, Johanas, and a baby not 
named. Mr. and Mrs. Moe are members 
of the Norwegian Lutheran Church; in 
politics he is a republican. 

Ole Johnson Drogsvold came to Win- 
nebago county in 1875, settling in Logan 
township, on section 25, township 100, 
range 24. Mr. Drogsvold was born in 
Norway, April 24, 1849. In 1873 he came 
to the United States, settling in Dodge 
Co., Minn., where he lived for one year. 
He then moved to Olmsted county, same 
State, and in 1875 came to this county, 
where he has since lived. Oct. 11, 1873, 
he was married to Olena Ragnildsou, by 
whom he has had five children — Ragnild, 
Gurina, Jens, Lena and Anna. 

Erick Gullickson is a settler of 1877. 
He located on section 35, township 100, 
range 24, where he has since lived. He 
was born in Norway, Jan. 24, 1828. In 
1876 he left his native land and came to 
the United States. He came directly to 
this county, and for one year liyed in Nor- 
way township, then, in 1877, moved to 
Logan township. June 20, 1875, he was 
united in marriage with Torbjer Johnson, 
by whom he has three children living — 
Martha, Anna and John. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gullickson are members of the Norwe- 
gian Lutheran Church. 

ORGANIC. 

Logan township was created by act of 
the board of county supervisors in the 
fall of 1881. The first election was held 
the same fall at the school house on sec- 
tion 21, township 100, range 24, and the 
following officers elected: Justices of the 
peace, E. D. Skinner and J. T. Seeley, 
the latter did not qualify; clerk, T. J. 



Falken; trustees, Stephen Knudson, A. 
K. Wiuge and Stephen Floe; constables, 
Harry Larson and Stephen Severson, the 
latter did not qualify; assessor, Nels Nel- 
son. 

The officers of Logan township, in 1883, 
were as follows: Clerk, T. J. Falken; 
justices, J. T. Seeley and E. D. Skinner; 
trustees, Stephen Knudson, Stephen Floe 
and C. Ingebretson; constables, T. Lund 
and John Grimshaw; assessor, Lewis I. 
Floe. 

T. J. Falken was born in Norway, June 
30, 1855, and remained on a farm in his 
native land until 1868, when he came with 
his parents to the United States. They 
settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where 
Mr. Falken resided for about six years, 
then removed to Mitchell county, settling 
near St. Ansgar. Five years later he 
came to Winnebago county, locating in 
Logan township, on section 25 of town- 
ship 100, range 24. He was married 
April 10, 1879, to Tilda Thompson, who 
has borne him two children — Ida Matilda 
and John. In religion Mr. Falken is a 
member of the Norwegian Lutheran 
Church; in politics he is a republican. 
He was elected township clerk in 1881 and 
has since held that position. 

E. D. Skinner was born in Hartford, 
Conn., Sept. 24, 1849, and when he was 
but a babe his parents removed to Illinois. 
When he was about five years of age his 
parents removed to Allamakee Co., Iowa, 
where Mr. Skinner remained untif 1865. 
He then settled in Hancock county, this 
State, making that his home until 1871, 
when he came to Winnebago county, lo- 
cating in Forest City. In 1877 he settled 
in Logan township, where he has since 



•k 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



909 



resided. He resides on section 12, town- 
ship 100, range 24, but also owns land in 
Norway township.- Mr. Skinner was mar- 
ried Jan. 1, 1877, to Anna Tennis, who 
has borne him four children — Loretta J., 
Lulu M., Bernice L. and Samuel E. Mr. 
Skinner is a member of Forest City Lodge, 
A. F. & A. M., of which he has been sec- 
retary two terms and senior deacon one 
term. In politics, he is a greenbacker. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1883 there were five school districts 
in Logan township. Total number of 



months of school taught in the districts 
during the school year ending Sept. 1 7, 
1883, thirty; number of teachers employed, 
males three, females five; average month- 
ly compensation for males, $28.50; females 
$27.50. Number of persons between the 
ages of five and twenty-one years, males, 
65, females, 76; number enrolled in the 
schools of the township, 125. Total value 
of school houses, of which there are but 
four, $1,700; value of apparatus, $75. 



H APTER XX I. 



MOUNT VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 



The township bearing the above name 
is located in the extreme southeast corner 
of the county, and comprises all of congres- 
sional township 98 north, of range 23. It is 
bounded on the east by Worth county, 
on the north by Center township, on the 
west by Forest township, and on the south 
by Hancock county. The general surface 
is quite rolling, but in places is quite 
rough and hilly. There are numerous 
mounds and valleys, hence its name — 
Mount Valley. The township was named 
by Peter Hanson, the first settler. The 
soil is very productive, yielding bounti- 
fully all kinds of grain, and furnishing 
rich pasturage for flocks and herds. Two 
small streams, Bear and Beaver creeks, 
flow through the township, furnishing 
good drainage. Bear creek rises in the 



central part of the township, takes a 
southwesterly course and leaves the town- 
ship from section 31, flowing thence into 
Forest township. Beaver creek enters on 
section 1, flows almost directly south, 
leaving the township from section 36. 
The township is well supplied with tira 
ber, there being about two-thirds of its 
surface covered with a good growth of 
trees and under brush. The population 
of the township is mostly made up of 
foreigners, about two-thirds Norwegians 
and one-third Swedes, there being but one 
American, (William Higinbotham), liv- 
ing in the township. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler in the territory now 
embraced in Mount Valley township, was 
William Gilbert, who came in the spring 



A« 



— c J 



910 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



of 1855, locating on the northwest quar- 
ter of section 31. He built a log cabin 
and remained until about 1863, when he 
went to Dakota. 

Charles Belt came to the township in 
1865 and located on section 30. He did 
not remain long. 

The same year came William Higin- 
botham, who located on section 30. Mr. 
Higinbotham was born near Wheeling, 
W. Va., and is the only American in the 
township. He came here from Illinois, 
and has since made this his home. 

William Higinbotham, one of the well- 
to-do farmers, and the only American in 
Mount Valley township, was born May 6, 
1836, near Wheeling, W. Va. When seven 
years of age, his parents moved to Lick- 
ing Co., Ohio, where they remained about 
two years, then moved to Illinois, locating 
in Clark county. His father purchased a 
farm, and William, the subject of this 
sketch, worked thereon until 1858, when 
he was married. He then worked for 
himself until the commencement of the 
Civil War, and in 1862 he enlisted for 
three years in company F, 7'Jth Illinois 
Volunteers, at the end of which time he 
was honorably discharged, having partici- 
pated in the following battles: Stone 
River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Hoov- 
er's Gap, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Columbia, Spring 
Hill and Franklin. At the latter place he 
was shot through the left shoulder, and 
lias never fully recovered from the effects 
of the wound. In August,18S3, it having 
gathered on the inside, broke out afresh; 
at present he is somewhat better, but un- 
able to do any physical labor. In 1865, 
after his discharge from service in the 



army, he returned to Illinois, and imme- 
diately moved to Iowa, locating on sec- 
tion 30, Mount Vailey township, where 
he bought forty acres of land. He has 
since bought forty acres more adjoining 
his first farm, and eighty acres in Forest 
township, west of Forest City. This 
land is all under cultivation, and valued 
at $25 per acre. When he arrived here 
on Sept. 20, 1865, the family were obliged 
to camp out in their wagons till he could 
build a house. At first he put together a 
small log house, but has since built a nice 
frame addition, making a comfortable one 
and a half story dwelling. On April 14, 
1858, Mr. Higinbotham married Rachel 
A. Miller, of Clark Co., 111. They have 
had eight children, six of whom are liv- 
ing — Mary A., Elmeretta, Margaret A., 
John S., Charles H. and Victor M. He 
has always been a republican and still 
supports that ticket. 

Edward Dubeau also came in 1865 and 
settled on the same section with Mr. Hig- 
inbotham. He remained about seven 
years, then went to Kansas. 

Peter Hanson came in July, 1866, lo- 
cating on section 13, where he built a log 
cabin and lived for two years. He then 
moved to section 26, where he built the 
first frame house in the township. Mr. 
Hanson has made that his home ever since. 

Peter Hanson, one of the pioneers of 
Winnebago county, was born near Chris- 
tiana, Norway, Jan. 2, 1834, where he was 
reared on his father's farm. In 1853 he 
set sail for America, and after a perilous 
voyage of sixty-eight days landed at Que- 
bec, and pushed his way westward and 
settled in Iowa Co., Wis., where he took 
a homestead, and lived there until 1866. 



Jfc. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



911 



He then came to Winnebago county and 
settled in Mount Valley township, on 
section 13, being the first settler in the 
township. Mr. Hanson was united in 
wedlock with Anna Erickson in 1855. By 
this union there were twelve children, six 
of whom are living — H. P., Mary, mar- 
ried to P. K. Reveland, who lives in this 
township; Peter Jr., Anna, Amelia and 
Clara. Mr. Hanson came to the county 
in moderate circumstances, but by toil 
and industry has placed himself in good 
circumstances. He has ICO acres of fine 
farming land, forty acres of which is 
timber, valued at $30 per acre. They are 
members of the Lutheran Church. Mr- 
Hanson enlisted in the 11th Wisconsin, 
company E, and served six months. He 
belongs to the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic, and is a staunch republican. 

During the ensuing two or three years 
quite a number came to the township to 
locate. Prominent among them may be 
mentioned: Nels and Harres Olson, Guil- 
der H. Onstadt, Nels Brones, E. Rulson, 
Halvor Paulson, Ole Bottleson, Hans 
Rygmyr, Hans Johnson, Lewis Jacobson 
and T. K. Rusley, all of whom, excepting 
Rulson and Johnson, are still residents of 
the township. 

Nels Olson came in the fall of 1866, lo- 
cating on section 25. He remained but a 
short time, then sold to Guilder Onstadt, 
who broke forty acres of the land and 
built a small log house. Mr. Onstadt is 
still a resident of the township. 

Halvor Paulson was born Sept. 10, 
1836, in Rundal, Buskerud Amt, Nor- 
way. When twenty-five years of age he 
came to America and settled in Fillmore 



Co., Minn. In 1861 he removed to Iowa, 
settling on section 9, Mount Valley town- 
ship, where he purchased 160 acres of 
land, all of which is under cultivation, 
excepting thirty acres of young timber. 
Mr. Paulson has been married twice; first, 
in 1867, to Betsey Charleston. She dying, 
he was married on June 25, 1883, to Annie 
M. Hanson. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Paul- 
son's mother died many years ago. His 
father, Paul Reierson, who is eighty-three 
years of age, lives with him. The old 
gentleman used to work at the tinner and 
blacksmith trades. 

H. H. Rygmyr is a native of Norway, 
born Sept. 24, 1826. When twenty-two 
years old he came to America, and located 
in La Salle Co., 111. He lived there 
twelve years, when he removed to Dodge 
Co., Minn. He purchased forty acres of 
land in that place. After living there 
eight years he came to Iowa, settling in 
Mount Valley township, this county, where 
he now has 201 acres of land, on section 
18. When Mr. Rygmyr came to this 
place he camped out in his wagons 
for over a month, until he built him 
a house. His land is fenced and all 
under cultivation, and is valued at $20 per 
acre. In 1852 he was married to Chris- 
tina Thompson, of La Salle Co., 111. The 
result of this union was four children — 
Bertha Carolina, Thomas, Henry and Nels 
W., all of whom are married except 
Nels W. Mr. and Mrs. Rygmyr have 
been members of the M. E. Church for 
the past twenty-eight years. He is a re- 
publican. He uses his farm chiefly for 
raising stock, in which business he is get- 
ting quite rich. While in Minnesota lie 



•^ r 



912 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



ran a a threshing machine for a number 
of years. 

The same fall Harres Olson settled on 
section 16, built a log house, and has 
since made that his home. He has a fine 
farm of 160 acres, and is in comfortable 
circumstances. 

Harres Olson is a native of Norway, 
being born May 23, 1824. Mr. Olson 
lived at the home of his birth until 
twenty-five years old, when he came to 
America and settled in Dane Co., Wis., 
where he bought 120 acres of farming 
land. He remained there about eight 
years, when he removed to Dodge Co., 
Minn., and bought 120 acres of land in 
that place. In 1865 he sold out and came 
to this State, and located on section 16, 
Mount Valley township, Winnebago coun- 
ty. He purchased 160 acres of land.all of 
which is under cultivation except ten 
acres of timber. Mr. Olson has been 
married twice. He was married the first 
time to Turbur Halvorsen, of Dane Co., 
Wis., in 1853. Result of union, seven 
children, four of whom are living — Annie, 
Julia, Ole and Hulver. The second time 
he was married, in 1866, to Anna Gurgun- 
son, of Center township. Result of 
union, eleven children, seven of whom 
are living — Gurgun, Herman T., Tilda, 
Julia M., Tura A., Anna Helena and Te- 
man O. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. In politics 
he is a republican. Mr. Olson was among 
the first settlers in this township. 

Nets Brones also came in 1866, locating 
on section 7, where he has since lived. 

E. Rulson came to the township in 
1867, settling on section 27, where he 



lived about four years. His present resi- 
dence is not known. 

Hans Johnson may be classed among 
the transients. He came in 1868, and re- 
mained but a short time. 

T. K. Rusley came some time during 
the same year and settled on section 14, 
where he still lives. He has a fine farm 
of 160 acres, with forty acres of timber. 

T. K. Rusley, one of the pioneers of 
Winnebago county, was born in Norway, 
Sept. 9, 1838, where he was raised on a 
farm. He came to America in 1861 and 
settled in Dane Co., Wis., where he 
lived three years working by the month. 
He then removed to Waupaca Co., Wis., 
remaining two years; thence to Freeborn 
Co., Minn., living there three years, and 
finally came to Winnebago county and 
settled on section 14, where he has 160 
acres of land valued at $30 per acre, and 
also has a good home. He was married 
in Dane Co., Wis., in July, 1861, to Sarah 
Olson. They are members of the Luther- 
an Church. Politically he is a republi- 
can, and has held local offices of trust. 

ORGANIC. 

Mount Valley township was established 
in 1878, and the following officers were 
elected: Justices, S. K. Revland and B. K. 
Solverson; constable, G. H. Onstadt; trus- 
tees, William Higinbotham,01e Bottleson, 
and Thomas L. Fellen. 

The officers in 1883 were: Justices, 
Ole Grasley and S. K. Revland; consta- 
bles, John Peterson and Peter Brones; 
trustees,William Higinbotham and Peter 
Brones and Thomas L. Fellen. 

ITEMS OF INTEREST. 

The first ^hild born in the township 
was John Higinbotham, son of William 



_£_ 



^ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



913 



and Rachel Higinbotham. He was born 
Nov. 29, 1865. 

The first death occurred sometime in 
1866 and carried away Mrs. Turbur Olson, 
wife of Harres Olson. 

The first school was taught by Amelia 
Steadman, in 1866, at the house of Isaac 
Mercer. 

The first school house was built in what 
is now district No. 9, in 1866, and the first 
teacher was Richard Keeler. 

Rev. Mr. Torgeson, of Worth county, 
this State, preached the first sermon in a 
school house which stood on section 26, 
in 1868. 

The first marriage was celebrated in 
1867, Rev. Torgeson officiating. The con- 
tracting parties were Harres Olson and 
Anna T. Cleaven. 

The first breaking was done by Peter 
Hanson, in 1866. Mr. Hanson also sowed 
the first grain in 1867, and from five acres 
harvested 100 bushels of wheat. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1883 there were six school districts 
in Mount Valley township, each district 
having a school house, the aggregate value 
of which was $2,210; with $165 worth of 
school apparatus. During the school year 
ending September, 1883, there were thirty- 
six months of school taught, which kept 
twelve teachers employed — seven males 
and five females, the former at a monthly 
salary of $28.80; the latter, $24.50. In 
the township there were 323 persons of 
school age — 166 males and 157 females; 
number enrolled in all the schools, 225. 

MOUNT VALLEY POSTOFFICE. 

Mount Valley postoffice was established 
in 1877, with 6. H. Onstadt as postmaster. 
Mr. Onstadt served two years and was 



succeeded by Miss Wingland,who held for 
three years. Oley Grasley, the present 
postmaster, took the office Oct. 13, 1882. 

Oley Grasley, postmaster of Mount Val- 
ley postoffice, was born Feb. 4, 1830, in 
Trondhjem stift, South Trondhjem Amt 
Norway. In 1857 he came to America, 
and settled in Chippewa Co., Wis. On 
the 10th day of July, 1861, he enlisted as 
a private for three years in company A, 
7th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantry, served his country faithfully, and 
was honorably discharged. On Feb. 18, 

1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer; 
on Feb. 29, 1864, was honorably dis- 
charged from service at Culpepper, Va., 
by reason of being commissioned 2d lieu- 
tenant of company A, 7th Wisconsin Vet- 
eran Volunteers. He was twice sunstruck 
at the battle of Laurel Hill,Va.,May 8,1864, 
and two days afterwards he was wounded 
at the same place, and removed to Semin- 
ary Hospital, Georgetown, D. C. He was 
promoted to the office of 1st lieutenant of 
his company on July 20, 1864, and on the 
4th of November, same year, was dis- 
charged from the United States service 
on account of physical disability, received 
from wounds while in action. In a short 
time he was again mustered in as 1st lieu- 
tenant in his old company, was promoted 
to captain Dec. 13, 1864, in which capacity 
he served till the close of the war, being 
finally discharged from service July 3, 

1865, at Jeffersonville, Ind. After the 
war, he returned to Wisconsin, but imme- 
diately left for Minnesota, where he trav- 
eled for an insurance company. In the 
spring of 1866, he moved to Winnebago 
Co ., Iowa, and located near Benson Grove, 
where he bought 120 acres of land. He 



f 



_rf 9 



iU 



914 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



remained there till 1872, when he moved 
to Forest City and engaged in selling 
agricultural implements. Mr. Grasley has 
property in Forest City, valued at $1,500. 
In 1881 he purchased eighty acres of land 
on section 26, Mount Valley township, 
where he has been postmaster since Oct. 
13, 1882, has also been justice of the 
peace nearly ever since coming to this 
county. He has been a life long republi- 
can. Dec. 31, 1865, Mr. Grasley was mar- 
ried to Helen Gilbert. They have four 
children — Mary S., Andrew O., Julia H- 
and Gilbert J. A. Mr. and Mrs. Grasley 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
The following testimonial, received at 
date of discharge, speaks for itself and 
needs no comment : 

"Capt. Oley Grasley, company A, of 
this regiment, has risen from the ranks 
upon true merit. He is a good officer and 
a brave man ; his services in the cause of 
the land of his adoption entitle him to the 
kind consideration of a grateful people. 
H. Richardson, 

Lieut. Col. Com'd'g 7th Wis. Vet. Vol. 

Rev. Andrew Person was born in the 
southern portion of Sweden, Feb. 8, 1851. 
He was raised on a farm and received a 
common school education. In 1872 he 
emigrated to America, spending his first 
year in Minnesota. He became deeply 
interested in the subject of religion, and 
in 1873 removed to Chicago, where he 
attended the Baptist Union Theological 
Seminary, and in 1875 was ordained. The 
same year he visited his native country, 
remaining two years, when lie again re- 
turned and continued the ministry in 
.Minnesota. In 1881 he removed to Kos- 



suth county. In July, 1883, he again re- 
moved to Winnebago county, where he 
has since resided. He was married in 
Princeton, 111., to Selma Lungrin, July 12, 
1879, by whom he has had one child — 
Reuben C. He is a man of rare worth in 
the community and Church, and his social 
characteristics are those of a pleasant, 
genial companion, and a warm friend. 

P. K. Revland was born in Norway, 
Dec. 30, 1850. When he was between 
three and four years of age his father em- 
igrated to America, and located in Dane 
Co., Wis. In 1861 Mr. Revland came to 
Iowa and settled in Mount Valley town- 
ship, which at that time was called Iowa 
township. His father purchased 160 acres 
of land on section 3. In 1880, the subject 
of this sketch purchased 160 acres on sec- 
tion 9, which is all under cultivation except 
about twenty acres of timber. In Decem- 
ber, 1877, Mr. Revland married Mary 
Hanna, of Mount Valley township. They 
have been blessed with two children — 
Johnnie Cornelius and Clara Maria. Mr. 
Revland is a republican. 

Hans Holtan, one of the oldest farmers 
in this county, was born Aug. 19, 1834, in 
Norway. When twenty-eight years of age 
he came to America and located in Olm- 
sted Co., Minn. After remaining there 
about four years, he moved to Iowa, set- 
tling in Mount Valley township, Winne- 
bago county, where in 1866, on section 16, 
he purchased 160 acres of land. In the 
spring of 1883, he bought eighty acres 
more on the same section. His land is all 
under cultivation. For the past five years 
he has owned and run a threshing machine 
in partnership with his nephew, H. B. 
Lovick. Mr. Holtan was married in 1858 



^r 






' '•» '-& 





9Z^<a 




HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



917 



f\r 



to Margit Torgerson, of Norway. They 
have ten children — Halver, Thomas, Ole, 
Elsie, Albert, Henry, Martin, Sarah, Gil- 
bert and Theodore. He and his wife have 
been members of the Lutheran Church 
for many years. Mr. Holtan has always 
voted with the republican party, and has 
held the offices of school director,road com- 
missioner, school treasurer and assessor, 
which office he holds at the present time. 

P. P. Pederson was born in Norway, 
July 15, 1829. When twenty-eight years 
old he emigrated to America and located 
in Fillmore Co., Minn., where he bought 
eighty acres of laud. In 1864 he enlisted 
in the 7th Minnesota regiment, company 
G, and served to the end of the war. He 
then returned to Minnesota, and in 1866 
removed to Iowa and located on section 
4, Mount Valley township, where he pur- 
chased eighty acres of good land. This 
land is all under cultivation and valued at 
$25 per acre. In 1856 he was married to 
Isabel Jacobs, of Norway. They have 
had nine children, six of whom are living 
— Betsy, John, Lena, Annie, Peter and 
Ellen Paulina. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson 
belong to the Lutheran Church of the 
Synod. He is a republican politically. 

Clement Thompson was born, in Nor- 
way in 1830. When twenty years of age, 
he came to America and sailed on the 
lakes for about three years, and then he 
went into the Wisconsin pineries for about 
three years. At the beginning of the war 
he enlisted in the 14th Wisconsin, com- 
pany B, and served four and a half years. 
In 1863 he was married to Christina Jan- 
sen. They have had six children, five of 
whom are living — John Thomas, Anna 
Elizabeth, Ole T., Emma Christina and 



43 



Julia Matilda. Julia married O. Charles- 
ton and lives in Mount Valley township. 
After the war Mr. Thompson lived in Wis- 
consin about six months, when he came 
t<> Winnebago county and purchased a 
quarter section of land in Mount Valley 
township, section 9. Politically, he is a 
republican. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson be- 
long to the M. E. Church, of Forest City. 

Bertus Pederson was born in Norway 
on the 4th day of June, 1836. He lived 
with his parents in the old country, until 
they came to America in 1864. They lo- 
cated in Dodge Co., Minn. Mr. Pederson 
came to Iowa in 1868, and purchased sixty- 
two acres of land on section 19, Mount 
Valley township, this county. He has 
since added twenty-eight acres to his first 
farm. In 1861 Mr. Pederson was married 
to Elsie Matteson. They have had twelve 
children, eight of whom are living — Peter, 
Frederick, Anna, Edward, Bent, Emelia, 
Ole and Albert. Bent and Emelia are 
twins. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson belong to 
the Methodist Church in Forest City. Po- 
litically, he is a republican. When living 
in the old country, Mr. Pederson followed 
fishing for a living. His father, Peter 
Alson, and mother, Dorotha (Bersven) 
Alson, make their home with him. His 
father was born in 1800, and his mother 
in 1802. Mrs. Pederson's father is yet 
living in the old country, but her mother 
is dead. 

G. O. Saxie is a native of Norway, born 
Dec. 11, 1835. When twenty-one years 
old, he came to America and located in 
Rock Co., Wis. After living there one 
year, he went to Meeker Co., Minn., and 
lived in that place and two or three coun- 
ties adjoining for six years. In 1863 while 



:fV 






918 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



in Kandiyohi county, the Sioux Indians 
made a raid on the settlement and massa- 
cred fourteen of the settlers. Mr. Saxie 
and a few others escaped after hard fight- 
ing. Then he moved to Rice Co., Minn., 
and lived there five years, thence to Win- 
nebago Co., Iowa, where he located in 
Mount Valley township, and bought forty 
acres of land on section 8. Mr. Saxie has 
been married twice. The first time, in 
1859, to Anna Christina, of Meeker Co., 
Minn. The result of this union, was five 
children, three of whom are living— Anna 
Maria, Lena and Bertina Sophia. His 
second marriage occurred Feb. 21, 1874, 
to Mary Goodman, of Mount Valley to wn- 
ship. They have had two children, both 
of whom are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Saxie 
are members of the Lutheran Church. In 
politics, he is a republican. 

Nels M. Munson was born in Norway, 
in the month of February, 1831. He 
lived in Norway until 1861, when he emi- 
grated to America. He settled in Wau- 
paca Co., Wis., where he lived about one 
year; then he removed to Dane county, 
same State. He lived there about five 
years, when he removed to Dodge Co., 
Minn. In that place he remained one 
year; then he came to Iowa and located 
in Center township, Winnebago county, 
where he bought eighty acres of land on 
section 33. He lived there about five 
years, when he sold out and moved on 
some land' belonging to speculators, in 
Mount Valley township. After living on 
this land about four years he bought 
eighty acres of land in Mount Valley 
township, section 20, afterward selling 
forty acres. This land is all under culti- 
vation. The subject of this sketch was 



married in the old country, in 1860, to 
Mrs. Martha Thompson. The result of 
this union is seven children — Ann Eliza- 
beth, Caroline, Thomas Martin, Hans 
Theodore, Nellie Melinda, Anna Christi- 
na and Clarence John. Mr. and Mrs. 
Munson belong to the Lutheran Church 
of the Synod. Mr. Munson is a repub- 
lican. 

Ole Gudmanson was born in Norway, 
Jan. 2, 1838. He came to America in 
1859, and settled in Dane Co., Wis., near 
Stoughton, where he worked by the 
month on a farm for two years, then 
rented land and remained there seven 
years; then removing to Dodge Co., 
Minn., where he intended to remain, but 
not being pleased with the country, came 
to Winnebago county and settled in 
Mount Valley township, on section 15, 
where he has eighty acres of land, valued 
at $30 per acre. He was married in Mil- 
ton, Rock Co., Wis., June 6, 1863, to Bet- 
sey Christopherson. By this union there 
are seven children living — Nellie S., Betsey 
L., Gilbert C.,Anna M. and Julia S., twins, 
Emma J. and Olena B. They are members 
of the Lutheran Church. In politics he 
is a republican, and has held local offices 
of trust. . 

Knud E. Onstab was born in Norway, 
Aug. 25, 1841, where he was raised on a 
farm. In 1868 he came to America and 
settled in Winnebago county, Mount Val- 
ley township, on section 26, where he has 
a very comfortable home and fine farm. 
He was married in Norway to Sophia H. 
Onstab, June 9, 1867. By this union 
there were six children, three of whom 
are living — Anna A., Cina H. and Ed- 
ward G. They are members of the 



V 



9 W. 



l£+ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



919 



Lutheran Church. In politics he is a re- 
publican. 

Ole Knudson Moen, a substantial farm- 
er of Mount Valley township, was born 
in Norway, the 2d day of February, 1831. 
He came to America in 1865 and settled 
in Winneshiek Co., Iowa. Mr. Moen lived 
in Winneshiek county about one year, 
when he removed to Mower Co., Minn. 
After living in that place three years he 
came back to Iowa, settling in Forest 
City,Winnebago county. He then bought 
eighty acres of land on section 12, Forest 
township. He lived in Forest City three 
years, when he bought forty acres of land 
in Mount Valley township, section 28, 
and moved his family thereon. This land 
is all under cultivation. In 1865 Mr. 
Moen was married. Having no children 
of their own, they took two children to 
raise; one of whom is named John Wil- 
liam Peterson, the other, Theodore Olson. 
Mr. and Mrs. Moen belong to the Luther- 
an Church. He is republican in politics. 
For fourteen years, in the old country, 
Mr. Moen followed the shoemaking busi- 
ness. He is also a stone mason, and 
while not at work on the farm works at 
his trade in this county. 

T A. Sogard was born in Norway in 1828. 
He was married to Maren Hoye, by 
whom he had eight children, seven sons 
and one daughter. In 1867 he emigrated 
to America and located in Racine Co., 
Wis. He remained there until 1870, 
when he removed to Winnebago Co., 
Iowa, and settled in Forest City, where he 
subsequently resided for many years. He 
died July 28, 1881, leaving a wife and six 
children to mourn his loss. He was a good 
Christian, a member of the Lutheran 



Church, where the family worship. "Pure 
and upright in all his duties, he leaves a 
name truly honorable, and a character 
worthy of emulation." At the time of his 
death, he was a resident of Mount Valley 
township. 

Simon Sogard is a son of T. A. Sogard, 
and came to this county with his parents 
in 1870. He has held several positions 
of trust, in 1881 being a clerk in the 
county treasurer's office. At present he 
is assistant in the auditor's office. 

Arne T. Sogard was born Aug. 22, 
1856, in Norway. When he was eleven 
years old his parents, T. A. Sogard and 
Maren (Hoye) Sogard, came to America, 
and located in Racine Co., Wis. After 
living there three years, they moved to 
Iowa, settling in Forest City, Winnebago 
county. One year later his father pur- 
chased eighty acres of land on section 31, 
Mount Valley township. Mr. Sogard, the 
subject of this sketch, lived on the farm 
until his father's death, which took place 
in 1881, when he bought the old home- 
stead, and has since remained there, farm- 
ing a portion of the time and teaching 
school the rest of the year. Mr. Sogard 
taught the winter term of school, 1883, in 
district No. 4. He has been school direc- 
tor. On March 28, 1879, he married An- 
nie Osmund, of Forest Citj . They have 
had three children, two of whom are liv- 
ing — Mary C. and Thomas L. Mr. Sogard 
is a republican, and has figured quite ex- 
tensively in politics. 

Syver Syverson was born in Norway 
Sept. 8, 1849, and there reared on a farm. 
He emigrated to America in the spring of 
1870 and settled in Freeborn Co., Minn., 
where he lived three years, then came to 



^4. 



•t 



920 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



Winnebago county, and settled in Mount 
Valley township, on section 26, where he 
has eighty acres of land. He was married 
Sept. 9, 1874, to Mary Olson. By this 
union there were four children — Ole, 
Julius, Emma and Stina. Mrs. Syverson 
died June 22, 1881, and is buried in the 
cemetery of the Lutheran Church. He 
was again married to Tina Felland March 
10, 1883. Mr. Syverson is a republican, 
and has held several local offices. 

G. H. Levoid was born in Norway Dec. 
20, 1847. He was raised on a farm, and 
received a common school education. He 
came to America in 1866, and settled in 
Dane Co., Wis., where he lived two years, 
then removed to Boone Co., Iowa, where 
he remained five years, thence to Winne- 
bago county, and settled in Mount Valley 
township, on section 14. He has eighty 
acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. He 
was married in June, 1868, to Betsey Ol- 
son, also born in Norway. By this union 
there are five children, four daughters 
and one son — Emma L., Henry, Anna, 
Tilda and Julia. They are all members 
of the Lutheran Church. He is a repub- 
lican. 

John Foss, a prominent farmer of Mount 
Valley township, was born May 22, 1854, 
in Norway. In 1868 he came to America, 
locating in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where 
he lived six years, then went to Clay Co., 
Dakota, stayed a short time, and came 
back to Iowa, settling in the western part 
of the State. From there he moved to 
Mitchell county, remained only a few 
months, and returned to Wnneishiek 
county, then went to Winnebago county, 
locating in Mount Valley township, where 
he bought forty acres of land on section 



29, all of which is under cultivation, and 
val ued at $25 per acre. He has a large 
two story house on his farm, one of the 
finest farm houses in the county. Mr. 
Foss was married in July, 1879, to Mrs. 
Anna Groves, of Mount Valley township. 
They have one child — Eddie Theodore. 
Mrs. Foss is a member of the Lutheran 
Church. In politics, he is a republican. 

Sandel Olson, one of the well-to-do 
farmers of this township, was born in Nor- 
way, in November, 1845. Mr. Olson 
lived in Norway until 1854, jvhen he came 
to this country and located near Stoughton, 
Wis. He remained there about a year, 
and then came to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, 
where his father bought a farm. Mr. Olson 
remained with his father until 1875, when 
he came to this county, locating on sec- 
tion 29, Mount Valley township, where 
he bought forty acres of land, which is 
valued at about $15 per acre. He was 
married in 1866 to Mary Groves, of Win- 
neshiek Co., Iowa. The result of this 
union is nine children — Martha, Alfred, 
Lars, Peter, John, Iner and Eddie, twins, 
Henry and Ole. Mr. and Mrs. Olson be- 
long to the Lutheran Church of the Synod. 
He is a republican. 

Sigur C. Brokke, the subject of this 
sketch, is a native of Norway, and was 
born Sept. 14, 1847. In 1856 he left the 
old country and came to America, locat- 
ing in Houston Co., Minn., where he 
bought forty acres of land. He remained 
in Houston county nineteen years and then 
removed to this county, locating in Mount 
Valley township, and buying 120 acres of 
improved land, paying therefor $1,240. 
Mr. Brokke was married on the first day 
of the year 1869. He has five children 



-a V 



, ■»* 



1— 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



921 



living — Sarah, Charlotta, Edward, Olloas 
and Wilhelm C. Mr. and Mrs. Brokke 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
He is a republican. Mr. Brokke had one 
brother, Hulver C, who was killed in the 
Civil War. He belonged to the 19th 
Wisconsin, company B. 

Peter Seibert, one one of the well-to-do 
farmers of Mount Valley township, was 
born in Eisen, Germany, July 10, 1852. 
In 1861 he emigrated to this country with 
his parents, and located in Forest City, 
Winnebago Co., Iowa. His father pur- 
chased land in Hancock county, a short 
distance from Forest City. Mr. Seibert 
worked on his father's farm several years, 
when he went to Forest City to live, and 
bought property there. For about five 
years he was the proprietor of a store in 
Forest City, keeping on hand a large 
stock of general merchandise. In 1878, 
Mr. Seibert had to give up business on 
account of bad health, and purchased a 
farm of eighty acres on section 25, Mount 
Valley township. He removed on his 
farm and his health has since improved to 
a great extent. Mr. Seibert was married 
in 1879 to Louisa Denzel, of Hancock 
county. They have had two children — 
Viola and Lily. Mr. and Mrs. Seibert 
belong to the M. E. Church. For the 
past three years he has been preaching the 
gospel of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He has no permanent location as preacher, 
but preaches to different congregations 
throughout Winnebago and Hancock 
counties. In politics he is a republican. 

Peter H. Johnson was born Jan. 14, 
1841, in Norway. In 1862 he came, in 
company with his mother and sister, to 
America, locating in Fillmore Co., Minn. 



After living there two years he enlisted 
in company C, 7th Minnesota regiment, 
and" served his country faithfully to the 
end of the war, taking part in the battles 
of Nashville and Spanish Fort. After 
the war he returned to Minnesota, bought 
155 acres of land, and followed farming 
till the spring of 1876, when he sold out 
and came to Iowa, locating in Mount Val- 
ley township, where he purchased 160 
acres of land on section 7, afterwards buy- 
ing eighty acres on section 4. All of this 
land is under cultivation except twenty 
acres of timber. He devotes himself 
chiefly to the raising of cattle, hogs and 
sheep for market. In politics he is a re- 
publican. Mr. Johnson has been twice 
married. His first wife was Christa Pe- 
terson of Fillmore Co., Minn., she only 
lived six months, dying of consumption. 
He then married her sister, Julia Peter- 
son. They have no children except one 
they have adopted— Theodore Adolph 
(Christoferson) Johnson. 

John Denzel, one of the well-to-do farm- 
ers of Mount Valley township, was 
born in Wurtemburg, Germany, on the 
4th of December, 1830. He lived in the 
Old Country until 1849, when he emigra- 
ted to America. Mr. Denzel located in 
Cleveland, Ohio, where he obtained em- 
plopment in a wholesale grocery house. 
He remained in the employ of this firm 
for fifteen years, when he removed to Ver- 
million Co., Ohio, and went to work on a 
farm. Mr. Denzel remained in Vermil- 
lion county about four years, then he came 
to this State. He worked on a farm for 
quite awhile, then rented a farm and went 
to work for himself. At tie present time 
he has rented, in partnership with his son- 



; 



.^5 



A 



922 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



in-law, 160 acres of laud in Mount Valley 
township, section 24. His son-in-law is 
Peter Siebert. In 1857 Mr. Denzel was 
married. He has eight children — Jacob, 
Wilhelni, Georgia, Henry, Theodore, 
Sophia, Louisa and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. 
Denzel belong to the M. E. Church. He 
is republican in politics. 

Hans P. Olson, one of the well-to-do 
farmers of Mount Valley township, was 
born Nov. 18, 1855, in Norway. When 
six months old, he came with his parents 
to America. They settled in LaSalle Co., 
111., where his father still lives. Mr. Ol- 
son remained with his father till he was 
twenty-two years of age, when he came to 
Iowa, and located in Adams county. After 
one year be came to Winnebago county, 
and settled in Mouut Valley township, 
where he built himself a house on the 
land of some speculator, on section 21, 
where he has since lived. In 1879 he 
married Sarah A. Thompson, of Mount 
Valley township. They have one child — 
Cora Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
In politics he is a republican. 

Peder Halvorson Wambheim, one of 
the old pioneers of the northwest, was 
born in Norway, June 29, 1821. Mr. 
Wambheim lived in Norway until 1850, 
when he emigrated to America and set- 
tled near Arlington, Columbia Co., Wis. 
He bought a farm of 200 acres near that 
place and operated on a rather large scale. 
In 1875 he moved to Mitchell Co., Iowa, 
and bought a farm near West Mitchell. 
In this place he remained four years, and 
then came to Winnebago county and lo- 
cated in Mount Valley township. In 1 882 
he bought forty acres of land on section 



30, near Forest City. This land he val- 
ues at $25 per acre. In 1847 Mr. Wamb- 
heim was married to Susie Opham, of 
Norway. They have seven children liv- 
ing — Martha, Mary, Sarah, Susie, Helen, 
Katherine and Emma. Two of these 
daughters, Helen and Katherine, are 
school teachers. The former having 
taught five terms, and the latter one term 
of school. The four eldest daughters are 
married, one of whom lives in Lodi, Wis., 
and the other three in this county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wambheim belong to the Luth- 
eran Church of the Synod of Forest City. 
Mr. Wambheim was formerly a demo- 
crat, having cast his first vote for Frank- 
lin Pierce for President. Since that time 
he has become convinced that the repub- 
lican party is the better party in existence, 
and consequently votes that ticket. When 
in the old country he owned and sailed a 
fishing vessel named Familia. Mr. 
Wambheim is now sixty-two years of 
age, and time has whitened his 
locks to a silvery gray. He still car- 
ries on his little farm and enjoys life 
in the midst of a happy family. Mr. 
Wambheim enlisted in the regular army 
in the old country under Gen. Broek, and 
served eight years. 

O. P. Bakke was born in Norway on 
the 6th of March, 1830. He lived in the 
home of his birth until 1861, when he 
crossed the ocean to America, and settled 
in Houston Co., Minn., where he bought a 
quarter section of land. He lived in 
Houston county until the spring of 1883; 
then he came to this State and located in 
Mount Valley township, Winnebago 
county. He purchased 120 acres of land 
on section 26. This land is all under cul- 



i > 



■* — » A 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



923 



tivation except about twenty acres of 
young timber. Mr. Bakke bas been mar- 
ried twice. The first time to Mrs. Mam 
Olson, of Norway. By this wife he has 
two children — Ole Peter and Martin. The 
second time he was married to Lena 
Christianson, in 1859. Result of union, 
eight children — Minnie, Mary, John, Ed- 
win, Olef, Samuel, Theresa and Christian. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bakke belong to the M. E. 
Church of Forest City. In the fall of 
1863 Mr. Bakke enlisted in the 11th Min- 



nesota Infantry, company K. He served 
his country faithfully until his time ex- 
pired, and was honorably discharged. 
He is republican in politics. He has 
three sons in Dakota, near Fargo, who 
own farms and are doing business on a 
large scale. Peter Bakke, father of the 
subject of this sketch, is ninety-three 
years old, and makes his home with him. 
The old gentleman has been blind for 
the past ten years, but otherwise is quite 
healthy. 



CHAPTER XXI I. 



NEWTON TOWNSHIP. 



This township embraces three congres- 
sional townships — township 99, of ranges 
24, 25 and 26, altogether about 69,120 
acres. This township is mostly prairie, 
with highly productive soil, and one of 
the best for agricultural and grazing pur- 
poses that there is in the county. The 
surface is quite rolling, in places inclined 
to be hilly, but almost the whole of the 
township is fit for farming, there being 
but a small acreage of untillable land. 
The township is well watered by several 
small streams— Lime creek, Pike Run and 
the north and south branches of Buffalo 
fork. Lime creek flows through the 
southeast corner of the township. Pike 
Run rises in the center of the township, 
flows toward the southeast, and empties 
into Lime creek on section 25. The other 
streams are of little consequence except 
for drainage. 



The township was named Newton in 
honor of Newton H. Bailey, son of John 
and Nancy F. (McDonald) Bailey, resi- 
dents of the township. 

ORGANIC. 

Prior to 1881 Newton was a part of 
Center township. In that year, however, 
a petition was presented by O. T. Seevers 
to the board of county supervisors, who 
established the boundaries and issued an 
order for an election for the purpose of 
electing township officers. The election 
was held in the fall of 1881, at the Bur- 
nap school house. The clerks appointed 
for the election were Andrew Seevers 
and N. H. Bailey; judges, H. O. Sunder- 
land, N. B. Thompson and J. J. Sharp. 

The officers elected were as follows: 
N. II. Bailey, J. J. Sharp and H. O. Sun- 
derland, trustees; N. B. Thompson, clerk; 
M. Ragan and Andrew Seevers, justices 



;v 






Ai 



924 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



of the peace; C. O. Rose and Ole Johnson, 
constables; Gilbert Olson, assessor; Ole 
Johnson, John Bailey, Iver Qualle and 
John Christiansen, road supervisors. 

In 1883 the officers were: J. J. Sharp, 
Newton Bailey and O. O. Ulve, trustees; 
N. B. Thompson clerk; O. O. Ulve and 
E. H. Hall, justices; C. O. Rose, consta- 
ble; Gilbert Olson, assessor; John Chris- 
tiansen, O. E. Johnson, N. H. Bailey and 
C. J. Humlin, road supervisors. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler in this township was a 
man by the name of Benson, who settled 
on section 36, of township 99, range 24, 
in 1855. He settled in what is now 
known as Benson's Grove. He remained 
six or eight months and sold his claim to 
Jeptha Adams. 

Mr. Adams moved to the claim in April, 
1856, and occupied the same cabin that 
Benson had built. He lived there one 
year and then went to Minnesota. He is 
now living somewhere near Red Wing of 
that State. 

In June, 1856, James Collier and a man 
by the name of Lee settled on the south 
half of the southeast quarter of section 
36. They both wanted the same piece of 
land and had considerable trouble over 
the matter. Finally a prairie fire burned 
Lee's house and he soon after left Collier 
in peaceful possession of the claim. Col- 
lier lived on the land until in the summer 
of 1857, when he sold to James Turner, of 
Clear Lake, and moved to section 31, of 
what is now Center township. One year 
later he moved to section 25, of Forest 
township and shortly after died. 

In June, 1856, James Redmile came to 
the township and took up his residence on 



setion 36, with Jeptha Adams. That fall, 
in August, he was married to Jane Adams. 
After a few months of married life they 
separated and Redmile returned to one of 
the eastern States. 

In July, 1856, Philip A. Pulver bought 
the farm of Jeptha Adams, on section 36, 
and began making improvements. In 
August he and Adams got into a dispute 
over the land and Pulver had to leave. 
He sold to A. T. Cole soon after, and took 
up his residence in Forest City. He 
finally went to Missouri. 

A. T. Cole settled in the township, on 
the land he had purchased of Pulver, in 
September, 1856, and remained until May 
28, 1857, when he moved to section 23, of 
Forest township, 

Up to 1862 there were no new settlers 
in the township. Some time during the 
war J. B. Hill located on the south half of 
the southeast quarter of section 36. He 
is slill living on the same place. 

About the same time a man by the 
name of Shannon settled on the same sec- 
tion with Hill, who was a relative. He 
remained several years, then sold to a man 
by the name of O'Connor, and went south 
to one of the southern States. O'Connor 
lived in the township until his death, 
which occurred in about 1878. 

In the fall of 1867, John Millington 
came to the township and located on sec- 
tion 7, township 99, range 24. He built a 
log cabin and engaged in dairying and 
cheese making He remained about one 
year and a half, then went to Hancock 
county. He is now in the southern part 
of the State. 

In April, 1869, John Bailey and his son, 
Newton, came from Cook Co., 111., and 




sfv 



fciJs 



— -^ *- 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



925 



settled on section 7. Mr. Bailey has con- 
tinued a resident ever since and lias now 
one of the best stock farms in the town- 
ship. He engages mostly in raising cattle. 
In the fall of 1870, Henry Bushnell lo- 
cated on section 27, township 99, range 24. 
He lived there two or three years then 
returned to Connecticut, and after a stay 
of three years there returned to his land 
in this township. Three years later he 
moved to Clear Lake. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In 1883 there were six schools being 
taught in Newton township, four in build- 
ings owned by the sub-districts and two 
in rented houses. The four school houses 
referred to are frame buildings, and are 
valued at $2,000. Number of persons of 
school age, or between the ages of five 
and twenty-one years, 158, of which 
ninety are males and sixty-eight females ; 
number of scholars enrolled in the schools 
of the township, 114. Number of teach- 
ers employed in the township, nine, of 
which two are males and seven females; 
average compensation per month, $27.50 
for males, and $30 for females. Number 
of months school taught in the township 
for the school year ending Sept. 17, 1883, 
thirty-six ; value of school apparatus, 
$2,000. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first death among the residents of 
the township occurred in 1878, and car- 
ried away a blind man by the name of 
O'Connor. 

In December, 1856, three travelers per- 
ished in a severe snow storm while pass- 
ing through the township. The names of 
two were Porter and Snyder ; the name of 
the other, a stranger, is forgotten. 



The first residents of the township to 
get married were James Redmile and 
Jane Adams. They were married at Ma- 
son City. 

The first school house was built in 1871, 
on section 36, of township 99, range 24. 

POSTOFFICES. 

Deering postoffice is situated on section 
7, in Coon's Grove, and was named in honor 
of N. C. Deering, member of Congress. 
John Bailey was the first postmaster, ap- 
pointed June 7, 1880. He is the present 
incumbent. 

John Bailey has been a resident of 
Coon's Grove since 1859. He was born 
in Haverhill, Mass., Feb. 12, 1814. He 
was there reared to manhood, and re- 
ceived a very good education in the dis- 
trict school. In 1838 he went to Vermil- 
ion Co., 111., and there learned the trades 
of bricklayer and shoemaker. He also en- 
gaged in the cattle trade, driving to Wis- 
consin for seven years, and then shipped 
by rail to New York city, and after locat- 
ing in Iowa, shipped the first cattle from 
Hancock and Winnebago counties to Chi- 
cago. He then embarked in the boot and 
shoe business at Danville, III., and after 
ten years experience in that line of trade, 
engaged in farming. In 1860 he removed 
to Cook Co., 111., and in 1869, settled on 
section 7, of Newton township, where he 
still lives. Politically, Mr. Bailey is con- 
nected with the republican party. He 
was married Nov. 22, 1840, to Nancy F. 
McDonald, a native of Edgar Co. , 111. 
Nine children have been given them, six 
living — Mary J., Daniel S., Newton K., 
Katie, Nettie and Alice. William, Flor- 
ence an i Donald are deceased. The fam- 



■?\er 



sf> 



A c 



_* $ 



£ 



926 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



ily are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

Benson Grove postoffice is located on 
section 36, township 99, range 24, in what 
is known as Benson Grove. The office 
was established July 1, 1864, and J. B. 
Hill appointed first postmaster. Mr. II ill 
has been postmaster ever since. 

Jonathan B. Hill, postmaster at Benson 
Grave, was born in the village of Abing- 
ton, Wayne Co., Ind., Nov. 24, 1819. 
When three years old, his parents re- 
moved to Shelby Co., Ind., when the 
country was very new and inhabited by 
Indians. He received a liberal education 
in the public schools, and in 1844 went to 
Green Co., Wis., while that was yet a 
territory, and voted for the first constitu- 
tion of that State. In October, 1846, he 
was united in marriage to Eliza Sanborn, 
and they raised four children — Reuben H., 
Abraham N., David N. and Marilla M. 
In 1863, Mr. Hill came to Winnebago 
county, and located at Benson Grove, on 
section 36, of Center township. Mr. Hill 
has been honored by his neighbors and 
friends with numerous township and 
county offices, and has been the postmas- 
ter for the Benson Grove office for twenty 
years. The children are all married and 
comfortably situated in life, and the par- 
ents are managing the home farm, which 
comprises 240 acres. 

Philip Gannett came in 1865. He was 
born in Windsor Co., Vt., Aug. 5, 1826, 
and there lived till he was twenty-nine 
years of age. In 1856 he removed to 
Rock Co., Wis., and two years later to 
Freeborn Co., Minn.; thence, after a four 
years residence there, to Osage, Mitchell 
Co., Iowa, where be lived three years, 



then returned to Freeborn Co., Minn. In 
1867 he went to Worth Co., Iowa, and in 
1882 came to this county and located on 
section 2, of this township. On April 4, 
1853, he was married to Submit G. Camp- 
bell, and four children have been sent to 
brighten their home — S. G. L., Fred D., 
Minnie A. and Linda J. 

Ole H. Sunderland was born in Norway, 
Dec. 11, 1820. He lived, in his native 
land until forty-two years of age, then 
emigrated to America (in 1862) and set- 
tled in Dane Co., Wis., where he resided 
four j ears. In 1866 he came to Winne- 
bago county, and located on section 11, of 
Newton township, where he still resides, 
and his farm now comprises 120 acres. 
In 1846 he married Anna Opdahl, who has 
borne him nine children — Halvor, Kari, 
Sign, Salve, Julia, Torger, Charles, Knudt 
and Thea C. Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland 
are members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Sunderland has been teaching school 
in the Norwegian language, for about 
fifteen years. 

John Christianson was born in Norway 
July 5, 1849. He came to America in 
1873, and settled in Winnebago county, 
Newton township, on section 11, where he 
has since resided. He was united in mar- 
riage in November, 1873, to Inger Olson. 
The fruits of this union are five children 
— Christian, Olaf, Andreas, Oscar and 
Bertha. They are membersof the Luther- 
an Church. 

John Halvorsen is a native of Norway, 
born in March, 1847. He came to Amer- 
ica in 1869, and settled in Dane Co., 
Wis., living there four years; thence to 
Winnebago Co., Iowa, Newton township, 
and located on section 27. Mr. Halvorsen 



;rc* 



4. 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNT?. 



927 



came here in moderate circumstances, but 
has accumulated a snug home and is well 
fixed. He was married May 13, 1874, to 
Eliza Carlson, born in Norway. They 
have seven children. They belong to the 
Lutheran Church. 

M. V. Ragan was born near Black 
Rock, Canada, May 13, 1832. When quite 
young he went to Erie Co., Penn., where 
he lived eleven years, then went to Kane 
Co., 111., and resided there for eighteen 
years. In 1865 he made a settlement in 
Mitchell Co., Iowa, and in 1876 located 
on section 24, of Newton township, where 
he has made a permanent settlement. He 
is a republican in politics, and served one 
term as justice of the peace. He married 
Christina P. Holland at Earlville, 111., in 
185 7, and seven children hare blessed their 
union — Ella, Charles H., Daniel, Paul, 
Jame, Albert, Louis and Cora May. 

Edward McGreevey was born in county 
Roscommon, Ireland, March 18, 1838. He 
was left an orphan at the age of four 
years, and passed his earlier life among 
his native scenes. In 1856, when but 
eighteen years of age, he emigrated to 
America, and finally located in Orleans 
Co., N. Y., and worked on a farm for six 
years. While there he became acquainted 
with Mary A. Hanlan, to whom he was 
united in marriage Sept. 6, 1861. Miss 
Hanlan was born in county Roscommon, 
Ireland, in May, 1844. She emigrated to 
America in 1854, at the age of ten years. 
After their marriage they removed to Ken- 
osha Co., Wis. Mr. McGreevey was fore- 
man on a farm of 1,400 acres for ten years. 
He afterwards bought a farm on which he 
lived six years. In November, 1877, he 
came to Winnebago county, and settled 



on section 34, in Newton township, where 
he has since resided, and now owns 160 
acres of fine farming land, with a commo- 
dious residence. Mr. McGreevey is pres- 
ident of the board of school directors of 
Newton township, and one of the town- 
ship's most influential citizens. Mr. and 
Mrs. McGreevey have eight children — 
Maggie L., John W., Edward G., James 
R., May E., Frank F., Annie A. and 
Ella, all of whom were born in Wisconsin, 
except Ella, who is a native of Iowa. The 
family are members of the Roman Catho- 
lic Church. Politically, Mr. McGreevey 
is a true believer in the principles promul- 
gated by the democratic party. 

N. B. Thompson has been a resident 
since 1879. He then purchased a quarter 
section of land on section 14, and has im- 
proved a farm. He was born in Boone 
Co., 111., Feb. 2, 1852, and a year later 
his parents removed to Winneshiek Co., 
Iowa, where he was reared and educated. 
In 1871 he went to Worth Co., Iowa, and 
there resided for eight years, then came 
to Winnebago county. Mr. Thompson 
was united in marriage, Nov. 30, 1876, to 
Maddel Svalleson. They have been 
blessed with three children — Fosten 
Christian, Maddel Pernille and Svalle Ai- 
mer. The family are enrolled on the 
membership record of the Lutheran 
Church. 

J. J. Sharp was born in Ayrshire, Scot- 
land, Dec. 18, 1845, where he was raised un- 
until eighteen years of age, when he came 
to America and settled in Dane Co., Wis, at 
Cambridge, where he learned the millers' 
trade. He lived thereuntil October, 1880, 
and came to Winnebago county and set- 
tled in Newton township, section 28. He 



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928 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



has 160 acres of land. He was married 
Oct. 1, 1864, to Matilda Mathison. By 
this union there are two sons and three 
daughters — Eddie, Ida, Louisa, Johnnie 
and Susan. He is a republican politi- 
cally. 

O. O. Ulve, son of Ole and Isabel 
Holden, was born in Norway, Dec. 5, 1857. 
He came to America with his parents in 
1868 and settled in Dane Co., Wis. He 



lived there one year, then removed to 
Giant Co., Wis., where his father died. 
He lived there seven years, then moved to 
Mower Co., Minn., living there four years: 
thence to Winnebago county, locating in 
Newton township, on section 4. His 
mother lives with him. He has held the 
offices of secretary of schools and justice 
of the peace. He is a member of the Lu- 
theran Church. 



CHAPTER XXIII 



NORWAY TOWNSHIP. 



This township lies in the extreme 
northeast corner of Winnebago county, 
and comprises all of congressional town- 
ship 100 north, of range 23. The surface 
of the township is quite rolling, and the 
soil is very productive. A few years ago 
about one-third of the area of the town- 
ship was covered with a heavy growth of 
timber, but the woodman's ax has been 
busy hewing down the giants of the for- 
est for lumber and fuel, until to-day the 
wooded portion, about one-fourth of the 
township, is mostly underbrush and scrub- 
oak. The inhabitants of the township 
are well-to do, industrious and hospitable. 
The stranger always finds the "latch- 
string" out, and is made welcome to the 
best in the house. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

This part of history proves at once the 
most interesting as well as the most in- 



structive. It leads the reader back to 
primitive days, when the country was just 
being opened up by the hardy pioneers. 
The vicissitudes, the discomforts, the dis- 
appointments, under which the pioneer 
must have staggered, come vividly before 
the mind. And then, as the country 
comes up, slowly and painfully, as it were, 
to a certain degree of civilization and im- 
provement, it is noticeable that the excel- 
lence, in whatever degree, is due to the 
energy and enterprise of the pioneer. 
This township has been settled by a sturdy 
class of men, who came to stay, and who 
have wrought prosperity out of the soil. 

The first settler to locate in the town- 
ship was William Tennis, who located 
160 acres of land on section 21, in 1856. 
Mr. Tennis was born in Fort Wayne, 
Allen Co., Ind. Mr. Tennis is still a res- 
ident of the township, having lived on the 



ifv- 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



929 



same farm for over a quarter of a century. 
He has one of the best farms in the town- 
ship, comfortable buildings, and has made 
a good competency for himself and family. 

William Tennis is a son of Samuel and 
Jane Tennis, who reside with our subject, 
the former aged ninety-three, and the lat- 
ter seventy-eight years. He was born on 
the east bank of the Maumee river, near 
Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Ind., Sept. 30, 
1832. In 1855 Mr. Tennis came to Iowa 
and laid claim to a quarter section of 
land on Bear creek, east of Forest City, 
Winnebago county. In 1856 he sold his 
claim to Judge Kobert Clark, then of Ma- 
son City, Cerro Gordo county, but of late 
years a resident of Forest City, Iowa. 
In 1856 Mr. Tennis laid claim to a quarter 
section in Norway township, and built a 
log cabin thereon, 18x24 feet in dimen- 
sions. In May, 1857, he attended the 
land sales at Osage, Mitchell county, and 
obtained a deed for his land. He imme- 
diately returned to Indiana, where he re- 
mained until 1859. In that year he took 
the overland route for Pike's Peak, Col., 
reaching his destination in I860. In No- 
vember, 1864, he returned to Winnebago 
Co., Iowa, but in 1805 went back to Colo- 
rado, where he remained until the fall of 
1873. He then came again to Winnebago 
county, and, in the spring of 1874, made 
a third trip to Colorado to settle up his 
business, and returned home to live perma- 
nently. Mr. Tenuis was interested in 
several gold mines of Colorado, the 
largest of which was the "Unexpected." 
At the present writing he possesses an in- 
terest in the Humboldt mine, of Colorado. 
He owns 320 acres of land, all under cul- 
tivation with the exception of ten acres 



of timbered land. On Sept. 5, 1878, Mr. 
Tennis was united in marriage with Laura 
Westbury, of Forest City, Iowa. They 
are the parents of two children— Lloyd 
Austin and Li 11 ie Eva. Mrs. Tennis is a 
member of the M. E. Church at Forest 
City. 

During the same year (1856) the follow- 
ing named came to the township: Colburn 
Larson, Hans Knudson, Lewis Nelson, 
Heinrich Larson, Harvey, Knudson, Jas- 
per Fricker and Archibald Murray. Col- 
burn Larson and Hans Knudson are still 
residents of the township. The former 
settled on section 15, the latter on sec- 
tion 10. 

Lewis Nelson settled on section 22, and 
made that his home until his death, in 
1869. 

Heinrich Larson located on the north- 
east quarter of section 14, remaining 
there till his demise, which occurred in 
1873. His widow still lives on the farm. 

Mr. Harvey, whose first name is forgot- 
ten, commenced pioneering on the north- 
east quarter of section 23. In 1862 he 
died, and his family, except one son and 
a daughter, returned to the eastern part 
of the State. The son and daughter are 
still living on the old place. 

Mr. Knudson settled on the northwest 
quarter of section 11. In 1861 he was 
killed by being run over by a wagon. 
His widow still owns and manages the 
old place. 

In June, 1856, Jasper Fricker and fam- 
ily settled on section 33 and commenced 
making improvements. On New Year's 
night, 1875, Mrs. Fricker died, and a few 
years later Mr. Fricker went to Minnesota. 

In 1857 there was but one new settler 
in the township — Joseph Tennis, who 
still lives here. 

In 1859 Halvor Peterson and Christian 
Anderson came to Norway township, lo- 
cating on section 16. They are still resi- 
dents of the township. 

John Iverson came to the township in 
1860, locating on the northwest quarterof 
section 21, where he has since made his 
home. 



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*-£+ 



930 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



The year 1862 marks the arrival of 
Samuel Tennis and his son Joseph, who 
settled on section 21. Samuel Tennis 
was among the most prominent of the 
early settlers, and is noticed elsewhere in 
this volume. His son Joseph is still a 
resident of the township. 

In 1863 the number of residents of the 
township was increased by the arrival of 
Halvor Larson and H. S. Bottsford. Botts- 
ford settled on section 26 and made that 
his home until 1869, then sold to Joseph 
Tennis. He is now in Nebraska. Hal- 
vor Larson located on the northwest quar- 
ter of section 26, and still makes that his 
home. 

HISTORICAL ITEMS. 

The first breaking in the township was 
done by William Tennis, who also put in 
the first grain. 

The first school house was built in 1859. 
It was a frame building, and was erected 
on section 15, in what is now district No. 
2. Here Mrs. Nellie Hinman taught the 
first school in the winter of 1859-60. la 
1868 the first school house was torn down 
and a new one erected. 

The first child born in the township 
was Annie Larson, daughter of Colburn 
Larson. She was born sometime during 
the year 1857. 

The first death was that of Mrs. 0. L. 
Nelson; died March 14, 1857. 

ORGANIC. 

Norway township was created by act of 
the board of county supervisors in June, 
1864, and the first election was held 
shortly afterward, at what is known as the 
Colburn Larson school house. The fol- 
lowing were the officers elected : H. S. 
Bottsford, clerk ; Samuel Tennis, justice ; 
Samuel Tennis, John Iverson and Halvor 
Peterson, trustees. 

In 1883 the officers were : S. G. Honsey, 
clerk ; Gilbert Larson and H. M. Aldine, 
justices ; OleDahle, Sern Olson and Ingle- 
brit Martin, trustees; E. Moon and Erick 
Steene, constables. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

In this respect Norway is not behind 
other townships in the county. The first 



school was taught in the winter of 1859- 
60, and there were twenty-four scholars in 
attendance. There are five school dis- 
tricts in the township, and in each there 
is a good school house. 

District No. 1 has a school house on sec- 
tion 14 It was first built on section 11, 
in 1873, at a total cost of $750. In 1881 
it was moved to section 14. It is a frame 
building, 18x28 feet. 

The school house in district No. 2 was 
built in 1868, on the site of the first one 
built in the township. It is 20x32 feet in 
size, and cost about $900. 

District No. 3 has a school house on 
section 17, built in 1873, at a cost of $500. 
It is 18x28 feet in size. 

The school house in district No. 4 is sit- 
uated on section 29. It was built in 1875, 
is 18x28 feet in size, and cost about $600. 

The school house in district No. 5 was 
built in 1x78 on section 26. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Norwegian Lutheran church of 
Noway township was built in 1873. The 
edifice is not yet completed, but when 
finished will cost not less than $6,000. It 
is situated on prominent ground on sec- 
tion 13, is 40x75 feet, twenty feet high. 
The steeple is about 125 feet in height. 
It was mainly through the efforts of Rev. 
Torgeson, the present pastor, that the 
church was built, and the present good 
standing of the society is due greatly to 
him. The membership now numbers over 
200. Revl Torgeson lives near Bristol, 
Worth county. 

NORMAN VILLAGE. 

Norway township has but one village 
within its borders. Norman, a station on 
the Minneapolis & St. Louis R. R., is sit- 
uated in the northeast corner of the town- 
ship, on sectionl2. 

The first buildings erected were the 
depot and elevator. The next buildings 
erected were for business houses, and were 
occupied by the following persons: Ole 
Scar, general merchandise; B. O. Rindahl, 
hotel; and Lewis Arneson, blacksmith. 
The present number of inhabitants is 
forty-three. The business interests of the 



*f 



s> >V 



<» W_ 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



931 



town were represented in 1883, by the 
following: Emmons Bros., general mer- 
chandise; Thomas Wangsness, same; L. 
Arneson and Arne Enger, blacksmiths; 
S. R. Cross, grain buyer; T. M. Hogan, 
hotel and saloon; Steiiar Narveson and 
Andrew Simmons, saloons. 

The postoffice was established in 1879, 
with Ole Scar postmaster. He served one 
year and was succeeded by Thomas 
Wangsness, who served two years, and 
was succeeded in the fall of 1882, by C. 
O. Klaver, the present incumbent. 

The Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad 
was built through the township in IS'79, 
and runs through the eastern tier of sec- 
tions from north to south. S. B. Tanny- 
hill was the first depot agent at Norman. 
He remained one year. 

John A. Simon is one of the most sub- 
stantial farmers in Norway township. He 
located here in 1868, and now owns 120 
acres of land, all under cultivation, and 
valued at $20 per acre. He was born in 
Boone Co., 111., July 29, 1 844. His father 
died in 1846, and his mother, Betsey (Tis- 
del) Simon, subsequently married Nevy 
Kanutson, of Boone Co., 111. They lived 
happily together until their death, which 
occurred in the spring of 1883. When 
thirteen years of age, John A. Simon came 
west, and located in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, 
where he lived fouryears. He then went 
to Winona, Minn., and three years later 
accompanied a man, named Matthews, 
back to Illinois. In 1S67 he returned to 
Winneshiek Co., Iowa, and went from 
thence to Rushford, Fillmore Co., Minn. 
The year following (1868), he located on 
section 36, of Norway township, where 
he has since resided. In 1872 he married 
Annie Lindseth, of Worth Co., Iowa. 
They have five children — Annie Levisa, 
Rachel Bertina, Alita, Arnfen and Olef. 
Mr. Simon is republican in politics, and 
has held the offices of assessor and road 
commissioner. Himself and wife have 
been members of the Lutheran Church of 
the Synod for about fourteen years. Mrs. 
Simon's father, John Lindseth, is still a 



resident of Norway. Her mother resides 
with her. 

Michael J. Holstead, one of the well-to- 
do farmers of Norway township in this 
county, was born in Bergen stift, Norway, 
the 5th day of November, 1837. He lived 
in the old country until 1867, when he 
came across the ocean to America, and 
settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa. He 
lived in that county about one year, when 
he came to this county, locating in Nor- 
way township, on section 26, and bought 
166 acres of land on sections 25 and 26. 
In 1863 he was married to Martha Thor- 
son,of Norway. The result of this union is 
five children— Thomas, Julia, John, Ed- 
ward and Susan. His father died in 1881 
in the old country. His mother is still 
living. Mrs. Holstead's parents came to 
this country and located in Winneshiek 
county, but died some years ago. Mr. 
and Mrs. Holstead belong to the Lutheran 
Church of the Conference. He is a re- 
publican in politics, and has held the 
office of school director two years since 
coming to this county. He has always 
been a farmer and raises considerable 
stock, hogs, cattle, sheep, horses, etc., a 
large amount of which he raises for sale. 

Bendick Hermonson, one of the old set- 
tlers of Norway township, was born in 
Bergen stift, Norway, on the 2d day of 
February, 1829. He lived in the old coun- 
try until 1864, when he emigrated to this 
country. He located in Winneshiek Co., 
Towa, at Burr Oak Springs. He lived 
there until 1870, when he removed to 
Winnebago county and located on sec- 
tion 28, Norway township. He then 
bought 160 acres of land on section 27, 
all of which is under cultivation. Mr. 
Hermonson was married in 1856 to Johan- 
na G. Rollinson, of Norway. The result 
of this marriage was fifteen children, 
thirteen of whom are living — Lewis B., 
Henry B., Andrew B., Martin B., Thomas 
B., Albert B., Guttern B., Annie B., Lena 
B., Caroline B., Bertina B., Tilda B. and 
Mary B. Mr. and Mrs. Hermonson are 
members of the Lutheran Church of the 
Conference of Lake Mills His par- 



V 



ikn 



932 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



ents died a number of years ago. Mrs. 
Hernaouson's mother is dead, but her fa- 
ther lives in Winneshiek county. Her 
father was the first man who settled in 
Chicago, 111. 

T. G. Honsey was born in Norway Dec. 
27, 1842, and came to America in 1861. 
In February, 1872, he came to Winnebago 
county, with his brother, and has since 
followed farming. He was married May 
'M, 1874, to Ture Wangsuess, of Norway. 
Mr. and Mrs. Honsey are the parents of 
live children — Annie, Gustof, Bertine, 
Henry and Josephine. Mr. Honsey came 
to America in limited circumstauces, but 
by hard labor and judicious management 
has accumulated a comfortable property, 
and to-day is one of the well-to-do farmers 
of Norway township. Mr. Honsey is a 
member of the Lutheran Church where his 
family worship. In politics he is a republi- 
can and lias held several local offices of 
trust in the gifts of the people. 

S. G. Honsey was born in Norway, 
July 21, 1845. He emigrated to America 
in 1861 and located in Calmar, Winne- 
sbiek Co., Iowa, where he engaged 
in farming. In February, 1872 e came 
to Winnebago county with his brother, 
T. G. Honsey. They bought a farm in 
partnership and worked it together until 
the fall of 1879, when they divided their 
land, and he now lives on section 25. His 
farm consists of 1 40 acres. Mr. Honsey 
is a member of the board of supervisors 
of Winnebago county, besides holding 
other local offices. He was married July 
19, 1879, to Katarina Brekke. She was 
born in Illinois. When a mere child her 
parents emigrated to Worth county, re- 
maining there four years, when they re- 
moved to Winnebago county and settled 
on section 36, where Mrs. Brekke died, in 
May 1874, and the father in December, 
1879. Mr. and Mrs. Honsey are the pa- 
rents of two children — Gustof I. and Al- 
bert J. They are members of the 
Lutheran Church. 

James Price resides on section 35, where 
he located in 1875, and has since been 
engaged in farming. He was born at 



at Sault de St. Marie, in the northern pen- 
insula of Michigan, May 18, 1837. His 
father, James Price, was a soldier in the 
regular army, and shortly after our sub- 
ject's birth removed to Niagara, Canada, 
thence to St. Paul, Minn., and subse- 
quently to Prairie du Chien, Wis. In 
1840 he assisted in the erection of Fort 
Atkinson, Winneshiek Co., Iowa, and 
afterwards was stationed at Fort Winne- 
bago, in Wisconsin, where he received an 
honorable discharge, and a year later was 
" called up higher" to receive his reward. 
His widow married George West, of 
Fort Winnebago, a few years later, and 
they removed to Dane Co., Wis., and set- 
tled on a farm. James Price, Jr., went to 
Osage, Iowa, in 1854, and in the spring of 
1861 joined his brother-in-law, E. D. Hin- 
man, at Bristol, Worth Co., Iowa. In the 
fall of that same year he enlisted in the 
14th regiment, Iowa Volunteers, and 
served in the frontier at Forts Randall 
and Sully, Yankton Agency, and partici- 
pated in the campaign at Devil's Lake and 
Mouse river. After the close of the war 
he again joined Mr. Hinman at Lake Mills, 
Iowa, and then engaged in railroading. 
In 1870 he settled down to a more quiet 
life, and in March, 1871, married Caroline 
E. Cuffle, of Pearl Rock, Iowa. That 
same year he bought forty acres of land 
on section 3, of Center township,, and in 
1875 purchased eighty acres on section 35, 
of Norway township, where he has since 
made his home and cultivated his land. 
Mr. Price is connected with the republi- 
can party; was justice of the peace six 
years, and township trustee two years. 
In 1881 he received an appointment as 
railway postal clerk in the United States 
service, and was on the route between 
Albert Lea, Minn., and Fort Dodge, Iowa, 
for about seven months. Mr. Price is a 
member of Sully Post, No. 180, G. A. R., 
of Lake Mills, Iowa, and is its present 
commander. His mother is a member of 
his family circle. Mr. and Mrs Price 
have three children — Jane, Nettie and 
Edward. The family are members of the 
M. E. Church at Lake Mills. 



T^ 



■■■> 



HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 



933 



Samuel Kirkwood Gregg, editor of the 
In, I, ji, inh nl Herald, at Lake Mills, was 
born Aug. 25, 1850, in Marion Co., Iowa. 
When he was but eight years of age his 
parents removed to Calhoun county, in 
the same State, where they now reside. 
Calhoun county at that time \vas newly 
and sparsely settled, hence educational 
advantages were limited. Samuel had no 
opportunity of attending school until 
nearly twelve years of age. His father 
losing his health in the late war, made it 
necessary for his sons to give more time 
to the improvement of the farm, which 
again deprived him of the privilege of an 
early education; but being desirous of 
reaching out and becoming something 
more than a plodding farmer, he read and 
studied every available book, becoming 



| thus a self-educated man. In the spring 
of 1881 he traveled through different 
States, and finally returned to Iowa. He 
then began teaching a country school near 
Forest City, in Winnebago county. In 
the fall of 1882 he became an assistant 
local editor of the Review, at Forest City, 
where he remained until Jan. 1, 188-i, 
when he purchased the Independent Her- 
ald, assuming editorial charge of the paper. 
Mr. Gregg is a young man of indomitable 
pluck, one who has at heart the interest 
of the community in which he lives. It 
is his greatest desire to secure and re- 
tain the good will and friendship of the 
common people, doing more to that end 
than to advance his personal interests. 
The Herald, under his management, will 
be a success. 




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